May be taken independently or immediately preceding either Bolivia Part 1-La Paz and Remote Bolivia Trek or the Huascaran Expedition.

This three-day program offers participants a chance to acclimatize in the Peruvian highlands while visiting the most important sites of the Inca Empire and Spanish colonization in the central Andes. After an early morning flight from Lima to Cuzco, we set an easy pace as we begin adjusting to the 11,500-foot altitude. In the morning we visit several colonial buildings as well as examine some of the finest examples of the Inca's precise stone work. In the afternoon we travel by van or walk up through eucalyptus groves into the hills overlooking Cuzco to the magnificent fortress of Sacsayhuaman, one of the most impressive megalithic structures in the world. With three partial zig-zag ramparts, one above the other and each incorporating 21 bastions, the structure runs for nearly 1200 feet and exhibits some of the best large-scale stone work in the world.

A view of the Andes mountains from the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba. Ryan Fox

The next day we enjoy views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba and Urubamba as we drive to a small altipano and Chincheros, a culturally and economically important market town and one in which we can see distinctly dressed Quechua groups from surrounding villages. We visit the market and have lunch before descending into the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba where we travel a short distance down-river to stay at Ollantaytambo, a Quechua town of small cobbled streets, traditional homes, and extensive Inca ruins. It was originally built as a fortification to guard access to the Urubamba Valley which abruptly narrows at that point. In the ruins we hike up Inca stone stairways and explore old rooms and passageways built into the mountainside.

On our third day we rise early and travel by train to magnificent Machu Picchu, the most remarkable of Inca ruins and considered by many to be the most awe-inspiring accomplishment of all ancient civilizations. We explore the ruins thoroughly, taking time for photography and hiking throughout the area. In the afternoon we take the train back to Cuzco for our final night of excellent local food and drink in the old Inca capital before flying on to La Paz or Lima the next morning. On a private basis, we can also arrange 5-day treks along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with a hotel stay near the ruins.

Flight arrangements should be scheduled so that you arrive in Cuzco the day of the first scheduled day of the trip. Please schedule your departure so that you leave the day after the last scheduled day of the trip. Please contact our Travel Coordinator if you need assistance with travel arrangements.