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Please Note: This post-tour extension visits sites that are at higher altitudes including time in the Urubamba Valley (9,200 feet); Machu Picchu (7,972 feet) and the city of Cusco (11,152 feet) where the program will conclude. The trip is designed to acclimate guests for the final stop in Cusco which is at the highest altitude. We highly recommend guests discuss this trip with their health provider, especially if they have specific health concerns or are sensitive to higher altitudes. This post-tour extension will include plenty of walking and standing. There will be cobblestone streets with uneven steps, some without handrails. While touring at Machu Picchu there will be dirt paths with uneven steps and pathways that can have steep inclines and declines. This tour requires all guests to be in good physical condition. Economy class airfare from Iquitos to Cusco and Cusco to Lima to meet your return flight home is included in the quoted extension price. Air tickets will be distributed on tour.

Post Tour Extension dates:

February 9-15, 2025*. At the conclusion of the February 1-9, 2025 main program.

March 9-15, 2025*. At the conclusion of the March 1-9, 2025 main program.

October 19-25, 2025*. At the conclusion of the October 11-19, 2025 main program.

November 2-8, 2025* At the conclusion of the October 25-November 2, 2025 main program.

*date includes overnight return flight to the U.S.

Day 1 – Lima/Cusco/Urubamba Valley

This morning, all guests who took part in the Main Program will disembark the ship and fly from Iquitos to Jorge Chavez International Airport Lima airport. From there guests joining the post tour extension will continue their journey with a connecting flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, enjoy a scenic drive to the Urubamba Valley, also known as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, to the hotel. The elevation at the hotel is 9,200 feet. Dinner will be served at the hotel this evening. (B, L, D).

Casa Adina Premium Valle Sagrado Sacred Valley

Day 2 - Moray Terraces/Maras Salt Mines/Chinchero

Set out this morning  to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Stop at the Moray Terraces, one of the most famous Incan ruins near Cusco. Descend the circular terraces and ponder their purpose, which has been debated by archeologists and anthropologists for nearly a century. Today, it is widely believed that the terraces were used as an experimental farm by the Incas over 500 years ago. Continue to the Maras Salt Mines to see the more than 6,000 salt ponds believed to have been built by the Wari civilization, predating the Inca Empire.  In operation for over 500 years, the ponds are still mined by local families. Stop in the colorful community of Misminay and gather with a multi-generational family for a visit to their home. Learn about their customs and traditions, and enjoy a traditional meal in their dining room. Continue on to Chinchero, and learn about ancient weaving methods villagers have used for centuries to support themselves in this challenging Andean mountain environment.  While in town, visit with local citizens to learn about their daily life in this remote area.  Return to the hotel late in the day for an evening at leisure. (B, L)

Casa Adina Premium Valle Sagrado Sacred Valley

Day 3 – Ollantaytambo/Machu Picchu

After breakfast, checkout of the hotel and depart for a visit to the  massive Fortress of Ollantaytambo, which successfully withstood Spanish attack in the 16th century. Built on top of an Incan settlement, the current town of Ollantaytambo is the surviving example of Inca town planning. Continue to the Ollantaytambo train station and board a train for the spectacularly scenic ride through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch on board the train. Nestled in a cloud forest, the Lost City of the Inca arguably is the most important archaeological site in the Americas. Surrounded by steep agricultural terraces, this masterfully planned site once was a center of worship, astronomical observatory and a private retreat of the Inca ruler Pachacútec. Meander through stone temples, grassy plazas, palaces and workshops with an expert guide. Explore the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacristy, the Hitching Post of the Sun and the Temple of the Sun. The elevation at Machu Picchu is 7,972 ft. Arrive at your hotel late in the day, then gather with fellow travelers for dinner. (B,L,D)

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Day 4 - Machu Picchu/Cusco

Spend some of the morning at leisure. Then depart for the train station to begin your trip to Cusco, traveling by both train and motor coach. Arrive in to Cusco late in the day and check-in to your hotel. Dine independently and enjoy the evening at leisure. (B)

Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco

Day 5 - Cusco/Sacsayhuaman

Depart the hotel on a guided tour of this sacred city perched 11,152 feet above sea level. Visit the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple (or Koricancha); a Dominican Church and convent built on the foundations of the Koricancha or ‘place of gold,’ the Incas principal religious building, dedicated to the worship of the sun. Enjoy a group lunch in town, then travel outside Cusco to visit the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a testimonial to Incan architectural skills. Compiled of massive stones fitted together with incredible precision without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place, this ancient fortress is where the greatest battles between the Spanish and Incas took place. Enjoy views of the countryside and back towards the city of Cusco with its famous red-tiled roofs. This evening gather for a farewell reception. Enjoy dinner and the remainder of the evening at leisure. (B,L,R)

Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco

Day 6 - Depart Cusco for Lima and U.S. Gateway City

Enjoy a final morning at leisure before transferring to the Cusco airport for the domestic flight to Jorge Chavez International Airport Lima. Upon arrival you’ll connect to your overnight international flight. (B)

Day 7   Arrive U.S Gateway City

Arrive in to the U.S this morning and connect to your domestic flight to your home city.