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Delve into the historical mysteries and cultural treasures of Peru on this compact adventure. Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites—including the mountaintop citadel of Machu Picchu and historic Cusco—alongside knowledgeable local guides. Travel across the snowcapped peaks of the Andes, and get a glimpse of the ancient traditions that continue to endure in the misty valleys.
Welcome to Your Cusco Express Adventure
Start your Cusco Express adventure in Lima, then fly to Cusco and explore the breathtaking Sacred Valley. Visit the terraced salt pans of Maras, the Inca agricultural site of Moray, and enjoy a traditional paruvian cousin . Discover Ollantaytambo Ollantaytambo ancient town and Pisac archeological park, and ride the scenic train to Aguas Calientes for a guided tour of Machu Picchu
Explore historic Cusco, including Plaza de Armas, Sacsayhuaman fortress, and the Planetarium, learning the Inca’s astronomical secrets. With accommodations, transport, and expert guides included, your Cusco Express adventure is seamless, enriching, and unforgettable.
Arrive at any time—your arrival transfer is included. We’ll begin with a welcome meeting to introduce you to your tour leader and group, and then continue with the exciting Walking tour in Miraflores
Board an early flight to Cusco, once the capital of the Inca empire, then drive to Urubamba through the scenic Sacred Valley. Explore the terraced salt pans of Maras, which have been used for salt extraction since pre-Inca times, and tour the Inca site of Moray—believed to have been an agricultural laboratory where priests would test soils and crops. Later, we’ll enjoy a meal of local specialities, prepared in a pachamanca, or underground stone oven.
Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a visit to the Andean Diaries–supported Parque de la Papa, or Potato Park, a rural Andean community working to preserve hundreds of varieties of native potato. During this exclusive experience, you'll walk through the park with a local guide to learn about potato cultivation, traditional weaving, and the importance of both these practices to Andean culture. We’ll also tour the fascinating Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo and Pisac and enjoy a meal at the Andean Diaries–supported Parwa Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo.
Catch an early transfer to the Ollantaytambo station and board a train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Ride through lush Andean scenery, enjoying breathtaking views of ancient ruins and everyday life. Settle into your hotel in Aguas Calientes, and choose from a variety of optional activities: take a relaxing soak in the local hot springs, visit a beautiful botanical garden, or wander the handicraft stalls in town as you prepare for an early start the following day to go up to Machu Picchu.
This morning, embark on a guided tour of Machu Picchu—the 15th-century Inca citadel famously introduced to the world by archaeologist Hiram Bingham in the April 1913 issue of National Geographic magazine. After being taken through the temples and terraces of this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site, return to Cusco by train.
Spend the day exploring charming Cusco. Opt to visit Plaza de Armas, the historic main square; the 15th-century Sacsayhuaman fortress; or some of the city’s museums and ornate churches. This evening, we’ll head to the Cusco Planetarium to learn about the importance of astronomy to the ancient Inca and, weather permitting, look out at the glittering, starry sky through telescopes.
Fly back to Lima. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure or choose to take a half-day guided tour of the Peruvian capital. Visit the San Francisco Monastery, part of Lima’s World Heritage-listed historic center, and descend into its famed catacombs. Wander across Plaza Mayor, the city’s oldest public square, and enjoy Peruvian tapas and a tasting of pisco sours before returning to your hotel.
Depart at any time.
Meals
Transportation
Staff & experts
| Per Adult | Per Child |
|---|---|
| From: $2124 USD | From: $1949 USD |
Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of an Andean Diaries group tour.
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I was born in Cusco, region that shaped my passion for travel, nature, and cultural exchange. For more than two decades, I have dedicated my career to helping travelers discover the incredible diversity of Peru. Throughout my professional journey, I have worked as a tour leader, local guide, operations specialist, and tourism entrepreneur, always committed to delivering exceptional experiences and personalized service. My goal is simple: to help every traveler experience Peru in a genuine, safe, and unforgettable way. When you travel with Andean Diaries, you are not booking with a large corporation. You are working directly with a local expert who understands Peru, values every guest, and personally oversees every detail of your journey.
