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Into the Incan Empire
This classic journey through the Inca heartland of Peru takes you from elegant Lima to Cusco and its archaeological riches. Explore megalithic fortresses and ancient terraces, traditional Andean villages and colourful markets before culminating in the spectacular ‘Lost City’ of Machu Picchu.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour Overview
Duration
8 daysStarts
LimaEnds
LimaRange
PrivateTour Guide
Yes - for all included sightseeingGroup Size
Min 2 / Max N/AMinimum age
5 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
Any day of the yearHotel Rating
Standard (superior and deluxe available on request)Countries
PeruArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesMeals included
Breakfast: 7, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 1Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Lima
Day 1 - Lima
Bienviendos a Peru! Welcome to Peru and the start of your journey through the land of the Incas. Upon arrival into Lima International Airport you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel. After check in spend some time with our rep discussing your up-coming trip. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at leisure
Day 2 - Lima City Tour
Day 2 - Lima City Tour
For centuries Lima was considered the most beautiful city in Spanish America and today discover why on a private half day tour of the city and its famous Larco Herrera Museum. Many of the city’s most imposing and important buildings were built around the Plaza Mayor in the heart of the old town. Here you’ll find the opulent facade of the Palacio de Gobierno, or Presidential Palace, where each day the ceremonial changing of the guard takes place. Nearby is the austere cathedral and various small palaces and balconied edifices that helped Lima claim UNESCO World Heritage status.
Day 3 - Flight to Cusco
Day 3 - Flight to Cusco
Lima – Cusco. After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco, known to the Incas as the ‘navel of the world’. At an elevation of 3400m above sea level, it’s important to acclimatise to the altitude so spend some time resting in your hotel before exploring this colourful and historic city later in the afternoon. Considered the archaeological capital of South America, Cusco is home to some of the finest examples of Inca history and architecture, which you will discover touring the sights of the Plaza de Armas, the Catedral and the Koricancha complex – a supreme example of Inca stonework, on an afternoon scheduled tour. Head out further afield to tour the Kenko Amphitheatre, the fortified hunting lodge of Puca Pucara, the stunning imperial baths of Tambo Machay and the megalithic fortress of Sacsayhuaman.
Day 4 - Sacred Valley
Day 4 - Sacred Valley
Cusco – Urubamba. Tracing a particularly scenic course from Cusco all the way to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley was greatly appreciated by the Incas due to its special geographical and climatic qualities and as such contains numerous archaeological remains and villages. Explore the area today on a full day tour. On the way to the ancient village of Urubamba stop to visit Awanacancha, an Andean textile centre where the art of Incan textile is kept alive. Continue to the archaeological complex of Pisac, formed of a collection of remains of Incan dwellings, temples and terracing. Enjoy a spot of shopping and practise your bartering skills at the local market before stopping for lunch. The day of touring concludes with a visit to the impressive fortress and citadel of Ollantaytambo.
Day 5 - Chinchero and Moray
Day 5 - Chinchero and Moray
Urubamba – Machu Picchu. Explore more of the Sacred Valley today with a private tour of the Andean villages south of the Río Urubamba. See the lovely paintings from the Cusco School on display in the attractive colonial church of Chinchero. If your visit falls on a Sunday you’ll witness the hustle and bustle as merchants and farmers assemble at the local flea market to barter over buying and selling goods. Continue to Maras where the original Indian aristocratic coats of arms hang on the outside of the church and houses. From here you can also see the salt evaporation ponds, a patchwork of 3,000 wells that have been used since the Incan Empire. Continue to the spectacular agricultural terraces of Moray, a circular system believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation during the Inca period.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to the train station for a stunning Vistadome train journey to Machu Picchu. Sit back and enjoy the views as the landscape changes from the Andean highlands to the beginnings of the jungle. Arrive Aguas Calientes and check in to hotel. Make the most of the area’s hot springs with a dip in the local thermal baths.
Day 6 - Machu Picchu
Day 6 - Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu – Cusco. No place in Peru captures the imagination like the legendary ‘Lost City’ of Machu Picchu. Nestled in a saddle between two forested mountains and surrounded on three sides by the Urubamba River, its location couldn’t be more awe-inspiring. The city itself is brilliantly preserved, a classical Inca-style complex of polished dry-stone walls and temples. This morning embark on a private tour of this remarkable site, visiting the citadel, the wonderful Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon. Other highlights include the fascinating Sacred Plaza and the elaborately carved Intihuatana rock. Lunch is provided at a local hotel before you return by train to Cusco.
Day 7 - Cusco to Lima
Day 7 - Cusco to Lima
Cusco - Lima. After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Lima. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to do as you please – head out into town and discover Lima’s excellent dining options or hit the markets for some last minute souvenir shopping.
Day 8 - Lima
Day 8 - Lima
Today marks the end of your adventure with an included airport departure transfer.
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Extras and add-ons
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Hotels
Prices & Dates
'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
Prices shown are based upon 'Standard' accommodation. An upgrade to 'Superior' and 'Deluxe' accommodation is available upon request. Prices are indicative and may vary depending on hotel and flight availability. If you wish to travel on a date not listed please contact us for pricing. High season supplements will apply for travel during local festivals, Easter, Christmas and New Year dates. Please note that discounts will apply if there are 4 or more people in your travelling party, since fixed costs like transportation and guiding are shared across the group.
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