Cusco & Machu Picchu
Cusco is the historical capital of the Inca Empire and the gateway to Machu Picchu. It’s a popular base for exploring the entire Sacred Valley while offering a number of highlights of its own, including beautifully preserved colonial buildings, art galleries, and markets like San Pedro where you can try unique eats like guinea pig. Of course, the crown jewel of the region is the famous “lost city” that can be reached with a life-affirming four-day trek on the Inca trail. It’s also possible to ride a train that rolls alongside the Urubamba River, squeezing through precipitous canyon walls before reaching the dramatic sight.