Essential Peru (7 Days)

Day 1 - International Arrival, Collection & Overnight in Miraflores District

Our English-speaking ground staff will be waiting to collect you on arrival at Lima Airport. In a modern fully air-conditioned vehicle you will be transported 40-minutes to the up-market hotel district of Miraflores. Dependent upon on the time of your international arrival we can include other activities today, or perhaps you may wish to use this evening to discover why Lima is now considered to be one of the world’s best gastronomic destinations? We have a host of recommendations on the best places to eat. Just ask one of our luxury Peru travel experts.

Day 2 - Morning Flight to Cusco, Afternoon Tour of Pisac Ruins & Market

Today you will take a mid-morning flight to Cusco (flight time: 1h 15m). Upon arrival in Cusco, we will meet you and take you to the lower altitudes of the Sacred Valley. It is important to have a light first day on arrival at altitude to assist good acclimatization. Therefore, this afternoon we offer to you a choice of options. Therefore, this afternoon we include a light lunch at a traditional Hacienda, and gentle stroll around the indigenous market of Pisac and the option of taking a short tour of the Inca archaeological site at Pisac.

Day 3 - Tour of Ollantaytambo Ruins, Moray Ruins and pre-Inca Salt Pans

The Sacred Valley is a tranquil rural region of Peru. It was once an important agricultural and spiritual area for the Incas. The rugged landscapes of the valley are steeped in Andean history, culture and beauty. Nowadays the flat fertile farming planes and terraces of the valley are used to grow crops native to the Andes. Quinoa, choclo (giant corn) and many varieties potato are but a few of an abundant array. Today you will be collected for a full day tour of the Sacred Valley and nearby attractions. You commence with a guided tour of Ollantaytambo Ruins in the western end of the valley. It being one of the last strong holds of the Inca Empire, the colossal mountain side ruins of Ollantaytambo are regarded as among the most impressive in the region. After lunch you’ll continue on to the unique Inca ruins at Moray. The true purpose of Moray remains lost in history; however, historians believe that it was used as a form of testing ground for growing food crops. The day will end with a short visit to the pre-Inca Salt Pans of Maras. A camera is a must at Maras, as the deep red and brown ochre colors of the pans set against the green vegetation of the valley is simply breathtaking.

Day 4 - Guided Tour of Machu Picchu

Lost to the world for more than 500 years, the pristine Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu is truly one of the world’s modern-day wonders. You will start the day with a train ride along the stunning Vilcabamba Valley to the remote town of Aguas Calientes. On approach to Aguas Calientes the scenery changes to rich jungle flora, marking the beginning of the Amazon and your visit to illustrious Machu Picchu. Our expert local guide will take you on a tour of Machu Picchu lasting approximately 2 – 2 ½ hours. After the tour, you will have several hours to explore on your own. In the late afternoon, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo followed by a private road transfer to Cusco.
We can highly recommend extending your time in Machu Picchu, by adding a night at a hotel close to the citadel. Talk to our luxury Peru travel experts to tailor an extension to meet your needs.

Day 5 - Morning Tour of Cusco City

Cusco was once the financial and governing capital of the Inca Empire. Historians compare Cusco to great cities like Rome, Athens and Cairo. Today, impressive Inca temples, shrines and structures still dominate many parts of central and outlying Cusco. In the morning, we will collect you for a half day tour of the city. The tour includes the vast Inca ruin of Sacsayhuaman, the Inca Temple of the Sun (Korikancha), Cusco Cathedral and the mysterious ruins of Q’enko. We leave the afternoon free for you to explore this ancient city on your own. Take some time to wonder the cobbled streets of the San Blas district, sip a coffee on a colonial balcony overlooking the main plaza, or take in one of the cities many museums.

Day 6 - Free Morning in Cusco, Afternoon Flight to Lima

Many people often overlook Cusco, but we think it deserves as much time as possible. Therefore, we simply recommend having a few hours of free time to explore this unique Andean city on your own. In the afternoon, you will take a flight to Lima (1h 15m). Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the Miraflores District of Lima. The evening is a good time to discover Lima’s gastronomic scene. Astrid & Gaston, El Central and Maido are essential restaurants for the high-end dining experience, but if you want our insider’s input for some alternative great eateries, simply let us know!

Day 7 - Morning Tour of Lima, Afternoon Transfer to Lima Airport

Founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, Lima has a fascinating history well worth investing the time to discover. Wide leafy Avenidas, with grand mansions and large opulent plazas were symbolic of wealthy colonial Lima. Later, the city fell into decline after the Spanish opened a competing vice-royalty in Rio de la Plata (Argentina). Nowadays, Lima’s wealth is slowly rejuvenating thanks to Peru’s booming economy. After breakfast, we will take you on a half day tour of Lima that features ancient, colonial and modern attractions around the city. Visits include Plaza de Armas, the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo, the Temple of Huallamarca and the Park of Love. In the afternoon we will transfer you to Lima Airport in time for your international flight departure.