CULTURAL CITIES OF PERU 9 DAYS
OVERVIEW:
Embark on a 9-day journey to explore the cultural cities of Peru, from vibrant Lima—with its Historic Center, monuments, pre-Inca ruins, and renowned cuisine—to Cusco, the ancient city of the Incas. Explore its rich historical and cultural heritage through its main attractions, including the Cathedral, Qoricancha, the San Blas neighborhood, and the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuamán.
Immerse yourself in the magic of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, discover its ancient traditions, colorful markets, and archaeological sites, and marvel at Machu Picchu, one of the most extraordinary wonders in the world. Continue your journey to Puno and Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, where you will visit the Uros and Taquile Islands and discover the living culture of their communities.
AT A GLANCE
Day 1
Arrive in Lima – Hotel in Lima, Miraflores
Day 2
Lima City Tour – Historical Center – San Francisco Catacombs – Huaca Pucllana Ruins – Larcomar – Depart Lima – Fly to Cusco – Transfer to Sacred Valley Hotel in Sacred Valley (B, L).
Day 3
Sacred.Valley Tour – Pisac ruins + market – Maras salt ponds – Moray, Hotel in Sacred Valley, (B, L)
Day 4
Chinchero Weaving – Ollantaytambo – Train to Aguas Calientes Hotel in Aguas Calientes (B, L).
Day 5
Bus to Machu Picchu – Tour – Bus to Aguas Calientes – Train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy station – Transfer to Cusco Hotel in Cusco (B. L).
Day 6
Full Day Cusco City Tour – 12 Angle Stone – Cathedral – Qoricancha – San Pedro Market – San Blas artist district – San Cristobal – White Christ – Sacsayhuaman – Qenko -Puka Pukara – Tambomachay – Hotel in Cusco (B, L).
Day 7
Sun Route to Puno – Andahuaylillas San Pedro Church – Raqchi – Buffet lunch – La Raya – Pukara Museum – Puno Hotel in Puno (B, L).
Day 8
Lake Titicaca: Taquile Island – Llachon Península – Pachamanca lunch- UROS Ccapi – Puno Hotel in Puno (B, L).
Day 9
Sillustani Tour – Juliaca Inca Manco Capac Airport – Lima – International flight (B).
ITINERARY:
Day1.- Welcome to Peru – Lima
Arrive at the Lima airport where our representative will greet you and private transfer to your hotel in Miraflores.
- Hotel in Lima
- No meals
Hotel Selection in Lima
Day 2.- Lima City Tour – Cusco – Sacred Valley
our the cosmopolitan city of Lima known as the City of Kings. It once served as the Vice Royalty to oversee South America by the Spaniards. The historic center of Lima was declared a World Heritage UNESCO in 1988. Travel through its pre-Hispanic and colonial, modern history of Lima.
Afterward, you may have lunch on your own before your transfer to the airport for a flight to Cusco. Arrive in Cusco the charming city where our staff will meet you and take you to the Sacred Valley where you can acclimatize faster due to lower elevation.
- Hotel in Sacred Valley.
- Breakfast included.
NOTE: We could change the Lima tour to a Lima Gourmet, Museum, Pachacamac ruins or other.
Hotel Selection in Cusco
Day 3.- Sacred Valley of the Incas – Awanacancha Llama Farm – Pisac Ruins Market – Maras Salineras – Moray Circular Depressions
This morning set off from your hotel with your guide and drive along the Vilcanota River in the Sacred Valley of the Incas to explore the world of the Incas. Arrive at the Pisac ruins for a nature hike of the Inti Watana (Sun Temple), baths, altars, water fountains, and ceremonial platforms.
Then go to the town of Pisac for a stroll around the colorful handicraft market where you can pick up some souvenirs. Drive along the Vilcanota River to the town of Urubamba for a delicious Peruvian lunch.
After lunch, we will visit the colonial town of Maras and continue around the mountain to the magical Salineras with stunning views of the white salt ponds staggered down the mountainside in terraces that are maintained and worked by the families of nearby communities.
Our final visit will take us to the Moray circular terraces sitting on a high plateau. No one knows for sure what they were used for as there are different hypotheses. Return to your hotel and relax.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Hotel in the Sacred Valley.
Day 4.- Chinchero Colorful Weaving – Ollantaytambo Fortress – Train ride to Aguas Calientes
This morning get ready for a fabulous cultural experience. Travel to the small Andean town of Chinchero at a higher elevation than Cusco. Observe an ancient weaving demonstration by the indigenous women wearing their colorful typical wear.
Visit the small adobe colonial chapel built around the 17th century upon the foundations of the Inca Temple. The inside is covered with lovely floral and religious designs. Then it`s time to have a delightful Peruvian lunch before going to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo.
Tour the ruins which served as a fortress and temple. Walk around the ceremonial center on top of the terracing and take pictures of the surrounding landscapes. Stroll to the nearby station and board the train for a scenic ride to Aguas Calientes. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel of your choice.
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Breakfast and lunch included.
Hotel Selection in Aguas Calientes
Day 5.- Machu Picchu Tour – Train ride to Ollantaytambo or Poroy Station – Cusco
Walk to the nearby bus station and wait in line for your turn to board the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu, a 25-minute ride. Inhale and exhale as you finally reach the breathtaking Machu Picchu, the long-awaited visit you always dreamed of.
At last, you say! Enjoy a fantastic historical fun walking tour with your guide of this impressive citadel. Visit the guardhouse, main temples, royal tomb, sacred plaza, and more.
After a fabulous time return to town and have lunch before boarding the train to the Ollantaytambo or Poroy station. Return to your hotel in Cusco.
- Hotel in Cusco
- Breakfast and lunch included.
Hotel Selection in Cusco
Day 6.- Full Day Cusco City Tour
AM Tour the lovely city of Cusco walking around admiring the Inca and Colonial architecture. Stroll to the 12 angle stone and take pictures before walking up to San Blas, the artist district to appreciate the art. Tour the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas observing the beautiful altars and paintings.
Take a short walk to the Qoricancha Sun Temple which was not only the most sacred site in the Inca belief but was considered the very centre of the Inca world. Enjoy a cultural visit to the San Pedro Market where the local people shop.
PM Relish in a Peruvian lunch and afterward, continue the excitement. Drive above Cusco for a visit to the White Christ where you will take spectacular pictures of the city of Cusco below.
Tour the well-preserved ruins of Sacsayhuaman with its massive, genius built walls that still remain today. Off to the Qenko ruins which were possibly used for death rituals.
Tour the Puka Pukara red fort. Our final visit will take us to Tambomachay the Inca baths possibly once used as a spa for the Inca ruler. Return to Cusco.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Hotel in Cusco.
Day 7.- Journey on the Sun Route to Puno
Options: private transport or Inkaexpress Tourist Bus This morning we set off from Cusco to Puno via the Sun Route. Take in the beautiful scenery of the surrounding Andes Mountains and historical sites along the way.
Andahuaylillas “Sistine Chapel of America” – Visit the church of San Pedro Apóstol de Andahuaylillas, built by the Jesuits in the 16th century. Tour the inside and be surprised by the mesmerizing murals and lavish embellishments such as a gold-leaf altarpiece.
Raqchi “Temple of Wiracocha” – The Inca Wiracocha Temple was built in honor of the invisible Superior God.
- Marangani Buffet Lunch – We will stop in Sicuani for lunch and to relax before restarting the tour.
La Raya 4335 meters – This is the highest point between Cusco and Puno where you will observe high peaks as well as rivers born from its hillside that flow towards Cusco and the Sacred Valley and those who flow towards Puno to be tributaries of Lake Titicaca.
Pukara Museum – Observe the monoliths and stelae (carved and sculpted in granite) of various sizes, as well as pottery, human bones and more.
- Arrive in Puno around 5:00pm and transfer to your hotel.
- Hotel in Puno.
- Breakfast and lunch included.
Other options:
Fly to Juliaca and transfer to Puno
Upgrade extra cost:
PeruRail Titicaca Train Journey departing from Cusco on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday.
- Hotel in Puno
- Breakfast and lunch included
Hotel Selection in Puno
Day 8.- Lake Titicaca: Taquile Island – Llachon – UROS Ccapi – Puno
7:00 AM Start off from your hotel to the port to board the boat and journey to the island of Taquile. Explore the less touristy area walking on the sandy beach where you will get a genuine touch of the island and its inhabitants.
The Taquile people are known for their textile art which became a UNESCO in 2005. We continue our ride on the Titicaca waters to Santa Maria – Llachon located on the tip of the Capachica Peninsula, a very scenic off the beaten track destination.
We are welcomed by a small community and quickly introduced to an intensive cross-cultural experience living their traditions and participating in an ancient ceremony learning of their mystical world. We will experience the preparation of “Pachamanca” a traditional way of cooking meat, fish, and potatoes using underground ovens.
After lunch, we depart to the remote area of the National Reserve of Lake Titicaca and explore UROS Ccapi, considered as the last authentic floating islands, less commercial and little visited. The Uros are descendants of one of the oldest cultures in South America. After a cultural blast, we return to Puno and on to your hotel.
- Hotel in Puno
- Breakfast and lunch included
NOTE: You could choose to do a homestay in Amantani or Luquina or Ticonata or Taquile. Ask us.
Day 9.- Sillustani – Juliaca Inca Manco Capac Airport – Lima
Morning transfer to the airport in Juliaca. On route, we will tour the Sillustani pre-Inca cemetery with huge tower-like structures called chulpas surrounded by mountains and the “Umayu” Lagoon. Arrive at the airport and fly to Lima. Breakfast included
Services end.
NOTE: Add more days and visit Arequipa and Colca Canyon or other. Ask us!
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
WHAT TO BRING
Gallery
