The Inca Trail

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Saturday June 25: 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, Sunday June 26: Lima

Today is a full day of guided sightseeing. Your local expert will introduce you to Plaza de Armas, at the heart of the old town and the former center of Spain's new world empire; the (relatively) more modern Plaza San Martín with its early 20th century beaux-arts architecture; the Gold Museum and the Amano Museum, where you can explore beautifully presented exhibits on pre-Columbian Peruvian textiles in Lima's glitzy and hip Miraflores district. Then visit both the San Francisco church and Santo Domingo convent, exploring their catacombs, tombs and colonial architecture.(B,D)

Day 3, Monday June 27: 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. (B,L)

Day 4, Tuesday June 28: 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. (B,D)

Day 5, Wednesday June 29: 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. (B,L)

Day 6, Thursday June 30: 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. (B,L)

Day 7, Friday July 1: 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. (B,L)

Day 8, Saturday July 2: 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. (B,D)

Day 9, Sunday July 3: 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.