Best Value with Total Peace of Mind
Experience the best of Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, with private walking tours of its key Inca sites and a private guided visit to Machu Picchu. Explore the Sacred Valley in carefully selected group experiences, including Maras, Moray, Pisac, and Ollantaytambo. Enjoy a hands-on Peruvian cooking class in Cusco and conclude with a guided hike to the stunning Rainbow Mountain.
Carefully selected group experiences, operated by trusted local providers, ensure smooth logistics, professional guides, and complete peace of mind throughout the trip.
A well-balanced journey emphasizing Cusco’s Inca highlights, combining cultural exploration, culinary experiences, and the wonders of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
- Day 1: Lima
- Day 2: Lima - Cusco
- Day 3: Cusco
- Day 4: Cusco
- Day 5: Cusco - Machu Picchu
- Day 6: Machu Picchu - Cusco
- Day 7: Cusco
- Day 8: Cusco - Lima
Arrival to Lima
Upon your arrival at Lima Airport, be transferred to your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day at your leisure.
Explore the historic center of Lima, which is full of Spanish architecture. Visit Larco Museum, which is renowned for its extensive pre-Columbian art collection and is considered one of the top museums in South America. Continue to enjoy the unique flavors that Lima has to offer. Peru is regarded as the culinary capital of America and has been recognized as the world's leading culinary destination.
Free time in Lima
Lima's breezy location on the Pacific Ocean and mild desert climate make it the perfect city for exploring on foot. Head downtown to mingle with locals, stretch your legs, and grab a bite to eat in one of the many award-winning restaurants.
Suggested activities:
Explore the historic center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with fascinating Spanish architecture. Start with a scenic tour of the colonial downtown, which emanates from the main square. Stroll over to the 16th-century Cathedral, which took 80 years to construct and was built in the grandiose style of the Spanish Empire.
Visit the Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to Jerónimo de Aliaga, one of his captains, in 1535. This is the only house from that era that still belongs to the same family.
Stroll around the Pueblo Libre district to the privately owned Larco Museum of pre-Columbian art, housed in a beautifully restored viceregal mansion built over a 7th-century pre-Columbian pyramid. The museum boasts a vast pre-Colonial collection of gold and silver artifacts, as well as pieces of erotic art.
In the evening, head to the eclectic "Love Park" in the upscale coastal district of Miraflores, where you can admire a huge kissing statue and beautiful mosaic walls. The park is built on the cliffs of Chorrillos and is a perfect place to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Pacific.
Enjoy a nightcap at an open-air cafe or restaurant in the diverse Miraflores neighborhood.
Perú is considered the gastronomic capital of America and was recognized as World's Leading Culinary Destination. You need to book in advance if going to Maido (https://maido.pe/), Central (https://centralrestaurante.com.pe/), or Astrid y Gaston (http://en.astridygaston.com/).
Shared Lima City Tour & San Francisco Catacombs
We start our tour in the Huaca Pucllana with a panoramic view of this important ceremonial center belonging to the Lima culture. We head towards the center of Lima, passing through the different neighborhoods of San Isidro, Lince and Cercado. We will appreciate the Palace of Justice, Lima Museum, Italian Art Museum,French Palace and Plaza San Martin.
Our visit pedestrian begins in the Plaza de Armas where in addition to appreciating the Cathedral of Lima, Palacio Municipal, Government Palace, Archbishop Palace; we will have free space to take photos to attractions.
We will enter the Convent of San Francisco and visit one of the main attractions its catacombs, which are a series of underground passages under the church, where the ancient inhabitants of the city were buried and where they are remains of those of 25,000 people.
Finally we will have a panoramic view of the Parque del Amor, Pacific Ocean and Larcomar.
*Starting times: 09:30 hrs. /14:30 hrs.
Flight from Lima to Cusco
At the set time, a private transfer will take you to the airport of Lima, here board a flight to Cusco.
Upon your arrival, a member of our staff will welcome you to Cusco, and take you to your hotel where you'll beassisted with the check-in.
Private Half-Day Walking Tour: Sacsayhuaman, Cusco Historic Center & San Pedro Market
Today's tour will begin with a transfer to the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which features immense stones. Although the site was religious, the Spanish considered it a military fortress because of its location and the way it was built. From here, walk through San Blas Neighborhood and then continue to the Plaza de Armas, where you'll observe the Cathedral.
Just a few blocks away, you will explore one of Cusco’s most impressive buildings, Qoricancha or The Temple of the Sun, whose interior walls were said to have been covered in gold. Here, you can observe detailed and intact architecture, and within the temple, you will see smaller temples dedicated to the moon, rainbow, stars, lightning, and thunder, among others.
From Qoricancha, you will head to the local San Pedro Market. The locals shop at this market every day in order to stock up on produce and groceries making this market experience as authentic as Peru gets. The market is located indoors and includes many different food stalls and vendors.
Be sure to try their endless selection of fresh fruit smoothies, which are the perfect refreshing treat.
* The transfer is to Sacsayhuaman, from here you'll continue on foot.
* The Qoricancha is closed to the public on Sunday mornings.
* Not available during the Inti Raymi (June 24th).
Shared tour to Moray Terraces & Maras Salt Mines Tour
This morning, you'll depart to The Sacred Valley of the Incas, upon arrival in Moray, you'll see the three famous amphitheater-like terraces made by the Incas. These terraces are carved deep into the earth in the shape of a bowl. It is believed that the Incas once used these terraces as agricultural laboratories to determine the optimal conditions for growing crops.
When you are done exploring Moray, you will head about two miles away, to the salt mines of Maras (Salineras de Maras). This village is known as a former salt-producing center and is thought to date back to pre-Incan times. There are over 3,000 salt pools carved into the mountainside, that are filled daily by a stream of water.
Finally, return to Cusco and have the rest of the day to rest or go around the city.
Shared Cooking Classes Ivanna Lescano
In the afternoon, walk to the workshop, which is located some blocks away walking, here experience a 90-minutes gastronomical journey that will take you throughout the Peruvian coast, highlands, and jungle! The workshop is situated close to the main square of Cusco and a short walk from most hotels.
Peruvian cuisine is famous thanks to its variety of flavors and ingredients, today you will enjoy, learn about the flavors and be part of the preparation of the most delicious Peruvian dishes! Fun and dynamic classes where everyone can participate regardless of previous cooking knowledge or experience.
Ivana Lescano Culinary Experiences, Is a true gastronomic immersion, 100% participatory and dynamic! Experience the diversity of Peru through its tastes - discover the extraordinary ingredients from the different Peruvian regions ranging from the coast, over the Andean mountains to the exotic Amazon!
In just 90 minutes, you will engage in our five-step course, you will not only learn about the preparation of typical Peruvian dishes but also include topics as the history of Peruvian gastronomy, concepts of the kitchen, tropical fruit, Pisco Sour preparation, and indeed the preparing and cooking of two of Peru’s most emblematic dishes: Ceviche and Lomo Saltado.
Steps
Step 1: Getting into the Peruvian Cuisine (10 minutes): Our instructor/Chef will provide an introduction about the Peruvian culinary culture sharing her/his knowledge of history, biodiversity, and geography.
Step 2: Ceviche 100% hands-on (30 minutes): Our first dish will be a delicate Peruvian ceviche made using fresh coastal fish with a mix of local ingredients that make it unique and unforgettable (100 % participatory activity).
Step 3: Passion moment (15 minutes): During this step, you will prepare a beverage based in passion fruit. (100 % participatory activity).
Step 4: Lomo Saltado Cooking Experience (30 minutes): After the demonstration and instruction given by our Chef, all of the participants will prepare their Lomo Saltados utilizing wok sauteeing techniques. We will then enjoy our meal! (100 % participatory activity).
After the classes, you can go around or walk to your hotel.
*Due to the central location of the workshop the transfers are not included.
Shared tour to Pisac, Ollantaytambo & Train to Machu Picchu town
This morning you will depart from your hotel in Cusco and travel to Pisac, one of the most important archaeological sites in the region. Here you'll explore the ancient Inca burial grounds, irrigation systems, and astronomy centers. Next, go down to the town of Pisac located at the bottom of the valley. This town is famous for its bustling textile market. Select from a wide assortment of colors, styles, and designs for gifts and souvenirs to take home with you.
We'll stop for lunch, and enjoy a traditional Peruvian - Andean cuisine at a restaurant in the same Urubamba, conveniently located in a beautiful setting overlooking the Urubamba River at a local restaurant.
From here, head to the ancient Incan city of Ollantaytambo, one of the few remaining places in the Sacred Valley that have retained its original Inca urban planning. Walkthrough the streets with Inca-era canals and view the ancient houses still in use today. Climb the agricultural terraces where you can enjoy an Inca’s-eye-view of the valley.
From the top, you’ll be able to see some of the quarries from where the stone for Ollantaytambo was sourced. It’s amazing to think how far these large stones were transported from, especially considering the Incas didn’t have pack animals strong enough to carry them.
From here, take the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) for overnight.
Private Machu Picchu Tour
From Aguas Calientes, it's an easy 25-minute bus ride up to the Machu Picchu ruins.
This 15th-century Inca citadel is located at 7,970 ft (2,430 m) and is a masterpiece of engineering that served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Incan Emperor Pachacutec and his royal court. Machu Picchu, which means "Old Mountain," is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
Built as a seasonal residence for the Inca family, Machu Picchu was rarely home to more than 800 people, and during the royals' absence, a mere 100 servants would remain at the site to maintain the grounds. Machu Picchu was abandoned 100 years after construction and remained largely hidden to the outside world until the early 20th century.
Your private guide will lead you around the site and explain the different buildings and curious corners of the building complex (2.5 hours) . Approximately one-third of the site has been reconstructed into its original structure, giving visitors a sense of the grandeur and artistry of the original citadel.
After the tour, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and grab lunch (not included) in the picturesque town center. Connect to your train to Ollantaytambo and then take a 2-hour land transfer back to your hotel in Cusco.
*Entrance hour to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is subject to availability; we will try to get the best circuit available.
*Duration of the private guided tour: 150 minutes (2.5 hours).
Shared Palcoyo Trek: Small group
The Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain is only about 20 km from his famous sister "Vinicunca". While Vinicunca attracts thousands of visitors, Its smaller sister Palcoyo (4,900m/~16,000ft) with still no over-tourism, and is still one real insider tip. This mini trek is perfect for travelers who want to view the Colorful Rainbow Mountains in a relatively shorter and more gentle trek and a great option for those traveling with kids.
We pick you up early in the morning from your hotel. (On route, we´ll make a stop for breakfast).
The drive will be along the "Red River", we`ll make a stop for some minutes so you appreciate the Red River and the awesome pictures!
In about 3.5 hours drive, arrive at the starting point of the short hike. From here, it is a hike of approximately 50 Minutes via a short, relatively flat path. We have the prospect of seeing llamas, sheep, vicuñas, and alpacas. The summit lies on about 5000 meters above sea level. Once there, have time to enjoy the panorama and take pictures.
At this point, it is time to hike downhill. Finally, embark on the 3.5-hour drive back to Cusco (On route, we´ll make a stop for lunch).
Upon arrival to Cusco, be dropped off at your Cusco hotel. The approximate arrival time is 17:00 hrs.
More Information
- Maximum Altitude: 4971 m (16,309 ft)
- Time in car: 3.5 hours each way
- Distance Travelled: 7 km (4.3 miles)
- Approximate Walking Time: 45 – 60 min
- Difficulty: Easy – moderate
* Recommended months: April - October.
* Rainiest months: December - February: Possible erosions and landslides on the route.
* Pick up time from your hotel is subject to climate conditions.
*Red River, this natural event can be seen sometimes only during the rainy season – January to March. Due to red-mineral mudslides into the river. The red color is not warrantied.
Free time in Cusco
Cusco is filled with activities and you can take your pick today based on your energy level and interests. There are churches, museums, and art galleries to visit, along with adventure activities like rafting and horseback riding. Wander around and enjoy mountain views, cafes, and appreciate the architecture that characterizes the historic centre of Cusco.
Adios!: Fight to Lima, Depart Peru
At the set time, be transferred to the airport of Cusco, and board a flight to Lima.
End of our services.
Complete Peru Highlights Price
All our Peru tours are based on private luxury service and can be fully customized to satisfy your personal needs and preferences. Please do not hesitate to contact us at sales@andeantravelexperience.com and receive full assistance planning your customized private tour in Peru.
Our prices often vary based on the requirements of your trip, and will depend on number of travelers, length of time, type of accommodation, etc.
What Included?
- Domestic Flights
- Accommodation for 07 nights (subject to availability).
- Meals as detailed in the program.
- Private transfers in all destinations.
- All mentioned tours as detailed in shared/private service with an English-speaking guide.
- All entrance fees in the mentioned tours.
- Machu Picchu Exploration:
- Round Train Tickets (Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu town - Ollantaytambo)
- Round-trip bus tickets (Machu Picchu town - Machu Picchu - Machu Picchu town).
- 01 Entrance to Machu Picchu per person.
- Private Guided tour in Machu Picchu (2.5 hours)
- Private transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco.
- 24-hour support from our local team.
What is not Included?
PrintoutRate
International Flights.
Travel Insurance.
Personal expenses.
Tips.
The meals that are not mentioned in the trip plan.
Personal expenses.
Travel insurance and repatriation insurance.
Optional excursions, activities, and optional tours.







