Explore Machu Picchu - National Geographic Journey
This eight-day adventure into Peru’s culture and history offers an ideal introduction to Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most spectacular archaeological sites. Join us! April 21st to the 28th, 2019.
Take a scenic train to the famous citadel and enjoy free time to explore its many corners. Roam the Sacred Valley, taking in incredible views of the Andes. Traveling with knowledgeable guides who know this region best, we’ll leave no stone unturned.
Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys
Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.
Upgraded Service Level
Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
Physical Rating: 3 – Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16 travelers
Day 1: Lima
- Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
Day 2: Lima/Urubamba
- Board an early flight to Cusco then head to the Sacred Valley.
- Explore the pre-Inca salt pans of Las Salineras and tour the Maras and Moray ruins.
- Enjoy a traditional pachamanca-style meal of local specialties.
- Meals included: Breakfast + Dinner
Day 3: Urubamba
- Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a visit to the “Parque de la Papa” (“Potato Park”).
- An exclusive experience for Journeys travelers and part of G Adventures for Good, you'll walk through this rural community with a local guide to learn about potato cultivation, weaving, and the importance of both to Andean culture.
- Also, explore the Ollantaytambo and Pisac ruins and visit the G Adventures-supported Sacred Valley Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo.
- Exclusive Inclusions: National Geographic Journeys Exclusives Traditional Andean Experience|G Adventures for Good Parque de la Papa (Potato Park)|G Adventures for Good Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley
- Meals included: Breakfast + Dinner
Day 4: Urubamba/Aguas Calientes
- Catch an early transfer to Ollantaytambo station and board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes with the option to visit the market.
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5: Aguas Calientes/Cusco
- Enjoy a guided tour of the Machu Picchu ruins.
- Get free time to explore on your own or take an optional visit to the Inca Bridge before returning to Cusco by train.
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6: Cusco
- Explore historic Cusco with options to visit museums or go whitewater rafting, horseback riding, or mountain biking.
- This evening, take in a different view of the night sky at the Cusco Planetarium.
- Enjoy a presentation on the southern sky, contemporary astronomy, and the ancient Inca relationship with the cosmos.
- Check out the on-site museum and use their telescopes to admire the stars.
- Exclusive Inclusions: National Geographic Journeys Exclusives Cusco Planetarium|Carte Blanche
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7: Cusco/Lima
- Fly back to Lima and spend an afternoon in Peru's bustling capital.
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8: Lima
- Depart at any time.
- Meals included: Breakfast
* Pricing per person, $1999 (this pricing does not include international flights)
What's Included?*
- National Geographic Journeys Exclusives: Traditional Andean Experience, Urubamba
- National Geographic Journeys Exclusives: Cusco Planetarium, Cusco
- G Adventures for Good: Parque de la Papa (Potato Park), Urubamba
- G Adventures for Good: Parwa Community Restaurant the Sacred Valley, Lamay
- Carte Blanche: Cusco
- Arrival transfer
- Two-day Sacred Valley tour including Ollantaytambo, Moray, and Pisac ruins and pre-Incan salt pans
- Traditional pachamanca-style dinner
- Scenic train and guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accomodations
- Hotels (7 nights).
Meals
- 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
- Allow $255-$335 for meals not included.
Transportation
- Private van, train, plane, walking.
Staff + Experts
- Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides- and Kelsey will be there to host as well!
Available Extras (Add these to your tour when you book)
1 Day Inca Trail Hike Permit Request – from $389.00
- Want to hike the Inca Trail but for less time than the 4 day hike?
- This permit is perfect for you as you'll jump off the train early, hike six hours to the Sun Gate and meet up with the rest of the trip.
Lima Cooking Class –From $79.00
- Get a taste of Peruvian cuisine, visit local markets, sample exotic fruit, select fresh ingredients, and try your hand at preparing unique Peruvian dishes influenced by China, Italy, West Africa, and Japan.
Your own room – From $599.00
- If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, let us know.