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THE SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS

Flanked by Andean peaks and rising to an altitude of over 3000m (10,000ft), the fertile valley of the Urubamba River was the bread basket of the Inca empire as well as providing safe passage from high mountain passes to the jungles of the Amazon basin.  Today it is a patchwork of farming terraces, small villages, stunning scenery and small Inca sites. Snaking high above the valley, the popular Inca Trail leads hikers to Machu Picchu - the fabled Lost City of the Incas.

Cusco    

Standing at the head of the Sacred Valley, the World Heritage Site of Cusco was founded around 1100AD and for over 400 years served as the capital and spiritual home of the Incas. Largely destroyed and rebuilt by the conquering Spanish, the city is now a vibrant mix of Inca architecture, Spanish colonial buildings, museums, galleries, restaurants, hotels and small boutiques.  At an altitude of 3300 metres, the city has a pleasant, sunny, cool climate.  At its heart is the central Plaza de Armas, flanked by the cathedral of La Compañía de Jesus built on the visible foundations of an Inca palace. One of the best preserved Inca buildings is the Temple of the Sun, now forming part of the 17th Century church of Santo Domingo.  Overlooking the city to the north is the Inca ceremonial centre of Sacsayhuaman with some very impressive Inca stonework.

  Hotel Monasterio
Originally built in 1592 on the site of an old Inca palace, this converted monastery is a world class hotel owned by the Orient-Express Group. Many of the original features still remain including the ornate chapel, central courtyard and communal areas with high ceilings and open fires to keep out the Andean chill. The service and food are first class and the hotel has a convenient central location.

 

Machu Picchu

Kept hidden from the Spanish conquistadors, the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu remained undisturbed until its rediscovery in 1911. Justly deserving its World Heritage status, the site occupies a breathtaking position on a limestone ridge overlooking rainforested mountains and the Urubamba River some 600 metres below.  Having evaded Spanish destruction, the buildings are in remarkable condition with many plazas, temples and alters providing an unparalleled glimpse of the Inca past.  As well as being the stunning finale to the Inca trail, the site can be reached via a picturesque train and bus journey from Cusco.    

  Sanctuary Lodge
Operated by the Orient Express Group, this is the only hotel located at the ruins, offering direct access to the site. The rooms are of a high standard, many with wonderful ruins views.

Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.
Located in the small town of Aguas Calientes at the base of the mountain, this charismatic hotel has spacious, well-decorated cabins (some with open fires) set in extensive bird-filled gardens, surrounded by cloud forest with many trails to follow independently or with one of the lodge guides.

 

Peru's Amazing Amazonian and Andean Attractions

We have picked the very best Andes and Amazon locations to produce a well-rounded, absorbing wildlife and archaeology holiday utilising accommodation of a very high standard.  Travel by canoe to a remote lodge in the Amazon; explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas; walk part of the Inca Trail; marvel at Machu Picchu; savour a great rail journey; and experience the vistas and peoples of Lake Titicaca.  Truly a Peru wildlife holiday of the very best.  Find out more...

The Manu Overland Adventure - With Machu Picchu

A breathtaking Manu overland journey starting in Cusco, travelling over high Andean passes, descending to Manu’s puna then on through lush cloud forests to the base of the Andes and the mighty Amazon basin. On the way, encounter bird-filled cloud forests, macaw and tapir clay licks, giant river otters and walk on miles of rainforest trails.  Comfortable accommodation is used throughout this exceptional, adventurous itinerary which encompasses all three Manu Reserve habitats and ancient Inca sites.  Find out more...

The Complete Peru Explorer

A fast-paced Peru explorer programme designed to cover a multitude of attractions and thus appeal to enthusiastic travellers who appreciate all aspects of a destination. We include the vast Amazonian rainforest, the cloud forests and ruins of Machu Picchu, the high Altiplano plateau, Lake Titicaca, the condors of the Colca Canyon, the mysterious Nazca Lines and the marine wildlife of Paracas: a tally of all that is best in naturally diverse Peru.  Find out more...