
Sublime scenery, mysterious Inca ruins and intriguing cities: Peru offers a rare mix of experiences perfect for intrepid travelers. On this 8-day escorted tour, discover the colors and charms of Lima before flying to Cusco and exploring the dramatic peaks and ruins of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The highlight is a trip to Machu Picchu, where a 15th-century Inca citadel sits high among the Andes peaks.
Read moreItinerary at a glance:
Board your international flight to Lima and begin your journey to explore Peru. Arrive in Lima in the late evening today or early morning next day. Transfer to your hotel upon arrival for a good rest.
Your tour starts with a visit to downtown around the noon time. Arrive at the Main Square, where Lima was first founded as "The City of Kings," in 1535, and then as capital of the Republic of Peru, in 1821, when the country became independent from the Spanish Crown. There you see the Presidential Palace and the Lima Cathedral, apart from the Aliaga House, an ancient viceregal house delivered by Francisco Pizarro to his captain Jerónimo de Aliaga, after the foundation of the city, and its construction started in 1535. You then go to San Francisco Convent Church, which has an enviable collection of old books and it is possible to visit an authentic network of catacombs. When you finish the visit to the built-up area, a World Heritage listed by UNESCO, you will visit the modern Miraflores and San Isidro Districts, ending the tour at the Love Park, located in front of the ocean, which shows a spectacular sight of Lima's Bay.
Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner at hotel
A transportation service with a representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for a short flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, meet the local guide and immediately transfer to Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You will start your tour in Awanakancha, an exhibition center of textiles and South American camelids, considered a living museum and here you can see Andean camelids, learn about the techniques to take their wool and finally acquire finely spun garments. You will then visit the Pisac market, consisting of dozens of stalls displaying and selling goods crafted by residents of the area. You can find textiles, carvings, and replicas of ancient Inca pieces. Continue to your hotel for check in. Dinner will be served at hotel's restaurant.
Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner at hotel
Begin your trip today with visits to the archaeological vestiges of Maras and Moray. Maras is an impressive salt mine complex. These are huge salt deposits that were exchanged for other products from other parts of the empire. Moray's archaeological vestiges are composed of mysterious concentric circular terraces which, according to some scholars, would be an agricultural research center. The higher external terraces would be at a higher temperature than the inner terraces and could simulate the different ecological strata of the empire. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue the trip to the Ollantaytambo Park, stopping at various points of interest along the route. Ollantaytambo is a typical example of the urban planning of the Incas, whose residents still live in accordance with their old traditions. Pachacútec (1438-1471) conquered the town, destroyed it and built a new one, absorbing it as part of his empire, and it is currently considered one of the most remarkable archaeological complexes of the Inca Empire. Enjoy dinner at hotel in Sacred Valley.
Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner at hotel
Your tour to Machu Picchu begins with a 2-hour Vistadome train ride to Aguas Calientes. This town is also known as "Machu Picchu pueblo" and is the last stop before the entrance to the remains of the most important archaeological site in Peru. Walk to the bus station and finally, after a short shuttle bus transfer you will reach Machu Picchu, a masterpiece of engineering and architecture that is believed served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacutec (1438 - 1572). Machu Picchu, which means "Old Mountain", is considered a World Heritage by UNESCO and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Enjoy an unforgettable guided tour throughout the citadel. After lunch, board the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo station. Transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch
This morning enjoy a walking tour of Cusco city. Start at the Koricancha Temple, one of the most important buildings in the city. It was one of the most important centers of worship to the Sun God of the Incas that was converted into a convent after the arrival of the Spanish. Then continue to the wonderful Cusco Cathedral, built between 1560 and 1664. After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to the Sacsayhuamán fortress, one of the emblematic Inca constructions, built by Inca Pachacútec in the 15th century. It is a huge fortress made of very large stones, and the manner in which they were transported and cut is still a mystery. Then go to Qenqo, a mainly religious archaeological complex where it is believed that propitiatory agricultural rituals were carried out. Continue to Puka Pukara, which means "red fortress", was an architectural complex presumably used for military purposes. Next, explore the fountains of Tambomachay, a construction that has fine stone finishings and high command of hydraulic engineering, with aqueducts that continue supplying clear water to this place. This archaeological complex is also known as the "Inca Bath", a leisure place for the Inca and his entourage. Dinner is served this evening at a famous local restaurant, where you will enjoy the best panoramic view of the marvelous Main Square of Cusco, enjoying folk dance and music performances.
Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner and show
Fly to Lima and transfer to hotel upon arrival. The rest of the day is free for you at leisure. Lima is a modern metropolis full of history, which has approximately ten million inhabitants and is going through an exciting process of cultural and economic changes. This evening dinner is served at a local restaurant.
Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner
Transfer to the airport and board your international flight back to the United States.
Included: Breakfast at hotel
7 Nights deluxe hotel accommodation
Daily breakfast at hotel, 3 lunches and 5 dinners at local restaurants
Comprehensive sightseeing in each city
English speaking local guide in each city
Admission fee to UNESCO site- Machu Picchu and other tourist attractions listed in the itinerary
Train tickets from Allanta to Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu - Ollanta or Poroy in Vistadome class
Round trip group airport transfers in Lima
Comfortable air-conditioned coach with professional drivers
Personal audio headset systems for an enhanced touring experience (on select larger groups)
Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 10 guests
Private comprehensive sightseeing in each city
Private round trip airport transfers in Lima
Private tour for 2-3 Passengers: Additional $300 per person
Private tour for 4 Passengers: Additional $200 per person
Private tour for 5-9 Passengers: Additional $100 per person
Private tour for 10+ Passengers: No Additional cost. Please Contact US for booking
Discover a new take on travel at Aloft Lima Miraflores, the first-ever Aloft hotel to make its home in Peru. Interweaving classic social scenes with a renewed sense of vibrancy, our hotel in Lima, Peru offers amenities and services that are high-tech and anticipate your needs. Additionally, our incomparable location provides any corporate traveler or adventurer with an easy commute to countless destinations, including Barranco, Larcomar and el Malecon de Miraflores.
Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness is built along the Vilcanota riverbank, on the lands of an old 17th-century colonial hacienda, just one and a half hours from the city of Cusco and forty minutes from the Ollantaytambo train station, on the way to Machu Picchu. The hotel has rooms decorated in colonial style and others with modern and minimalist style.
Considered a historic landmark, Palacio del Inka is a five-centuries-old mansion located in the heart of downtown Cusco. Our unique hotel's captivating design embraces historical aspects of our Peruvian culture while maintaining world-class luxury and modern conveniences. Each of our unique guest rooms and suites is fashioned with traditional colonial decor and a rich color palate evocative of the local Peruvian heritage.