Machu Picchu, Elevated: An Exclusive Journey in Refined Comfort Through the Sacred Valley & Cusco

Curated By
Jennifer Mitchell
Curator’s statement
Experience Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley—seamlessly planned, privately guided, and thoughtfully curated from start to finish. With elevated stays, exclusive access, and perfectly timed experiences, this journey is designed so you can simply relax and enjoy every moment.
The Fora Difference
Book with Jennifer Mitchell to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Unlock perks by contacting Jennifer Mitchell to book your trip.
Day 1: Welcome to Peru

The Maras Salt Mines—one of the Sacred Valley’s most striking and unforgettable stops on your journey
Upon arrival in Cusco, enjoy a private transfer to Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in the Sacred Valley for a three-night stay in a Grand Deluxe King Terrace Room to acclimate to the altitude. Spend the afternoon relaxing before dinner at the hotel. Welcome yourself with a perfectly crafted Pisco Sour at the Kiri Bar followed by Peruvian specialties at the Hawa restaurant.
Day 2: Sacred Valley exploration (Ollantaytambo, Pisac)

Looking out over the terraces of Pisac, where ancient Inca design meets the dramatic landscape of the Sacred Valley
Start your day at Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, with an exceptional breakfast experience included with your stay. The expansive buffet features a variety of Peruvian specialties alongside international favorites, plus made-to-order dishes prepared just for you. As you dine, enjoy the ambiance of live Peruvian music and don’t miss the chance for photos with the hotel’s adorable baby alpacas—a fun and memorable start to your Sacred Valley adventure.
After breakfast, your private guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to begin your Sacred Valley exploration, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience throughout the day. Start at Ollantaytambo, where you’ll discover impressive stone terraces and sacred temples, including the Temple of the Sun. Continue to Pisac Archaeological Park, known for its sweeping terraces and panoramic views, followed by time to browse the vibrant Pisac Market.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon to unwind—enjoy a swim in the heated pool, and relax in the serene surroundings of the Sacred Valley. You may also wish to take advantage of the hotel’s on-site brewery for a locally crafted beer. In the evening, savor dinner at the hotel, highlighting local organic produce from the onsite farm paired with wine from the hotel’s extensive cellar—a perfect and flavorful end to your first day.
Day 3: Maras, Moray & Chinchero

A leisurely lunch with views that feel almost too perfect to be real.
After breakfast, meet your private guide in the lobby and set out to explore some of the Sacred Valley’s most unique sites. Visit the striking Maras Salt Mines, where locals still harvest salt using traditional Inca methods, followed by Moray, a fascinating circular terrace complex believed to be an ancient agricultural laboratory.
Continue to Chinchero to explore its Inca ruins and the beautiful colonial-era Church of Our Lady of Monserrat, along with an optional visit to a local weaving community to see traditional textile techniques. During your time in the valley, enjoy a tasting of Chicha de Jora, the traditional Inca corn beer, offering a unique glimpse into local culture and flavors.
Enjoy a memorable lunch at an Instagram worthy stop, known for its stunning mountain views, relaxed setting, and resident alpacas and llamas—perfect for photos and a unique Sacred Valley experience. On your return, consider a stop in the town of Urubamba to visit a local brewery for a refreshing craft beer and a taste of the region.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon to unwind—enjoy time at the heated pool and soak in the surrounding mountain scenery. End the day with a final dinner at the hotel—an elegant and convenient way to conclude your Sacred Valley experience.
Day 4: Machu Picchu journey & overnight stay

Experiencing Machu Picchu as it was meant to be—peaceful, unhurried, and without the crowds.
Begin the day with breakfast and check-out from Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Your travel advisor will work to have your luggage seamlessly transferred ahead to your hotel in Cusco while you depart for the train station and board the scenic PeruRail Vistadome Train or Hiram Bingham for a breathtaking journey through the Sacred Valley.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you’ll be personally greeted by the attentive staff from Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, who will take care of your luggage and seamlessly escort you directly to the bus for the ascent—allowing you to bypass the crowds and relax after your journey. Within minutes, you’ll be on your way up the mountain to the lodge, where a peaceful, lush setting awaits just steps from the entrance to Machu Picchu.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch with cocktail or wine pairing at the all-inclusive lodge, then settle into your room, where thoughtful touches and welcome amenities signal a truly special stay—one that very few travelers experience.
In the afternoon, take a short walk from the hotel to the entrance of Machu Picchu for your late-entry tour. Accompanied by a knowledgeable private guide arranged in advance, you’ll explore the citadel as the light softens and the crowds begin to fade. Your first glimpse of Machu Picchu is unforgettable—stone terraces and ancient structures emerging through the mountains and mist in a moment that feels almost surreal.
Staying at the lodge offers a rare advantage: you can enter later and linger longer, without needing to rush back down to Aguas Calientes. This allows you to experience the quiet magic of Machu Picchu in a way most visitors never do.
Return to the lodge for an elegant evening beginning with a pisco cocktail experience, followed by dinner featuring local flavors and an extensive wine list, often accompanied by live music or cultural entertainment. The setting, service, and atmosphere combine to create a truly memorable night in one of the most extraordinary locations in the world.
Day 5: Machu Picchu sunrise & Hiram Bingham return to Cusco

A sunrise moment at Machu Picchu—before the world arrives.
The Machu Picchu site includes multiple tour “circuits”. Today you will begin your morning at the lodge early with a 6 a.m. sunrise visit to Machu Picchu upper circuit, taking full advantage of your stay just steps from the entrance. Before the first buses arrive from Aguas Calientes, you’ll experience the citadel in a quieter, more magical setting as the morning light and mist reveal the ruins. Your advisor will have secured all necessary tickets and a knowledgeable private guide in advance, ensuring you’re able to complete multiple circuits across your stay for a seamless and comprehensive experience.
Return to Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, and enjoy a relaxed breakfast—or opt for room service served on your private terrace with views of Machu Picchu, an unforgettable way to start the day. Later, unwind with a couples massage in the gardens, surrounded by mountains and nature in a peaceful, secluded setting.
In the early afternoon, meet your guide for your final circuit tour, offering a different perspective of the citadel from the lower terraces and structures. Afterwards, celebrate your experience with a cocktail at the lodge, soaking in your final views of this extraordinary place.
In the late afternoon, descend by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll enjoy access to the VIP lounge before boarding the iconic Belmond Hiram Bingham Train. This elegant journey back to Cusco features gourmet dining, fine wines, live music, and a festive atmosphere—an unforgettable finale to your Machu Picchu experience.
Arrive in the evening and transfer to JW Marriott El Convento Cusco for your overnight stay.
Day 6: Cusco city & culture

The energy of Cusco unfolds in the Plaza de Armas, framed by its iconic cathedral
After spending a restful night in your oxygen-enriched room, enjoy a relaxed morning with a buffet breakfast included at JW Marriott El Convento Cusco—a special perk of your booking. The hotel often features baby alpacas on-site, making for a fun and memorable (and very photogenic) start to your day.
After breakfast, meet your private guide for a customized Cusco city tour tailored for you. You may elect to begin at Qorikancha, once the most important temple in the Inca Empire. Continue to the historic center to explore Plaza de Armas Cusco and Cusco Cathedral, then wander through the charming San Blas district. Your tour may also include impressive nearby Inca sites such as Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay, offering a deeper look into the history and ingenuity of the Inca civilization.
After taking in all the key sites of Cusco, return to your hotel to relax—either enjoy a cocktail at the bar or unwind with a massage, taking advantage of the included credit from your booking.
In the evening, take a short walk through the historic center to Morena Peruvian Kitchen, experiencing the magic of Cusco at night as the cathedral and Plaza de Armas Cusco are beautifully illuminated. Enjoy dinner in this lively, upstairs setting overlooking the square, known for its vibrant atmosphere and creative cocktails—often prepared tableside—for a fun and memorable final night out.
Need to know
This itinerary can be easily combined with other destinations in South America. Reach out to book or customize your journey!

Travel Advisor
Jennifer Mitchell
Jennifer Mitchell
Get in touch with Jennifer Mitchell
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