The Inca Trail

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Lima

Depart from the USA. Arrive in Lima. Meet your ACIS Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel for an arrival briefing. Get settled in and get out to explore Peru's capital city—one of the largest and most active in South America.

Day 2: Lima

Begin the day with a guided sightseeing tour of Lima. Stops includes the impressive Plaza de Armas, the city's historic hub, surrounded by palaces and other notable buildings; entrance to the nearby San Francisco Church, completed in 1774 and an excellent example of Spanish Baroque architecture; and a visit to the fascinating Larco Museum, filled with precious pre-Columbian art. Later put on some comfortable shoes for a walking tour of the Miraflores neighborhood, an upscale district teeming with shops, and restaurants.

Day 3: Sacred Valley

Depart on an early morning flight to Cuzco, the historic capital of the Inca empire. Upon arrival, journey into the Sacred Valley. Along the way visit the ancient fortress of Sacsayhuamán, the Inca bath of Tambo Machay, the sacred spot of Kenko and the small fort of Puca Pucara. After an included lunch, visit the town of Pisac and browse its famed market, a boisterous and dazzlingly colorful open-air bazaar that showcases hand-crafted Peruvian goods.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes

In the morning, you'll head north to see the Maras Salt Mines, a marvel of rustic engineering and ingenuity that features terraced evaporation ponds where residents have been producing salt since the days of the Incas. More intriguing history awaits at the nearby Incan circular terracing of Moray, followed by Ollantaytambo, home of the centuries-old ruins of an ancient Inca hillside fortress and village. Then board the train to Aguas Calientes. Known for its hot springs, this small town is the gateway to the fabled ruins of Machu Picchu.

Day 5: Cuzco

Today enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of iconic Machu Picchu, the mysterious mountainside city built by the Incas in the 15th century. Discovered in 1911, see first-hand why these ruins are considered one of the world's most important archaeological finds. Lunch is included before you enjoy a scenic train ride back to Cuzco. In the afternoon, see the dramatic colonial Cathedral and other highlights during a guided sightseeing tour of historic Cuzco.

Day 6: Puno

The day starts with a visit to Qorikancha, the ruins of an Inca temple that now form the foundation of a church and convent. Then travel by private coach toward the city of Juliaca, stopping en route at the archaeological site in Racchi and the Spanish colonial town of Andahuaylillas. Continue on to Puno, the famed folklore capital of Peru on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Day 7: Puno

Set off across Lake Titicaca by boat this morning. Lake Titicaca is considered to be the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world. In any case, it is spectacular. Your boat ride includes stops at Taquile Island and the Uros Islands, small floating islands crafted from packed totora reeds by the native community that resides there. Enjoy a cultural exchange with the Uros people to learn about their unique lifestyle and habitat. Lunch is included today on Taquile Island.

Day 8: Overnight Flight

Rise early for a visit to the ancient Chullpa Tombs of Sillustani. The pre-Incan funeral towers are something to see, and we'll learn more about their purpose and construction before continuing to Juliaca. After a farewell dinner, depart for the USA.

Day 9: United States

Arrive in the USA.



Optional Extensions and Extra Nights:

Further immerse yourself in the history and culture of Peru with an extra night in Lima, including the services of your ACIS Tour Manager.