Peru Explorer

Welcome to the Peruvian capital and ‘City of the Kings’, Lima. Rising above a long coastline of crumbling cliffs this city has a real sense of faded yet romantic grandeur, with historical sights a plenty and a culinary scene that is revered the world over. Settle in to your hotel and meet up with your Travel Director this afternoon, then the rest of the day is free to explore. Head to Parque del Amor to admire the Gaudí style architecture with beautiful views over Lima Bay, or take a wander around popular and bustling Miraflores.

Visit the famous Plaza Mayor and Cathedral and see the Government Palace, Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall. Delve into the dark history of the San Francisco Monastery, a museum featuring mysterious catacombs. Your afternoon and evening are free to join one of our exciting choice experiences. Take a walking tour with a local guide of the lively Miraflores district highlighting the Boardwalk of Miraflores, a cliff rising above the ocean at around 130 feet and the Larcomar shopping area. Or, indulge your taste buds on a food tour through Barranco or a street food tour – from coffee to churros - through Lima’s city center. In the evening, opt to visit the colorful, musical Magic Water Fountains of Lima.

Flying into Cusco, welcome to the Incan capital of the world! Boasting the richest heritage of any South American city, Cusco is a wealth of archaeological greatness and the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. It’s also the gateway to Machu Picchu, so throbs day and night with visitors exploring its ancient streets. Take in the ornate temples and Incan ruins as you arrive here. On the way to Sacred Valley, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during your visit to Chinchero Sunday market, still a very original market where you can find fruit and vegetable vendors as well as the occasional souvenir stall. Your guide will introduce you to some local produce such as potatoes, and if you wish, you can also taste some of the fruit. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® as you learn about Chicha, a local drink made of corn and admire llamas and alpacas before making your way to the hotel.

Today’s the day! Up bright and early this morning, you’ll travel to the ancient little town of Ollantaytambo to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the Incan village at the base of Machu Picchu. Slowly chugging your way through the rugged lands of the Sacred Valley, feel the excitement levels build as you pass by village settlements and towering mountains, the landscape changing as you descend. Making the last leg of the journey via shuttle, you’ll finally arrive at the most famous archaeological site of South America and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. Catching a first glimpse of this awe inspiring ancient city above the clouds is a moment you’ll never forget, so be sure to take a few minutes just to soak it all in. Take your time exploring the vast complex of fascinating ruins and let the mind boggle at how it was all built, before descending the mountain and making your way back to the Sacred Valley. Visit the local home of Mrs. Rosa. Her house goes at least 7 generations back and is a fine example of Incan architecture. Learn more about how guinea pigs are raised, as well as ancient traditions kept alive until this day.

Begin your day in Pisaq, famous for its local market and empanadas. Taste the local food at a women-owned and operated empanada workshop. Learn from Mrs. Ernestina how to make empanadas out of seven different kinds of flour and enjoy a tasting. Continuing on to Cusco you’ll also stop by the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 13th century, before arriving at the Incan capital of Cusco. Embark on a sightseeing tour of ancient Cusco visiting Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun and most important temple in the Incan Empire, before admiring the bounty of colonial art on display in the Cathedral.

Kick off the final day of your tour joining for an optional experience. Head to Moray and Maras to see Incan farming and salt mining techniques at play or visit 17th century Piquillacta to view the pre-Incan citadel built by the Wari people. Another option is to indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to the Choco Museum to learn more about the Peruvian chocolate making process. In town, tour Cusco after dark learning the secrets of this ancient city or experience Cusco off the beaten track visiting tiny stores and cemeteries with plenty of personal stories along the way. If you’re looking for an all-day adventure, join a trip to Rainbow Mountain where you’ll take a rigorous hike through breathtaking scenery of mountains and lakes.

One New Wonder of the World and an incredible seven days later, your trip will finally come to an end this morning. Leaving with priceless memories, a wealth of new knowledge and a wonderful group of new friends, you’ll make your way to the airport today. Departure is at leisure from Cusco Airport.