Basic Peru

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN LIMA
Upon arriving at Lima airport, we will transfer you to your hotel situated in the heart of Lima. You'll have the rest of the day free to unwind. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 2: LIMA / CUSCO
Transfer to Lima airport for your flight to Cusco. Once you arrive in Cusco, we will escort you to your hotel. After a much-needed rest, we'll pick you up to embark on the tour. Our first stop is the Temple of Coricancha, also famed as the Golden Temple due to the substantial amount of gold that once adorned this sacred site.

Next, we'll explore Cusco Cathedral located in the Plaza de Armas. This iconic site is celebrated for its stunning religious art, much of which originates from the Cusco School of Art. The cathedral is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a Historic Monument of Peru.

You'll be captivated by the beauty of the main square, encircled by shops and majestic churches. Originally a lagoon, it was drained during the Inca period for significant events and today stands as the main gathering point for visitors in Cusco.

The tour continues to visit the most important archaeological sites. We begin with the Sacsayhuaman complex, a remarkable structure made of enormous, perfectly fitted stones, believed to have been built by more than 20,000 men over 70 years.

Afterward, we visit the religious center of Qenqo, a place where the Incas worshipped deities such as the sun, moon, and earth. Our journey proceeds to the military site of Puca Pucará, meaning "Red Fortress" in Spanish, named for its reddish color. Finally, we explore the water temple of Tambomachay, noted for its aqueducts and waterfalls fed by nearby springs.

After experiencing these astonishing sites, we'll return you to Plaza Regocijo in the heart of the city. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 3: FULL DAY MACHU PICCHU
The full-day tour of Machu Picchu begins with a hotel pickup. We journey to the Ollantaytambo train station, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, via a scenic 1.5-hour bus ride.

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

At the appointed time, you'll meet your professional guide at the entrance to Machu Picchu. Together, you'll embark on a 2.5-hour guided tour of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, learning about this ancient civilization while admiring the spectacular surroundings.

You’ll have free time to take photos, continue exploring, or, if you choose, climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (optional). This steep, narrow trail offers unparalleled views of the Inca city. Alternatively, you can return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (optional), where you'll find excellent options for traditional and delicious meals.

Later, we'll meet at the Aguas Calientes train station to board the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, a tourist bus will return you to Cusco, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel. Overnight.

DAY 4: CUSCO / LIMA
In the morning, transfer to the Cusco airport for your return flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, we will take you to your hotel.

In the afternoon, we’ll begin 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 learn about the fascinating civilizations of ancient Peru.

Next, we 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.

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