8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
Explore the Heart of the Inca Empire
Start from 2350 USD
Destinations: Lima, Sacred Valley, Cusco City, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca.
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Overview
Explore the main highlights of Southern Peru, starting with colonial buildings, continuing to cobblestone streets, and ending with visiting ancient man-made islands.
On this trip, you’ll not only visit places, but delve into the real culture, history, and nature, and taste the unique flavors Peru has to offer. Comfort, extraordinary destinations, and unique experiences are combined to offer a memorable trip.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 01
Arrival to Lima and Free day
Upon your arrival to Lima Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel and will have the rest of the day to enjoy at your leisure.
Explore the historic center of Lima, which is full of impressive 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 by indulging in the unique flavors that Lima has to offer. Peru is regarded as the culinary capital of South America and has been recognized as one of the world's leading culinary destinations.
Explore the historic center of Lima, which is full of impressive 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 by indulging in the unique flavors that Lima has to offer. Peru is regarded as the culinary capital of South America and has been recognized as one of the world's leading culinary destinations.
Day 02
Sacred Valley
Spend pleasant moments on a farm full of Camelids, such as our charming native Llamas and Alpacas, learn the techniques of ancient weaving processes, take in the impressive landscapes of the Sacred Valley from a privileged and strategic view point, and explore enormous Inca terraces and historical sites.
You will start with taking a short flight to Cusco, and upon your arrival we will transport you to The Sacred Valley of The Incas. The average elevation here is 9416 ft, which is slightly lower than Cusco (11,000 ft).
Amazing Andean landscapes, nature, picturesque valleys, and great archaeological sites from the Inca empire are abundant in this place.
The Sacred Valley is one of the few places where you can see authentic and native camelids. Our visit to the Llama and Alpaca Farm will also include the chance to see some Vicunas and Guanacos, to meet and feed gentle animals that enjoy human company, and closely observe these unique animals. Continuing the theme with a textile demonstration that relies on the wool of these precious native animals, observe the types of weaving looms, along with the ancient and natural techniques of dyeing, which utilize a variety of plants, minerals, and tools. At the end of your visit, you will have the opportunity to find ponchos, runners, chullos, blankets, capes, quilts, etc. for sale. Any purchases made go a long way to support the improvement of living conditions for the local families that welcome and enjoy sharing their knowledge with our guests.
Next, we make our way to a very well-located viewpoint, to enjoy the unique, captivating and almost surrealistic landscapes that the Sacred Valley offers, and the Vilcanota river which is surrounded by agricultural fields including our native Quinoa.
We will pass small towns with beautiful Andean style houses, and the emblematic Wakaywillque mountain peak lies in the background. There will be plenty of opportunities to capture stunning and memorable photos along the way.
Afterwards, visit the largest fortress city of the Sacred Valley, and in fact one of the largest of ancient America. Explore archaic Inca burial grounds, irrigation systems, and astronomy centers, all of them well defended by walls, gates and towers. Continue to a textile market, full of a wide assortment of colors, styles, and designs for gifts and souvenirs to take home with you if you wish.
Finally, enjoy the tranquility of the Sacred Valley, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and mountains.
You will start with taking a short flight to Cusco, and upon your arrival we will transport you to The Sacred Valley of The Incas. The average elevation here is 9416 ft, which is slightly lower than Cusco (11,000 ft).
Amazing Andean landscapes, nature, picturesque valleys, and great archaeological sites from the Inca empire are abundant in this place.
The Sacred Valley is one of the few places where you can see authentic and native camelids. Our visit to the Llama and Alpaca Farm will also include the chance to see some Vicunas and Guanacos, to meet and feed gentle animals that enjoy human company, and closely observe these unique animals. Continuing the theme with a textile demonstration that relies on the wool of these precious native animals, observe the types of weaving looms, along with the ancient and natural techniques of dyeing, which utilize a variety of plants, minerals, and tools. At the end of your visit, you will have the opportunity to find ponchos, runners, chullos, blankets, capes, quilts, etc. for sale. Any purchases made go a long way to support the improvement of living conditions for the local families that welcome and enjoy sharing their knowledge with our guests.
Next, we make our way to a very well-located viewpoint, to enjoy the unique, captivating and almost surrealistic landscapes that the Sacred Valley offers, and the Vilcanota river which is surrounded by agricultural fields including our native Quinoa.
We will pass small towns with beautiful Andean style houses, and the emblematic Wakaywillque mountain peak lies in the background. There will be plenty of opportunities to capture stunning and memorable photos along the way.
Afterwards, visit the largest fortress city of the Sacred Valley, and in fact one of the largest of ancient America. Explore archaic Inca burial grounds, irrigation systems, and astronomy centers, all of them well defended by walls, gates and towers. Continue to a textile market, full of a wide assortment of colors, styles, and designs for gifts and souvenirs to take home with you if you wish.
Finally, enjoy the tranquility of the Sacred Valley, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and mountains.
Day 03
Andean Culinary experience and train to Machu Picchu town
Today, discover Ollantaytambo town and savor a traditional Inca meal prepared on hot rocks and using local organic produce.
Ollantaytambo is a place with a wealth of history. In January 1537, the Spanish suffered their only major defeat in the battle of Ollantaytambo. Manco Inca orchestrated a surprise dawn attack by using their expert topography of the Sacred Valley, as well as Spanish horses that they had stolen. All this by their own ingenuity in order to completely defeat the Spanish forces. This was likely the reason that the Spanish never discovered Machu Picchu, purely because of the Manco Inca's victory at Ollantaytambo.
Moreover, Ollantaytambo is the scene of one of the most traditional and emotional legends of Peru - the forbidden romance of General Ollantay and Kusi Qoyllur.
General Ollantay, a warrior of commoner origin, was recognized for his great performance and achievements while acting as General of the Inca army. This earned him an important tribute, and during the award ceremony he was impressed and enamored with Kusi Qoyllur, daughter of the Inca Pachacútec. A secret romance between the two was not ever possible to reveal, due to the Empire's laws, which only permitted the union of individuals both with Inca lineage.
Ollantaytambo retains all of its original charm as it hasn't experienced any major physical changes since the Inca times. Discover the wonderfully characterful cobbled streets and delightful town square, plus the hugely impressive Inca stonework at the nearby archaeological sites. A great place to explore for souvenirs and local crafts which can be found at the artisanal market just a few steps away. Take your time to capture beautiful pictures with calmness and no rush.
Afterwards, walk to another picture-perfect location, surrounded by mountains and beautiful gardens, located just 15 minutes from the center of the town. Here, you will have the opportunity to taste from the Pachamanca, which translates to "earth oven".
This traditional Inca meal is cooked on hot rocks, and includes "grilled" chicken, pork, and lamb, Andean potatoes, organic vegetables, a house-made salad, and is also served with traditional sauces and the very popular local beverage Chicha Morada. Additionally, there will be a sugar cane distillery and coffee roasting facility to visit. Please note any dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.
After this unique culinary experience, embark on an exclusive train journey that surrounds you with the magical landscapes, thanks to panoramic windows and the observatory car. Experience an unforgettable trip. All while enjoying our authentic culture through the music and the typical Saqra dance presentation delivered en route. Along the way you will be able to move between the panoramic car and the elegant observatory car, to fully absorb and appreciate the scenic experience on board.
Finally, if desired, relax and sit back at the local hot springs, submerge yourself in natural thermal baths, and unwind here with the incredible mountain backdrop.
Ollantaytambo is a place with a wealth of history. In January 1537, the Spanish suffered their only major defeat in the battle of Ollantaytambo. Manco Inca orchestrated a surprise dawn attack by using their expert topography of the Sacred Valley, as well as Spanish horses that they had stolen. All this by their own ingenuity in order to completely defeat the Spanish forces. This was likely the reason that the Spanish never discovered Machu Picchu, purely because of the Manco Inca's victory at Ollantaytambo.
Moreover, Ollantaytambo is the scene of one of the most traditional and emotional legends of Peru - the forbidden romance of General Ollantay and Kusi Qoyllur.
General Ollantay, a warrior of commoner origin, was recognized for his great performance and achievements while acting as General of the Inca army. This earned him an important tribute, and during the award ceremony he was impressed and enamored with Kusi Qoyllur, daughter of the Inca Pachacútec. A secret romance between the two was not ever possible to reveal, due to the Empire's laws, which only permitted the union of individuals both with Inca lineage.
Ollantaytambo retains all of its original charm as it hasn't experienced any major physical changes since the Inca times. Discover the wonderfully characterful cobbled streets and delightful town square, plus the hugely impressive Inca stonework at the nearby archaeological sites. A great place to explore for souvenirs and local crafts which can be found at the artisanal market just a few steps away. Take your time to capture beautiful pictures with calmness and no rush.
Afterwards, walk to another picture-perfect location, surrounded by mountains and beautiful gardens, located just 15 minutes from the center of the town. Here, you will have the opportunity to taste from the Pachamanca, which translates to "earth oven".
This traditional Inca meal is cooked on hot rocks, and includes "grilled" chicken, pork, and lamb, Andean potatoes, organic vegetables, a house-made salad, and is also served with traditional sauces and the very popular local beverage Chicha Morada. Additionally, there will be a sugar cane distillery and coffee roasting facility to visit. Please note any dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.
After this unique culinary experience, embark on an exclusive train journey that surrounds you with the magical landscapes, thanks to panoramic windows and the observatory car. Experience an unforgettable trip. All while enjoying our authentic culture through the music and the typical Saqra dance presentation delivered en route. Along the way you will be able to move between the panoramic car and the elegant observatory car, to fully absorb and appreciate the scenic experience on board.
Finally, if desired, relax and sit back at the local hot springs, submerge yourself in natural thermal baths, and unwind here with the incredible mountain backdrop.
Day 04
Machu Picchu Tour
Today, explore the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu which covers an area of 325 km2, and has been majestically restored, it is truly a wonder of the world.
Machu Picchu is authentic proof of the Inca's advanced engineering and architectural skills. Discover the captivating ancient culture of the Incas and their astonishing engineering projects, which were exceptionally advanced for their time. The use of deep building foundations and crushed rock for drainage was the method employed for 60% of the construction at Machu Picchu, as per expert engineer Kenneth Wright.
An enchanting, mysterious, and magical essence permeates everything on the site.
A longstanding harmonious and mesmerizing relationship between culture and nature is exemplified by the exceptional scenery and beauty of the mountain landscape.
The structures' orientation was greatly influenced by the location of nearby holy mountains, which explains more the mystery of its atmospheric position in the land.
Within all the sites, there are expressions of the Inca's cosmological vision of existence, which includes myths, legends, and everything they considered sacred.
Take a 25-minute bus ride upwards to reach the Machu Picchu ruins. Your 2.5-hour private guide will lead you around the site and explain the different buildings along with interesting stories and historical facts. After the tour, take the bus down, board your train back to Ollantaytambo and connect with the 2-hour land transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
Machu Picchu is authentic proof of the Inca's advanced engineering and architectural skills. Discover the captivating ancient culture of the Incas and their astonishing engineering projects, which were exceptionally advanced for their time. The use of deep building foundations and crushed rock for drainage was the method employed for 60% of the construction at Machu Picchu, as per expert engineer Kenneth Wright.
An enchanting, mysterious, and magical essence permeates everything on the site.
A longstanding harmonious and mesmerizing relationship between culture and nature is exemplified by the exceptional scenery and beauty of the mountain landscape.
The structures' orientation was greatly influenced by the location of nearby holy mountains, which explains more the mystery of its atmospheric position in the land.
Within all the sites, there are expressions of the Inca's cosmological vision of existence, which includes myths, legends, and everything they considered sacred.
Take a 25-minute bus ride upwards to reach the Machu Picchu ruins. Your 2.5-hour private guide will lead you around the site and explain the different buildings along with interesting stories and historical facts. After the tour, take the bus down, board your train back to Ollantaytambo and connect with the 2-hour land transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
Day 05
Colored Andean Mountain
A must for nature lovers! You'll witness a region of Peru that is seldom explored by travelers! Trek to the Rainbow mountains, whose stripes of striking reddish colors are a result of the sedimentary mineral layers that have been exposed by erosion.
Walk through a truly stunning valley where you’ll witness the three rainbow mountains that stand apart from each other, plus red valleys and breathtaking landscapes, which include meadows, straw huts, numerous Llamas and Alpacas in their natural habitat, a variety of birds, as well as the local people, and more, all are awe-inspiring. The majestic Ausangate glacier, a giant mountain with snowcapped peaks reaching up to 20,900 feet or 4 miles, glows in the distance during sunny days.
Furthermore, in return for an extra 20-minute hike up to Stone Forest, which consists of a big standing sharp rock, 16,076 ft / 3 miles up, you'll have a fantastic photo opportunity of the three rainbow mountains and red valleys all in one shot. The landscape's beauty here is enough to leave you breathless.
You’ll start early today, setting off to the south of Cusco on a 3.5-hour drive until reaching the starting point of what is still considered an off -the-beaten-path trek. This 60-minute hike will take you through Andean landscapes via a short, relatively flat path and gentle trek. The summit lies at about 16,000ft. Upon reaching the colored mountains take wonderful unique pictures with ease as it is not overly crowded here. Finally, embark on the 3.5-hour drive back to Cusco center.
Time in car: 3.5 hours each way
Distance Traveled: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Difficulty: Easy – moderate
Walk through a truly stunning valley where you’ll witness the three rainbow mountains that stand apart from each other, plus red valleys and breathtaking landscapes, which include meadows, straw huts, numerous Llamas and Alpacas in their natural habitat, a variety of birds, as well as the local people, and more, all are awe-inspiring. The majestic Ausangate glacier, a giant mountain with snowcapped peaks reaching up to 20,900 feet or 4 miles, glows in the distance during sunny days.
Furthermore, in return for an extra 20-minute hike up to Stone Forest, which consists of a big standing sharp rock, 16,076 ft / 3 miles up, you'll have a fantastic photo opportunity of the three rainbow mountains and red valleys all in one shot. The landscape's beauty here is enough to leave you breathless.
You’ll start early today, setting off to the south of Cusco on a 3.5-hour drive until reaching the starting point of what is still considered an off -the-beaten-path trek. This 60-minute hike will take you through Andean landscapes via a short, relatively flat path and gentle trek. The summit lies at about 16,000ft. Upon reaching the colored mountains take wonderful unique pictures with ease as it is not overly crowded here. Finally, embark on the 3.5-hour drive back to Cusco center.
Time in car: 3.5 hours each way
Distance Traveled: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Difficulty: Easy – moderate
Day 06
Luxury Trip through Peruvian Andes
Experience the mysticism offered by the beautiful Andes of Peru, aboard a luxury train which is mentioned in The International Society of Railway Travelers as one of the 25 Best Railway Journeys of the World, as well as one of the best in South America.
Board this train and traverse the Peruvian Andes between the imperial city of the Incas and the shores of Lake Titicaca over a ten-hour journey. Enjoy elegant Pullman-style carriages, including luxurious dining cars and an Observation Bar Car. Attentive service, Andean fusion cuisine and majestic landscapes ensure an exceptional transit.
The train makes a short stop at La Raya Market, Puno, which at 4,300 meters above sea level is the highest point of the route. Stop to admire Vicunas and Alpacas, browse handcrafted woolen scarves and accessories, and visit the enchanting local church while enjoying views of the soaring, snow-capped mountains.
Board this train and traverse the Peruvian Andes between the imperial city of the Incas and the shores of Lake Titicaca over a ten-hour journey. Enjoy elegant Pullman-style carriages, including luxurious dining cars and an Observation Bar Car. Attentive service, Andean fusion cuisine and majestic landscapes ensure an exceptional transit.
The train makes a short stop at La Raya Market, Puno, which at 4,300 meters above sea level is the highest point of the route. Stop to admire Vicunas and Alpacas, browse handcrafted woolen scarves and accessories, and visit the enchanting local church while enjoying views of the soaring, snow-capped mountains.
Day 07
Titicaca Lake
You’ll visit a place where time appears to have stopped, and gain insights into a way of life that is rare to encounter in today’s modern world. This experience includes understanding indigenous cultures, traditional textiles, breathtaking landscapes, and exploring the highest navigable body of water in the world! The elevation is 3,812 meters above sea level.
When the conquest of the Incas started to expand, the indigenous people in Puno constructed floating islands, using reeds from the lake to shield themselves from capture.
This isolation from the mainland allowed these people to maintain their cultural identity. Nowadays the islands are still home to only a few thousand people, and tourism is a significant source of their income.
Similar to these people’s strong reliance on the reed (Totora), you’ll visit another community of people who have a strong reliance on their craft, this instance being textiles. Through this ancient art, oral traditions can be translated onto tangible textile pieces that are meticulously crafted with love and care. These people are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, and their works are recognized as "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO.
In the morning, you will board a speedboat and navigate Titicaca Lake, the first stop is at the islands made of reeds. Witness how people lived here from ancient times, see their customs and learn the daily activities, their traditions, and how they periodically maintain the islands that are constructed out of the Totora reeds that grow abundantly in this area.
From here, continue on to visit the next island, and enjoy a delicious lunch made with organic and local produce. Afterwards, you’ll understand why textiles are so important for the inhabitants. Especially for the men who through their hats, “chullos”, display their creativity, while also representing their marital status, dreams, and aspirations.
Later, and if desired, you can climb up 500 steps to the main part of the island (12,000 ft) and take amazing pictures of the island and the shimmering Titicaca Lake.
Finally, after a truly unique cultural experience in a stunning natural setting, return to your hotel.
When the conquest of the Incas started to expand, the indigenous people in Puno constructed floating islands, using reeds from the lake to shield themselves from capture.
This isolation from the mainland allowed these people to maintain their cultural identity. Nowadays the islands are still home to only a few thousand people, and tourism is a significant source of their income.
Similar to these people’s strong reliance on the reed (Totora), you’ll visit another community of people who have a strong reliance on their craft, this instance being textiles. Through this ancient art, oral traditions can be translated onto tangible textile pieces that are meticulously crafted with love and care. These people are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, and their works are recognized as "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO.
In the morning, you will board a speedboat and navigate Titicaca Lake, the first stop is at the islands made of reeds. Witness how people lived here from ancient times, see their customs and learn the daily activities, their traditions, and how they periodically maintain the islands that are constructed out of the Totora reeds that grow abundantly in this area.
From here, continue on to visit the next island, and enjoy a delicious lunch made with organic and local produce. Afterwards, you’ll understand why textiles are so important for the inhabitants. Especially for the men who through their hats, “chullos”, display their creativity, while also representing their marital status, dreams, and aspirations.
Later, and if desired, you can climb up 500 steps to the main part of the island (12,000 ft) and take amazing pictures of the island and the shimmering Titicaca Lake.
Finally, after a truly unique cultural experience in a stunning natural setting, return to your hotel.
Day 08
Adiós! Till our next trip!
At the designated time, a private transfer will take you to the airport of Juliaca. Here board your flight to Lima and connect to your international flight back home, taking precious memories of Peru with you.
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?
- Hotel accommodations for 07 nights
- Private transportation hotel / airport/train station in every destination
- All admission fees
- Excursions as described in the itinerary
- Meals as described in the itinerary
- Domestic flights: Lima - Cusco, Juliaca - Lima
- Luxury Train to Puno
What is not Included?
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Items of personal nature such as gratuities, internet charges
- Items of personal nature such as excess baggage charges, laundry.
- Beverages and meals not described in the itinerary
Hotels
Hotel Pullman
5/5
LIMA CITY
Albergue sup balcón
4/5
SACRED VALLEY
El Mapi by Inkaterra
4/5
AGUAS CALIENTES
Antigua Casona San Blas superior
4/5
CUSCO CITY
GHL
4/5
PUNO CITY
Belmond Miraflores Park
5/5
LIMA CITY
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Explore the Heart of the Inca Empire
Destinations visited: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca
Style: Religious, Cultural, Archaeological, Adventure and Experiential.
