Machupicchu
The most sparkling of these jewels is undoubtedly Machu Picchu, the spiritual center of the country and the best-preserved Inca ruins on the continent is famous for its dramatic setting among spectacular peaks and lush cloud forest. On this journey through Peru, you'll visit quaint villages in sacred Inca valleys, where you can study the complexity of Inca architecture and peruse markets famous for their vivid ponchos and delicate jewelry. Other awe-inspiring hikes through the valley lead you to the start of the Inca Trail, which winds through cloud forests to Machu Picchu. Nothing can prepare you for the beauty and majesty of Machu Picchu, especially as the dawn sunlight illuminates its walls. This amazing trip ends with a tour of the town of Cusco, once the hub of the Inca empire. Guided excursions are offered every day of the year. Departure from Cusco is by train, at 6am. It is possible to visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco the same day as trains return to the city by 6pm. However, we recommend an overnight stay, so that the ruins can be enjoyed before and after the late morning and early afternoon crush of tourists. An exciting itinerary for extended visits is a trek from Machu Picchu to the Winay Wayna ruins. The best way to enjoy Machu Picchu is to stay at the Hotel Las Ruinas, located at the base of the ruins. But this is an expensive hotel, so many prefer more economic accomodations in the nearby village of Aguas Calientes.

City tour
This guided excursion is offered every day. It includes the most significant sites in and around Cusco City, such as: the massive Inca sanctuary of Sacsahuaman, the amphitheatre of Qenqo, the fortress of Pukapukara, the springshrine of Tambomachay, the Cathedral of Cusco with its magnificent colonial art, and the Korikancha, which displays the best Inca stonework in the city. Walking tours only of Cusco city or full day explorations only of Sacsahuaman National Park can also be organized on a private basis. Horseback riding from Cusco to Sacsahuaman is also possible with a private guide.

The Sacred Valley of the Inca
This guided excursion is only offered Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The entire native market at Pisaq is only available on Sunday. This tour of the Sacred Valley includes the Inca Citadel at Ollantaytambo. This is a large site of ruins characterized by fine masonry, which includes terraces, canals, granaries, fortress walls, and the Temple of the Sun. The markets at Pisaq are also featured. Here you can purchase beautiful textiles, jewelry and ceramics at bargain prices.