CLASSIC PERU ESSENTIALS

WELCOME TO PERU! Once the capital of the Spanish Viceroyalty, Lima is now a vibrant metropolis and one of Peru’s great culinary destinations.

Upon arrival at Jorge Chavez International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Lima.

Discover more than 2,000 years of history and the distinctive cityscapes that make Lima so captivating.

Begin with a visit to Lima’s Historic Center, where architecture from the 16th century to the present day tells the story of the city. Stroll through the Plaza de Armas and admire landmarks such as the Archbishop’s Palace, Lima City Hall, and the Government Palace. Continue to the San Francisco Convent, whose origins date back to the 16th century.

Visit historic Casa Aliaga, continuously inhabited by the same family for more than 17 generations, dating back to the arrival of conquistador Jeronimo de Aliaga, a companion of Francisco Pizarro.

Continue through some of Lima’s most traditional residential districts, including San Isidro, El Olivar, and Larcomar. Stop at the famous Park of Love for spectacular views over the Pacific Ocean.

Transfer to Lima Airport for your flight to Cusco.

Upon arrival, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel, where you can rest and begin acclimating to Cusco’s elevation of approximately 11,000 ft.

This afternoon, discover the fascinating history, art, and culture of Cusco.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and some time at leisure before setting out to explore the former capital of the Inca Empire.

Begin with a leisurely walk from the San Cristobal look-out, then continue through the picturesque streets of San Blas toward Siete Borreguitos, one of Cusco’s most photographed streets. Along the way, see the historic water channels of Sapantiana before finishing at Cusco Cathedral, renowned for its extraordinary collection of colonial art. One highlight is Marcos Zapata’s Andean interpretation of The Last Supper, where even the meal reflects local tradition with a roasted guinea pig at the table.

A day of spectacular landscapes, local flavors, and centuries of Inca history.

Set out toward the Sacred Valley and begin with the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, strategically positioned on a hill overlooking Cusco. The site is famous for its enormous precisely fitted stones, some more than 30 ft (9 m) high and weighing over 150 tons.

Visit a llama farm, where you will have the chance to meet, pet, and feed these gentle Andean animals.

Continue into the Sacred Valley, framed by snowcapped mountains and fertile cornfields. Corn is one of the valley’s most important crops – imagine kernels nearly the size of your thumb!

Visit the traditional Pisac Market before continuing to Urubamba for a traditional countryside lunch, included in your program.

In the afternoon, walk through the historic streets of Ollantaytambo, where forces led by Manco Inca achieved their first victory over the Spanish conquistadors.

Later, transfer to Ollantaytambo train station and board the train to Aguas Calientes.

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Today, uncover the remarkable architecture, engineering, and water systems of the Inca world.

In the morning, take a 25-minute bus ride to the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Your guided visit follows the circuit included with your ticket and may feature the Guardian’s House, the Temple of the Sun, the Pachamama Sanctuary, the quarries, the Main Plaza, and other iconic areas.

The afternoon is at leisure to relax, visit the hot springs, or enjoy a soothing massage.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Travel by train through the dramatic Vilcanota Canyon and continue into a landscape where ancestral traditions remain alive.

In the morning, board the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, meet your transfer and continue to the Maras Salt Mines.

Explore this extraordinary open-air salt complex, where salt is still harvested from more than 4,000 small terraced pools using techniques passed down through generations.

Continue along the Vilcanota mountain range, with snowcapped peaks in the distance, and pass through the town of Maras, known for its colonial streets and carved doorways bearing the coats of arms of noble families and local leaders from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Then continue to a local community for a meaningful encounter and a unique local lunch.

Enjoy an authentic Andean lunch in the home of a local resident.

Return to Cusco.

Overnight at your selected hotel in Cusco.

Until we meet again.

Early in the morning, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Thank you for visiting Peru!