Discovering the Incas

Day 1 – Lima

Arrive Lima with a guided transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore Peru’s capital city.

Overnight: Casa Andina

Day 2 – Lima

Enjoy breakfast in your hotel before embarkation on a morning tour of Lima and the surrounds. At the scheduled time, you will be picked up at the hotel to begin a tour of the city’s main avenues, boulevards, and squares. The tour will begin with an exploration of Colonial Lima. First, you will stop off at the Main Square, where you will get a chance to explore the square on foot and admire the exteriors of the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the City Hall all examples of Lima’s still-present colonial architectural opulence.

You will also visit the Santo Domingo Convent. Built in 1540 on land given to the Dominican Friar Vincente Valverde by Francisco Pizarro, the church of Santo Domingo is one of the oldest and most historic in Lima.  Santo Domingo is home to the remains of Saint Rose of Lima, Saint Martin de Porres (who was the first African-American saint in the Americas), and San Juan Masias. There is a statue of Saint Rose on display, which was given to Santo Domingo by Pope Clement X.

Then, you will visit Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion that currently holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited private residence in the Southern Hemisphere.

You will have time to enjoy lunch at your leisure, before embarking on your private afternoon tour. You will be picked up at your hotel to begin a tour to the Bohemian neighbourhood of Barranco, an area called home by countless artists, photographers and authors. Walk along peculiar streets lined with Republican houses, admire the splendid views and visit the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), witness to untold numbers of past and present romances and source of inspiration for one of Peru’s great composers, Chabuca Granda. (B)

Overnight: Casa Andina

Day 3 – Lima > Cusco

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight (not included) to Cusco. On arrival you’ll receive a brief introduction to this city on your way to your hotel. After you’ve checked in, depart for a private Cusco Magic City tour. You will explore the artistic and bohemian neighborhood of San Blas, home to many renowned artists. Through narrow, cobblestone streets, arrive at the main plaza of San Blas, which is surrounded by many well-known artisan workshops, such as Mendívil, Olave, and Mérida, among others. Take your time to visit some workshops and contemplate the artist’s works. Next, we will continue to the San Blas Church, built in 1563 on top of an Inca Sanctuary. The church is a simple structure, famous for its beautiful pulpit that is carved from one single cedar tree – representing one of the most exquisite works of wood carving in the Spanish churrigueresque style done by indigenous hands. Stroll along its cobblestone alleys makes our own way toward Hatum Rumiyuq Street (which in Quechua means “Of the Old Rock”), where you will be able to admire the famous Twelve-Sided Stone.

Continue the exploration of the Imperial City with a visit to the San Pedro Market, which being the city’s main street market, will give you an opportunity to get to know the products of Cusco, overwhelming you with the sights, aromas, tastes, and colours of the region.

Just a few blocks away, you will discover one of the most impressive buildings of Incan Cusco: the Qoricancha (the Golden Temple): a temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, whose interior walls were said to have been covered in gold. Complete the day with a stroll through the Main Square, where you will visit the Cathedral and admire its exquisite vestibules and priceless paintings from the Cusco School of the 17th and 18th centuries. (B)

Overnight: Ramada by Wyndham Costa Del Sol Cusco

Day 4 – Cusco > Sacred Valley

This morning continue the trip toward the Sacred Valley and soon reach Pisac, a beautiful place where Incan and Colonial influences have reached a perfect balance and created the unique way of life of the local inhabitants. You will get a chance to explore this quaint town, famous for its artisan markets where you can find extraordinarily fine jewellery and ceramic and textile craftwork.  Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afterwards, visit one of the last remaining Incan towns, Ollantaytambo, which was once fiercely guarded by a massive fortress. You will discover the large archaeological complex of what used to serve as a wayside inn for royal delegations on long journeys. Surviving structures here include multiple walls and towers that were used to protect the citadel from possible invasions.

Time permitting, you will get the chance to mingle with locals at a typical Peruvian Andes establishment, either at a “chicheria” (establishment for the brewing and sale of chica, the famous traditional Andean drink made of germinated corn) or a bakery with still-functioning traditional ovens. Dinner at leisure. (B,L)

Overnight: Casa Andina Premium Valle

Day 5 – Sacred Valley > Machu Picchu > Cusco

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, before an incredible day ahead. Today you will have a private visit to the Santuario Histórico de Machu Picchu (Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu). Aboard a comfortable train (Vistadome service), you will arrive at the Aguas Calientes train station, enjoying a spectacular view along the way. Upon arrival, board the bus that will take you to the entrance gate of the Machu Picchu citadel.

Rediscovered by Hiram Bingham more than a century ago, Machu Picchu is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Its architectural beauty, spectacular natural landscapes and the energy held in its enigmatic structures will take our breath away.

Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas as you explore this magical citadel. Then enjoy a buffet lunch at Tinkuy restaurant at Sanctuary Lodge.

At the scheduled time, you will be taken to the Aguas Calientes train station to board the return train (Vistadome service). Upon arrival at the station, your private transfer service will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in the city. (B,L)

Overnight: Ramada by Wyndham Costa Del Sol Cusco

Day 6 – Cusco > Lima

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Lima (not included), where your tour will end (B).

Tour Inclusions

• 5 nights’ 4/5-star accommodation including breakfast
• Meals as per the itinerary
• Return shared arrival and departure transfers to/from airport and hotel
• Activities and any Entrance Fees as mentioned in the above program
• Vistadome train to/from Macchu Picchu
• Professional local English-speaking guide

From AUD 2,310 | GBP 1,200 | EUR 1,435 | USD 1,580 per person twin share

IMPORTANT NOTE: ​Airfares between Lima – Cusco – Lima are NOT included in this package, and will need to be booked. Please contact us for assistance.

*Single traveller pricing available on request.

**Public Holiday Surcharges apply

Contact us or your preferred travel advisor for a quote