In a nutshell

Five days, four nights and a journey into the beating heart of the Inca empire. Cusco welcomes you to its cyclopean walls and golden temples, while Sacred Valley reveals its ancient traditions to you. But the real surprise is at 2,430 meters: Machu Picchu, the lost city that's still standing the test of time. Ready to conquer the Andes?

Main stops

Day 1 and 2

Transfer from Manta to Guayaquil airport Flight to Lima
Overnight stay in an exclusive hotel in Lima
Flight to Cusco
Sacsayhuaman: Interior visit
Walking tour of Cusco: sacred site of Coricancha; Baroque cathedral
Overnight stay in an exclusive hotel in Cusco

Day 3

Visit to an Andean community to discover some local traditions and textile art
Lunch at the "Children of the Rainbow" restaurant
Visit to the "Niños del Arco Iris" Foundation for a touching experience with the children of the Sacred Valley
Dinner and overnight stay in an exclusive hotel in Cusco.

Day 4 and 5

Train to Aguas Calientes
Tour of the Ollantaymbo archaeological site
Sightseeing bus tour to Machu Picchu
Walking tour of Machu Picchu: temples, shrines, pyramids and dwellings
Aguas Calientes: free time at the indigenous market
Overnight stay in an exclusive hotel in Cusco.
Flight to Lima and return to the ship in the port of Callao.

The programme

Day 1 and 2 – Cusco: the heart of the empire
After the flight to Lima, a second leap through time will take you to Cusco, the former Inca capital and now UNESCO world heritage site. Here the past is far from dormant: the imposing walls of Sacsayhuaman tell the story of epic battles, while Coricancha, once the "temple of the sun", whispers stories of ancient splendor. The day ends between the naves of the Baroque cathedral, which is home to art which is a blend of sacredness and conquest.

Day 3 – The Sacred Valley: the soul of the Andes
Forget civilization for a day and immerse yourself in the roots of the people of Quechua. In the Andean community, the hands of the weavers shape wool into masterpieces featuring ancient symbols. Afterwards, enjoy a lunch at the Children of the Rainbow Foundation in support of the charity

Days 4 and 5 – The wonders of Machu Picchu, the grand finale
The last part of the trip is a crescendo of excitement. The train journey is more than just a transfer from A to B - it's a whole experience: large panoramic windows make you feel as if you're in the heart of the Andes, as you traverse valleys and rivers on a spectacular route to Aguas Calientes. From here, a small bus will take you up, winding round bends with astonishing views to the heart of Machu Picchu. And there it is, the lost city of the Incas, a mysterious stone structure nestled among the clouds, and a UNESCO site that defies the passing centuries. Wander among the temples, sanctuaries and astronomical observatories and let yourself be seduced by its magic. After a last experience in the local market, it's time to fly back to Lima and set sail again. But deep inside you, , Peru has already made its mark.

Good to know

To get the most out of these places, remember to bring a backpack with a hat, suncream and a lightweight waterproof jacket in case of rain
Wear appropriate sports shoes and clothing for the trail
Bring your passport: you'll need it to take part in this experience
The experience can be canceled up to 60 days prior to the start date of the land excursion
The bus journey from Manta to Guayaquil takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
In order to offer you an exclusive experience, the number of places is limited: book early
The presence of the Costa Tour Expert is not guaranteed for the entire experience.
This tour is not suitable for guests with mobility problems
The tour takes place at altitudes of up to 3,650 meters (12,000 feet). We recommend that you bring medication for altitude sickness or consult a doctor in case of blood pressure problems