Excursion Overland experience: machu picchu - the sacred valley experience tour at Lima

Cruise line: Silversea
Difficulty:

Discover the spiritual, cultural, and natural wonders of the Andes on this carefully curated journey through Peru’s Sacred Valley, the ancient capital of Cusco, and the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu. Experience meaningful cultural encounters, exquisite cuisine, and world-class accommodations.

04MIDCAO-C Overland Experience: Machu Picchu - The Sacred Valley Experience

Duration: 5 Days/ 4 Nights

Departs from: Callao, Peru

Re-join ship: Guayaquil, Ecuador

Reserve: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This Silver Shore Overland Experience requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.

Payment in full is due at time of final payment.  Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea.

 

All Overland Experience fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Overland Experiences are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Overland Experiences are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Overland Experiences may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

 

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is Peruvian SOL (PEV); however, US Dollars are well-accepted by most vendors. Local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotel.

DAY ONE | CALLAO – CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY

A warm welcome to the Andes - sacred rituals and living traditions

Begin your journey with a private transfer from Callao pier to the airport for your flight to Cusco.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to a local restaurant for lunch, offering your first taste of traditional Andean flavors.

Continue into the beautiful Sacred Valley, stopping at Casa Museo Sulca, where you will encounter native Andean camelids such as alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas. These animals are central to Andean culture and textile traditions, providing prized fibers used for centuries. Observe their unique characteristics and enjoy the opportunity to interact with them while learning about their cultural significance.

Later, take part in a traditional Pachamama (Mother Earth) ceremony, a deeply meaningful Andean ritual led by a local priest. Through music, symbolic offerings, and a coca-leaf reading, you will connect with ancient spiritual traditions still practiced today.

Dinner and overnight at Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, beautifully set along the Urubamba River.

DAY TWO | SACRED VALLEY

Highlights of Sacred Valley

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, visit Chinchero, one of the most important settlements of the Inca Empire. The town also reflects the colonial period’s “extirpation of idolatries,” when Catholic structures replaced former Andean temples, leading to the disappearance of many original monuments.

Visit the Chinchero Textile Center for an exclusive experience with Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a master weaver. Enjoy a private demonstration of ancestral weaving techniques, including spinning, dyeing with natural pigments, and the creation of intricate handwoven garments that preserve Andean heritage.

Lunch is served at Hacienda Huayoccari, an elegant colonial estate nestled in the Sacred Valley. Savor traditional Peruvian cuisine in a serene setting surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, followed by a traditional Peruvian Paso horse show.

Continue to Ollantaytambo, one of the few towns continuously inhabited since Inca times. Climb the impressive fortress, dramatically built into the mountainside.

Back at the hotel, enjoy a culinary demonstration featuring the preparation of Lomo Saltado, one of Peru’s most iconic dishes, along with a classic Pisco Sour cocktail.

Overnight at Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa.

DAY THREE | SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Machu Picchu encounter

After an early breakfast, transfer to Ollantaytambo Train Station to board the Vistadome Observatory Train to Machu Picchu. Travel through a narrow, winding valley surrounded by rugged gorges, snow-capped peaks, and ancient archaeological remains, enjoying panoramic views along the way.

After a short bus ride, arrive at Machu Picchu, the legendary Inca citadel believed to have served as a sanctuary and royal retreat for Emperor Pachacutec. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu—meaning “Old Mountain”—captivates visitors with its architectural brilliance and dramatic setting.

Enjoy a buffet lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant, located just outside the citadel entrance.

After your guided visit, return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will have free time to explore or visit the local market before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, continue by private transportation to Cusco.

Dinner and overnight at Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, a historic property blending colonial elegance with modern comfort.

DAY FOUR | CUSCO

Secrects of Cusco; revealed

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and a morning at leisure, perfect for relaxing, strolling nearby plazas, or enjoying the hotel’s spa facilities.

Lunch is served at MAP Café, located within the courtyard of the Pre-Columbian Art Museum.

This afternoon, explore the historic city of Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire. Visit the Santo Domingo Convent, built atop the sacred foundations of the Coricancha, the Inca Temple of the Sun. Continue to the Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption, known for its ornate golden altarpieces, Cusco School paintings, and religious sculptures.

Then head into the surrounding hills to visit the monumental fortress of Sacsayhuamán, famed for its massive stone walls and panoramic views over the city.

Return to your hotel before enjoying an Andean cultural show with cocktails, followed by a farewell dinner to celebrate the conclusion of your journey.

Overnight at Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel.

DAY 5 | CUSCO – LIMA – GUAYAQUIL

Travel back to Guayaquil, embark the ship

Transfer to the airport for your flight from Cusco to Lima. Upon arrival, connect with your international flight to Guayaquil, where you will rejoin the ship and continue your voyage.

PLEASE NOTE:

Cancellation Deadline

Machu Picchu entrance tickets are issued in advance based on the preliminary guest manifest and are non refundable once issued. Cancellation deadlines related to flights and hotels will apply and will be advised once confirmed.

Activity Level of the Tour

This tour is physically demanding and requires extensive walking over uneven, rough, rocky, and sometimes slippery surfaces, including many stairs. Walking distances can reach approximately 1.24 miles per day. Guests must be in good physical condition.

Tour Accessibility

This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility, guests who use a wheelchair, or guests with walking difficulties. It is not recommended for pregnant guests or for guests with heart, respiratory, back, or neck conditions. The site is located at high altitude, reaching approximately 11,200 feet, which may cause altitude related discomfort for some guests.

Additional Information

Guests should wear sturdy, non slip, closed toe walking shoes and comfortable layered clothing. Sun protection, rain gear, and a light jacket are recommended. Proper attire is required to enter archaeological and religious sites. Passports and ship identification must be carried at all times. Oxygen support may be available at hotels upon request. The tour sequence and timing may vary due to weather conditions or operational restrictions. Operation of this tour is subject to weather and local regulations.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Guided visit to Machu Picchu with a licensed, English speaking local guide

• Machu Picchu entrance ticket issued in advance according to the confirmed itinerary

• Roundtrip scenic train journey between the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes

• Shuttle bus transportation between Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu site

• Overland transportation as outlined in the program

• Meals as specified in the itinerary

• Services of a professional local tour escort

• Applicable local taxes and service charges

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional food or beverages not specified

• Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff

• Any items or services not expressly mentioned in the What Is Included section

• Travel insurance

• Costs related to visas, vaccinations, or documentation requirements

• Optional activities or services offered during free time

Note