Overview:
Taste of Peru (Suggested Holiday)
Day 1 Arrive Lima
Day 2 Lima City Tour with a visit to the Larco Museum and Gold Museum
Day 3 Transfer to Cusco
Day 4 Cusco City Tour and visit to nearby ruins
Day 5 Sacred Valley Tour
Day 6-7 Machu Picchu
Day 8 Cusco
Days 1-2:
Lima
Day 1: Arrive Lima
Airport Transfer to hotel. The hotel we recommend is located in the Miraflores district. This district is the new cultural and social hub of Lima. Miraflores boasts many culinary restaurants, local shops, cafes and theatres, making the district popular with travellers and brings a cosmopolitan atmosphere to your Peruvian adventure. The Miraflores district is also easily assessable to the historical city centre. The distance from Miraflores to the airport is approximately between 30 to 45minutes. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Day 2: Sightseeing Lima
After breakfast there is a full day tour to explore Lima’s ancient history through its historical sites and museums. Morning highlights include visiting the Plaza de Armas (also known as Plaza Mayor), the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace), City Hall, the Basilica Cathedral of Lima, and the House of El Oidor.
After lunch, visit the grandeur of the Torre Tagle Palace and Osambela House. Followed by two of the most visited tourist Museums in Lima, the Larco Museum and the Gold museum of Peru Museum both containing staggering displays of gold, silver, ceramics and artefacts from ancient Peru.
For the evening there is time at leisure to relax or enjoy one of the many fabulous restaurants in the Miraflores district.
Days 3-4:
Cusco
Day 3: Lima to Cusco
This morning you will be taken to the airport to catch your flight from Lima to Cusco. (Flight Lima to Cuzco is not included in this package price). When you arrive into Cusco you will be transferred to your Cusco hotel. Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire and has an elevation of 3400m above sea level. We recommend you spend the rest of first day in Cusco at leisure to allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Drink lots of water and cups of coca tea which should be available in the hotel as this will ease the affect altitude can have on some people.
Cusco is also the archaeological capital of America and for good reason. It is one of the most important destinations in Peru and the gateway to one of the world’s most sacred ruins of an amazing ancient culture. With a mix of Spanish and Ancient Incan cultures, there are cobble-stoned streets, interwoven stone walls, Incan buildings, Andean Baroque structures from the Colonial Period like the Cathedral. You can stroll through the picturesque neighbourhood of San Blas or dine in one of the many modern cafes, bars and restaurants.
Day 4: Sightseeing Cusco
It’s an early start to the day with a full day sightseeing tour of Cusco. The tour today takes you to visit the Korikancha (Temple of the Sun), the Cathedral, and then continuing onto the nearby archaeological sites of the Tambomachay (Inca Fountains), Puca-Pukara (the red fortress), Qenko (Scared site) and finally the famous gigantic Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The many restaurants in your Hotel vicinity will let you sample the delicious Peruvian Cuisine. Overnight in Cusco.
Days 5-6 :
Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
Day 5: Journey Cusco to Sacred Valley
Today you will have a full day sightseeing to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Scared Valley is home to some breathtaking towns and sites including Maras, Moray, the fortress of Ollantaytambo and Pisac. Seeing these ruins and visiting the towns will enlighten your knowledge of just how sophisticated the Incas were and an insight into their ancient way of life. Enjoy the sights at your leisure and perhaps visit the colourful market of Pisa. Tonight you will stay in the Sacred Valley.
Day 6: Journey from Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is one of the main attractions when visiting Peru. You have seen postcards, read about it in magazines, seen documentaries and have had it on your list as a “must do” in your life. Today is the day you will not only see Machu Picchu but you will breathe the magic and the beauty of Machu Picchu!
Your full day Machu Picchu tour starts off with a transfer and train to Aquas Calientes for your bus ride up to Machu Picchu, this is an excellent option for those who do not have time to hike the Inca Trail or wish not to. On arrival in Machu Picchu your sightseeing tour of the ruins and entrance fee are included. Soak up the significance of your visit, enjoy the beautiful location and marvel in the intellect and architectural ability of the ancient Incan culture. It is amazing and spectacular just how appropriately located Machu Picchu is in its complimenting surroundings. The Inca Trail Walk can also be arranged for those wishing to experience the beautiful hike to Machu Picchu.
Due to Machu Picchu’s popularity with all travellers, we suggest that you go back for a second visit early the following morning before the trains arrive with the day tours. Spending time in the lost city of the Incas, soaking up the atmosphere without the crowds is a real spiritual experience. Hotels are located in Aguas Calientes and there is the also an option to stay at the Orient Express Hotel at the entrance gate into Machu Picchu. Please advise if you would like us to quote for this.
Also to consider is the climb up Huayna Picchu Mountain, tickets are limited and pre-booking is required. Your guide will be able to assist with this.
After a full day at Machu Picchu, you will be taken to your hotel in Aguas Calientes in the Machu Picchu region to spend the evening at your leisure.
Days 7-8:
Machu Picchu, Cusco
Day 7: Journey Machu Picchu to Cusco
After a relaxing morning in Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes, we will take you back by train back to your Cusco hotel. On arrival into Cusco you have the remainder of the day to relax, dine, wander through the colourful markets or get last minute souvenirs to remember your time here.
Day 8: Depart Cusco
Today you’re Cusco / Machu Picchu adventure concludes with a departure transfer to Cusco Airport or Train Station