| DAY 01 | Arrival in Lima |
|---|---|
| DAY 02 | Lima City & Food Tour |
| DAY 03 | Arrival in Cusco, Transfer to Hotel |
| DAY 04 | Cusco: Free day to Explore |
| DAY 05 | Sacred Valley Tour: Cusco - Chinchero - Ollantaytambo |
| DAY 06 | Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes |
| DAY 07 | Machu Picchu Excursion: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco |
| DAY 08 | Departing Cusco |
Peru is one of the most complete countries in the world that can be visited. It has the great
fortune of having a coast, mountains, and jungle and having a high variety of climate types,
which allows it to enjoy a great biological diversity. Tourism in Peru is one of the best
options.
Also, Peru stands out for its history, tradition, culture, and crafts. Do you want even
more reasons to visit it? Peruvian gastronomy is one of the most diverse that exists. In recent
years, Peruvian chefs have become experts in experiencing new flavors and their gastronomy is
recognized as one of the best in the world.
As if all this were not enough, the best of the
country remains to be named: the kindness and hospitality of its inhabitants.
Welcome to Lima, Peru's largest city and central metropolitan hub, and home to one-third of the
country's population. Located at the site of a pre-Columbian indigenous Ychsma settlement, which
was conquered by the Inca empire in the 15th century and later by the Spanish conquistadores,
Lima has a fascinating history and a diverse mix of cultures. Amerindian, European,
Afro-Peruvian, and Asian—especially Chinese and Japanese—influences make Lima a dynamic and
exciting city to explore.
Lima's breezy location on the Pacific Ocean and mild desert climate make it the perfect city for
exploring on foot. Head downtown to mingle with locals, stretch your legs, and grab a bite to
eat in one of the many award-winning restaurants.
Spend the day discovering Lima through its food. With a vibrant combination of Indigenous
American, African, Asian, and European culinary influences, Lima is one of the world's most
impressive gastronomic and cultural centers.
Start the day early in Lima's historical center to visit a local mercacado—a fresh food
market—to taste the local produce and sample spices, fruits, and various baked bread. Taste
different types of Piscos—a high proof brandy produced locally in the wine-making regions of
Peru and Chile. Attend a cooking class and learn how to make ceviche, a fresh seafood dish
marinated with salt and lime juice, and the traditional pisco sour—a Peruvian classic.
Stop for lunch at one of Lima's top restaurants and enjoy a delicious meal on a patio
overlooking the Pacific ocean. Stroll to the bohemian district of Barranco—a popular oceanside
neighborhood for artists, tourists, and locals alike—for a relaxed afternoon drinking coffee and
sampling Peruvian desserts.
Peruvian ceviche
Head to the Lima airport for your transfer flight to Cusco.
Remember: you will be 11,000 feet (3,000 m) above sea level, so take it easy and remember to
drink lots of water. Take a walk through the plaza if the weather is beautiful, it's a perfect
place to sit and have a cup of coca tea while adjusting to the elevation.
In the evening, take the opportunity to experience Cusco's celebrated culinary heritage at a
local restaurant.
Today you will explore Cusco and the surrounding ancient ruins. Since Cusco was designed by the Incas as a city for walking, start your exploration of the narrow stone alleyways on foot.
Suggested activities:
Peruvian ceviche
Today you will depart from your hotel in Cusco for a visit to the village of Chinchero, believed
by the Inca to be the birthplace of the rainbow. You will see extensive Inca terraces and
several small colonial-era churches, before exploring Chinchero's famous textile production and
weaving crafts. Tour a weaver's studio and learn about the process of cleaning and producing the
wool, then browse the selection of vibrant textiles for the perfect handmade gift.
Continue to Moray, a series of incredible stone amphitheaters built by the Inca. Considered one
of the world's most innovative and architecturally advanced cultures, the Inca likely used these
stone complexes for experimental agriculture in micro-climates.
From Moray walk (or take a bus) to the Salineras—the Moray Salt Flats—an intricate network of
stone pools developed by the Inca to harvest salt through evaporation. These salt flats are
still in use today and are carefully maintained by a close community with regulations and rules
that date back to the time of the Inca.
Spend the night in the small historic town of Ollantaytambo, high in the Sacred Valley. Explore
the surrounding stone fortresses, archeological ruins, and cobblestone streets of the town,
which remain remarkably intact similar to their original appearances after construction by the
Inca.
Ollantaytambo Fortress
Early in the morning, we will take the train from Ollantaytambo to Km 104 where the short Inca
Trail starts. By train, we see how the valley turns into a canyon and the scenery begins to
alter as the cloud forests appear on our approach to Machu Picchu. We will disembark the train
at Km 104 and start the hike along a challenging uphill path.
Start the trek to your first archeological site—Chachabamba. This beautiful site is very well
preserved thanks to its location in the valley and was likely used for religious purposes and as
a gatekeeping point for this entrance to Machu Picchu.
From here ascend for 3 hours to the ruins of Wiñay Wayna (2732 m / 8964 ft), an ancient rest
area for travelers on the Inca trail. Here, we'll stop to enjoy our delicious boxed lunch, with
superb views of the massive green mountains and native orchids.
The trail then becomes gentler and continues through the semi-tropical cloud forest to Intipunku
(Sun Gate) where you'll enjoy your first panoramic views of Machu Picchu. Descend half an hour
to the citadel for a short break and an opportunity for photos.
We won't be exploring the ruins today, as it will be getting dark. After passing through the Sun
Gate, we'll cross the site to take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where you'll check into our
hotel to rest and relax in anticipation of a full-day visit to Machu Picchu tomorrow.
Today we will catch the bus up to Machu Picchu to enjoy the ruins. It is a 25-minute bus ride to
the sanctuary of Machu Picchu (2400 m). Our guide will lead us in our exploration and discovery
of the many curious corners within the enigmatic Citadel of Machu Picchu. The guided tour will
have an average duration of 2 hours.
Afterward, you will still have some time to visit other places that you did not see with your
guide. For example, heading west from the center of Machu Picchu, the Inca bridge is a 30 minute
/ 2 Km or so walk along a narrow path. If you feel like an uphill challenge, you have the option
to climb the infamous Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. It is important to know that to
climb these peaks, you need to buy separate tickets in advance.
At the end of our visit, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then board
the train to Ollantaytambo. On arrival, we will be met by our driver who will transfer us to our
hotel in Cusco.
Today is your last day in Peru. You will be met at your hotel for a transfer to Cusco Airport, where you will transfer to your international departure. ¡Buen viaje!
