INKATERRAfabienNE fossezCusco ,the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu No visitor is disappointed by Cusco, former capital of the Inca Empire, centre of Spanish colonial riches and modern university city with cutting-edge hotels and restaurants. Baroque churches overlay Inca walling, museums are stuffed with gold, and markets burst with fruit and intricate woven textiles. It's the jumping off point for the leisurely journey by train?or an energetic trek?to Machu Picchu, the 'lost city' of the Incas.A short drive from Cusco lies the Sacred Valley of the Incas (below), its fertile patchwork of fields sheltered by mountains, their slopes crafted with ancient agricultural terraces and their peaks capped with the grandiose ruins of ancient cities. Traditional towns such as Pisac and Chinchero explode into colour and festivity on market days. The fortress at Ollantaytambo towers over the river where the cliffs close in to form a tight gorge, wide enough only for a railway: this is the route of the train to Machu Picchu, which heads down towards the jungles of Amazonia.Cusco itself has some lovely hotels occupying converted mansions in all categories, from the good-value Los Marqueses to the high quality Casa Andina Private Collection or the ex-convent, the Monasterio, and a new addition to the boutique scene, La Casona. But consider staying in the Sacred Valley, where the lower altitude promises a milder climate and you'll be centrally placed to visit all the highlights. Choose between long-standing favourites such as the Sol y Luna, the new Tambo del Inka, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa; boutique hotels?Hotel Rio Sagrado, Urubamba is a fine one?or even stay in your own serviced cottage: the Urubamba Villas has a delightful rural location.Spend at least one night in the vicinity of Machu Picchu to appreciate the ruins at leisure. The Sanctuary is the only hotel next to the mountain-top site but in the village of Machu Picchu (ex Aguas Calientes) below there's a good choice: the first class riverside Inkaterra Machu Picchu (above) where cottages are set in orchid-filled gardens, the extremely well-appointed Sumaq and several more modest places.116 PeruISTOCKPHOTO.COM

PERU RAILsarah beard.CuscoBRAZIL--- SHORT BREAK TO CUSCO AND MACHU PICCHU --- CUSCO, MACHU PICCHU AND GAlÁpagos Lima..Machu PicchuQuito.GuayaquilPERUBOLIVIAECUADORCOLOMBIA.To Galápagos IslandsA short Break to Cusco and Machu Picchu 9 days, 7 nightsLima 1 night, Sacred Valley 2n, Machu Picchu 1n, Cusco 3n.Day 1 Fly from the UK to Lima. Day 2 Fly to Cusco (1hr) and continue by road across rolling green hills to the Sacred Valley of the Incas; unwind and acclimatise in a countryside hotel. Day 3 Visit the hilltop ruins that dominate the valley at Pisac and the towering temple fortress at the Inca village of Ollantaytambo. Day 4 Travel further down the valley?which narrows to a dramatic gorge?by train to the citadel of Machu Picchu, which sits astride a mountain saddle amid dense semi-tropical foliage. Guided tour of the ruins. Overnight in Aguas Calientes. Day 5 Further opportunity to visit the ruins. Return to Cusco by train. Day 6 Tour of the Inca capital and its rich colonial heritage. You will also visit the ruins of 4 important Inca sacred sites nearby. Day 7 At leisure in Cusco, or take an optional excursion outside the city. Day 8 Fly to Lima; there is time for an optional city tour of the monumental colonial heart of this vast, imperial capital. Late evening flight to the UK arriving day 9, or fly to Quito for a Galápagos Islands cruise (see below). Prices from £1,089pp (standard); £1,396(superior); £2,389 (deluxe) based on two sharing, excluding transatlantic flights. Daily departures from the UK Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Galápagos Islands 20 days, 19 nightsAs above but continue as follows: Quito 3 nights, Galápagos 7n, Guayaquil 1n.Day 8 Fly to Quito, Ecuador. Day 9 City tour of this Andean capital. Days 10&11 At leisure to explore the area. Days 12-19 Transfer to the airport for flight to the Galápagos Islands (1½ hrs) for a cruise on the motor sailer Cachalote. She carries 16 passengers in 8 air-conditioned cabins each with en suite facilities. Day 19 Fly to the Pacific port of Guayaquil, overnight. Day 20 Fly to UK, arriving day 21. Prices from £3,524pp (standard) based on two sharing, excluding transatlantic flights. hiram bingham train daily except sundays from cuscoOperated by Orient Express, this is the ultimate in luxury travel. You'll be relaxing in the sumptuously upholstered lounge and restaurant carriages, drinking in the dramatic views across the gorge and its thundering river while savouring multi-course gourmet meals with wine and low-key Peruvian-style entertainment. 020 8747 8315 / journeylatinamerica.co.uk bookings, consultant advice and additional information 117