Inca Odyssey

This morning you are collected from your hotel and transferred by private vehicle to the Lima Airport for a short but spectacular flight over the snow-capped Andes to the oldest inhabited city in the hemisphere, Cusco, at an elevation of 11,440 feet. Flight cost not included.

Sacred Valley

The Urubamba valley is still considered sacred by local people and its air of mysticism can be felt wherever one goes. Rural farming and weaving communities have retained unchanged their ancestral customs and traditions. The Sacred Valley's beautiful scenery will take your breath away, but if your passion is culture, traveling through the valley will take you to incredible Inca archaeological sites, filled with history.

Pisac Market & Ollantaytambo - Full Day Tour

After collecting your luggage at Cusco Airport you are met by a representative of Maxim Tours and taken directly to the Sacred Valley. There will be a stop at Awanacancha, a camel farm and weaving center and then you drive through the fertile countryside of the Urubamba Valley to the colonial village of Pisac where a unique Indian Market takes place daily. The variety of products offered is overwhelming, from pottery with reproductions of archaeological pieces, to all kinds of textiles, jewelry and Peruvian handicrafts. During your visit to this bustling marketplace you will have the opportunity to bargain with the artisans and indigenous traders. Grab the items you like, you will hardly see the same one again.

Stop for lunch in one of the country hotels then continue to the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex, the Incas built it as a fort that included a temple, agricultural terraces, and an urban area. There are two distinct sectors: The religious and worship zone, and the residential area. Ollantaytambo was an important administrative center with probable military functions if one considers the walls and towers. There are also traces of ancient roads and aqueducts. The town of Ollantaytambo is called a "Living Inca Town" since the inhabitants maintain very old practices and customs. Lunch is included. After the tour you are dropped at your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Moray Terraces, Maras Salt Pools - Full Day

Morning excursion to the Inca agricultural experimental center of Moray, famous for its sunken amphitheater, made up of four circular terraces, which appear to disappear into the earth like an artificial crater. The site was apparently an Inca agricultural research station designed for experimenting with crops at various altitudes (some of which run down to depths of 100 meters). It is believed that the terraces, built over containing walls filled with fertile earth and watered by complex irrigation systems, enabled the Incas to grow more than 250 plant species.

Continue to the impressive Maras salt pools formed by water emerging from a lake inside a mountain in the Urubamba Valley. An amazing view of evaporating ponds for the extraction of salt. Learn about ancestral techniques, which are still used, in agricultural, irrigation and salt-recollection tasks, as well as in Andean festivals and rites. (The sequence of this tour may be reversed)

One Day Inca Trail with Vistadome Train

This morning you’ll be picked up at your hotel and transferred by private vehicle to the train station. You’ll be riding on the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu. Your guide accompanies you on the train and will assist with boarding formalities and will be able to answer any questions you may have. Carriages have beautiful panoramic windows offering enhanced scenic views and photographic opportunities.

Machu Picchu is reached by a 90 minute train ride from Ollanta Station in the Sacred Valley through the spectacular scenery of the Urubamba Valley. High on jungle-covered hilltops in the midst of the cloud forest, Machu Picchu was not known to the Spanish Conquerors, so much of the ancient city remains – temples, palaces, and astronomical observatories of intricate stonework. Surrounded by verdant landscapes and misty mountain peaks you’ll surely speculate about the true origins of this unique site.

Luggage on the train to Machu Picchu is limited to 11lbs per person. Please pack a separate 2-day bag for the Machu Picchu portion of your itinerary. If you are leaving from the Sacred Valley, your local guide will transfer your excess luggage to your hotel in Cusco where it will be waiting when you return from Machu Picchu. Additionally, you may bring a smaller backpack for your essentials during the Inca Trail Hike. Your other bag can stay on the train and will be collected by the hotel bellboys and delivered to your hotel and will be waiting for your when you arrive later this evening.

Disembark at Km.104 on the Cusco – Machu Picchu railroad (starting point of the hike), where you arrive at approximately 10:00 am (subject to change based on train schedules). Start with a visit to the Chachabamba archaeological complex (7,052 ft), located very close to the control point. After checking in, embark upon a 5 mile ascending trail, which after four hours, brings you to the archaeological complex of Wiñaywayna (8,692ft). This is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. On the way, enjoy magnificent views of the Urubamba River valley, the Choquesuysuy archaeological complex located on the other side of the river, and a beautiful waterfall located just a few minutes away from Wiñaywayna. Continue on, climbing to Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, gaze upon the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu. From the Sun Gate, descend to Machu Picchu. High on jungle-covered hilltops in the midst of the cloud forest, Machu Picchu was not known to the Spanish Conquerors, so much of the ancient city remains – temples, palaces, and astronomical observatories of intricate stonework. Surrounded by verdant landscapes and misty mountain peaks you’ll surely speculate about the true origins of this unique site.

Includes: Guided Baby Inka hike (private guide), packed lunch during hike, guided tour of ruins, entrance fee & roundtrip Vistadome train ticket
Total distance: 13 km (8,08 miles)
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2,650 m (8,692 ft)
Difficulty degree of this hike: Moderate
Departure and arrival times are approximate

You are escorted to the bus by your guide. You’ll then take the 25-minute scenic ride down the mountain to your hotel in the town of Machu Picchu. The driver will stop the bus at the entrance to your hotel or nearby, depending upon your hotel location. Just mention the name of the hotel to the driver when you board the bus. You will walk to your hotel.

Machu Picchu and Hiram Bingham Train to Cusco

Check-out is 9:00am. You will give your bag to the hotel reception for safe keeping and can use the hotel facilities until departure. The hotel porters will transfer your bags to the train station this afternoon.

This morning you will be met at your hotel by your local private guide who will escort you on the bus back up to the ruins for a morning tour. You will explore areas not covered the day before, such as living quarters and recently excavated areas. After the tour you may have some time to explore the bustling town of Machu Picchu with its many cafes, shopping stalls and art galleries. Bus fare, guide and second day entrance fee is included.

Late in the afternoon, you take the bus, exclusively for Hiram Bingham passengers, to the train station in Machu Picchu. Pick up your bag from the fenced-in area before boarding your train. Board your train for the three hour return journey to Cusco (departure time to be advised locally - your guide will have given you boarding time instructions). A cocktail and gastronomic dinner is served enroute.

You will be met at the Cusco Poroy train station and transferred to your hotel by shuttle vehicle where your luggage will also be waiting.

Huayna Picchu Option

This morning you also hike Huayna Picchu for a unique view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding area.

4 Ruins and Cusco Walking Tour

Today you’ll have a half day tour of Cusco, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere! The tour includes important landmarks of Cusco, including Cusco’s fabulous cathedral with Spanish/Inca art and architecture, rivaling the cathedrals of Europe. Plus we will visit Santo Domingo Church, and the Plaza de Armas. Along the way we will stroll through the artisans’ areas and markets, getting a feel for this enchanting city. Once the center of the Inca civilization, modern Cusco is a delightful combination of Inca and colonial architecture. Next we will head outside of town to visit the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, often shown on the Nat Geo or Discovery channel. Many of its stones weigh several tons and each fits perfectly into the Inca walls without bolts or nails. It was here in 1985 that Pope John presided over an outdoor mass for over 10,000 people. In addition you will visit 3 other prominent Inca ruins, each of which played an important part in Inca life. The rest of the day is free to explore Cusco on your own.

Transfer to Wanchaq Station where you board the Andean Explorer Train

Andean Explorer Spirit of the Water

Be swept up in the beauty of Lake Titicaca, the stunning final destination as you travel from Cusco to Puno. Train journeys aboard the Andean Explorer promise countless memories to treasure.

DAY 1 - TUESDAY
10:00 Check in at Wanchaq Station - Cusco
11:00 Departure from Cusco
13:00 Lunch on board
16:30 Arrival at la Raya
16:45 Tea time at the bar car
19:00 Cocktails y canapes at the bar car
19:30 Dinner on board
22:00 Arrival at Puno Dock
Overnight at Titicaca Lake Station - Puno

DAY 2 - WEDNESDAY
Sunrise at Titicaca Lake
6:00 - 8:30 Breakfast on board
8:30 Check out at Titicaca Lake Station - Puno
NOTE: Schedule may vary due to operational issues. The train does not run in February.

After your services on the Andean Explorer end you are met and transferred to your hotel where the rest of the day is free.

Lake Titicaca

High altitude and crystal clear air make Lake Titicaca stunningly beautiful. Home to Aymará and Quechua Indians, this region is rich in spectacular landscapes, wildlife, and archeological remains as well as folklore and legends. The Uros Indians still live on floating reed islands. Taquile Island is renown for its hand weaving techniques and its people’s communal culture which has served them well in the transition to modern times. The archeological site of the Sillustani Chullpas (funerary monuments) is one of the largest necropolises in the Americas.

Uros and Taquile Islands

Boat excursion to Uros and Taquile Islands on Lake Titikaka. This full day excursion will take you to the highest navigable lake in the world to the floating islands of the Uros Indians, man-made islands by tying totora reeds. The Uros considered themselves Lords of the Lake; they hunt wild birds and maintain traditional fishing methods. The men have developed an extraordinary skill in weaving reeds; producing houses, boats and handicrafts, and the women are expert knitters.

Continue to Taquile where a native community of about 400 families still lives with the traditions and high principals of the Incas. Taquile is a very important site on Lake Titikaka for its archeological remains, the sacred and ceremonial sites, the festive activities and their rituals. Taquile is characterized by its friendly inhabitants, who maintain their customs and traditional clothing. They distinguish themselves by their detailed, fine, and colorful textiles with symmetrical decorations and symbols that reflect their way of life and Andean beliefs. Lunch is included.

Today you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight.

Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel.

Lima

Peru is said to be a country of contrasts and Lima encapsulates many of them. Called the “City of the Kings’ by the 16th C Spanish conquistadors, today’s Lima combines traces of pre-Inca and Inca civilizations with colonial architecture and modern commercial and residential neighborhoods. Lima is home to some of the best museums of South America and beautiful churches and convents that are reminders of Peru’s rich religious and colonial past. Underrated as a tourist destination, Lima has excellent restaurants, good music, great neighborhoods for walking, and is also home to the famous Peruvian Paso horses.

Today you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight.

Upon arrival in Iquitos you are met and transferred to your Amazon Cruise vessel - the beautiful Aqua Nera.

Full days exploring the Amazon basin on your luxury cruise vessel

Enjoy daily excursions with your guides.

Today you are transferred from your Amazon Cruise to the Iquitos Airport in time for your flight

Peruvian Culinary Demonstration

This morning you meet your private guide who will take you to a local food market where you can explore the great variety of local fruit, vegetables and seafood found in Lima. Later this morning, head to the restaurant where, under the guidance of a chef, you will learn how fresh local ingredients are used to inspire some of Peru's legendary dishes. Note - in order to maintain quality, the chef will use their own ingredients. Your private guide remains with you during the cooking portion to assist with translation. This gastronomical experience culminates with an exquisite lunch that you helped prepare at the renowned “Señorio de Sulco” restaurant.

You will return to your hotel this afternoon.

Later this evening you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight home.