Lima - Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco - Puno
Art & Culture
Archaeology
Gastronomy
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Comfortable shoes
Hat
Comfortable clothes
Your luxury Sacred Valley hotel awaits, at Tambo del Inka, a stunning riverside property that fuses modern comforts and sublime style, a spa and fine dining cuisine with a real respect for Peru’s past.
One of the most beautiful luxury hotels in Cusco, housed in a 500-year-old mansion that’s been stunningly restored as an intimate boutique retreat; the historic Palacio del Inka will leave you spellbound.
The Westin Lima Hotel showcases the best of the capital, with its cutting-edge décor and dreamy wellness center, fine dining food and some of the best hotel views in Lima, here in upmarket San Isidro.
Contemporary, cool, glass-clad and found in the heart of Miraflores, Aloft is a striking boutique Lima hotel with a pool, restaurant and luxe rooms that’s both family-friendly and great for couples in one.
If location is key then the sleek, minimalist, AC Hotel Lima Miraflores could be for you, situated as it is on Malecón de la Reserva near some of Lima’s top attractions, shops and restaurants.
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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Amador Merino Reyna 551 - Lima 27, Perú