Expedition Details

Experience incomparable Machu Picchu on the 100th anniversary of explorer Hiram Bingham’s discovery of the site. Encounter a wealth of ancient Inca temples, Spanish colonial cathedrals, and the charming villages of the Sacred Valley of the Inca. Visit Lima’s renowned Larco Herrera Museum, and immerse yourself in the the ancient capital of Cusco. Then spend the night among the ruins of Machu Picchu, excavated by Bingham with funding from National Geographic.

Trip Highlights

• Watch day break over the mountaintop Inca ruins of Machu Picchu.
• Meet National Geographic grantee Peter Frost, whose archeological expeditions in Peru have been featured in National Geographic magazine. Peter will join 2012 departures for an intimate gathering on Day 2 and Day 3.*
• Attend a private weaving demonstration by a National Geographic grantee.
• Explore the Inca Empire's capital city of Cusco and listen to the music of the Andes during a presentation of traditional instruments.

Itinerary - 8 Days

Day 1 — U.S./Lima, Peru

Depart for Lima, Peru's largest city, founded in the 1500s by conquistador Francisco Pizarro. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel.
Ramada Costa Del Sol Airport Hotel

Day 2 — Cusco/Sacred Valley of the Inca

Fly from Lima to Cusco this morning, and drive to Awanacancha, a farm where llamas and alpacas are bred. Stop in Pisac, the gateway to the Sacred Valley of the Inca, and wander through its local market. Settle into your private bungalow, nestled in a valley just outside of Urubamba. Before dinner, meet with National Geographic grantee Peter Frost*, who has been exploring the Andes for 35 years. In 2001 and 2002, Peter led National Geographic Society-sponsored expeditions into the remote region of Vilcabamaba, Peru, finding and exploring the previously unknown Inca and pre-Inca site of Qoriwayrachina (National Geographic magazine, March 2004).
Hotel Sol y Luna (B,L,D)

Day 3 — Sacred Valley of the Inca

Peter will join us this morning as we explore the massive stone fortress of Ollantaytambo, where the Inca won their greatest victory against the conquistadores. Then attend a traditional weaving demonstration by National Geographic grantee Nilda Callañaupa. Return to the lodge and take advantage of a free afternoon to take a walk in the hills, indulge in the spa, or see a Paso horse demonstration. Gather for a barbecue dinner around a campfire tonight, and enjoy folkloric dances performed on stilts.
Hotel Sol y Luna (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Machu Picchu

Take a morning train ride through the valley and then ascend to magnificent Machu Picchu. Isolated among mountain peaks, Machu Picchu is one of the world's most awe-inspiring sites. The sacred citadel was abandoned by the Inca, reclaimed by the jungle, and lost to history until it was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and excavated with financial support from the National Geographic Society. Discover the mysteries of the "lost city of the Inca" on a guided walk through the site.
Sanctuary Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Machu Picchu/Cusco

Before sunrise, hike up to the Sun Gate, the final checkpoint of the Inca Trail, and watch day break over the quiet ruins of Machu Picchu. Spend the rest of this morning wandering through the ruins on your own. After lunch, board the train and ride back to Cusco.
Hotel Monasterio (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Cusco

Delve into Inca culture in Cusco, once the capital city of the Inca Empire. Explore the 15th-century ruins of Sacsayhuaman fortress, site of one of the bloodiest battles in the Spanish conquest. Then enjoy the afternoon at leisure to stroll around this beautiful city; visit the Coricancha, a magnificent 17th-century cathedral and convent; or just relax at our historic hotel. This evening, experience the music of the Andes at a presentation of indigenous instruments.
Hotel Monasterio (B,D)

Day 7 — Cusco/Lima

Fly back to Lima and check into your hotel in the elegant Miraflores district. Stroll the Plaza Mayor and visit the renowned Larco Herrera Museum to view the world's largest private collection of pre-Columbian art. This afternoon, gather for a farewell lunch at Casa Aliaga, a lovely colonial home.
Miraflores Park Hotel (B,L)

Day 8 — Lima/U.S.

After breakfast, transfer to the Lima airport for the return flight home.
(B)

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This trip is offered in association with Lindblad Expeditions.