Machu Picchu, Cusco & Hiram Bingham and Train

Upon arrival in Lima, you’ll be met by a representative and shown to your hotel in the Peruvian capital. Enjoy dinner at the hotel—the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow explorers a little better.

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll head to the airport to catch your flight to Cusco – the launch point for your Incan adventure. Upon arrival in Cusco, a city set more than 11,000 feet above sea level, you’ll be shown to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. After checking in, head to the Haçienda Huayoccari, a 17th-century estate with an extensive art collection, where you’ll be welcomed for lunch by the estate’s current owners, Jose and Ana Maria Lambarri Orihuela (subject to availability). After, continue to ceramic artist Pablo Seminario’s workshop to meet the artist and discover how he has developed traditional Peruvian art through his own expression. Then, return to the hotel and enjoy some time to unwind and acclimate to the altitude before regrouping for dinner at the hotel.

Your expedition begins with a visit to the Moray Ruins, an Incan agricultural site. This system of circular terraces winds 490 feet below the viewpoint and stands as a testament to Incan ingenuity. From here, continue to the Maras Salt Mines, which have been in use since Incan times; the stark white of the steeply descending salt pans juxtaposed against the green of the surrounding mountain slopes will amaze you. Then, embrace Peruvian culture at the workshop of a local hat maker. You will have the chance to meet Elvira Argandaño, daughter of the traditional hat maker Teodosio Argandaño, who’s crafted an incredible 600,000 hats by hand. Enjoy a picnic lunch beneath the Andes at picturesque Huaypo Lagoon before visiting the village of Chinchero. This small town is known for its vibrant textiles, and you’ll visit the workshop of Nilda Callañaupa, who is committed to preserving the ancestral art. Return to your hotel for dinner and plenty of stories to share.

Machu Picchu is a panoramic train ride away. First, however, you’ll visit one of the last remaining Incan towns, Ollantaytambo, and its archeological complex that once welcomed royal delegations. Learn about the history of the site before boarding the famed Hiram Bingham Train. Relax on the rumbling ride across the Andes Mountains. Enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch on board before arriving at the town of Aguas Calientes. From here, set off on a private expedition to the ruins. Prepare to be astounded by the genius, fascinated by the mysteries, and awed by the natural setting in which the Incas chose to erect their great city.

One day in Machu Picchu just isn’t enough. Head back to continue your in-depth immersion, beginning with lunch amid the ruins at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant. Afterwards, you might visit the Inca Bridge, which once served as a secret entrance into the city. Or, brave the climb up Inti Punku (The Sun Door), believed to have been the control gate for those entering and exiting Machu Picchu. Unwind with an afternoon tea or continue your explorations. A bit later, re-board the Hiram Bingham Train for the ride back to Ollantaytambo station, complete with a gourmet dinner and open bar. Arrival and transfer to Cusco for a wellearned night’s sleep. Please note: After going out of the Citadel a re-enter is not allowed, passengers must pay an additional ticket). From January to March the Hiram Bingham train will depart and return to Sacred Valley for rainy season.

A day to discover Cusco’s highlights. You’ll visit the bustling San Pedro Market, a kaleidoscope of aromas, flavors, and Andean traditions. Spend some time rubbing elbows with the locals before continuing to the Fortress of Sacsayhuáman, a colossal structure of enormous stones fitted together with uncanny precision. You’ll also visit the Qorikancha Temple, dedicated to the Sun God. It’s said that during Incan times the interior walls were entirely covered in gold. Next, pay a visit to Cusco Cathedral, home to priceless paintings from the Cuzco School of the 17th and 18th centuries. Finally, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Lima. Box Lunch is included. Upon your arrival, transfer to Callao´s Port to embark the Azamara® Cruise.