8-Day Peru Empire of the Senses Lima Cusco and Machu Picchu

Arrival in Lima, Welcome and assistance in your transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon (14:00 hrs) An exclusive and intense tour of the Historical Center of Lima will take us to know and admire the architectonic relics that are part of the old Lima, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Convent of Santo Domingo is the beginning of this magnificent experience. It was built during the foundation of Lima. The Universidad Mayor de San Marcos (University of San Marcos) was founded on this site, the oldest in America. Inside, the choir with the oldest stalls in the country; and the library, with 25,000 books, some printed in the XV century, has an invaluable historical value. The mortal remains of San Martín de Porres, San Juan Masías, and Santa Rosa de Lima lie inside. Crossing the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, and the Municipality, going into the Cathedral, a jewel in the history of Lima, with artworks that will make us feel closer to colonial Lima.

Leaving downtown Lima and heading to the Larco Museum, where we will get a clear vision of the cultures that inhabited ancient Peru. We shall admire the gold pieces, textiles, and erotic ceramics that are part of the collection which will introduce us to the cosmovision of ancient Peru. The warehouse of this museum will be open during our visit to appreciate the expressions of art that were reflected in their ceramics.

Free day to choose activities that will make our senses connect with our spirit. Select and reserve one of the specially designed activities: Caral, Ancient City: Visit the 5,000-year-old Caral, explore its ancient structures, and enjoy a local lunch before returning to Lima. Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco: Start early to visit Ballestas Islands, experience dune buggies in Huacachina, taste pisco, and have lunch before returning to Lima. Islands of Lima and Callao: Explore the marine life and historical sites of Lima’s coastal islands, including San Lorenzo Island and the Real Felipe fortress. Paracas and Nasca Lines: See Ballestas Islands and fly over the Nasca Lines (on select days). Enjoy a marine lunch before returning to Lima. None of the tours mentioned on the second day are included.

In the afternoon, exclusive stroll in the city that starts with a visit to the Plaza de San Cristóbal (San Cristobal Square) to enjoy a panoramic overview of the city. Afterwards, we will visit the San Pedro Market, where we will absorb the local flavors and learn more about the products of the area in this market that has it all and supplies the entire city. Later, the Qorikancha Temple will welcome us with all its splendor and magnificence, with walls that used to be covered in gold. From San Blas, the artisans’ neighborhood, we will walk down the street Hatun Rumiyoc finding in our way the palace Inca Roca, today´s Archbishops Palace, and we will have time to admire the world famous Twelve Angled Stone. We will continue to the Plaza de Armas to visit The Cathedral that houses colonial works of incredible value.

In the morning, we will leave behind the crowds in order to visit Sacsayhuaman, an impressive citadel full of colossal constructions surrounded by beautiful landscape in total communion with the environment. Afterwards, we continue to the Inca adoratory of Q’enqo, with its surprising altar for sacrifices embedded in the internal part of its rocky formation. Finally, we arrive at the Puca Pucará lookout and Tambomachay, a monument of notable architectonic excellence which is considered one of the pillars of the Andean cosmovision. Free afternoon to enjoy the city.

This day we shall visit the most outstanding places in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will depart towards the Village of Chinchero, the most typical and colorful of the Sacred Valley. This village is famous for its weaving women. A short stop in the center of textile to appreciate the old Inca techniques for dyeing and spinning using alpaca wool. After visiting the Inca plaza with its beautiful colonial church.

We will continue towards Moray, a beautiful Inca archaeological site made up of concentric agricultural terraces that served as a lab to recreate microclimates.

Later visit to the last living village of the Incas, Ollantaytambo. Also, a visit to the Temple of the Ten Windows, the Bath of the Princess, and the Sun Temple. The postcard pictures that we will take from the heights of Ollantaytambo will close this magical day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

The much-awaited day to visit one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Boarding at the Ollantaytambo station. Departure in the selected train. Arrival at the Machu Picchu station. Assistance, from our staff to board the bus that will ascend up a winding road, with a spectacular view of the Urubamba river which forms a deep canyon. The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, will greet us with its incredible terraces, staircases, ceremonial sites and urban areas. Energy exudes from the whole place. Lunch. At the coordinated time, return by train and transfer to the hotel in Cusco. Lodging.

Free day. Cusco offers many cultural, archaeological, and adventure-oriented activities. Reserve the activities with anticipation. We recommend: Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain, or Kayak in Huaypo Lake.

Transfer to the airport. Departure to Lima to connect with your return flight home.