DAY 1 | LIMA ARRIVAL
Upon your arrival at the Lima airport, a transportation service will pick you up to transfer you to your hotel. The Peruvian capital is a modern metropolis steeped in history, which is currently undergoing an exciting process of cultural and economic change.
DAY 2 | LIMA – LARCO MUSEUM AND CITY TOUR
Get ready to explore the old town of Lima, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which is full of fascinating historical buildings. The route begins with the Larco Museum, located in the traditional district of Pueblo Libre and housed in a beautifully restored viceroyalty mansion, which in turn is built on a pre-Columbian pyramid from the 7th century. Then, head to Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted in 1535 by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro to one of his captains, Jerónimo de Aliaga. Continue with a scenic tour of the colonial center. Visit the Plaza de Armas, where you can appreciate the great architecture of the Spanish Empire. There is its magnificent Cathedral, built in the 16th century. Finish the tour returning to your hotel.
DAY 3 | LIMA – CUSCO / CITY TOUR AND NEARBY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES (90 min flight)
A mobility will take you to the Lima airport to take your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the selected hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of this charming city, which was the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour begins by visiting the Convent of Santo Domingo that was built on the Inca temple of Coricancha, one of the most important places dedicated to the cult of the sun. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument in the Plaza de Armas. Then head towards the Cusco hills where the Sacsayhuamán fortress is located, whose imposing walls offer an impressive panoramic view of Cusco. Continue to Qenqo, an archaeological complex for religious use where it is believed that the Incas practiced rituals related to agriculture. Your tour ends in Puca Pucará, in Quechua "red fort", an architectural complex of supposed military use, with multiple rooms, squares, baths, aqueducts and towers. It is believed that it was used by the Inca entourage while the leader was resting in Tambomachay. After finishing the visit, you will return to your hotel.
DAY 4 | CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY / CHINCHERO, LIVING MUSEUM OF YUCAY AND OLLANTAYTAMBO
A transport will pick you up in the morning at your hotel to take you to the town of Chinchero*. This traditional Cusco urban center is special not only for its privileged view of the landscape of the Sacred Valley, but also because its inhabitants preserve the traditions and knowledge inherited from the Incas, which is reflected in their clothing and crafts. Continue your journey through the Sacred Valley towards Ollantaytambo, making a previous stop at a viewpoint to enjoy the landscape before arriving at the Living Museum of Yucay. Finally, start your tour of the town of Ollantaytambo with a delicious lunch. Enjoy the Andean essence that is breathed in the place by walking through its streets - which still maintains the Inca urban planning and has been inhabited since then - and climbs the iconic fortress, built on the side of the mountain. At the end of your visit, return to your hotel to rest full of the Inca spirit.
*Visits that take place on Sundays include the Chinchero market.
DAY 5 | SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU
Your visit to Machu Picchu begins with an hour and a half train ride through spectacular Andean landscapes to Machu Picchu Pueblo, departing from the Ollanta station. From here, you will take a 25-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu, the 'lost city of the Incas'. During the guided tour, learn about the origins of this impressive citadel, presenting its most outstanding monuments. At the indicated time return to Aguas Calientes. Lunch included.
*Lunch time may vary depending on the entrance to the citadel.
DAY 6 | MACHU PICCHU–CUSCO
Today, you can optionally return to Machu Picchu to visit the other attractions that the citadel houses. We recommend you get up early and take advantage of the morning on the mountain. It is an unforgettable experience! You can choose between climbing Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, both with incredible views of the constructions of the archaeological site. Another option to visit is the Inca bridge, a secret military path that controlled access to Machu Picchu. In the afternoon, board the train back to the Ollanta station and, from there, a shuttle will take you to your hotel in Cusco.
*Remember to purchase your tickets before your trip due to the limited capacity of the citadel. Tickets are subject to availability.
DAY 7 | CUSCO – PUNO (357 km – 10 hours approximately)
Start your trip boarding the bus that will take you from Cusco to Puno, traveling through the fascinating landscape of the Andes. The first stop will be in Andahuaylillas, a charming town located 40 kilometers from Cusco whose main attraction is its impressive church known as the "Sistine Chapel of America", due to its golden baroque interior and its delicate frescoes. Continue to Racchi and marvel at the imposing temple of Wiracocha, an interesting rectangular building, similar to a wall with windows and doors, 30 meters wide by 20 meters high. After the visit, you get to enjoy a delicious lunch in Sicuani, followed by a brief stop at La Raya, the highest point of the journey at 4,313 meters above sea level. Next, you will visit the town of Pukará, the first urban settlement near Lake Titicaca that developed between 100 and 200 AD. Visit its interesting lithic museum, before heading to the city of Puno. A representative will meet you at the hotel to assist you with registration.
DAY 8 | PUNO –LAKE TITICACA: UROS AND TAQUILE ISLANDS
You are transferred to the port of Puno, where a boat awaits you to take you to the beautiful islands of Uros. The Uros are an ancient society that inhabits a series of artificial islands built on a base of woven reed reeds that grow in the lake itself. At the top, the inhabitants build their houses, also made of reeds; that's why they cook outdoors to avoid possible fires. After a fantastic hour and a half excursion, continue your trip to the island of Taquile, a beautiful piece of heaven that belonged to the Inca Empire. Vestiges of this culture can still be seen in its structures. Once there, there will be a briefing about the island and you will witness a cultural activity. After a delicious lunch, you will begin your return to Puno.
DAY 9 | PUNO–DEPARTURE
A transportation service will take you from the selected hotel to the Juliaca airport to take the flight out of the city.