Peru: Classic Machu Picchu

Peru: Classic Machu Picchu

Walk in the footsteps of the Incas when you travel to Peru. Explore the colonial history of Cusco, the Incan ruins of the Sacred Valley, and the amazing beauty of Machu Picchu!

Itinerary Summary

DayPlaceHighlightsHotel Options
1 – 2 Lima Monastery of San Francisco, Plaza Mayor, UNESCO World Heritage Site Innside Lima Miraflores, Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
2 – 4 Sacred Valley Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras, Moray, Chincheros, River Rafting, Horseback Riding Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
4 – 5 Machu Picchu Pueblo UNESCO World Heritage Site Machu Picchu, Wayna or Huayna Picchu, Sun Gate, Aguas Calientes El MaPi by Inkaterra
5 – 7 Cusco UNESCO World Heritage Site, Koricancha, Tambomachay, Qenko, Puca Pucara, Sacsayhuaman Casa Andina Premium Cusco, El Mercado Cusco

Ideal For

Itinerary Details

Peru’s capital city enjoys a great location directly on the Pacific coast and boasts of spectacular views, elegant neighborhoods, historical districts and a vibrant assortment of cultures.

Old town of Lima, capital of Peru, South America

City Tour of Downtown Lima
Explore the highlights of Lima on this privately guided city tour as you gain insights into Peru and her capital. Stroll through the beautiful city center visiting the main square of Plaza Mayor, the Lima Cathedral, and the Government Palace and other historical attractions. (Duration 3 hours. Private Activity.)

Explore Lima on your own
Discover the fascinating neighborhoods of this beautiful city by the Pacific Ocean on your own. You could start your day with a stroll around the historic Lima Centro locality, soaking in views of the fine examples of colonial architecture such as the cathedral and government palaces. Or, head south to the upscale localities of San Isidro and Miraflores for some window shopping and gastronomical delights at one of the many restaurants. Take your pick of delicacies from fresh seafood ceviche to flavorful pollo a la brasa! Alternatively, you could spend the day soaking in the sun and having fun in the water at spectacular beaches. Catch the colourful water fountains at the Parque de la Reserva for a pleasant end to an enjoyable day. If partying is on your mind, then you could head to one of the themed bars in the trendy Barranco district for a night to remember. (Full Day; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included).

Flight from Lima to Cusco

Transfer from Cusco to Sacred Valley (60 km, 1.5 hrs)

Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley of the Incas (Valle Sagrado de los Incas) is reachable via Cusco, and links this erstwhile capital of the Incan Empire with the citadel in Machu Picchu.

a field with a mountain in the background

Visit to Pisac Ruins and Ollantaytambo (Starts from Cusco)
A full day privately guided tour that takes visitors from Cusco to the spectacular Sacred Valley of the Incas. Nestled on the banks of the Urubamba River, you will begin your tour in Pisac, exploring the villages extensive ruins, temple, hillsides and terraces before heading to Ollantaytambo in the afternoon. Here you find an attractive town of Inca origin with remarkable channels and stone streets where you will discover its impressive ceremonial centre and fortress that guarded the access from other parts of the valley. (08:00 to 18:00, Private Activity, Lunch Included)

Visit to Chincheros Town, Maras Salt Mines and Moray Ruins
On this full-day privately guided excursion you will visit the beautiful colonial town of Chincheros as well as the spectacular Incan sites of Maras and Moray. Start your morning at the fascinating Maras Salt mines which feature more than 100 small pools fed by a salt-water mountain spring that is interconnected by channels. It still remains in use today by the community and represents an important income for numerous families in the area. Walk up to the vantage viewpoint from where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the salt mines and its surroundings. In the afternoon, you will head along a dirt road towards another typical Andean village called Moray; famed for being an Inca agricultural experimental center. Both these ancient sites and your visit to Chincheros, will take your breath away and leave you fascinated by the mysteries of the Incan civilization. (From 09:00 to 17:00; Private Activity; Lunch Included; Please note that trekking and walking on the salt pans of Maras is prohibited in order to preserve the purity of the salt extracted.)

Visit to Machu Picchu by Vistadome Train from Sacred Valley
The most iconic archeological wonder of South America is yours to explore. Travel to the lost city of the Incas via Vistadome train before spending an afternoon at the sacred citadel with a private guide from Machu Picchu town. Learn about the human ingenuity required to construct the site and ponder its many mysteries. Marvel at the surroundings and soak in the wonders of this magical place, hidden amongst the green summits of the high Andean cloud forest. (06:30 to 18:00, Private Activity, Lunch Included)

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