Upon arrival at Lima International Airport you’ll be met by an Atelier concierge who will help with your bags, give you a snapshot of life in Lima, and assist with check-in at your hotel in Miraflores.

Your first full day of this Inca Trail tour takes you to Cusco and the Sacred Valley, for some of the most iconic wonders in South America. You’ll fly to Cusco from Lima, where a driver will be waiting to take you to your boutique hotel in the Sacred Valley for check-in. Depending on when you arrive, you may have time for some optional activities or simply take a stroll around this stunning part of Peru.

Today it’s time to delve deeper into the Sacred Valley and be transported to the age of the Inca, as you discover the superbly preserved archaeological sites of Pisac, Moray, and Ollantaytambo. These magnificent ancient wonders – with their terraces, solid walls and water channels – are worth the trip to Peru alone, so be sure to soak up their majesty at your own pace. Lunch comes courtesy of a local hacienda, known for its freshly farmed produce and sweeping Sacred Valley views while you dine. The perfect setting. You can also enjoy a thrilling ATV experience while here and visit the hypnotic ancient salt pools of Maras, which are still used by locals for salt extraction to this day. Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Your exclusive Inca Trail tour starts on day 4, as you travel through the Sacred Valley to the trailhead and have luxury glamping accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. The early stages of the Inca Trail are relatively easy, meaning more time to enjoy the beautiful surrounding scenery as you go. You’ll cover 11 km of forest tracks and riverbank pathways, gradually climbing through the Cusichaca Valley. Along the way, pass the Inca site of Llactapata before arriving at your deluxe accommodation near the village of Wayllabamba, and an evening of rest. Meals included: breakfast/lunch/dinner

Today is a more physical day of hiking, though all effort is amply rewarded with heavenly views of the Pacaymayo Valley, Andean forests, and conquering the highest mountain pass on the trail. Your 9km route leads you past crystal-clear streams and lush valleys, before entering a gorgeous Polylepis woodland reserve. Traversing steep ravines and grasslands you’ll then reach Warmihuañusca, ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’, at 4,200m/13,776ft above sea level for views of the snow-capped peaks and the onward trail – visibility permitting. A downhill hike past small ruins and wilderness takes you to Pacaymayo and your next camp, to watch the sunset over the mountains.

Day 3 of your luxury Inca Trail is the longest but also the most impressive, thanks to numerous archaeological sites you’ll pass along the way. These include the stunning ruins of Runcuraccay and Sayacmarca, intricate labyrinths of houses, plazas and water channels, perched precariously on a rocky spur overlooking the Aobamba Valley. The landscape as you hike opens onto spectacular new views to the snow-capped peaks of the Pumasillo Range as you walk, as well as entering cloud forest trails rich in colorful orchids, bromeliads. Descend towards your deluxe camp near your Phuyupatamarca for a final, unforgettable night under the stars – with gourmet food to match.

Today starts early, beginning with a 3-hour trek to the well-preserved Inca compound of Wiñaywayna and onwards to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. Into Punku is widely considered the ultimate Machu Picchu viewing point, perfectly elevated to admire the pristine lawns of the Citadel, a true wonder of the ancient world. In your own time, descend to the site itself for a private guided tour and an afternoon at leisure around the Lost City. Having explored and digested this legendary place, hop to the town of Aguas Calientes and board the 5-star Hiram Bigham Train towards Cusco, through the Sacred Valley on one of the most scenic and exclusive train journeys in South America.

This day is left completely at leisure to enjoy the fine restaurants, boutiques, and many cultural highlights of Cusco your own way. You may wish to explore Sacsayhuaman Fortress, visit the Qorikancha Temple (the most important of its kind in the Inca Empire), or lose yourself around the atmospheric – and historic – streets of Downtown Cusco around the Cathedral.

As your trip draws to a close, you may have time for one final walk around the area before your onward flight to Lima from Cusco and home, full of priceless memories of Peru.