Travelling to Peru offers a captivating experience, particularly in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. The Sacred Valley, nestled amidst the Andes, is a breathtaking destination known for its rich history and stunning landscapes. Visitors can explore ancient Inca ruins, such as Pisac and Ollantaytambo, which offer a glimpse into the region's fascinating past. Additionally, the vibrant local markets showcase traditional crafts and culinary delights. A highlight of any trip to Peru is undoubtedly Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel perched high in the mountains. Its awe-inspiring architecture and panoramic views make it a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage site. Immerse yourself in the mystique of Peru's ancient wonders and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Depending on the time of your arrival in Lima, you will be transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the day free to explore Lima. As most flights arrive in Lima in the evening once you've settled and checked in to your accommodation we recommend going out to explore some of Lima's colonial beauty or to one of the many bars and restaurants overlooking the beach and Pacific Ocean.
Enjoy Lima's wealth of excellent restaurants, including Astrid & Gaston rated as one of the top 100 restaurants in the world.
This fascinating walking tour will help you gain a little insight into the local Limeño culture and history. After being picked up from your hotel at 9 am, the taxi will take you to the Miraflores market, where Peruvian merchants will enlighten you on the local produce and outline the different types of potatoes, corn and fruits that can be found in Peru. Feel free to grab some samples and don't forget to try the coca leaves! Following a short meander through the market, you will then hop on the public bus 'Metropolitano' to the historic centre, where you can admire grand colonial buildings. The Historic Center of Lima has been the seat of the Colonial and Republican governments since the Spanish foundation of the city in 1535 and is also an important indigenous centre. Until the 1940s, it also housed Peru's richest and most influential families. As you stroll through the city centre, pay attention to the changing style of architecture and the beautiful interior balconies. Upon arriving at Plaza San Martin, you will taste some delicious Peruvian pastries before heading to the main square. There, you will stop by a small outlet of the ChocoMuseum and will receive fun facts and information about the process of transforming the cocoa bean into the delicious chocolate that you will be savouring. Following this tasty treat, the tour will proceed to the Cordano Bar, where you will taste a typical Peruvian drink, the Chicha Morada, made from sweet purple corn. From here, you can either grab the Metropolitano bus back to Miraflores or you are welcome to stay in the historic centre to continue exploring on your own terms.
It's time to hit the road again as you make your way to your next destination. Your private transfer will take you from your hotel to the airport to continue discovering Peru further or travel towards your next destination. Once you arrive in Cusco, you'll be warmly welcomed and taken on a journey of discovery through the Sacred Valley to your accommodation where you can get settled and rest. As Cusco is seriously high up at 11,155 ft. above sea level, today is about acclimatizing and avoiding soroche (altitude sickness) while also being able to see some of the highlights of the Sacred Valley. Staying in the Sacred Valley which is at about 9,500 ft. above sea level will help you acclimatize quicker so you can get up and explore this beautiful region with a lower risk of getting altitude sickness.
You'll be taken on a full-day excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, alongside the Vilcanota River, where you will find native communities, impressive terraces and many important archaeological sites. On this tour, you will visit Pisac Indian Market, one of the most popular and picturesque indigenous markets in the Cusco region. Travellers from all over the world come to purchase all manner of textiles, ceramics, jewellery, ponchos, rugs, hats, gloves, Andean instruments, ceramics, alpaca and llama woven clothing, and a host of lovely souvenirs. And although you can visit it every day, the Sunday market is magnificent, mass is celebrated in Quechua and the worthy "varayoc" (local authorities) attendance adds enrichment to the celebration. Your tour will continue to Pisac ruins, perched magnificently at the entrance to a great gorge, the citadel looks at the Urubamba Valley and the town of Pisac from above. Pisac was situated strategically along a road that connected the Inca Empire with the jungles of the east, and the site is an impressive reminder of just how advanced the civilization was in terms of building and agriculture. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel.
You will be picked up from your hotel in the Sacred Valley, and then transferred to one of the most unique places in the Sacred Valley called Moray, where you will discover how the Incas used the huge natural voids within the earth's surface to build irrigated farming terraces. Be amazed at these natural formations and how nature has created different environmental conditions (also known as microclimates), which are replicated in greenhouses nowadays because of their favourable environments. After visiting this incredible place, you will start hiking to Maras salt flats where you will learn all about this incredible destination and the process of extracting the salt which is becoming famous around the world. After this, you will continue hiking to Pichingoto, where the vehicle will be waiting to take you to Ollantaytambo fortress, where your guide will explain about this wonderful place. Finally, you will be transferred back to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.
After breakfast, your private transfer will pick you up from your accommodation in the Sacred Valley and take you to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo. We recommend exploring the beautiful cobblestone streets, the colourful textiles and the charming cafes before your train leaves for Machu Picchu. Boarding the train from the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes shaves 2 hours off what normally is a 4-hour journey from Cusco, beginning at the most beautiful part of the stretch, leaving from Ollantaytambo.
Arriving at your hotel of choice in Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu, we recommend that you spend a few hours exploring this quaint little town, connected to the world by train. Situated in a deep gorge below Machu Picchu the charm of Aguas Calientes is scattered in its cobblestone streets lined by small local restaurants and shops, enclosed by steep cliffs, a misty cloud forest, and two rushing rivers. We suggest having an early dinner tonight as tomorrow you'll have an early start going to Machu Picchu.
The citadel of Machu Picchu is by far the most important tourist attraction in the Sacred Valley. Discovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham, this stronghold overlooking the deep canyon of the Urubamba River, is considered to be one of the most extraordinary examples of landscape architecture in the world. In ancient times, when the Inca was considered to be a descendant of a god, this fortress was thought to be his palace above the clouds, where only the chosen ones could live. Every trip to Peru should include this destination and New World Wonder. In Aguas Calientes, you'll board a bus for a 20-minute ride to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary, where you'll have a guided tour to explore this magnificent sample of Inca architectural perfection. After the tour, you'll have some free time to take some pictures before taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes.
You'll begin your journey to the Inca Capital of Cusco. Taking the train from Aguas Calientes you'll head through the dramatic landscape of the Sacred Valley until you reach Cusco. Having acclimatized to the altitude the last few days, Cusco's altitude (11,150ft. above sea level) should be no problem at all at this point, allowing you to really get out and enjoy the town this evening, or get some rest at one of our lovely boutique hotels in Cusco.
Walk around the Imperial City of the Incas, starting at the local market of Cusco, where you will experience a bit of Peruvian Culture and daily Cusqueño life. In the market, you can find the best variety of vegetables, breads and fruits in the country. Continuing this pleasant walk you'll visit the impressive Colonial Cathedral in Cusco containing over 400 paintings from the Cusqueña School and several beautiful altars. Afterwards, you'll visit Koricancha, which is considered a religious centre of Cusco, geographical and political. The Temple of Koricancha, was where the Inca paid homage to the Sun god called Inti. Qori means goldwork and Kancha means an enclosed space, bounded by walls. Then you'll walk uphill a bit to enter the artisan quarter of San Blas, where you'll be able to appreciate a religious painting and many workshops where, if they are available, you can watch artisans in action. After this, you'll return to your hotel.
It's time to hit the road again as you make your way to your next destination where if you are planning to, you can enjoy exploring the beauty and culture of Peru further. Your private transfer will take you to the airport for your onward trip.
To book this amazing trip, contact your Travel Counsellor today and you’ll benefit from our 24-hour duty office ready to assist you before, during and after your trip.
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