Machu Picchu and Inca Culture

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Lima

  Arrive in Peru's bustling capital of 8 million people. Lima offers a beautiful mix of colonial history, vibrant culture, and trendy coastal neighborhoods like Miraflores. Check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the city at your own pace.

  • Lima

• Day 2: Lima - Cusco

  After breakfast, embark on your flight to the ancient Inca capital of Cusco nestled high in the Andean mountains. Upon arrival, your private transfer winds through cobbled streets lined with colonial buildings.

  In the afternoon, set out to explore Cusco's storied past. Wander through Coricancha, the Inca's legendary Temple of the Sun, where beams of light once illuminated walls of perfect stonework. Gaze upon the European splendor of Cusco Cathedral, its towers piercing the mountain sky from what was once the holiest place in the Inca empire. Climb to the ramparts of Sacsayhuaman fortress, once defended by indomitable Inca warriors, its immense walls and solemn stone sentinels now standing guard over the city below for eternity.

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  • Cusco

• Day 3: Cusco - Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

  Today, embark on a journey to the Sacred Valley, where the rays of the Andean sun still fall on Incan terraces as they did centuries past.

  First, wander the Pisac Archaeological Park where you'll uncover clues to Incan life among its perfectly carved terraces and temples carved into the mountainside. Lose yourself in an explosion of colors and aromas at the Pisac Market, a fascinating glimpse into the rhythms of modern Andean life. Then climb the ruins and fortifications of Archaeological Park Ollantaytambo, the last stronghold of the Incas, and witness battles that changed history.

  Afterward, board the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, a hotel staff will escort you to the hotel to rest for the adventures tomorrow will surely bring.

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  • Aguas Calientes

• Day 4: Aguas Calientes - Cusco

  Imagine stepping foot into a lost world frozen in time... The legendary view of Machu Picchu awaits!

  After breakfast, you'll board a 30-minute shuttle bus ride up to the lost city of the Incas. Once inside, prepare for a journey back hundreds of years. Marvel at the ingenious Inca engineering tucked into mountain clifftops with panoramic views. Absorb the mystical energy still palpable in these sacred ruins. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Inca priests and imagine life in this mountain citadel.

  After that, take a shuttle bus back to your hotel for checking out and then take a train to Poroy Station in Cusco. Upon arrival, be escorted to your hotel in Cusco.

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  • Cusco

• Day 5: Cusco

  This day is free for you to uncover Cusco's soul - wander at leisure down streets where history lives.

  Wind your way through the Centro Historico where ancient Inca walls tower over colonial churches and buildings little changed for centuries. Stroll the elegant Plaza de Armas, beating the heart of this mountain city. Gaze upon the graceful cathedral and drink in the sights and voices of daily life under the Andean sun. Or venture to the San Blas, the city's most evocative district characterized by narrow and steep alleyways. Browse art galleries housed in old colonial homes and visit shops selling exquisite handicrafts made by artisans.

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  • Cusco

• Day 6: Cusco - Lima

  After breakfast, take a drive to the airport for your flight back to Lima. The rest of the day is yours to discover Lima your way.

  Venture to the Museo Larco - a place where the past comes alive. Gaze upon gold headdresses and ornaments crafted with fine precision by cultures long forgotten. Ancient ceramics painted with astonishing skill catch your eye at every turn. As the Andean sun sets over the Pacific, make your way to the Circuito Magico del Agua. The fountains burst to life as night falls over the sea. Countless pillars of water dance before you in choreographed splendor.

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  • Lima

• Day 7: Lima, Departure

  Wander through Lima's ancient heart and modern soul on this all-encompassing tour of the city.

  Strolling through Lima's Main Plazas, you come upon the Government Palace, a shining neoclassical structure that has witnessed over a century of the nation's history. As you enter the hushed, cloistered silence of Convent San Francisco and descend into its catacombs below, holding the remains of those long since laid to rest. Continue on to the gracious San Isidro District, amid stately homes and busy commerce, where you visit Huaca Huallamarca, an archaeological site filled with relics left behind - weathered pottery, textiles, and long-preserved mummified remains. Finally, arrive at Miraflores District by the shore, and pass by the Park of Love and Larcomar for panoramic ocean views of the wide Pacific, like a silken tapestry.

  After the tour, as your flight carries you home, your heart lingers in Lima's storied streets. Treasured memories of this magical city remain, yours to keep.

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