SAGE Peru: The Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Journey pairs a full 20.0-hour sedation and anesthesia curriculum with a carefully paced journey through Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Palcoyo.

Journey into the heart of the Inca world on an immersive exploration of Peru’s Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the high Andean landscapes of Palcoyo. Thoughtfully paced to allow a gentle introduction to the altitude, the journey begins amid the fertile valleys, terraced hillsides, and traditional villages that once formed the agricultural and spiritual center of the Inca Empire.

Explore the ancient ruins and living market of Pisac, walk among the extraordinary salt terraces of Maras, and discover the concentric agricultural laboratories of Moray. In Ollantaytambo, original Inca streets, flowing water channels, and monumental stone terraces remain woven into the fabric of daily life. Encounters with contemporary artisans and carefully selected restaurants add a deeper appreciation for the region’s enduring creativity and distinctive culinary traditions.

The journey continues by panoramic rail through the dramatic Urubamba canyon to Machu Picchu. Two guided visits offer the rare luxury of time, allowing this legendary citadel to be experienced beyond a single first impression. Explore its ceremonial, residential, and agricultural sectors, admire the precision of its stonework, and consider the profound relationship between Inca architecture, sacred geography, and the surrounding mountains. An overnight within Inkaterra’s private cloud-forest sanctuary provides an atmospheric pause between visits.

Returning to Cusco, discover the former imperial capital on foot, where masterful Inca foundations stand beneath richly ornamented colonial churches and graceful plazas. The journey culminates with an expedition into the remote high Andes, pausing at the historic bridges of Checacupe before continuing to Palcoyo, where mineral-rich ridges unfold in bands of crimson, ochre, gold, and green beneath distant views of Ausangate.

Throughout the program, refined accommodations, private transportation, expert local guiding, thoughtfully chosen dining, and attentive support create a seamless experience. More than a visit to Peru’s celebrated landmarks, this is an encounter with a living cultural landscape—one shaped by ancient ingenuity, spiritual tradition, dramatic natural beauty, and the enduring rhythms of Andean life.

Arrive in Cusco, where you are welcomed at the airport and begin a carefully paced descent into the lower Sacred Valley. This gentler introduction to the Andes allows time to acclimatize while immediately revealing the beauty of the region.

Explore the remarkable terraces and ceremonial spaces of Pisac, wander through its lively market, and enjoy lunch at Hacienda Huayoccari before settling into your peaceful valley retreat. The day concludes with a welcome orientation and the opening educational sessions.

The descent from approximately 3,400 meters supports gradual acclimatization.

Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of Peru's Sacred Valley, Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel & Villas offers a peaceful retreat where breathtaking landscapes and authentic Andean hospitality come together.

Set amid expansive gardens beside the Urubamba River, the property provides a welcome sense of tranquility while placing guests at the heart of one of the Inca Empire's most storied regions.

Spacious guestrooms and private villas blend contemporary comfort with traditional Peruvian design, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere after days spent exploring ancient ruins, vibrant markets, and picturesque villages.

Guests can stroll the beautifully landscaped grounds, relax in the hotel's spa, or savor locally inspired cuisine crafted from the valley's fresh seasonal ingredients.

Perfectly positioned between Cusco and Machu Picchu, Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado serves as an elegant base for discovering the cultural treasures and spectacular scenery of the Andes. With its serene setting, refined accommodations, and genuine Peruvian hospitality, it offers an experience that captures the timeless beauty and spirit of the Sacred Valley.

Travel through the dramatic landscapes of the Sacred Valley to the ancient salt pans of Maras, where thousands of mineral-fed pools cascade down the mountainside and remain worked by local families today.

Continue to Moray, whose sculpted circular terraces are believed to have served as an ingenious Inca agricultural laboratory. After exploring these extraordinary sites, enjoy a refined lunch at UNU Restaurant, where seasonal ingredients from the valley are interpreted with contemporary flair.

Academic sessions are thoughtfully incorporated into the day.

Discover Ollantaytambo, one of the finest surviving examples of Inca urban planning and a rare place where ancient streets, stone homes, and flowing water channels remain part of everyday life.

Explore the monumental fortress terraces rising above the village before continuing to the workshop of celebrated ceramic artist Pablo Seminario, whose contemporary pieces draw inspiration from Peru’s pre-Columbian traditions.

Following lunch at Manos Restaurant, return to the lodge for a final evening amid the tranquility of the Sacred Valley.

Board the panoramic Inca Rail 360° for a spectacular journey alongside the Urubamba River and through the narrowing canyon toward Aguas Calientes. From here, ascend by shuttle through the cloud forest to Machu Picchu.

With an expert guide, begin exploring the citadel’s ceremonial, residential, and agricultural sectors while considering the extraordinary relationship between Inca engineering, sacred geography, and the surrounding mountains.

After lunch at Café Inkaterra, settle into the serene Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, hidden within a private cloud-forest sanctuary.

Today is devoted to one of the world's truly extraordinary places—Machu Picchu, the legendary Inca citadel perched high among the cloud forests of the Andes. After a scenic journey through the Sacred Valley, arrive at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where your expert guide will bring the remarkable history of the Inca civilization to life.

As you wander through ancient temples, ceremonial plazas, agricultural terraces, and finely crafted stone structures, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and spiritual significance of this breathtaking sanctuary. Hear the stories behind its rediscovery, marvel at its astonishing engineering, and take in unforgettable panoramic views from every turn.

Following your guided exploration, enjoy time to absorb the atmosphere at your own pace—capture photographs, reflect on the serenity of the surrounding mountains, or simply savor the privilege of standing in one of the world's most iconic archaeological treasures.

After an unforgettable day, return by train through the spectacular Urubamba Valley before continuing to your hotel, carrying with your memories of an experience that remains one of South America's greatest highlights.

Hidden within a lush mountainside cloud forest, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel offers an extraordinary retreat just moments from the ancient citadel. Set amid acres of pristine gardens alive with orchids, hummingbirds, and rushing streams, the hotel feels less like a resort than a secluded Andean village embraced by nature.

Elegant casitas, connected by winding stone paths, blend timeless craftsmanship with understated luxury, creating an atmosphere of warmth, tranquility, and authenticity. Here, guests awaken to birdsong, stroll through one of Peru's richest botanical sanctuaries, and savor the quiet rhythm of the cloud forest before or after exploring Machu Picchu.

Consistently regarded as one of Peru's premier luxury lodges, Inkaterra offers an experience that is both restorative and immersive—an unforgettable setting where refined hospitality and the natural beauty of the Andes combine to create one of the country's most remarkable places to stay.

This morning, return to Machu Picchu for a second visit—an uncommon privilege that allows you to experience this extraordinary sanctuary beyond the first impression. With more time to wander its ancient pathways, you'll discover quieter corners, appreciate the remarkable precision of Inca stonework, and absorb the tranquil beauty that has captivated travelers for generations.

As the morning light moves across the emerald terraces and mist drifts through the surrounding peaks, the citadel reveals a different character. Without the urgency of seeing everything at once, there is time to pause, reflect, and truly connect with one of the world's most inspiring archaeological treasures.

Those wishing to explore further may choose one of the optional hiking routes (subject to availability and permit), while others can simply linger among the temples, terraces, and ceremonial spaces, taking in spectacular views and capturing unforgettable photographs.

Following your visit, descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding your scenic Vistadome train through the Sacred Valley.

Relax as the Andes unfold outside your window, then continue to Cusco, where the evening is yours to unwind and reflect on two remarkable days immersed in the heart of the Inca Empire.

Set within an exquisitely restored 18th-century manor, Casa Andina Premium Cusco offers an elegant introduction to Peru's historic capital. Behind its centuries-old stone walls, graceful colonial architecture, peaceful courtyards, and handcrafted details create an atmosphere that reflects Cusco's remarkable blend of Inca and Spanish heritage.

Perfectly positioned just moments from the Plaza de Armas, the hotel invites guests to explore the city's vibrant cafés, galleries, markets, and historic landmarks before returning to a sanctuary of understated luxury. Combining authentic character with modern comforts and warm Peruvian hospitality, Casa Andina Premium Cusco provides a memorable and sophisticated base from which to discover one of the world's most enchanting destinations.

Board the panoramic Inca Rail 360° for a spectacular journey alongside the Urubamba River and through the narrowing canyon toward Aguas Calientes. From here, ascend by shuttle through the cloud forest to Machu Picchu.

With an expert guide, begin exploring the citadel’s ceremonial, residential, and agricultural sectors while considering the extraordinary relationship between Inca engineering, sacred geography, and the surrounding mountains.

After lunch at Café Inkaterra, settle into the serene Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, hidden within a private cloud-forest sanctuary.

Explore Cusco on foot with your private guide, beginning in the grand Plaza de Armas and continuing into Cusco Cathedral, where richly adorned chapels and colonial masterpieces reflect the city’s Spanish legacy.

From here, walk to Qorikancha, once the most sacred temple of the Inca Empire, and the adjoining Church of Santo Domingo, built directly upon its finely fitted stone foundations.

The striking interplay of Inca masonry and colonial architecture offers a compelling window into Cusco’s layered past—a story of conquest and transformation, but also of resilience, adaptation, and enduring cultural identity.

Journey deep into the high Andes, passing sweeping grasslands, grazing alpacas, and remote mountain communities.

Pause at Checacupe to see its historic Inca and colonial bridges before continuing toward Palcoyo, a quieter and less-visited alternative to Peru’s better-known rainbow mountain.

A moderate walk leads across the high-altitude plateau to views of three mineral-rich ridges unfolding in bands of crimson, ochre, gold, and green, with the distant Ausangate Glacier rising beyond.

Return toward Cusco for lunch at UNU Restaurante, followed by the closing educational sessions and program dinner.

Depart Cusco early this morning with your private guide, traveling south through the Andean countryside toward the historic village of Checacupe. Here, pause to admire its remarkable bridges, including a traditional handwoven Inca-style suspension bridge and neighboring colonial-era crossings—a striking reflection of the region’s layered history and enduring traditions.

Continue into the high Andes, where remote farming communities, grazing alpacas, and broad mountain valleys unfold along the road to Palccoyo. Set within the Vilcanota Range, this lesser-visited landscape reveals not one but several naturally striated mountains, their mineral-rich slopes washed in subtle bands of ochre, rose, green, and gold.

From the trailhead, set out on a relatively gentle walk across the high-altitude plateau. Although less strenuous than the better-known Vinicunca route, Palccoyo rises to nearly 16,000 feet, and the unhurried pace allows time to acclimate, absorb the profound silence, and take in sweeping views toward snowcapped Ausangate.

Continue toward the extraordinary Stone Forest, where wind and weather have sculpted the rock into dramatic natural formations. With fewer visitors and a broader sweep of scenery, Palccoyo offers a quieter and more contemplative encounter with the Andes—one defined not only by color, but by immense skies, sacred peaks, and the enduring presence of traditional mountain life.

Following the walk, enjoy lunch before beginning the scenic return journey to Cusco.