Fly by private jet to Lima, where we board a local charter flight to Cusco (11,200 feet)—the gateway to Peru’s Inca heartland. The next morning, set out on a tour of this charming city. Then head north into the Sacred Valley of the Inca and explore the intriguing ruins of Moray, believed to have been an Inca agricultural laboratory, and the terraced salt mines of Maras. If you wish, embark on a spectacular hike along a section of the Inca Trail. Meet master Andean weaver Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a National Geographic grantee who has helped revive traditional weaving practices throughout Peru. We’ll also join National Geographic grantee Peter Frost or one of his colleagues for a talk on his archaeological expeditions in Peru, which have been featured in National Geographic magazine.



Opt for an early-morning visit to the former Inca stronghold of Ollantaytambo before we board our privately chartered train to Machu Picchu (8,000 feet). Accompanied by private guides, explore this legendary 15th-century Inca citadel, which was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and excavated with support from the National Geographic Society. Then enjoy an elegant dinner aboard our train as we return to Cusco.

Alternative: Travelers who may have already visited Cusco and Machu Picchu can choose to explore Peru’s sun-soaked northwestern coast. Visit the historic cities of Chiclayo and Trujillo, the second oldest Spanish city in Peru. Discover remnants of the ancient Moche and Chimú cultures, including the towering Temples of the Sun and Moon and the sprawling ruins of Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world.

Alternative Accommodations: Wyndham Costa del Sol Trujillo Center and Belmond Miraflores Park