This itinerary takes you to the best of Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu in just a week. With our usual flair, we will make you an insider in Peru since as we all know; it is "who you know" that counts. Staying at marvelous landmark properties, dining in fine restaurants and visiting the sights always avoiding the crowds, this is the perfect Peru escape. All we need is for you to relax and enjoy it. Please bear in mind that we can customise this journey and add marvelous experiences such as a helicopter over flight or a Balloon ride over the Sacred Valley.

Good time to travel: This itinerary is possible year round.

Day 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

On arrival from your evening international flight, you will be collected by our English-speaking representative and driven to Country Club Lima Hotel, a wonderful property dating back to the 1930's where it was the gathering spot for the Lima elite or the Miraflores Park Hotel, a luxury hotel in a high-rise building overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Transfer to the airport to take your 1-hour morning flight to Cuzco (3,400m/11,220 ft). On arrival into Cuzco, you will be transferred to the Urubamba Valley (1 hour drive), which lies at lower altitude and makes acclimatization easier. The Urubamba river valley is dotted with villages, markets and archaeological sites. On the way to your hotel you will visit the wonderful ruins of Pisac and its famous market. Lunch at a local restaurant. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to acclimatize.
Overnight Hotel Sol y Luna in Urubamba or Ticllabamba Maison d'Hôtes in Yucay.

You will be collected by your private guide and driven to visit the village and Inca site of Ollantaytambo, which boasts some of the finest Inca architecture known. Lunch at the lovely Hacienda Huayo Ccari, the private estate of one of Cuzco's oldest land owning families. Textile demonstration and cocktails in the garden. Gourmet lunch. In the afternoon you will have the choice of either visiting the colonial village of Chinchero, visiting the Inca site of Moray and the salt pans of Maras or you can choose to relax at your Hotel. If at Ticclabamba we recommend a wonderful walk along the historic Inca agricultural terraces. Walking along these terraces is not only a marvelous spectacle, but they are charged with mysticism and Inca legends. Both are approximately 45 minutes away from the Hacienda.
Hotel Sol y Luna in Urubamba or Ticllabamba Maison d'Hôtes in Yucay.

Transfer to the village of Poroy, where you will take the Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu. The train rides mainly through wonderful cloud forest scenery. On arrival, check in at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. Guided visit of Machu Picchu with Peter Frost. The visit to Machu Picchu will be greatly enhanced with the company of Peter Frost: writer, photographer and lecturer on the archaeology of Machu Picchu. Peter will travel with you to Machu Picchu and not only give you insider insights on the story of Machu Picchu, but he will give you tips on how to take the best shots! After your visit you will have the luxury of staying in the Citadel in relative solitude, since your hotel is the only one located right by the ruins. Overnight Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.

This morning you will be able to enjoy Machu Picchu almost all to yourself, as you will be able to access the site as soon as it opens, and watch the morning unfold. Machu Picchu at this time is pure magic. All day at leisure in Machu Picchu. Catch the Hiram Bingham train back to Cuzco at 6:00pm. Pre-dinner cocktails will be served in the bar and afterwards a four-course, set menu dinner will be presented in the dining cars. The train will pull into Poroy station in Cusco at 10 pm and you will be driven back to your hotel (about 25 minutes drive).
Overnight Monasterio.

Day 6
Cuzco

You will be collected by your guide for your walking tour of the city of Cuzco. Visit the Cathedral, Korikancha (the Sun Temple) and walk around this wonderful city observing the juxtaposition of Inca and colonial architecture and getting the feel of its wonderful atmosphere. Lunch at MAP café, one of the city's best restaurants. It is located in the outdoor courtyard of a wonderful colonial palace which is now the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, well worth a visit. Afternoon visit of Sacsayhuaman and other Inca sites around the city.
Overnight Monasterio

Day Room in Lima, city tour in Lima and transfer to the airport to take your international flight. Your city tour in Lima will be conducted by one of our erudite guides, who are architects, conservators, or archaeologists. Cocktails at the historic Casa Aliaga mansion in downtown Lima and lunch at Casa Garcia Alvarado a Republican home in Miraflores where you will be hosted by the owner. In the afternoon you will have a vehicle and driver at your disposal to go wherever you prefer. Transfer to the airport to catch our evening international flight.