A Pilgrimage Through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the World's Greatest Archaeological Site
High in the Peruvian Andes, the ruins of Machu Picchu rest amid knife-edged ridges and vertical slopes draped in emerald jungle. Hidden to Western explorers until 1911, when a Quechua guide led Yale historian Hiram Bingham to the site, the marvelous Inca city was mesmerizing, even in its dereliction. Built on a granite mountaintop close to the sun, its intricate architecture reveals the ingenuity of its 15th-century designers. Massive blocks of stone were cut to fit together so precisely that no mortar was necessary. The site also reflects the Incas' extraordinary knowledge of astronomy, with many elements aligning with heavenly events such as the solstice sunrise. Far below the ruins, the Urubamba River rushes through a green gorge into the Sacred Valley. Our journey into the mysteries of Inca civilization also includes Cusco, once the gold-laden capital of the empire.
Trip Highlights
- Learn from Expert GuidesExplore the mysteries and marvels of Machu Picchu, the ancient “Lost City of the Incas,” in the company of Nat Hab's leading private guides, with in-depth expertise
- Meet the People of the AndesWander through the ruins of Inca cities and farming terraces in the Sacred Valley, stopping for cultural encounters with the traditional Quechua locals
- Lodging with Local AmbienceStay at intimate luxury hotels and boutique inns replete with local character, from historic colonial splendor to Andean mountain ambience
An In-Depth Private Journey with Peru’s Most Outstanding Guides
Machu Picchu is an architectural and civil engineering wonder. No one knows why the Incas chose to build this city in such a remote location or why it was so suddenly vacated. While we may never know the answers, on this privately guided journey you'll experience a rare level of illumination that standard tours simply don't provide. Our Expedition Leader offers expert insight into the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu, plus a rich perspective on Incan culture, which we further explore on a journey through the Sacred Valley. Here's what makes your experience with Nat Hab stand out:
- Travel with a Top NHA Expedition Leader
Most other tour companies offer either an unguided visit to Machu Picchu or they rely on local “step-on” guides who provide only scant interpretive services at the ruins. When you travel on our immersive journey, you’ll benefit from the full services of our own Expedition Leader, who's at your side from your arrival in Cusco until you depart. Our award-winning guides in Peru average 15 years’ experience. And their expertise in both natural and cultural history makes all the difference when it comes to a rich understanding of the sites we explore. See Expedition Leader bios and traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders. - A Small Group Is a Must
Machu Picchu offers one of the world's most captivating travel experiences. But it's also a world-renowned destination, and trying to tour the site in a big group with multitudes of tourists jostling for photos and competing to hear the guide, your one-time visit to this World Heritage Site can lose its magic. Our scheduled Machu Picchu extensions average just six guests, allowing for in-depth exploration of the ruins, both with our Expedition Leader and on your own. - Our Trips Are Customized to Suit Each Group's Interests & Abilities
While most companies offer standardized presentations, our Expedition Leaders have the flexibility—and the know-how—to adjust each departure to suit our individual travelers' needs, providing access to elements and places in the region that regular tourists often miss. This is especially important in the Sacred Valley en route to Machu Picchu—we can adjust our activities for the group's capacity, especially in light of the altitude, with the opportunity for our travelers to walk and explore at their own pace. - Luxury Accommodations in Natural Settings Away from Crowds
Our accommodations are selected to enhance your experience of Peru's mountain culture in peaceful settings. Near Machu Picchu we stay at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, a luxury lodge secluded among lush cloud forest, not far from the ruins. The hotel enjoys a private setting surrounded by 12 acres of flower gardens containing more than 300 orchid species. In the Sacred Valley, we hand-pick our accommodations for atmosphere and privacy, away from crowds. - Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures Your Outstanding Machu Picchu Adventure
With Natural Habitat Adventures, you receive our exclusive guarantee that clearly states that we will meet the high expectations we set forth in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most ambitious guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise. - Feel Good About the Way You Travel
We all care about the planet, and you can travel with us knowing that the emissions from your trip are 100-percent carbon-offset. Natural Habitat Adventures is the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company, a feature that is especially critical when considering that polar bears are under substantial threat from our planet’s warming temperatures. - Natural Habitat Adventures Is World Wildlife Fund’s Travel Partner
Because of our commitment to environmentally friendly travel, as well as the exceptional quality of our small-group nature adventures, World Wildlife Fund, the world’s leading environmental conservation organization, has named Natural Habitat its worldwide travel partner—a designation that makes us exceedingly proud!
