Day 1 –  Travel to Peru

Today you will fly to Peru. We will discus the best possible connections that suits you.

Day 2 – Arrival in Lima

Upon your arrival, you will be greeted at the airport and escorted to your hotel. (Private transfer with English-speaking assistant included).

Accommodation suggestions:

Mid-Range:

• Villa Barranco by Ananay Hotels: A charming boutique hotel in the bohemian Barranco district. It offers a cosy atmosphere with beautifully restored colonial architecture.
  • Website: Villa Barranco
• Luxury:

Hotel B – Relais & Châteaux: A stunning boutique art hotel in Barranco, featuring exquisite design, an art collection, and personalised service.

• Website: Hotel B

Deluxe

Peru

Hotel B – Relais & Châteaux

Hotel B, a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection, is a luxurious boutique hotel...

Deluxe

Peru

Villa Barranco by Ananay Hotels

Villa Barranco is a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Barranco, Lima’s vibrant and...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 3 – Lima

Private Half-Day City Tour of Lima: Casa de Aliaga and Cathedral – English-speaking guide included.

Explore the historical heart of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through its most significant streets leading to Plaza de Armas, where you’ll have time to admire and photograph the stunning colonial architecture. Visit Casa de Aliaga, the oldest residence in the Americas still inhabited by the same family since its construction in 1535. This historic mansion has evolved over centuries, showcasing exquisite interior design and a rich legacy of Lima’s heritage.

Optional (additional cost):
Private Half-Day Barranco Artistic & Bohemian Walking Tour – English-speaking guide included.
Discover Lima’s artistic district, Barranco. Visit artists’ studios, boutique shops, and enjoy vibrant street art alongside breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Explore historic streets, plazas, and the iconic Bridge of Sighs while immersing yourself in the neighbourhood’s bohemian vibe. Conclude your journey with a sensory coffee and chocolate experience at a local café.

Accommodation suggestions:

Mid-Range:

• Villa Barranco by Ananay Hotels: A charming boutique hotel in the bohemian Barranco district. It offers a cosy atmosphere with beautifully restored colonial architecture.
  • Website: Villa Barranco

Luxury:

• Hotel B – Relais & Châteaux: A stunning boutique art hotel in Barranco, featuring exquisite design, an art collection, and personalised service.
  • Website: Hotel B

Deluxe

Peru

Villa Barranco by Ananay Hotels

Villa Barranco is a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Barranco, Lima’s vibrant and...

Deluxe

Peru

Hotel B – Relais & Châteaux

Hotel B, a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection, is a luxurious boutique hotel...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 4 – Lima to Cusco to Sacred Valley

You will be assisted at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Cusco (flight included). Upon arrival, travel to the scenic Sacred Valley. (Private transfer with English-speaking guide included).

Private Full-Day Authentic Sacred Valley Tour: Chinchero and Ollantaytambo – Lunch at a local restaurant and English-speaking guide included.
Visit Chinchero, a quaint village in the Sacred Valley, and step into the home of a skilled textile artisan to learn about traditional techniques. Explore the village’s Inca ruins and its colonial church. Enjoy a panoramic stop for breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley before heading to Ollantaytambo. This impressive archaeological site was a vital stronghold during the Inca Empire, known for its terraced fields and defensive structures.

Optional (additional cost):
Lunch at Iskay Maras Home. Experience a private dining adventure with hosts Jeremy and Tatiana at their charming Maras home. Enjoy an organic meal prepared with ingredients sourced from their own land.

Accommodation suggestions:

Mid-Range:

• Las Qolqas Eco-Resort: A sustainable retreat surrounded by nature, offering comfortable accommodations with a focus on eco-tourism.
  • Website: Las Qolqas

Luxury:

• Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa: A luxurious property blending natural beauty with cultural artistry. Enjoy individual casitas, a spa, and fine dining in the Sacred Valley.
  • Website: Sol y Luna

Deluxe

Peru

Las Qolqas Eco-Resort

Las Qolqas Eco-Resort is a sustainable retreat set in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, near...

Deluxe

Peru

Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa

Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa is a luxurious retreat nestled in the heart of the...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 5 – Sacred Valley

Private Full-Day Cultural Immersion in Misminay – Lunch with the Community and English-speaking guide included.
Journey to the traditional Andean community of Misminay, surrounded by the majestic Sacred Valley landscape. Meet the locals and partake in daily activities that showcase Andean traditions, including a hike to a stunning lookout point for views of the Moray archaeological site. Enjoy a traditional lunch made from fresh, local produce, and engage in more cultural activities to deepen your connection with the community.

Accommodation suggestions:

Mid-Range:

• Las Qolqas Eco-Resort: A sustainable retreat surrounded by nature, offering comfortable accommodations with a focus on eco-tourism.
  • Website: Las Qolqas

Luxury:

• Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa: A luxurious property blending natural beauty with cultural artistry. Enjoy individual casitas, a spa, and fine dining in the Sacred Valley.
  • Website: Sol y Luna

Deluxe

Peru

Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa

Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa is a luxurious retreat nestled in the heart of the...

Deluxe

Peru

Las Qolqas Eco-Resort

Las Qolqas Eco-Resort is a sustainable retreat set in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, near...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 6 – Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley

Private Full-Day Andean Forests and Ollantaytambo – Pachamanca Lunch and English-speaking guide included.

Begin your day with a visit to the awe-inspiring ruins of Ollantaytambo, one of the largest and most significant archaeological sites of the Inca Empire. Strategically perched on a mountainside, this fortress guarded the sacred path to Machu Picchu and served as both a defensive stronghold and ceremonial centre. Explore its remarkable terraced fields, intricately carved stone structures, and learn about the rare victory of the Incas over the Spanish at this site.

From here, journey to the lesser-known Pumamarka ruins, located approximately an hour away. Nestled amidst stunning Andean scenery, Pumamarka showcases remnants of Inca and Wari cultures and offers a serene and less-frequented historical experience.

Continue onward to the Choquechaka Conservation Area, a vital region dedicated to preserving Andean forests and their unique ecosystems. Here, you’ll gain insight into the importance of these biodiverse forests and their role in sustaining the local environment and communities.

After a morning filled with history and exploration, indulge in a traditional Pachamanca lunch at the El Albergue Farm’s restaurant. This unique culinary experience involves cooking an assortment of marinated meats, potatoes, corn, and vegetables using hot stones buried underground, a method passed down through generations of Andean culture.

If time permits, consider rounding off your day with a visit to El Albergue’s distillery and coffee roastery to learn about local artisanal production processes, and perhaps even sample their creations before returning to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Accommodation suggestions:

Mid-Range:

• Las Qolqas Eco-Resort: A sustainable retreat surrounded by nature, offering comfortable accommodations with a focus on eco-tourism.
  • Website: Las Qolqas

Luxury:

• Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa: A luxurious property blending natural beauty with cultural artistry. Enjoy individual casitas, a spa, and fine dining in the Sacred Valley.
  • Website: Sol y Luna

Deluxe

Peru

Las Qolqas Eco-Resort

Las Qolqas Eco-Resort is a sustainable retreat set in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, near...

Deluxe

Peru

Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa

Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa is a luxurious retreat nestled in the heart of the...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 7 – Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu

You will be transferred from your hotel to Ollanta Station, where you’ll board the luxurious Vistadome train for a scenic journey to Aguas Calientes. The train ride offers panoramic views of the Andean landscapes, from terraced valleys and rushing rivers to mist-covered peaks. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will take a bus up to the iconic Machu Picchu Sanctuary, where your adventure truly begins.

Private Full-Day Machu Picchu Tour – Vistadome train tickets, entrance, buses, buffet lunch, and English-speaking private guide included.

Explore one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological marvels, Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca citadel set high in the Andes Mountains. Marvel at its astonishing blend of natural beauty and human ingenuity, with terraced slopes, intricate stone constructions, and dramatic vistas that have captivated travellers for centuries.

Your expert guide will lead you through the site’s most significant landmarks, sharing the rich history, spiritual significance, and architectural brilliance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stand in awe at the Temple of the Sun, a testament to Incan astronomy, and admire the craftsmanship of the Intihuatana Stone, believed to have been a solar clock. Walk through the Sacred Plaza, surrounded by perfectly carved stone temples, and see the Terraces of the Agricultural Sector, which reveal the ingenuity of the Inca’s farming techniques.

As you wander through the site, you’ll gain insight into the mysteries of the Inca Empire: how this ancient city was constructed with such precision, the purposes of its various sectors, and why it was abandoned and hidden from the world until its rediscovery in 1911.

After immersing yourself in the history and splendour of Machu Picchu, return to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a delectable buffet lunch at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, a perfect way to savour local flavours amidst breathtaking surroundings.

In the evening, relax in your boutique hotel, reflecting on this once-in-a-lifetime experience in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Accommodation suggestions:

Mid-Range:

• El MaPi by Inkaterra: A modern and comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, offering excellent amenities and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Website: El MaPi

Luxury:

• Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel: A boutique eco-luxury property surrounded by lush cloud forest, known for its unique cottages and exceptional service.
  • Website: Inkaterra Machu Picchu

Superior

Peru

El MaPi by Inkaterra

El MaPi by Inkaterra is a contemporary eco-hotel located in the bustling town of Aguas Calientes,...

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Day 8 – Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu to Cusco

For those seeking to deepen their experience of Machu Picchu, the morning offers two exceptional opportunities:

1. Second Visit to Machu Picchu (Optional at Additional Cost):
   Start your day with a second chance to explore this mesmerising citadel. Arriving in the early hours allows you to enjoy the site with fewer visitors, making it a tranquil and intimate experience. Take your time to walk through the ancient terraces, revisit the iconic Temple of the Sun or the Sacred Plaza, and perhaps reflect on the ingenuity of the Incan civilisation in the serene atmosphere. Your guide (optional) can further enrich your understanding of Machu Picchu’s cultural and historical significance.
2. Huayna Picchu Hike (Optional at Additional Cost):
   Embark on a thrilling ascent of Huayna Picchu, the steep mountain that forms the iconic backdrop to many photographs of Machu Picchu. The challenging trail winds through narrow pathways and stone staircases, but the effort is rewarded with breathtaking, bird’s-eye views of the ruins and the surrounding cloud forest. Along the way, you’ll also encounter smaller archaeological sites, such as the Temple of the Moon, nestled into the mountainside. This hike offers an unparalleled perspective and a sense of adventure for those who wish to see Machu Picchu from above.

Return to Aguas Calientes:
After your morning adventures, return to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a leisurely lunch, stroll through the vibrant town, or browse the local artisan markets. This is the perfect opportunity to pick up unique souvenirs, such as handwoven textiles or jewellery inspired by Incan symbols, as a reminder of your journey.

Scenic Train Journey to Ollantaytambo:
Board the Vistadome train for a picturesque ride back to Ollantaytambo. The train offers stunning panoramic views through its large windows, allowing you to soak in the lush valleys, towering peaks, and the rushing Urubamba River as you travel. Enjoy onboard refreshments and relax as you reflect on your time at Machu Picchu.

Private Transfer to Cusco:
Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo station, you will be met by your private transfer for the journey to Cusco. As you drive through the Sacred Valley, take in the breathtaking scenery of terraced fields, charming villages, and snow-capped mountains. Your guide will share insights about the history and culture of this region, making the journey as enriching as the destination itself.

Evening in Cusco:
Settle into your boutique hotel in Cusco and enjoy the evening at your leisure. You may wish to take a gentle stroll through the city’s cobblestone streets, admire the Plaza de Armas illuminated under the night sky, or explore one of Cusco’s renowned restaurants. For a relaxed evening, savour traditional Peruvian dishes such as alpaca steak or lomo saltado, paired with a refreshing Pisco sour.

Alternatively, immerse yourself in the city’s nightlife. Cusco’s lively bars and cafes offer everything from live Andean music to fusion cocktails inspired by the region’s flavours. For a more tranquil option, unwind at your hotel and prepare for the cultural exploration awaiting you the next day.

Accommodation suggestions:

Mid-Range:

• Antigua Casona San Blas: A boutique hotel with colonial charm, modern amenities, and a central location in the artisan San Blas neighbourhood.
  • Website: Antigua Casona

Luxury:

• Inkaterra La Casona: A Relais & Châteaux boutique hotel housed in a meticulously restored 16th-century colonial mansion, offering unparalleled elegance and history.
  • Website: Inkaterra La Casona

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 9 – Cusco – Imperial City Tour

Private Half-Day City Tour – San Pedro Market, Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Cusco Cathedral, Sapantiana Aqueduct – English-speaking guide included.

Today, dive into the rich history, vibrant culture, and architectural brilliance of Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire and now a thriving city that seamlessly blends ancient and colonial influences.

Morning Exploration at San Pedro Market:
Start your day at the bustling San Pedro Market, the heart of Cusco’s local life. Wander through the colourful stalls filled with fresh produce, exotic fruits, vibrant Andean textiles, and artisanal goods. Your guide will introduce you to the market’s significance as a cultural hub, sharing insights into traditional foods, local herbs, and Peruvian daily life. Perhaps sample a local delicacy, such as chicha morada (purple corn drink) or fresh empanadas, as you immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and aromas of this lively marketplace.

Visit to Koricancha – The Temple of the Sun:
Continue to Koricancha, one of the most important temples of the Inca Empire, dedicated to Inti, the Sun God. Once covered in gold, this sacred site was renowned for its architectural precision and spiritual significance. Although the Spanish built the Santo Domingo Convent over its foundations, the temple’s original stonework remains visible, showcasing the ingenuity of Incan engineering. Your guide will reveal fascinating stories about Koricancha’s dual history as a centre of worship for both Incan and colonial cultures.

Exploration of Sacsayhuaman:
Next, head to the outskirts of Cusco to visit Sacsayhuaman, a monumental Inca fortress and one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Peru. This site, built with massive stone blocks weighing up to 200 tons each, is a testament to the extraordinary skill of Inca stonemasons. As you walk among the giant zigzagging walls, your guide will recount the fortress’s role in defending Cusco and its importance in Inca ceremonies and festivals. Enjoy panoramic views of the city below and the surrounding Andes from this elevated location.

Cusco Cathedral and the Plaza de Armas:
Return to the heart of Cusco to explore the magnificent Cusco Cathedral, a masterpiece of colonial architecture located in the Plaza de Armas. Inside, discover a treasure trove of religious art, including the famous painting of The Last Supper with a distinctly Andean twist – featuring a guinea pig as the main dish. The cathedral’s intricate woodwork, gold-leaf altars, and fusion of Incan and colonial elements make it a must-see destination.

Stroll through San Blas and Visit the Sapantiana Aqueduct:
Conclude your tour with a walk through the San Blas neighbourhood, known for its cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, and bohemian vibe. Here, you’ll discover the Sapantiana Aqueduct, a beautifully preserved colonial structure that reflects the fusion of Spanish and Andean engineering. This serene spot offers a glimpse into Cusco’s lesser-known history and provides excellent photo opportunities.

Optional Afternoon Activities (Additional Cost):

1. Andean Cosmovision at the Planetarium of Cusco: Learn about the deep connection between Andean culture and the cosmos at Cusco’s planetarium. View constellations through telescopes, explore the mythology of the stars, and experience the Andean perspective of the universe in a truly unique setting.
2. Colonial Gilding Workshop: Engage in a hands-on workshop guided by local artisans to create your own Pucará bull, a traditional Andean symbol of protection and prosperity. Learn about the art of gilding and take home a beautifully crafted souvenir.
3. Evening Peruvian Cocktail Tour: Embark on a culinary journey through Cusco’s top restaurants and bars, sampling creative Pisco-based cocktails while enjoying the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Evening in Cusco:
Spend the evening at your leisure. Take a relaxed walk along the charming streets of Cusco, lit by warm, golden lights, or visit a traditional restaurant to savour dishes like aji de gallina (chicken in a creamy yellow chilli sauce) or rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy peppers). For those seeking entertainment, live Andean music and dance performances can be found in several local venues, adding a festive end to the day.

Accommodation suggestions:

Mid-Range:

• Antigua Casona San Blas: A boutique hotel with colonial charm, modern amenities, and a central location in the artisan San Blas neighbourhood.
  • Website: Antigua Casona

Luxury:

• Inkaterra La Casona: A Relais & Châteaux boutique hotel housed in a meticulously restored 16th-century colonial mansion, offering unparalleled elegance and history.
  • Website: Inkaterra La Casona

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast

Day 10 – Cusco to Lima and return flight to your destination

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Lima. (Private transfer with English-speaking assistant included). Connecting flight to your destination.

• Board Includes:
• Breakfast