BRIEF

Destinations:

Lima - Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco - Puno

Highlights:

  • Guided tour of
    Downtown Lima
    and gastronomical experience of Peruvian cuisine in Lima’s bohemian
    Barranco District
    .
  • Direct arrival into the
    Sacred Valley
    , perfect for acclimatization at lower altitude, visiting the wonders of
    Pisac
    and
    Ollantaytambo
    ; and VIP departure to
    Machu Picchu
    from Tambo del Inka’s private train station.
  • Explore Cusco’s
    Southern Valley
    .
  • Mythical Lake Titicaca,
    Uros floating island
    ,
    Taquile
    and
    Sillustani
    .

Areas of Interest:

Art & Culture

Art & Culture

Archaeology

Archaeology

Gastronomy

Gastronomy

Luxury

Luxury

On this journey you’ll get a first-hand experience of the country’s amazing cuisine, local traditions, ancient past and fascinating present throughout. It starts in Lima with an insightful city tour and mouthwatering introduction to Peru’s renowned gastronomy. From here head to the Sacred Valley for Inca ruins, ancient cities and of course, Machu Picchu. Having visited the great ‘Lost City of the Inca’, you’ll then explore some of the many highlights of Cusco and lesser-visited South Valley, before a real change of pace at mystical Lake Titicaca with its unique way of life and famous floating islands.

ITINERARY

Day 1:

Upon landing in Lima you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in, ready for an immersive day in the capital. This timeless city is one of the most fascinating and historic in all South America, as you’ll soon see.

The day starts with a full exploration of the city with a guided tour that takes in both its colonial past and contemporary present: Plaza de Armas and the Historical Center; panoramic view of Huaca Pucllana Ruins; the Cathedral and Government’s Palace are particular Lima highlights to look forward to.

Arrive in Lima and City Tour

Day 2:

Lima is known as the World’s Greatest Gastronomic City, and you’ll get a taste of just why during this mouthwatering foodie tour of Barranco, a much-loved bohemian district in the capital.

Our tour begins on foot, visiting Hotel B, Dedalo Gallery, we walk down to the “Malecon” of Barranco, Bridge of Sighs, tour of the famous murals and the main square of Barranco. Then, visit a famous local restaurant to have a typical peruvian breakfast: bread with pork crackling or “butifarra”. After that, visit MATE (Mario Testino) Museum and Jade Rivera Museum. Finally, you will taste the best peruvian dishes at a typical restaurant.

Gastronomic Tour of Lima

Day 3:

From bustling Lima to the Sacred Valley via ancient Cusco, home to some of Peru’s finest architecture and archaeology.

On day 3, a private vehicle will take you to Lima Airport for your flight to Cusco where you’ll be met and driven to Tambo del Inka, a beautifully boutique Sacred Valley hotel that also enjoys a spectacular riverside setting. This is an ideal place to acclimatize yourself for Machu Picchu, visited in two days’ time.

Arrive in Cusco and enter the Sacred Valley

Day 4:

Your Cultural Tour of Peru now delves deep into the Sacred Valley countryside, with a scenic Llama trek being one of the best ways to do it.

These loveable animals were domesticated many thousands of years ago, long before the Inca, and today represent a window into Peru’s ancient past. It’s a delight to walk with them through this beautiful landscape, taking in the scenic sights as well as meeting locals and witnessing the traditional way of life here.

This afternoon can be spent at leisure enjoying the hotel’s grounds or surrounding valley scenes.

Sacred Valley Llama Trek

Day 5:

Machu Picchu is considered the world’s best travel destination, an ancient wonder of the world and highlight of South America in one. Day 5 is a special day, as you take a guided tour of the great ‘Lost City’ of the Inca.

You’ll begin in style with a private train boarding at Tambo del Inka’s own platform, "Sacred Valley" train is the chosen one, followed by a scenic journey through the amazing views of the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes and onwards to Machu Picchu. Lunch and dinner are served onboard. Then, simply absorb the magic of Peru’s most iconic ancient site with a fascinating guided tour, before enjoying it all at your own pace with some priceless leisure time.

Machu Picchu conjures images of gold-clad Inca kings, explorers and myth, aided no end by its unmistakable mountaintop setting. Having fully admired the citadel during the day, your next stop is Cusco.

*You can ask for the itinerary with Vistadome train.

Take a tour of Machu Picchu

Day 6:

Your exploration of Peruvian history continues today, with visits to the village of Pisac and Inca city of Ollantaytambo.

After breakfast then, head northeast from Cusco in a private vehicle towards Pisac. This ancient town is best known for its colorful markets of locally woven wares, fresh produce and artisan artefacts. Though catering for tourists today, Pisac market has been attracting locals from the surrounding Sacred Valley hills to trade in this way for centuries, then enjoy lunch at a local Sacred Valley restaurant

From Pisac, head to the huge monuments, fortress and terraces of spectacular Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is one of the most impressive Inca sites in Peru, both for the archeology and Sacred Valley views once you’re there. It’s also the only Inca city still inhabited to this day. At the end of the day you will be transferred to Cusco city

Pisac & Ollantaytambo

Day 7:

Today you’ll visit the lesser-known Southern Valley of Cusco, home to some magnificent archaeological sites. Begin in Tipón to witness incredible Inca architecture, waterways and fountains, followed by the sprawling ruins of Pikillacta and village of Andahuaylillas, a laidback rural town that centers around its pretty colonial church.

This afternoon you can enjoy leisure time to explore Cusco, it is optional and not included at the main journey. Cusco boasts some of Peru’s greatest archeological sites, most fascinating history and atmospheric streets too. Among the highlights of Cusco, San Pedro Market and its stalls of crafts and wares is a great place to start, followed by a walk through some of the city’s ancient streets and plazas to the Cathedral, Saqsaywaman Fortress, Iglesia De Santo Domingo and the Qorikancha Temple.

Cusco and the South Valley

Day 8:

From one mystical site to another, day 8 of your Cultural Tour of Peru sees you travel from the Sacred Valley to Puno, on the shored of the mythical Lake Titicaca.

The highest navigable lake in the world that straddles both Peru and Bolivia, Titicaca held spiritual status for the Inca and other ancient peoples before them, and is today known for its floating reed islands, gorgeous views and secluded monuments.

You’ll travel to Puno on the PeruRail Titicaca train, a scenic journey passing beautiful countryside, rolling hills, open plains and rural villages. On arrival check into your lakeside hotel and relax.

Travel to Puno

Day 9:

Exploring both the traditions and beauty spots of Lake Titicaca is always a joy.

Your Lake Titicaca tour begins with a boat trip to the famous floating reed islands of Uros. Made from thousands of reeds tightly woven together by hand, the Uros islands offer a glimpse into the past. Lakeside communities have lived like this, in their reed houses, for hundreds of years, fishing and keeping safe from Spanish invaders and rival ancient clans.

It’s a fascinating visit and you’ll get to visit locals too, before continuing to Taquile Island. Here you can meet more island dwellers and local weavers before exploring beautiful Taquile Island, its waterside pathways, agricultural terraces and amazing Lake Titicaca views.

Finally, boat ride back to your lakeside hotel.

Lake Titicaca’s Uros & Taquile Islands

Day 10:

As you wave goodbye to Puno and Lake Titicaca there is still time for one more highlight, with a visit to the striking Sillustani Chullpas. These impressive Inca monuments form part of one of the most significant necropolises in the Americas. A fitting end to your time in this part of Peru.

From Sillustani you’ll be taken to Puno Airport for your flight to Lima, and onward journey home.

Visit Sillustani and go home

REMARKS

Travel Tips:

  • Best season for this trip: This is a year-round tour, though rainy season in Cusco occurs during November-March.
  • Who does this trip suit? This trip is ideal for, couples, families and small groups.
  • Customizable? Yes, all of our tours are personalized to suit you, so just let your Venturia specialist know what you need!.

Packing List

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Comfortable shoes

Hat

Comfortable clothes

LODGING OPTIONS

DETAILS

What´s included:

  • Hotel accommodation throughout
  • Meals are provided according to the itinerary
  • Guided excursions with entrance tickets and meals according to the itinerary
  • Private transfers between hotels/stations/airports/excursions according to the itinerary
  • 24/7 assistance and personal concierge
  • Liability insurance coverage

What´s not included:

  • International and domestic air tickets
  • Hotel extras
  • Tips (are not mandatory)
  • Services not already mentioned on the itinerary

Notes:

  • Rates per person in USD$ (American Dollars)
  • Rates may vary during holidays or special events
  • Itineraries are subject to change due to weather or other unexpected events
  • Meals are provided according to the policy of each hotel. Only meals mention in the itinerary are included at the final price
  • Signed disclaimer is required on some adventure activities
  • We recommend having a valid Travel and Medical Insurance Policy before travelling to Peru
  • Subject to Venturia´s terms and conditions

Speak to one of our experts

To design truly unforgettable travel experiences in Peru, you need a specialized, skilled and passionate team to make that happen time and time again. Here at Venturia we have just that, an expert group of people whose creativity, knowledge, inspiration for and love of Peru transmits through to every single trip, embodying the pure beauty of travel along the way.

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