Peru's Sacred Cities
From the Lost City of the Incas to Colonial Arequipa
Tour all of Peru's highlights on this adventure! See Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Arequipa, and Colca Canyon on this unforgettable vacation in South America.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Lima (LIM)
- All airport and rail station transfers
- 1 night in Lima at the Hotel Arawi Miraflores Express, or similar
- Colonial & Contemporary Lima City Tour with Larco Museum
- One-way economy class flight from Lima (LIM) to Cusco (CUZ)
- 1 night in Cusco at Hotel Los Portales Cusco, or similar
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Roundtrip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu**
- 1 night in Aguas Calientes at the Casa Andina Standard Hotel Machu Picchu, or similar
- Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Sacred Valley tour with visits to Ollantaytambo ruins & Pisac Market
- 2 nights in Cusco at Hotel Los Portales Cusco, or similar
- Walking tour of Cusco with visit to the Cathedral & Koricancha
- One-way, economy-class flight from Cusco (CUZ) to Arequipa (AQP)
- Sightseeing tour of Arequipa with Santa Catalina Monastery
- 1 night in Arequipa at the Casa Andina Standard Arequipa, or similar
- 2 nights in Colca Canyon at the Casa Andina Classic Hotel Colca, or similar
- 3-day Colca Canyon Excursion including:
- Tour through Aguada Blanca National Park
- Cross of the Condor Tour
- Eastern Colca Canyon Tour
- One-way, economy-class flight from Arequipa (AQP) to Lima (LIM)
- 1 night near Lima at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel*, or similar
- Breakfast daily
**Please note: Admission to Machu Picchu is capacity controlled, and in order to guarantee your entrance ticket, we will need your passport details (number, and full name as it appears). Once you've completed your booking you will receive a follow-up email requesting this information; it is very important that you respond to it immediately.
Great Ways to Explore
-
Enjoy the salty cool air and fresh ceviche in Peru's capital of Lima, where you will begin and end your trip.
- Enjoy tours in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. See Pisac Market and enjoy a walking tour of Peru’s colonial city, Cusco, the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas.
-
Catch your breath as you reach the entrance to Machu Picchu, the magnificent 7th World Wonder! From the temples to the Inca architecture, discover the beauty of the Lost City of the Incas.
-
Spend two nights in Arequipa, Peru’s second-largest city. Guarded by three volcanoes, this city stuns with its natural and man-made beauty.
-
Embark on a full-day tour of Colca Canyon where you will explore fascinating villages and have the chance to see the Andean Condor, the largest flying bird in the world!
There is no resisting the mesmerizing call to the Land of the Incas, and for good reason! From ancient architecture, cajon drum music, dancing the night away, and more, Peru is a siren call to those looking for colorful culture and ancient adventure.
Begin in the capital city of Lima, where Spanish and Inca architecture mix together in a beautiful blend of culture. Unwind in the new altitude with some coca tea, then follow your tour guides through the city's highlights.
From there, hop aboard the train to Machu Picchu! Tour through the ancient citadel, snapping photos as you go of the amazingly well-preserved 7th Wonder of the World, composed of granite, limestone, temples and aqueducts.
From the lost city, continue on to Cusco. Tour through the charming Sacred Valley, peruse outdoor markets of handmade items, and then move on to Peru's second largest city: Arequipa. Embark on a tour of the Colca, the world's second deepest canyon, see the Santa Catalina Monastery, and experience the unreal flora and fauna of the area before returning to Lima for your flight home.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Lima (LIM)
- All airport and rail station transfers
- 1 night in Lima at the Hotel Arawi Miraflores Express, or similar
- Colonial & Contemporary Lima City Tour with Larco Museum
- One-way economy class flight from Lima (LIM) to Cusco (CUZ)
- 1 night in Cusco at Hotel Los Portales Cusco, or similar
- Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Roundtrip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu**
- 1 night in Aguas Calientes at the Casa Andina Standard Hotel Machu Picchu, or similar
- Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
- Sacred Valley tour with visits to Ollantaytambo ruins & Pisac Market
- 2 nights in Cusco at Hotel Los Portales Cusco, or similar
- Walking tour of Cusco with visit to the Cathedral & Koricancha
- One-way, economy-class flight from Cusco (CUZ) to Arequipa (AQP)
- Sightseeing tour of Arequipa with Santa Catalina Monastery
- 1 night in Arequipa at the Casa Andina Standard Arequipa, or similar
- 2 nights in Colca Canyon at the Casa Andina Classic Hotel Colca, or similar
- 3-day Colca Canyon Excursion including:
- Tour through Aguada Blanca National Park
- Cross of the Condor Tour
- Eastern Colca Canyon Tour
- One-way, economy-class flight from Arequipa (AQP) to Lima (LIM)
- 1 night near Lima at the Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport Hotel*, or similar
- Breakfast daily
**Please note: Admission to Machu Picchu is capacity controlled, and in order to guarantee your entrance ticket, we will need your passport details (number, and full name as it appears). Once you've completed your booking you will receive a follow-up email requesting this information; it is very important that you respond to it immediately.
-
Enjoy the salty cool air and fresh ceviche in Peru's capital of Lima, where you will begin and end your trip.
- Enjoy tours in Cusco and the Sacred Valley. See Pisac Market and enjoy a walking tour of Peru’s colonial city, Cusco, the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas.
-
Catch your breath as you reach the entrance to Machu Picchu, the magnificent 7th World Wonder! From the temples to the Inca architecture, discover the beauty of the Lost City of the Incas.
-
Spend two nights in Arequipa, Peru’s second-largest city. Guarded by three volcanoes, this city stuns with its natural and man-made beauty.
-
Embark on a full-day tour of Colca Canyon where you will explore fascinating villages and have the chance to see the Andean Condor, the largest flying bird in the world!
There is no resisting the mesmerizing call to the Land of the Incas, and for good reason! From ancient architecture, cajon drum music, dancing the night away, and more, Peru is a siren call to those looking for colorful culture and ancient adventure.
Begin in the capital city of Lima, where Spanish and Inca architecture mix together in a beautiful blend of culture. Unwind in the new altitude with some coca tea, then follow your tour guides through the city's highlights.
From there, hop aboard the train to Machu Picchu! Tour through the ancient citadel, snapping photos as you go of the amazingly well-preserved 7th Wonder of the World, composed of granite, limestone, temples and aqueducts.
From the lost city, continue on to Cusco. Tour through the charming Sacred Valley, peruse outdoor markets of handmade items, and then move on to Peru's second largest city: Arequipa. Embark on a tour of the Colca, the world's second deepest canyon, see the Santa Catalina Monastery, and experience the unreal flora and fauna of the area before returning to Lima for your flight home.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Prices From:
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Departure Month:
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Day 1. Welcome to Lima!
Say "hola" to Peru! Upon arrival in Lima, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy your first Peruvian meal near your hotel.
Transfer to Lima hotel
Check-in - Hotel Arawi Miraflores Express Lima
Hotel Arawi Miraflores Express Lima is located less than a mile from Playa La Estrella and Larcomar. Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning and television. Complimentary WiFi is available. Other main attractions, including San Martín Square and Government Palace of Lima are just minutes away from this hotel's ideal location.
Day 2. Lima - Cusco
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Lima today before traveling to Cusco.
A Tip For Your Trip: Chewing coca leaves and drinking coca tea will help you adjust to Cusco's high altitude.
Transfer to Lima airport (LIM)
Fly to Cusco!
Transfer to Cusco hotel
Check-in - Hotel Los Portales Cusco
Stay in the heart of Cusco at the elegant Hotel Los Portales Cusco. Right across from the sun temple Koricancha and four blocks from Plaza de Armas, this hotel puts you right in the center of everything. Each of the 50 rooms and suites is the essence of urban sophistication, decorated in pastel tones and dark green; they are fully carpeted and have flat-screens with cable TV and minibar. The hotel offers a full buffet breakfast which can be enjoyed at the checkered marble floor patio decorated with plants. Guests can also enjoy a meal at the restaurant offering a la carte dining options.
Colonial & Contemporary Lima City Tour, including Larco Museum (4.5 hours)
Start your tour in Lima’s contemporary districts, Miraflores and San Isidro, that combine beautiful parks, such as “El Olivar” and “Parque del Amor”, shopping centers, and modern architecture. In the historical center, admire the colorful colonial architecture around the “Plaza San Martín” and the main square “Plaza de Armas”, where you can also see the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and the Municipality. From here, visit the San Francisco Monastery and discover its underground maze of tunnels and catacombs.
Finish the tour visiting Larco Museum. It is considered one of the best museums in Latin America. This museum features the best and most complete pre-Hispanic gold and silver collection in the world. It is well-known because of its erotic ceramics exhibits as well as its vast storage galleries.
After the tour, return to your hotel.
Day 3. Cusco - Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
Today, you will be brought to the train station of Ollantaytambo. Board the train and enjoy the stunning Andean views filled with small communities and snow-capped mountains in the Sacred Valley. When you arrive to Aguas Calientes, the small village nestled at the bottom of Machu Picchu, take the shuttle bus up to the ancient citadel. Learn about the Inca civilization, the site’s discovery, and the different theories on this mysterious and spectacular archaeological site.
After your visit, take the shuttle bus back down to Aguas Calientes and walk to your nearby hotel.
A Tip For Your Trip: The transfer to the train station will be done by a Spanish-speaking driver, and the train ride will be without guide assistance.
Transfer to Ollantaytambo train station
Expedition train to Aguas Calientes!
Bus to Machu Picchu!
Bus to Aguas Calientes
Check-in - Hotel Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu
Hotel Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu boasts incredible views of the Vilcanota River and the nearby mountains. Guest rooms are equipped with complimentary WiFi, television, and a desk. The hotel features Sama Café which offers healthy and hearty meals. Enjoy a 5-minute walk to the bus stop towards Machu Picchu.
Tour of Machu Picchu (The Citadel) with guide
Enjoy a guided tour of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. 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 your breath away!
Day 4. Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Sacred Valley - Cusco
Start your tour exploring the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo, one of the few places where the Incas won a battle against the Spaniards. Climb up the platforms and enjoy the view above the village and onto the valley. Near the ruins, visit a typical home and learn about the unique way their family has lived for generations in the Sacred Valley.
Continue to the small town of Pisac. Well-known amongst locals and tourists, the bazaar-like open market offers a wide selection of Peruvian handicrafts: ceramics, paintings, weavings and jewelry.
A Tip For Your Trip: In Pisac, the main market days are Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. There is a smaller market on other days.
Expedition train to Ollantaytambo!
Transfer to Cusco hotel
Check-in - Hotel Los Portales Cusco
Stay in the heart of Cusco at the elegant Hotel Los Portales Cusco. Right across from the sun temple Koricancha and four blocks from Plaza de Armas, this hotel puts you right in the center of everything. Each of the 50 rooms and suites is the essence of urban sophistication, decorated in pastel tones and dark green; they are fully carpeted and have flat-screens with cable TV and minibar. The hotel offers a full buffet breakfast which can be enjoyed at the checkered marble floor patio decorated with plants. Guests can also enjoy a meal at the restaurant offering a la carte dining options.
Sacred Valley tour with visits to Ollantaytambo ruins & Pisac Market
Visit one of the last remaining Incan towns, Ollantaytambo, which was once fiercely guarded by a massive fortress. Discover the large archaeological complex that used to serve as a wayside inn for royal delegations on long journeys. Surviving structures here include multiple walls and towers used to protect the citadel from possible invasions. After touring the ruins, continue along the Sacred Valley to Pisac, a beautiful village where Incan and Colonial influences have created the unique way of life of the local inhabitants. Explore this quaint town, famous for its artisan market where you can find extraordinarily fine jewelry, ceramics and textile craftwork.
Day 5. Cusco
Enjoy your walking tour at the “Plaza de Armas” and visit the impressive Renaissance-style Cathedral today. Make your way through small alleys edged with Incan walls until you reach Koricancha, the temple dedicated to the sun, “Inti”. Believed to be the most important temple for the Incas, it was destroyed by the Spanish conquerors in the 16th century. Its foundations were used to build the Catholic Church in Santo Domingo, marking an evident clash of cultures.
Walking tour of Cusco
Day 6. Cusco - Arequipa
Today, transfer to Cusco airport for your flight to Arequipa in the south. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Arequipa and the Santa Catalina Monastery en-route to your hotel. Admire the beautiful landscapes, fields and pre-Inca terraces from the Yanahuara and Carmen Alto viewpoints. Surrounding the White City, the majestic snow-capped volcanoes stand tall: Misti, Chachani, Pichu Pichu. Then, visit Arequipa’s most traditional neighborhood: San Lázaro. As you make your way towards the center, visit “La Compañía de Jesús” Church which dates from the 17th century. Admire its fine façade and the impressive and beautifully carved cloisters.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historical center boasts colonial splendor: admire its grand Cathedral, the impressive water fountain, and the main plaza’s numerous arcs made of “sillar”, a white volcanic rock. End your tour at the Santa Catalina Monastery, a 20,000 square meter (215,278 square foot) complex that is considered a “City within the City”. For over 400 years, nuns lived here completely isolated from the outside world. In 1970, it was opened to the public; today part of the complex is reserved for the nuns still living inside.
A Tip For Your Trip: The tour and English-speaking guide are shared with other international travelers. The Santa Catalina Monastery is closed on January 1st, Easter, and December 25th. You can visit the painted ceilings of the San Ignacio dome for an additional fee. From 3 participants onwards the tour is on a private basis.
Transfer to Cusco airport (CUZ)
Fly to Arequipa!
Transfer to Arequipa hotel
Check-in - Casa Andina Standard Arequipa
Casa Andina Standard Arequipa is a 10 minute walk from both the 16th-century Santa Catalina Monastery and lively Plaza de Armas Arequipa. It has 103 comfortable and bright rooms with impeccable furnishings in a contemporary building made of ashlar (white volcanic stone). Rooms come with flat-screen TVs, safes, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Enjoy a free breakfast buffet served in a dining room and sip a drink outside on the terrace with views of El Misti Mountain.
Sightseeing tour of Arequipa with Santa Catalina Monastery
Discover one of Peru's most beautiful colonial cities! Begin the tour with a visit to the Convento de Santa Catalina (Convent of St. Catherine). Founded in 1579 as a cloister, in its early days the convent was home to a small group of clergy who came from the local elite. Walk through its beautiful buildings as your guide takes you on a journey back in time through one of the largest holdings of colonial art in the Americas.
The tour continues with a visit to the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús (Church of the Society of Jesus). With its imposing size, this magnificent church will take your breath away. Pay special attention to the baroque façade and the amazing sacristy, meticulously decorated with vividly-colored murals.
After finishing the tour of the church, move on to the Mirador del Carmen, a natural lookout point 10 minutes from the city center. Enjoy spectacular views of the Chili River Valley and the majestic Misti volcano.
End the tour in the upscale neighborhood of Yanahuara. Walk along its wide cobblestone avenues and see its old ashlar stone mansions and traditional gardens. Admire a beautiful church constructed in 1750 and a quaint plaza with a gorgeous ashlar stone lookout balcony.
Day 7. Arequipa - Colca
Today you will embark on a full-day tour of Colca Canyon, the world's second-deepest canyon! Here, you will drive through the Aguada Blanca National Park. Watch for herds of wild vicuñas, llamas and alpacas. Then, reach the tour’s highest viewpoint at 4,910 meter (16,108 ft) and appreciate the snow-capped peaks of the region’s volcanoes like the Misti, Ampato, and Sabancaya. After lunch in Chivay (3,658m/12,000ft), you can relax at “La Calera” thermal baths, or visit the local market.
Check-in - Casa Andina Standard Colca
Day 8. Colca
After an early breakfast, make your way to the “Cruz del Condor” viewpoint. Try to spot the immense Andean Condors as they fly, hunt for food, and appreciate the canyon's depths. Afterward, stop in the small towns of Maca and Yanque, renowned for their small colonial churches and stunning landscapes.
Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to complete a hike of your choice, perhaps to the pre-Inca archaeological site known as Uyu Uyu (entrance fee not included).
Cross of the Condor
Head for the Cross of the Condor at 6:30 am. Observe the Canyon and the flight of the Condor which will without a doubt take your breath away. On the way back to Chivay, visit the small towns of Maca, Achoma and Yanque. A stop at the viewpoint of Antahuilque is a must. There, you will observe the magnitude of the terraces or “Andenes."
Day 9. Colca - Lima
Today, you will travel to the eastern side of Colca Canyon, to the villages of Corporaque and Ichupampa. Learn about the Colca’s indigenous cultures, and their traditions and customs.
Return to Chivay, where you have free time for lunch. Then, drive back towards the White City and arrive in the late afternoon. You will then be transported to the airport for your flight back to Lima.
Transfer to Arequipa airport (AQP)
Fly to Lima!
Check-in - Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport
With a connecting walkway linked directly to Jorge Chavéz International Airport, the Wyndham Costa del Sol is Lima’s premier airport hotel. This hotel offers the ultimate in convenience and comfort, whether you’re exploring Peru’s capital or just passing through. Experience legendary Peruvian hospitality as soon as you arrive with a free welcome drink upon check in. Savor our free breakfast buffet daily and an onsite restaurant and lounge.
Rooms are available either nightly or hourly to recharge during a long layover and feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and safes, as well as minibars, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Enjoy your quiet guest room or relax in our spa and 24-hour fitness facilities, with an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, and massage.
Day 10. Depart Peru
Make your way to Lima airport for your flight back home.