DAY 1:  CUSCO

Fly from Peru’s capital city of Lima to the city of Cusco to begin your Peruvian experience. Upon your arrival to the airport in Cusco, a OneSeed staff member will be there to greet you and take you to our partner B&B, located in the charming historic district of San Blas.

The lodge is centrally located and only a few minutes’ walk from the Plaza de Armas, the beautiful and bustling town center. In the afternoon, head out to the edges of Cusco to explore some Inca ruins. Visit the ancient Inca temples of Sacsayhuaman and Qenqo, the Inca military ruins of Pukapukara, and the ‘Inca Baths’ of Tambomachay. Return to Cusco for the evening for dinner with your guide.

Day 2: Cusco to Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes

After breakfast, head out into the Sacred Valley. Check out the impressive Inca ruins that have been standing for over 500 years. Visit the village of Pisac and the Pisac Citadel before heading to the ruins at Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon, head to the train station in Ollantaytambo where you will catch a train to Aguas Calientes, the charming town at the base of Machu Picchu.

After settling in to the hotel, head out on your own to explore Aguas Calientes and grab some dinner.  

Day 3: Aguas Calientes TO MACHU PICCHU

After an early breakfast and an early start to the day, depart for Machu Picchu (a 20 minute drive). The goal is to get to the ancient site as early as possible to avoid the crowds and have the best chance to enjoy its beauty, mystery, and magic in peace.

Receive a guided tour for about 2½ hours followed by a guided hike to the iconic Huayna Picchu. Be prepared to hike up steep stone steps carved over 500 years ago. Once on top, enjoy an amazing view of the landscape over 1,000 feet above Machu Picchu. Finish off with a visit to the Temple of the Moon, an Incan ceremonial temple, located on Huayna Picchu. In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes for the evening.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes to Cusco

After an early breakfast, head to the train station and board the train back to Ollantaytambo where you will transfer to a van to take you the rest of the way back to Cusco. Drop your bags at the hotel and then head out for a walking tour of Cusco. Visit the Inka Museum which houses hundreds of Incan artifacts and an outdoor courtyard where Andean weavers demonstrate their craft and sell traditional textiles. Next, explore the San Pedro Market, one of Peru’s most colorful and vibrant markets full of fresh food and souvenirs. Be sure to try local dishes like lomo saltado, papa a la huancaína, or ceviche while in Cusco.

After the tour, the rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to explore the city or pick up one last souvenir.

Day 5: Cusco

Around midday, say goodbye to Cusco and head back to the airport for your flight back to Lima.