Classic Peru Tour Overview
With this classic Peru tour, discover the diversity of the coast and the Andes of Peru. From a colonial and modern city that has coastal flavors to organic meals made with rocks in a place that is surrounded by unique landscapes and mountains, there are a variety of options. You'll explore the best of each place: nature, cities, culture, flavors, and history.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu with our classic Peru tour!
Arrival to Lima and Free day
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.
City Tour & Flavors
Take a stroll through colonial and Republican history of Peru, and enjoy up to 15 Peruvian dishes and drinks at Barranco. Lima is a top-rated culinary destination in Latin America as well as worldwide, and the only city to have two restaurants ranking in the top 10 of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Central and Maido.
The city is built on a cliff above sea level, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the beaches below. Barranco, one of Lima's most appealing areas, which is characterized by its artistic and bohemian charm, with colorful houses and murals lining its streets, is home to many local artists, designers, photographers, and musicians.
The rich cultural heritage of Lima allows travelers to enjoy a spectacular variety of historic and architectural monuments, great examples of unique mixture of Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical styles that are noteworthy.
Learn about the colonial and Republican periods of Peru. Enjoy taking pictures of the main buildings of Lima to finally get to descend into the foundations of a church. Here, visit the largest catacombs in Lima, where over 25,000 people were buried in the catacombs up until 1808.
In the afternoon, you´ll discover the unique and fascinating flavors that Lima has to offer! Flavor up to 15 Peruvian dishes and drinks at Barranco. This is not just a tasting tour but a cultural experience, interacting with our local hosts to learn the story behind these delicious treats. Witness the preparation of the famous ceviche, pisco sour and Lomo saltado. You'll be able to connect with passionate local food entrepreneurs while visiting a variety of huariques (small restaurants filled with locals). This tour can cater for people with any allergy, including but not limited to gluten, lactose, and soy, and can be adjusted for people on a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Sacred Valley
Spend pleasant moments in a farm full of Camelids as Llamas and Alpacas, learn the techniques of ancient weaving process, , enjoy impressive views of The Sacred Valley from a privileged and strategic point, and explore enormous inca terraces. Board a flight to Cusco, upon your arrival, travel to The Sacred Valley of The Incas. The average elevation here is 9416 ft, which is lower than Cusco (11,000 ft). Amazing Andean landscapes, nature, picturesque landscapes, 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. Visit a llama and alpaca Farm, including some vicunas and guanacos, meet and feed gentle animals that enjoy human company, look closely at these unique animals. Continuing with a textile interpretation, observe the types of looms, the ancient and natural techniques of dyeing, using dyeing plants, minerals, and tools. You can find ponchos, runners, chullos, blankets, capes, quilts, etc. You’ll be able to support the improvement of the living conditions of local families that welcomed you here.
Then, from a well-located viewpoint, enjoy the unique and surrealistic beautiful landscapes that The Sacred Valley offers, the Vilcanota river with cultivation areas next to, small towns with beautiful andean style houses, and the emblematic Wakaywillque peak in the background, take stunning and memorable photos.
Afterwards, visit the largest fortress city of the Sacred Valley and one of the largest of ancient America, explore ancient 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.
Finally, enjoy the tranquility of The Sacred Valley,, surrounded by beautiful landscapes, and mountains.
Andean Culinary experience and Panoramic train to Machu Picchu town
Today, discover Ollantaytambo town and savor a traditional Inca meal prepared on hot rocks and using organic products. Ollantaytambo is a place with a lot of history. In January 1537, the Spanish suffered their only major defeat in the battle of Ollantaytambo. Manco Inca used the topography of the Sacred Valley, Spanish horses that had been stolen, a dawn attack, and his own ingenuity to completely defeat the Spanish forces. The Spanish may have never seen Machu Picchu because of Manco Inca's victory at Ollantaytambo.
More over 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 as a general of the Inca army, which earned him an important tribute, during the ceremony he was impressed with Kusi Qoyllur, daughter of the Inca Pachacútec. This secret romance between the two was not possible due to the Empire's laws, which only permitted the union of individuals with Inca lineage.
Ollantaytambo hasn't experienced any major changes since Inca times.Discover the impressive Inca stonework at the nearby archaeological sites. A great place to explore for souvenirs and local crafts can be found just a few steps away. Take beautiful pictures with calm and no hurriedness. Afterwards, walk to a perfect location, surrounded by mountains, and beautiful gardens, located at just 15 minutes from the center of the town. Here, you'll taste 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, traditional sauces and chicha morada. Additionally, there will be a sugar cane distillery and coffee roasting facility to visit. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.
After this unique culinary experience, embark on an exclusive train that surrounds you with the magical landscape thanks to its panoramic windows and the Observatory Car, living an unforgettable journey and enjoying our authentic culture through the music and the typical Saqra dance presentation. Along the route, be able to move between the panoramic car and the elegant observatory car, enjoying the experience on board.
Machu Picchu Tour
Today, explore the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu which covers an area of 325 km2, and has been restored brilliantly, and is truly impressive.
Machu Picchu is an 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 used for 60% of the construction at Machu Picchu, as per engineer Kenneth Wright.
An enchanting, mysterious, and magical essence permeates everything on the site.
A longstanding harmonious and charming 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.
In all the sites, there are expressions of the Inca's cosmological vision of existence, which includes myths, legends, and everything considered sacred.
This day is the highlight of your classic Peru tour!
Cusco full exploration
Explore the cobblestone streets of Cusco or relax at your hotel and recover from the day before, in the afternoon you’ll visit the main highlights of this ancient and historical city. Cusco is the most ancient continuously-inhabited city in the Americas. For 3,000 years now, people have been living in Cusco! The Inca Empire's capital was Cusco from the 13th to 16th century.This was until 1533 when Spaniard Francisco Pizarro took over. Nowadays it’s a wonderful blend of the ancient past and the more recent colonial period where one can admire ancient Inca temples and monuments, colonial architecture and modern buildings.
San Blas neighborhood is very picturesque and it’s located in the heart of the ancient capital of the Incas, the combination of indigenous and colonial influences is captivating. Artists and craftspeople find sanctuary in this place, where talented musicians' sweet melodies fill the air, and the smell of freshly painted canvases remains. Find bursts of color, local shops and restaurants.
In the afternoon, get to know Cusco on a guided tour through the city. Check several paintings from the Escuela Cuzquena (Cusco School), created during the 17th and 18th centuries, from here continue to explore the most important temple to the Incas, whose walls were said to be plated with gold. Then head to the top of Cusco, where you’ll walk through a 15th-century dry-stone complex sitting on a steep hill, and visit important religious and sacred sites around.
Colored Andean Mountain
You’ll start early today, set off to the south of Cusco on a 3.5-hours drive till the starting point of a still considered off -the-beaten path trek. This 60-minute hike will take you through andean landscapes via a short, relatively flat path and gentle trek, where you’ll see local people in daily activities and animals like alpacas, llamas and sheeps grazing. The summit lies at about 16,000ft. Upon reaching the colored mountains take unique pictures, there’s not over-tourism here.Finally, embark on the 3.5-hour drive back to Cusco.
Adiós! Till our next trip!
At the set time, a private transfer will take you to the airport of Cusco.Here board your flight to Lima and connect to your international flight back home.
As you reach the end of your classic Peru tour, you'll find yourself overflowing with unforgettable memories and experiences!
Classic Peru Tour 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 is included in the tour?
- 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 - Lima
What is not included in the tour?
- 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