Imperial Machu Picchu 5 days / 4 nights

Inperial Machu Picchu 5 days / 4 nights

Day 1:  Cusco

Today  flying to Cuzco.

The city itself is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city and was the home of the Incas for two centuries before the Spanish built their first capital here. Today Cusco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. Inca-built walls line the central streets and many of the elegant colonial buildings are built on or around Inca foundations. This is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend and is a perfect base for explorations into the Inca world or to enjoy a range of outdoor activities.
Your leader will take you on a walking tour including a visit to the Coca Musuem – where you can learn more about this infamous plant which has been an essential part of life in the Andes for centuries – and the local San Pedro market.
If you are interested in visiting the many museums of Cusco please be aware that you have the Boleto Turistico (Tourism Ticket) included, just ask your tour leader about this. This will also cover surrounding archaeological sites, for example Q’enqo, Pica Pakara, Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum and Qosqo Native Art Museum can only be accessed with a Boleto Turistico.
For lunch or mid-morning coffee and cake head to Yanapay restaurant at 415 Ruinas St. This restaurant uses all its profits to support children in Cuzco through Aldea Yanapay and its social projects. For more info on Aldea Yanapay visit: http://yanapay.facipub.com/

ALTITUDE SICKNESS:

Parts of your trip go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude – regardless of your age, gender and fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary!
Before your trip: Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to severely worsen at high altitude and be difficult to adequately treat on the ground, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition/s with your doctor. We understand certain medications are reported to aid acclimatising to high altitude. Please discuss these options with your doctor.
During your trip: While our leaders have basic first aid training and are aware of the closest medical facilities, it is very important that you are aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly. Please read the following document carefully and, during your trip, utilise the table on the back daily to record your own perspective of your general health and any symptoms you may experience:
For more information please see

Day 2: Sacred Valley/Ollantaytambo

Travel by private bus through the Sacred Valley, known as Wilcamayo by the Incas, the lush, fertile valley has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Maize crops can be seen surrounding the river and covering the terraces carved high into the valley walls.
At the Sacred Valley you will visit the stone fortress of Sacsayhuaman where massive stone blocks that form the walls of this site give you an awesome picture of how highly developed Inca engineering was. Looking over the city from its hilltop position, the fortress is built out of massive stone blocks and is the ultimate example of the Inca’s military strength.
You will visit a local community en route to Ollantaytambo,
The town of Ollantaytambo was built over an ancient Inca town, which is a magnificent example of Inca urban planning. This is one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish.
Ollantaytambo’s archaeological site is located to the east of the Plaza de Armas. The upper terraces of this site offer great photo opportunities of the squared grid town below.

Day  3: Aguas Calientes

Nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu, your destination today will be Aguas Calientas. You will travel by train for 90 minutes through the winding Urubamba Valley to reach town, where you can spend some free time exploring the natural hot springs after which the town was named.

Days 4: Machu Picchu- Cusco

Take a very early (5:30am) bus along the winding road to Machu Picchu (approx. 30 minutes) where you will be joined by a guide who will take you through the ruins. Looking at Machu Picchu for the first time, as it sits against a backdrop of forested mountains, is a truly breathtaking experience. No matter how many photos you’ve seen, it is hard to prepare for its awesome beauty.
MACHU PICCHU: While it’s thought Machu Picchu was built around 1440 as a country retreat for Incan nobility, there is evidence this had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Another school of thought is that this was an astronomical observatory. There’s plenty of time for you to decide for yourself as you wander around the many temples, palaces and living quarters. You will have a guided visit (approx 1.5-2 hrs) with plenty of free time afterwards. After taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities.
WAYNA PICCHU: Due to Peregrine’s internal safety policy our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking this activity.
The rest of today and tomorrow will be free for you to continue exploring Cuzco. Your included “full boleto turistico” will give you access to the archaeological sites of Qenqo and Tambomachay, in the outskirts of Cuzco.

Day 5: Cusco

You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Please ensure we are advised of your flight details booking your Machu Picchu Experience.