From the Salt Mines of Maras, to the famous Machu Picchu, to the spectacular beauty of rainbow Mountain, the Inca Adventure will give you a real taste of Peru.
HIGHLIGHTS
ITINERARY
Upon arrival into Lima, you will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel.
The capital of Peru has many options to dazzle you, you can enjoy a snack in a local bar, a light walk gives you the option of enjoying the romantic views of the Pacific Ocean or simply let your artistic side out and visit the contemporary art galleries that exist in this bohemian and picturesque district of Barranco where your hotel will be located.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
After breakfast you will be collected by your guide and begin your full-day tour taking in the “must see” sites of this beautiful city. We explore the Larco Museum which hosts the best private collection of pre-Columbian art, make our way to the Plaza de Armas and the 16th-century cathedral located the heart of old Lima. Perhaps explore those catacombs of the Basilica and Convent St Francisco or delight yourself by visiting the Aliaga house, considered a jewel of Viceroyalty and Republican architecture which is still inhabited by the same family for generations over a period of 480 years.
Our Lunch today will be in one of the well-known restaurants in Lima.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight to Cusco (flight cost not included). – An Andean city located at over 11,000 feet above sea level.
Upon arrival into Cusco you will be met by your guide then transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. A vast green valley that sprawls out far below Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley´s diversity of microclimates made it an important source of food for the Incan Empire and is a place where many continue to live as they have for hundreds of years. Our first stop will be at the Archeological site of Pisaq with their spectacular views of the valley. In this place, the ingenuity of the Inca architects will help us to understand why this civilization reached the level of development and territorial expansion.
Transfer to your hotel where the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure
This morning, before the crowds come, we start our exploration with a visit to Ollantaytambo known as the living Incan town, a formidable stone structure of immense terraces set into the mountain slopes – this was the site of the Incas’ greatest victory over the Spanish during the wars of conquest. From here we continue on to Moray, an archaeological site known for its unusual Inca ruins mostly made up of circular terraces that at first glance, resembles ancient Greek or Roman amphitheaters.
An extraordinary feature of the site is the vast difference in temperature between the top and the bottom levels of the ruin, leading researchers to believe that was possibly used by the Inca to study the effects of different climatic conditions on crops.
The pinnacle of our adventutre will be the spectacular salineras that have been around for hundreds of years and are still in use today. This site amazes us with its more than 4000 salt ponds, which crystralize trough the evaporation process, thus, obtaining the salt.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
After a leisurely breakfast you will be transferred to the train station and board the Scenic-Glass Top train to Machu Picchu, you will enjoy this journey which passes along the banks of the Urubamba River. This train trip is considered to be one of the most beautiful short train trips in existence so make sure your camera battery is full!
Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes town we enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant before setting off to explore the breathtaking Incan city. Overlooking the Urubamba River Valley, this Ancient city was discovered hidden beneath the canopy of the trees by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. Built in the 15th century at the height of the Inca Empire, this designated UNESCO World Heritage site continues to awe and impress those around the world.
Our experience today will give us the chance to be at this wonder of the world when the weather is more pleasant and is less crowded.
After breakfast, we continue our exploration of the wonder of the world, in order to understand the spiritual, astronomical, religious and administrative meaning of Machu Picchu, this Vast Inca dwelling has a unique beauty due to its privileged location.
(Optional) Take a hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain to enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area. The morning is yours to explore these majestic ruins with your guide.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before we say goodbye to this magical ancient city, and make our way to Ollantaytambo by train and then drive back to Cusco.
Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.
This morning starts with a guided walk through the enchanting former capital Inca empire. We explore the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Qoricancha (Temple of the sun). From here we make our way to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman. Located on a hill that overlooks the city, these ruins are another example of an imposing display of Incan architecture. Compiled of massive stones, the largest of which is thought to weigh as much as 200 tons, these immense terrace walls were cut and placed with amazing precision and without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place. Afterwards we will enjoy a pleasant downhill walk leading us to San Blas traditional neighborhood which is known for sheltering the most outstanding artist in the entire region.
This tour can be tailored to suit your tastes. Perhaps explore the shops and meander through the bustling market in Cusco, where the locals buy their produce or you may want to visit the workshop of a local weaver, a wonderful way to get an overview of Andean weaving (notice required to arrange).
Note: This tour is only available during the dry season (April – November)
* Please note – this tour can be substituted with an alternative or be a day at leisure
A very early start to the day with a collection between 05:00 hrs. – 05:30 hrs. Sit back and relax (or snooze) for the next 3 hours while we make our way to the Hanchipacha community.
From here we continue on to the Quesiuno community where we begin the start of a 3 hour uphill trek. Your guide will allow for brief stops along the way and point out the beautiful mountains around. Take in the amazing landscapes, dotted with herds of alpacas and llamas and traditional local houses. Upon reaching the summit we admire the mountain’s colorful landscape where your guide will explain about the geological processes that caused the magnificent display of color. After 30 minutes to an hour, weather dependent, we make the much easier journey back down the mountain where we enjoy a relaxing lunch at the Hanchipacha community. After lunch we return to Cusco.
A splendid day to go back in time. Today you will be collected by your guide and journey to Tipon. Located about 40 minutes from Cusco, these sites are one of the less visited sites in the region and their location leaves them tranquil and relatively tourist free. Tipon is yet another example of Incan hydraulic engineering with the well preserved inca terracing, fountains and water channels, it was clearly constructed for agricultural purposes. Not as extensive as other ruins however they are beautifully designed and show the skills of these ancient engineers. Continue on to Pikillaqta. Another site that is seldom visited, this pre Incan city was built by the Wari Civilization around 800 AD and later taken over by the Incans. Considered to be one of the main cities of ancient Peru with over 700 buildings, little is known of the Wari people. We then head to the town of Andahuaylillas where we visit San Pedro church, also known as the Sistine Chapel of American due to the quality of the art. In this religious complex you will be overwhelmed by the magnificence of wood carvings, paintings, andean baroque decoration in gold leaf. Arrival back into Cusco late afternoon.
Another early start with a collection from your hotel at approximately 5.00am. Sit back and relax for the couple of hours as we make our way to the town of Mollepata, which is located at the north of Cusco region. We continue on for another hour until we reach Soray pampa to start the 1 hour trek to Humantay Lake. We enjoy the breathtaking views of the Humantay Glacier Lake before heading back down to Soraypampa. We explore this area and take in some of the sites of the Salkantay Trail and Mountain – the second highest mountain in the Cusco region. After a leisurely lunch, (own expense) we return to Cusco arriving early evening.
* Please note – this tour can be substituted with an alternative or be a day at leisure
You will be collected from your hotel where we will be transferred to the airport and bid you farewell.
End of travel services.
INCLUSIONS
INCLUDES.
EXCLUDES.
EXTENSIONS
DATES & PRICES
11 days / 10 nights.
Private Service.
Price:
Twin Share Per Person: Starting from:
.00 USD
Minimum two guests
Single supplement pricing available upon request.