OVERVIEW
On this particular visit to Cusco, delve into the most bohemian side of the city. Experience the live culture of Cusco in activities that encompass the art and tradition that it contains, where every detail, color and form tells a story and has a reason for being. Also, enjoy Lima and marvel at everything that the capital of Peru, so cosmopolitan and modern, has to offer travellers.
Day 1 : ARRIVAL IN LIMA (- / - / -)
A transportation service will pick you up from the airport at the scheduled time to transfer you to your hotel in Lima. The Peruvian capital is a modern metropolis full of history, currently undergoing an exciting process of cultural and economic changes.
In the afternoon, visit the Magic Water Circuit of Lima, a modern fountain system (certified as the largest in the world by the Guinness World Records) built in La Exposicion Park. The fountain system attracts crowds during summer and winter, consolidating it as one of the new attractions of Lima. After the tour,return to your hotel.
▪ Overnight at the selected hotel in Lima
Day 2 : LIMA / PALOMINO ISLANDS – CALLAO MONUMENTAL (B / - / -)
In the morning, discover the richness of the coast of Lima on a walk through the Palomino Islands, just six miles from the shore. These islands are home to hundreds of animals, including birds and sea lions. After the tour, disembark at the dock and visit Callao Monumental–an urban art project that seeks to encourage cultural development as a way to integrate the community and improve the quality of life of the residents of the area, as well as the promotion of local artists. As a result of this initiative, the area has been recovered and the artists themselves participate by teaching their techniques to children and young people from nearby neighborhoods, training new talents and giving them a future job opportunity. The route includes visits to art galleries and bohemian restaurants that have become a new fashionable attraction in the city. Finally, a transport will take you back to your hotel to prepare you for your flight to Cusco the next day.
▪ Overnight at the selected hotel in Lima.
Day 3 : LIMA - CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY AND LIVING MUSEUM OF YUCAY (B / - / -)
A vehicle will take you to the airport in Lima to take your flight to Cusco. Once in the Imperial City, a transport will transfer you to your hotel in Sacred Valley. On the way, visit the Living Museum of Yucay, an Andean traditions interpretation centre with demonstrations of the production of textile work, adobe, pottery and silverware, following the techniques used by the ancestors. Also, residents of the museum include llamas, sheep and alpacas, and they can be fed!
▪ Overnight at the selected hotel in Sacred Valley.
Day 4 : SACRED VALLEY/ MARAS & MORAY - OLLANTAYTAMBO (B / L / -)
Head, crossing the Sacred Valley, to the Moray archaeological site. As with many Inca sites, its exact purpose remains a mystery, although its concentric circular terraces design suggests that each level had a different microclimate. Continue to Maras, where the salt lagoons create a stunning scene. The thousands of small ponds provide jobs and help feed many local families. In Inca times, the salt deposits were an important economic centre of great value to the imperial economy.
Finally, start your tour of the town of Ollantaytambo. Appreciate the Andean essence breathed in the place while walking among its streets -which still maintain Inca urban planning, and are inhabited since then- and climb the iconic fortress, built next to the mountain. After the walk, enjoy a delicious lunch enlivened with a show of horses passing before returning to your hotel to rest full of the Inca spirit.
▪ Overnight at the selected hotel in Sacred Valley.
Day 5 : SACRED VALLEY - HORSEBACK RIDING (B / L / -)
This day, we will see the Paso Horse up close, a Peruvian symbol of singular stride, that earns them a spot in the traditional Peruvian marinera dance. After a brief training session, and putting on our Peruvian hats or horse riding helmets, we will get on the horse’s back to saunter across the enticing trails of the Sacred Valley, during a three-hour ride. Finally you will have lunch at Hacienda Huayoccari and then go back to your hotel.
▪ Overnight at the selected hotel in Sacred Valley.
Day 6 : SACRED VALLEY - AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU (B / L / -)
A transportation service will pick you up and transfer you to the Ollantaytambo Station to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu. Take the train to Aguas Calientes, travel observing the Andean landscapes during a journey of an hour and a half. Our guide will be waiting for you and will accompany you until the departure point of the bus. Afterwards, take a bus for the 25-minute journey up to Machu Picchu, known as the "Lost city of the Incas".
It is believed that this archaeological site was built in 1450 by the Inca Pachacutec as his holiday home. However, a century later, the city was abandoned after the Spanish conquest, escaping the destruction that azotó other Incas settlements. Along with the guided tour, you will have the opportunity to learn about the origins of this impressive city and explore its most outstanding monuments.
After completing the tour, you will take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will enjoy lunch at your selected restaurant.
*Lunch time could vary depending on the entrance to the citadel.
*Due to the citadel’s limited capacity, we recommend that you confirm your booking as soon as possible to proceed with the tickets purchase. Tickets are subject to availability.
▪ Overnight at the selected hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).
Day 7 : AGUAS CALIENTES - CUSCO - VISIT TO PLANETARIUM CUSCO (B / - / -)
Today, you can optionally return to Machu Picchu. You may discover the views from Huayna Picchu, which is about 360 metres above Machu Picchu with an underground temple complex; and from Inti Punku, which offers even better views from about 390 metres above the citadel. Another option is the Inca Bridge, a secret military trail, which controls access to the citadel. In the afternoon, transfer to the Aguas Calientes station and take the train back to Ollantaytambo station. From here you will be transferred to your hotel in Cusco.
During the afternoon you will visit the Planetarium Cusco. This is a centre of cultural interpretation on Inca astronomy, astronomical observatory and a beautiful place surrounded by nature, all in one experience. Upon arrival, you will have a talk about Inca astronomy and then a virtual projection of the southern sky in the Dome, where you will see the constellations. Finally, you will participate in an observation activity with a telescope.
▪ Overnight at the selected hotel in Cusco.
Day 8 : CUSCO – CUSCO CITY TOUR & SACSAYHUAMAN (B / - / -)
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of this charming city, which was the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour begins by visiting the Santo Domingo Convent that was built on the Inca temple of the Coricancha, one of the most important enclosures dedicated to the cult of the sun. The ancient chronicles say that its walls were covered with gold leaf and full of golden representations of nature.
Then, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument of main square. Then head towards the Cusco hills where the fortress of Sacsayhuaman is located, whose imposing walls offer an impressive panoramic view of Cusco. In the afternoon, get sweet in a chocolate preparation workshop where you will also learn about its origin and production processes.
▪ Overnight at the selected hotel in Cusco.
Day 9 : INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE (B / - / -)
A vehicle will take you to the airport in Cusco to board your departure flight.
Our services include :
- Shared services operated with a guide in Spanish and English.
- Two nights of accommodation in Lima; three nights accommodation in Sacred Valley; One night accommodation in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) and two nights accommodation in Cusco.
- Breakfast from day 2.
- Lunch on day 4 and day 5 in the Sacred Valley and on the 6th in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town)
- First private transfer from the airport to the hotel with a representative in Lima.
- Private transfer from the hotel to the airport with a driver in Lima.
- Private transfers from/to the airport with a representative in Cusco.
- Shared transfers from/ to train station.
- Train to Machu Picchu regular service (Voyager or Expedition). For luxury category, the superior train service (Vistadome or 360).
- All visits indicated in the program: Palomino Islands, Living Museum of Yucay; archaeological complex of Moray, salt mines of Maras and archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley; Machu Picchu on day 6; Coricancha and Sacsayhuaman, Planetarium and ChocoMuseum in Cusco. Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC ticket) included.
Our services do not include :
- Expenses of a personal nature, beverages and meals not stated in the programme.
- Tips for driver and guide.
- Additional optional visits.
- Mandatory supplementary for special dates like Easter Holidays, Inti Raymi, National Holidays, Christmas and New Year´s mentioned separately.
- International flights to Peru.
- Domestic flights (we advise booking the first flights in the morning).
B=Breakfast L= Lunch D= Dinner BL= Box Lunch
Peru, a country in South America, is renowned for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and ancient civilizations. Here's your travel guide to exploring Peru :
Machu Picchu :
Ancient Wonder : Visit the iconic Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city perched high in the Andes, offering stunning vistas and fascinating ruins.
Inca Trail : Hike the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, a multi-day trek passing through beautiful landscapes and Incan archaeological sites.
Cusco :
Historical City : Explore the city of Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, known for its colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and Incan ruins like Sacsayhuaman.
Sacred Valley : Discover archaeological sites, traditional villages, and scenic landscapes in the Sacred Valley, including Pisac and Ollantaytambo.
Lima :
Cultural Capital : Experience Peru's capital city, Lima, known for its historic center, museums like Museo Larco, and vibrant culinary scene.
Miraflores : Explore the coastal district of Miraflores, offering parks, shopping, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Arequipa :
Colonial Architecture : Visit the "White City" of Arequipa, known for its Spanish colonial buildings, Santa Catalina Monastery, and nearby Colca Canyon.
Amazon Rainforest :
Puerto Maldonado/Iquitos : Explore the Peruvian Amazon, offering wildlife encounters, jungle treks, and eco-lodges for immersive rainforest experiences.
Travel Tips :
Altitude : Be mindful of altitude sickness in high-altitude regions like Cusco and Machu Picchu; acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.
Weather : Peru has diverse climates, so pack accordingly for different regions and seasons.
Local Culture : Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting indigenous communities and archaeological sites.
Peru's blend of ancient history, natural beauty, and diverse culture makes it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking adventure amidst stunning landscapes.
On this particular visit to Cusco, delve into the most bohemian side of the city. Experience the live culture of Cusco in activities that encompass the art and tradition that it contains, where every detail, color and form tells a story and has a reason for being. Also, enjoy Lima and marvel at everything that the capital of Peru, so cosmopolitan and modern, has to offer travellers.