The Inca Empire existed for only a century but in that short time, it left a legacy that has turned Peru into one of the countries with most cultural wealth in the Americas. For eight days, you will discover the main attractions of the country, from Lima on the Pacific coast to Machu Picchu, the 'lost city of the Incas', on the top of the Andes. Discover beautiful colonial cities, the archaeological sites of ancient civilizations and explore some of the most spectacular landscapes of the planet in an unforgettable experience.
Lima: The capital of Peru is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts a large architectural offering with places such as the historic Casa Aliaga, the Cathedral and the Larco Museum.
Cusco: The ancient Inca capital is a mixture of pre-Columbian constructions and Spanish colonial architecture. Visit the Cathedral, the fortress of Sacsayhuaman and PukaPucara.
Moray: A mysterious archeological site of Inca origins made of concentric terraces with different microclimates.
Maras: The salt mines of this canyon offer an astonishing contrast with the rest of the Sacred Valley.
Awanakancha: Learn about llamas, alpacas, vicuñas in this farm/zoo and observe how the wool of this animals is knitted.
Pisac and Ollantaytambo: Discover the town of Pisac and the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo near the historic Urubamba River.
Machu Picchu: The lost city of the Incas is hidden on the top of an Andean peak and offers views not only of the mountain range but also of the Inca past.
Upon your arrival in Lima, a transportation service with the assistance of an English speaking representative will transfer you from the airport to your hotel.
Explore Lima´s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with fascinating historic buildings. Start with a scenic tour in the colonial downtown, which radiates from the Main Square visiting the Cathedral and Casa Aliaga. Continue to the Larco Museum, which is housed in a beautifully restored viceregal mansion. Finally, head to the "Love Park" in the scenic coastal district of Miraflores, where you can admire the cliffs and a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. Overnight at selected hotel in Lima. Breakfast included.
Breakfast at the hotel. You will be transferred from the hotel to Lima airport. Once you arrive at the airport of Cusco, a transportation service will be there transfer you to your hotel. A representative will inform you about the attractions and services that the city has to offer. The city tour starts at Coricancha, built by Inca Pachacutec and at the arrival of the Spaniards became the basis for the construction of the Santo Domingo Convent. You will continue your tour to the city´s Main Square where you will see its architecture and the imposing Cathedral. You will continue to the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the archaeological site of Quenqo and PukaPucara which means "Red Fortress".
You will start a tour to the archaeological sites of Maras and Moray. Maras presents a fantastic landscape; it is an impressive complex of extraction composed by large salt deposits. The archaeological complex of Moray consists of mysterious circular platforms used as an agricultural research centre as they could simulate the conditions of the different ecological floors of the empire. After the tour, you will be transferred to the hotel in Cusco.
You will head to the Sacred Valley where you visit the town of Chinchero, a picturesque town that houses one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru: a beautiful 17th century church. Continue your tour in the Living Museum of Yucay, an interpretation center of Andean traditions. You will have lunch and then visit Ollantaytambo, making a series of stops at points of interest. Finally, you will return to your hotel in Sacred Valley.
Your tour to Machu Picchu begins with a train ride to Aguas Calientes, the last stop before entering the remains of the most important archaeological site in Peru. After a short transfer by bus, you will reach the lost city of the Incas: Machu Picchu. At the end of the tour, you will take a bus back to Aguas Calientes and have lunch at ¨Cafe Inkaterra¨ Machu Picchu. The rest of the afternoon will be free. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
