Basic Peru

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN LIMA
Upon arriving at Lima airport, we will transfer you to your hotel located in the heart of Lima. The remainder of the day is yours to relax. Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 2: LIMA TO CUSCO
Transfer to the Lima airport for your flight to Cusco. Once you arrive in Cusco, you will be taken to your hotel. After some well-deserved rest, we will pick you up to commence the tour. Our first stop is the Temple of Coricancha, known as the Golden Temple due to the extensive gold that once adorned this sacred site.

Following this, we will visit the Cusco Cathedral, situated in the Plaza de Armas. This iconic landmark is famous for its stunning religious art, much of which originates from the Cusco School of Art. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Historic Monument of Peru.

You will be captivated by the beauty of the main square, encircled by shops and grand churches. Originally a lagoon, it was drained during the Inca era and utilized for significant events. Today, it serves as the main gathering place for visitors in Cusco.

The tour continues with visits to the most important archaeological sites. We’ll start with the Sacsayhuaman complex, a remarkable structure composed of enormous, perfectly fitted stones, believed to have been constructed by over 20,000 men over 70 years.

Next, we will explore Qenqo, a religious center where the Incas worshipped their gods, including the sun, moon, and earth. Our journey proceeds to the military site of Puca Pucará, which means “Red Fortress” in Spanish, named for its reddish tint. Lastly, we’ll visit the water temple of Tambomachay, celebrated for its aqueducts and waterfalls fed by nearby springs.

After exploring these incredible sites, we will return you to Plaza Regocijo in the city's center. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 3: FULL-DAY MACHU PICCHU
Your full-day Machu Picchu tour kicks off with a hotel pickup. We’ll proceed to the Ollantaytambo train station, nestled in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, on a picturesque 1.5-hour bus ride.

From there, board the train to Aguas Calientes, a charming town, in a 1.5-hour ride with breathtaking views of lush mountains and snow-capped peaks. Upon arrival, you’ll take a bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu, allowing time to explore parts of this stunning archaeological site on your own.

At the prearranged time, meet your professional guide at Machu Picchu’s entrance. Together, embark on a 2.5-hour guided tour of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, discovering the ancient civilization while admiring the spectacular surroundings.

Enjoy free time to capture photos, continue exploring, or, if desired, climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (optional). This steep, narrow trail offers unparalleled views of the Inca city. Alternatively, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (optional), where excellent options for traditional and delicious meals await.

Later, convene at the Aguas Calientes train station to board the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, a tourist bus will take you back to Cusco, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel. Overnight stay.

DAY 4: CUSCO TO LIMA
In the morning, transfer to the Cusco airport for your return flight to Lima. Upon arriving in Lima, you’ll be taken to your hotel.

In the afternoon, we’ll start exploring Lima with a visit to the renowned Larco Museum, located in the traditional Pueblo Libre district. Founded in 1926 by Peruvian archaeologist Rafael Larco Hoyle, the museum is housed in an 18th-century mansion with beautiful gardens.

The Larco Museum is truly impressive, featuring over 5,000 pre-Hispanic ceramic pieces, along with gold and silver artifacts, and pre-Columbian erotic pottery. Walking through the stunning galleries in chronological order, we’ll delve into the fascinating civilizations of ancient Peru.

Next, we’ll head to Lima’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. This area is home to beautiful squares, colonial mansions, and a rich history. We’ll visit the Aliaga House, a colonial mansion built in 1536, filled with exquisite art and history. Remarkably, this architectural gem is still inhabited by descendants of Jerónimo de Aliaga, a Spanish conquistador and ally of Francisco Pizarro.

Our journey continues to the Plaza de Armas, where Lima was founded in 1535 and Peru’s independence was declared in 1821. During colonial times, the square served as a market and the site of public executions.

We’ll admire the historic buildings surrounding the square, including the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Municipal Palace, and other significant colonial structures. We’ll also visit Lima Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built during the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.

After the tour, we will return you to your hotel. Overnight stay.

DAY 5: DEPARTURE FROM LIMA
At the designated time, you’ll be transferred to Lima airport for your departure.