Day 4: Machu Picchu, Peru — 24901 miles around

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to Poroy Railway Station to board the Hiram Bingham train for the three-hour trip to Aguas Calientes – gateway to Machu Picchu. This train trip is one of the most scenic in the world, featuring beautiful views of the Urubamba Valley.

Upon arrival, we board a motor coach for a half-hour drive up to the Incan city, Machu Picchu, rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and excavated with support from the National Geographic Society. We will get the opportunity to visit the watchtower, temples, houses, baths, and the great “House of the Sun.”

In the afternoon we will have tea at the Sanctuary Lodge after our guided tour of the citadel. We then transfer back to the village of Aguas Calientes to catch the Hiram Bingham train to Cusco. Dinner is served in the dining cars. From Poroy station, we return to Cusco by motor coach.

On our way to Machu Picchu, we drove through the Sacred Valley.  All we had to do was follow the Urubamba River. — On our way to Machu Picchu, we drove through the Sacred Valley. All we had to do was follow the Urubamba River.