Abercrombie & Kent Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley

• Travel by PeruRail Sacred Valley, an elegant train with 1920s-era styling, and overnight at the lone hotel at Machu Picchu, for extra time to explore the colossal ‘Lost City’.
• Hear a private lecture on Machu Picchu by a renowned scholar of Incan history before discovering the amazing ruins for yourself in the company of a local expert guide.
• Privately visit a village in the Sacred Valley, where the people still use ancestral weaving and farming techniques, and join a local shaman for a traditional Pachamama ceremony.
• Capture the architectural beauty of colonial-era Cusco during an interactive photography lesson.
• Sample Peruvian cuisine at a chef’s table experience to understand its cultural impact on Peru and the world, and enjoy an exclusive A&K street-food tour led by a local chef.
• Discover Peru’s rich musical traditions during a captivating private performance by an expert in Andean music.

• English-speaking Resident Tour Director® and local guides
• Hand-selected luxury accommodation
• Airport meet and greet with private transfers
• Travelling Bell Boy® luggage handling
• Breakfast in bed on selected days
• Full breakfast daily; selected lunches and dinners
• Your choice of activity with Design Your Day®
• Traveller’s Valet® laundry service
• Internet access
• Entrance fees, taxes and all gratuities except Resident Tour Director
• 24/7 A&K on-call support
• Guaranteed departures with just two guests

Day 1: Arrive in Lima

Touch down in Lima this evening and transfer to your hotel, located in the city’s exclusive residential district of Miraflores. Founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, this ‘City of Kings’ is a blend of colonial structures, pre-Colombian sites and modern conveniences. It’s also one of the world’s premier culinary cities, with a cuisine that reflects its people’s varied origins and traditions.

Day 2: Lima

Discover Lima, its history and flavours, beginning with a market visit to learn about the unique ingredients in the land of the Incas. Next, join in a Peruvian cooking experience, sharing the delicious dishes you cook. After lunch, visit Plaza de Armas, birthplace of the city, and the beautiful Cathedral, built in the 16th century. Continue to the bohemian Barranco neighbourhood and discover the essence of the Limeños lifestyle. During an A&K-exclusive chef’s table experience, meet a local chef who takes you to their favourite places to sample Peru’s iconic dishes and spirits.

Day 3: Sacred Valley

Fly to Cusco, located around 3,399 metres above sea level. Stop for lunch in the central square, then take part in a photography workshop, learning helpful pointers from a professional sure. Next, journey to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. En route, visit Awana Kancha, a centre where South American camelids, such as llama and alpaca, are bred, and learn about the valuable fibres created from their coats. Continue to your awe-inspiring accommodation, designed to blend in with, and provide an advantageous view of, Sacred Valley landscapes.

Day 4: Sacred Valley

Visit a remote village, where the friendly locals give you a hands-on introduction to their crafts and customs – an A&K-exclusive experience. This afternoon, participate in one of Peru’s oldest rituals when you join a local shaman in a traditional ‘payment to the Earth’ ceremony, extending offerings to the goddess of Pachamama. Next, visit the Kuychi Centre to meet the children at the A&K-supported Children of the Rainbow project, which provides education, nutrition, medical care and hope to children in the Sacred Valley. Finish the day with a scenic sundowner before the soaring Andes.

Day 5: Machu Picchu

Prepare for your visit to Machu Picchu with a private lecture from a renowned expert on the Incas. Next, explore Ollantaytambo, a mountainside fortress of stone terraces and the site of the Incas’ greatest victory over the invading Spanish. The unfinished, stone-carved Temple of the Sun here suggests the stronghold also held a deeper, spiritual significance. Then, ride like a local through spectacular countryside aboard the 1920s-styled PeruRail Sacred Valley train. Arrive for your overnight stay at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel located on-site at Machu Picchu.

Day 6: Machu Picchu

Rise early for an atmospheric walk through Machu Picchu in the morning mist, before the crowds arrive. You may also opt to trek up from the ruins to the Sun Gate, entry point to the Inca Trail. Afterwards, bid adieu to this ‘Lost City of the Incas’ and board the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo. Continue to Cusco, where you check in to your hotel – a former monastery that offers a delightful retreat from the bustle of Cusco, while set just off the city square. Enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 7: Cusco

This morning, discover Cusco on an expert-led city tour taking in historic Incan and Spanish colonial landmarks. Later, visit the well-preserved ruins of the Sacsayhuaman fortress, whose colossal stones are a testament to Incan architectural skill. This afternoon, Design your Day® by choosing an activity suited to you from the following options:

Option 1: visit the San Blas neighbourhood, a bohemian enclave where you find boutiques cafés and the workshops of artisans.

Option 2: stroll San Pedro market for a taste of local fruits and cheese, then visit the Inca Museum for a look back into Peru’s rich history.

Option 3: explore Cusco with an expert photographer, who helps you refine your skills and capture Cusco as a local sees it.

Day 8: Depart Lima

After a morning at leisure to sleep in, visit shops or simply relax, fly back to Lima. Later, board your departing flight.

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote. 

Design your Day®

On these days you have the freedom to pick an experience that is suited to you and your interests. See Day 7 for more details.

Flights

To provide you with flexibility and the latest flight offers, we don’t include international flights. Our specialists will be able to find the best travel options to suit you.

Guaranteed departures

As long as we have at least two people booked on an A&K Escorted Tour, it will take place. So you don’t need to worry about a last-minute phone call saying your holiday has to be cancelled. If you’re committed to going, then so are we.