Essence of Peru

Highlights

Lima / Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu / Cusco
Highlights:

  • Explore one of the New 7 Wonders of the World – Machu Picchu the “Lost City of the Incas”
  • Tour the Historic Center of Lima and the city of Cusco – both UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Step back in time at the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex
  • Marvel at a traditional Peruvian Paso Horse Show

Note: Airfares are not included. Ask our Destination Experts about great pricing on international and domestic Peruvian airfares.

Accommodations

At IWorld of Travel, we understand that where you stay is as important as the destination itself. Rest assured, we are in the process of hand-selecting accommodations that align with our high standards of luxury and comfort. Our portfolio exclusively features 4 and 5-star properties, as well as boutique hotels that are not just places to stay, but integral parts of your travel experience. These establishments are chosen for their exceptional service, prime locations, and the unique charm that they bring to your journey. We are committed to ensuring that your accommodations will enhance your trip and we look forward to sharing the details with you soon.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lima
Upon arrival, a host will meet and assist you in transferring to the hotel.

Day 2: Lima
Head out for a tour of both the colonial and modern sections of the city. In the Historic Center of Lima, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, see the lovely Plaza Mayor, palaces, churches and other historic buildings. Then continue to drive along some exclusive residential areas in the modern sections of the city. (B)

Day 3: Lima | Cusco | Sacred Valley
Early morning transfer from the hotel to the airport for a short, but spectacular, flight over the snow-capped Andes to the oldest inhabited city in the hemisphere, Cusco, at an elevation of 11,440 feet. Immediate transfer to the Sacred Valley at 8,200 feet of altitude. Upon arrival, a host will meet and assist you in transferring to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and get adjusted to the altitude. (B)

Day 4: Sacred Valley
Morning departure for a drive through the fertile countryside of the Urubamba Valley to the colonial village of Pisac, to visit its unique Indian Market. During your visit to this bustling marketplace, you will have the opportunity to bargain with the artisans and indigenous traders for a variety of products. Later, enjoy a variety of Peruvian dishes for lunch at Wayra Ranch with an amazing Paso Horse Show. Continue to the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex. The Incas built it as a fort that included a temple, agricultural terraces and an urban area. Then visit the town of Ollantaytambo, called a “Living Inca Town” since the inhabitants maintain very old practices and customs. (B,L)

Day 5: Sacred Valley | Machu Picchu
Pass through unspoiled and picturesque Andean communities on your way to the Incan agricultural experimental center of Moray, famous for its sunken amphitheater, made up of four circular terraces. The site was apparently an Inca agricultural research station designed for experimenting with growing crops at various altitudes. After lunch at a traditional Peruvian restaurant, continue to the impressive Maras Salt Ponds. Witness an ancient method for extracting salt from the water that trickles down the mountain, which is still used today. Visit an authentic Quechua Village to feel the way of life of the Inca’s ancestors. Later, board the train for your scenic ride to Machu Picchu. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Machu Picchu
Excursion to the “Lost City of the Incas,” Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Perched 8,200 feet above the valley, it was hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungles for 400 years until discovered by Hiram Bingham of Yale University in 1911. Archaeologists believe that the Inca Virgins of the Sun took refuge from the Spanish Conquistadors here. Guided tour of the ruins upon arrival. Lunch is at Belmond´s Sanctuary Lodge, located just a few steps from the Inca citadel. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Machu Picchu | Cusco
Morning at leisure in Aguas Calientes to enjoy the city and your hotel’s facilities. In the afternoon return by train to Cusco. (B)

Optional (not included in your tour fare): Return to Machu Picchu for a second visit. Some suggested routes: hike the steep stone-paved trail of Huayna Picchu (2,490 meters), the pyramid-shape mountain above Machu Picchu for a breathtaking view of the site (reservation and extra fee are needed); stroll to the Inca Bridge (a secret entrance used by the Inca’s army); walk toward the Inca Trail to find the historic Intipunku and Sun Gate.

Day 8: Cusco
Tour Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere and a UNESCO World Heritage site. See a delightful combination of Inca and colonial architecture as you visit important landmarks such us Cusco’s Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church, Plaza de Armas and Koricancha – “The Temple of the Sun.” Later, visit some of the nearby archeological sites. After dinner at a Novo Andean and international buffet, watch a folkloric show with whirling Peruvian dancers performing a variety of regional entertaining dances. (B,D)

Day 9: Cusco | Departure from Lima
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima, to connect with your return flight home. (B)

Program Code

F-1147

Tour Length

9 Days / 8 Nights

Tour Countries

Tour Regions

Tour Specialties

IWorld Regions
Contact Us/Request a Quote