8 Days: Lima, Cuzco, Sacred Valley, Pisac, Machu Picchu

Tour overview:

Two empires meet in this beautiful, mystical land. You’ll explore Lima, the colonial capital of South America and then soar to the heights of Machu Picchu aboard the Vistadome Observatory train to explore the mysteries and magnificent vistas of this world wonder. Luxury accommodations in all the cities.

Day 1 - Arrive in Lima

Arrive at Lima Airport. A transportation service and a representative will pick you up from the airport at the scheduled time to transfer you to your hotel in Lima. The Peruvian capital is a modern metropolis full of history, currently undergoing an exciting process of cultural and economic changes.

Day 2 - Lima – Full Day City Tour Visit Cathedral, San Francisco and Larco Herrera Museum

In the morning. Transfer to Parque del Amor, located in Malecon Cisneros in Miraflores, which was inaugurated in February of 1993 on the "Day of Love", and whose central part exhibits a beautiful sculpture carved by Peruvian artist Victor Delfin, dedicated to love and whose name is "The Kiss". The park also offers a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean. Proceed then to the heart of Miraflores and enjoy a panoramic view of the archaeological site of Huaca Pucllana that operated between centuries V - VIII AD. Proceed then to the Historic Center of Lima, and enjoy the Capital of Peru and its 2000 years of history and colonial wealth. Admire the Plaza Mayor, which has important architectural monuments and buildings, like the Archbishop of Lima with its elegant balconies, the Government Palace and its magnificent bronze fountain dating from 1650. Continue to the convent of San Francisco, a masterpiece of colonial architecture where you can appreciate the beauty of its monastic cloisters decorated with tiles and remarkable paintings depicting the life of the holy founder of the Order, St. Francisco de Asis. In the underground galleries are impressive catacombs whose purpose, according to popular histories, remains an enigma. Proceed to the district of Pueblo Libre and enjoy a delicious three-course lunch menu at Café del Museo Larco restaurant. Then, visit the museum, a colonial mansion built in the eighteenth century which houses an extensive collection of ceramics from pre-Columbian art and textiles worked with many materials and tools used by the ancient Peruvians, as well as gold and silver pieces with semiprecious stones and pieces of erotic art. After the visit. Finally, you will be transferred back to the hotel. (BL)

Day 3 - Lima / Cuzco / Sacred Valley

At the agreed time, you will be transferred from the selected hotel to Lima airport. Once you arrive to the Imperial City, a guide will meet and greet you at Cusco Airport and then transfer you to the selected hotel in the Sacred Valley. En route visit Awanakancha, an exhibition center of textiles and South American camelids located at kilometer 23 of the road to Pisac. It is considered a living museum and here you can see Andean camelids, learn about the techniques to take their wool and finally acquire finely spun garments. You will then visit the Pisac market, consisting of dozens of stalls displaying and selling goods crafted by residents of the area. You can find textiles, carvings, and replicas of ancient Inca pieces. Located 33 kilometers from the city of Cusco, it is a town built as a partridge, also known for hosting one of the most important archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley on the slopes of the hills. It is perhaps the largest complex of platforms in the area. Enjoy lunch at Casa Hacienda Huayoccari, owned by the Lambarri Orihuela family. This place captivates with its extensive collection of ceramics, paintings, and photographs celebrating popular and colonial art. Surrounded by eucalyptus trees and other native species, the hacienda offers a naturally and culturally enriching environment. At the end, a vehicle will take you to the hotel in the Sacred Valley. (BL)

Day 4 - Sacred Valley

Private full-day tour to Chinchero, Living Museum of Yucay, and Ollantaytambo from Urubamba.

Start your tour today by heading to the picturesque village of Chinchero. You will begin by exploring the impressive agricultural terraces and the 17th-century church, built upon an ancient Inca palace and recognized as one of Peru's earliest Catholic structures. Along the route, there will be a stop at a lookout point to enjoy the spectacular landscapes of the Sacred Valley. Next, you will visit the Living Museum of Yucay, where you can witness the creation of textiles, adobe crafts, ceramics, and silverware using ancient Inca techniques. You will savor a delightful typical lunch in the Sacred Valley. After lunch, head to the impressive Ollantaytambo Fortress, an important ceremonial center renowned for its stunning agricultural terraces cascading down the surrounding mountainsides. Upon concluding this full-day tour, you will return to the hotel to rest and soak in the renewed Incan spirit. The Chinchero market is included in tourist visits scheduled for Sundays. Enjoy an impressive gastronomic celebration prepared by renowned chefs Pedro Miguel Schiaffino and Nacho Solis at Rancho Wayra. In addition to savoring exquisite Peruvian cuisine, you can also experience a Peruvian Paso horse show to the rhythm of the marinera dance in a cozy atmosphere. Your guide escorts you to have lunch at the Wayra Ranch restaurant. (BL)

Day 5 - Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu

Our representative pick you up from the selected hotel in Urubamba (Sacred Valley) and transfer you to Ollantaytambo station, receive assistance upon your arrival. Board PeruRail's Vistadome Observatory train from Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes station (Machu Picchu Town) and receive assistance upon your arrival. Your return trip to Ollantaytambo station will also be on the Vistadome Observatory train. Each journey lasts about one and a half hours, and schedules are subject to availability. Aguas Calientes, located on the slopes of Machu Picchu, features a lively craft market, various restaurants, and lodging options. Just a 25-minute bus ride away is Machu Picchu, an impressive architectural and engineering marvel believed to have been a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacutec. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu translates to "Old Mountain," which enchants visitors with its historical grandeur and natural beauty. After the visit, travelers return by bus to Aguas Calientes. Enjoy a delicious set lunch menu at Café Inkaterra while taking in the breathtaking view of the Vilcanota River. The restaurant is known for its unique blend of Andean cuisine and contemporary trends, resulting in a fusion-style meal with a distinctive flavor. (BLD)

Day 6 - Machu Picchu / Cuzco

Today, you will have an entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, known as the "Lost City of the Incas", which offers a unique combination of natural landscapes and ancient architecture. Board the shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes town to Machu Picchu citadel, and after your tour, ride back to Aguas Calientes. Each journey lasts around 25 minutes. A private guide will meet you at Machu Picchu entrance and will be at your disposal for two hours and thirty minutes while exploring the citadel of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a delicious set lunch menu at Café Inkaterra while taking in the breathtaking view of the Vilcanota River. Our transportation service and representative pick you up at Ollantaytambo station and take you to your hotel in Cusco. (BL)

Day 7 - Cuzco / Sacsayhuaman

Private half-day tour in Cusco to Sacsayhuaman, San Blas neighborhood, Cathedral, and Coricancha. AM or PM Start your journey towards the impressive Sacsayhuamán Fortress, the site of the iconic Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, celebrated every June 24th, and enjoy panoramic views of Cusco city. Next, descend to San Blas, one of the most emblematic neighborhoods in Cusco, known for its prestigious artisan workshops and for having been inhabited by Incan nobility. Continue to explore the main temple of the city of Cusco, known as the Cathedral Basilica of the Virgin of the Assumption. Finish at Coricancha, known as the Temple of the Sun, built by the Inca Pachacútec. Upon the arrival of the Spanish, it became the foundation for the construction of the Convent of Santo Domingo. During the Incan era, it was a place of worship for the sun (known as Inti) and was filled with gold artifacts. At night, enjoy dinner at MAP Café restaurant (includes transportation and assistance) located in the courtyard of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. Immerse yourself in a world of art, color, flavor and perfection. (BD)

Day 8 - Cuzco / Lima

Morning at leisure. Lunch at Inka Grill restaurant. A vehicle will transfer you from the selected hotel to the airport. A representative will assist you along the way. (BL)