Essential Peru

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN LIMA
Upon your arrival at Lima airport, we will provide transportation to your hotel situated in the vibrant heart of Lima. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 2: LIMA CITY TOUR AND LARCO MUSEUM
In the morning, embark on a captivating city tour of Lima, starting at the renowned Larco Museum in the quaint district of Pueblo Libre. Established by Peruvian archaeologist Rafael Larco Hoyle in 1926, this museum resides in an 18th-century mansion adorned with expansive and charming gardens.

The Larco Museum is a treasure trove, showcasing an extensive collection of over 5,000 pre-Hispanic ceramic artifacts, alongside gold and silver treasures, and pre-Columbian erotic pottery. Stroll through its impressive galleries in chronological sequence, gaining insights into the fascinating ancient Peruvian civilizations.

Next, we'll journey to Lima’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, home to splendid plazas, colonial estates, and rich historical narratives. Visit the Aliaga House, a colonial mansion constructed in 1536, famous for its stunning rooms enriched with priceless art and history. Remarkably, descendants of Jerónimo de Aliaga, a Spanish conquistador and ally of Francisco Pizarro, continue to inhabit this architectural marvel.

We will proceed to the Plaza de Armas, where Lima was founded in 1535 and where Peru’s independence was proclaimed in 1821. During the viceroyalty, it was a bustling marketplace and a site for public executions.

From the Plaza de Armas, admire historical landmarks such as the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Municipal Palace, and other significant colonial edifices. Visit Lima’s Cathedral, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site, constructed during the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.

After the tour, you will be returned to your hotel. Overnight stay.

DAY 3: LIMA / AREQUIPA CITY TOUR
At the designated time, transfer to Lima airport for your flight to Arequipa. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your hotel in the city center.

Begin the city tour at the picturesque Plaza de Armas, one of Peru's most stunning squares, and the adjacent Arequipa Cathedral, constructed in the 17th century. Explore the Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus (1590), a prime example of local baroque architecture adorned with exceptional paintings and frescoes.

Visit the remarkable Monastery of Santa Catalina, an authentic medieval cloister established in September 1579, still operational today. Covering 20,000 square meters, this enigmatic convent is crafted from sillar, the primary material of local architecture.

Explore the districts of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, offering breathtaking views of Arequipa’s countryside and the surrounding volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. Enjoy time for photos.

Conclude the tour at the main square of Cayma district and the Church of San Miguel Arcángel de Cayma. At the end of the excursion, return to your hotel. Overnight stay.

DAY 4: AREQUIPA / CUSCO
At the scheduled time, transfer to Arequipa airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay.

DAY 5: PISAC AND OLLANTAYTAMBO WITH OVERNIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES
Today, explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Travel 30 km from Cusco to reach the quaint town of Pisac, a delightful location with a vibrant traditional market and an archaeological site featuring stone temples and structures overlooking the valley and its terraces.

Continue to Urubamba for a delightful buffet lunch at a traditional restaurant along the Urubamba River.

Next, visit Ollantaytambo and its fortress, a remarkable example of Inca engineering serving as a military, religious, and agricultural hub. It offers breathtaking valley views and showcases advanced irrigation systems.

Conclude the day with a visit to Chinchero and its colorful market, offering a variety of Andean ceramics and textiles.

Board a train at Ollantaytambo station for Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, our team will guide you to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a briefing about the following day’s visit to Machu Picchu. Overnight stay.

DAY 6: FULL DAY AT MACHU PICCHU
Embark on a bus ride ascending 30 minutes along a road with breathtaking views of the Urubamba River and its canyon. Machu Picchu, meaning “Old Mountain,” welcomes you with its magnificent terraces, stairways, ceremonial areas, and urban zones, exuding a unique aura.

Engage in a 2.5-hour guided tour to uncover the mysteries of this extraordinary site. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore further, or, for the adventurous, hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional).

Alternatively, return to Aguas Calientes for a delightful lunch (optional) at one of its excellent dining establishments.

At the scheduled time, board the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus transfer to Cusco. Overnight stay.

DAY 7: DEPARTURE FROM CUSCO
At the agreed time, we will transfer you to Cusco airport for your onward journey.