Following the trail of the ancient Inca from their capital in Cusco, Peru, we journey into the Sacred Valley, the remote mountain stronghold of the Inca Empire in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

Awaiting your discovery are the lofty citadels of Pisac and Ollantaytambo—and the magnificent mountain retreat of Machu Picchu, the crown jewel of the empire. This World Heritage site, renowned for its awe-inspiring architecture and dramatic setting high in the Andes, was never discovered by the Spanish and so remained virtually forgotten and untouched until the early part of the twentieth century.

Tour also includes visits to archaeological and historic sites in and near Cusco.

Tour ancient Inca sites of the Sacred Valley: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu

Stay one night in Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu

Explore pre-Inca, Inca, and Spanish colonial settlements near Cusco, including Pikillacta, Rumicolca, Tipon, and Andahuaylillas

Scholar

Dr. Axel E. Nielsen is Professor of Archaeology at the University of Córdoba and Principal Researcher for the National Council for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICET), both located in Argentina. For the past 25 years, his research has focused on the archaeology and ethnography of the South Andes, with an emphasis on precolumbian socio-political history, interregional interaction, and archaeological theory.

Summary Itinerary

A detailed itinerary is available in the program brochure (PDF). Itinerary subject to change.

Sunday, April 17
Arrival in Cusco; rest in the hotel (to acclimate to the altitude) or take an afternoon tour of Cusco and vicinity (Koricancha Temple of the Sun, Church of La Compañia, and Tambomachay and Sacsayhuaman ruins); lodging at Casa Andina Private Hotel (D)

Monday, April 18
The Sacred Valley: Tour the Inca ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo before train ride along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes; lodging at El Mapi Hotel (B, L, D)

Tuesday, April 19
Tour Machu Picchu; lodging at the Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu (B, L, D)

Wednesday, April 20
Continue exploring Machu Picchu in the morning; return via train to Cusco in the afternoon; lodging at Casa Andina Private Hotel (B, L)

Thursday, April 21
Explore pre-Inca, Inca, and Spanish colonial settlements near Cusco: Pikillacta, Rumicolca, Tipon, and Andahuaylillas; farewell dinner; lodging at Casa Andina Private Hotel (B, D)

Friday, April 22
Departure from Cusco to Lima and USA (B)

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner

Back to main trip description (Bolivia's Andes and Altiplano).