Peru Explorer

Starting in the gastronomic capital of Lima, sip Pisco Sours and admire colonial casas before heading to the rugged beauty of the Sacred Valley. Walk in the footsteps of the Incas as you admire one of the New Wonders of the World rising above the clouds, then finish your trip in ancient, cultural Cusco. Keen to stay longer? Extend your trip with a visit to the fascinating Lake Titicaca.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Lima (2 Nights)
Welcome to the Peruvian capital and ‘City of the Kings', Lima. Rising above a long coastline of crumbling cliffs this city has a real sense of faded yet romantic grandeur, with historical sights a plenty and a culinary scene that is revered the world over. Settle in to your hotel and meet up with your Travel Director this afternoon, then the rest of the day is free to explore. Head to Parque del Amor to admire the Gaudí style architecture with beautiful views over Lima Bay, or take a wander around popular and bustling Miraflores.
Day 2 - Lima sightseeing and free time
Today, discover the famous Plaza Mayor and Cathedral. See the Government Palace, Archbishop's Palace and City Hall. Visit the San Francisco Monastery, an interesting museum featuring mysterious catacombs. Your afternoon is free. This evening join your Travel Director and fellow travellers as you dive deep into the essence of Peruvian food. Feast on an authentic meal at Asnapa.
Day 3 - Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley (2 Nights)
Flying into Cusco, welcome to the Incan capital of the world! Boasting the richest heritage of any South American city, Cusco is a wealth of archaeological greatness and the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. It's also the gateway to Machu Picchu, so throbs day and night with visitors exploring its ancient streets. Take in the ornate temples and Incan ruins as you arrive here. On the way to Sacred Valley, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during your visit to Chinchero Sunday market, still a very original market where you can find fruit and vegetable vendors as well as the occasional souvenir stall. Your guide will introduce you to some local produce such as potatoes, and if you wish, you can also taste some of the fruit. Make your way to a local Chichería to enjoy a typical lunch from the region. Learn about chicha, a local drink made of corn, and admire llamas and alpacas before making your way to the hotel.
Day 4 - Machu Picchu excursion
Today's the day! Up bright and early this morning, you'll travel to the ancient little town of Ollantaytambo to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the Incan village at the base of Machu Picchu. Slowly chugging your way through the rugged lands of the Sacred Valley, feel the excitement levels build as you pass by village settlements and towering mountains, the landscape changing as you descend. Making the last leg of the journey via shuttle, you'll finally arrive at the most famous archaeological site of South America and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. Catching a first glimpse of this awe inspiring ancient city above the clouds is a moment you'll never forget, so be sure to take a few minutes just to soak it all in. Take your time exploring the vast complex of fascinating ruins and let the mind boggle at how it was all built, before descending the mountain and making your way back to the Sacred Valley. Visit the local home of Mrs. Rosa. Her house goes at least 7 generations back and is a fine example of Incan architecture. Learn more about how guinea pigs are raised, as well as ancient traditions kept alive until this day.
Day 5 - Sacred Valley – Cusco (2 Nights)
Art fans are in for a treat this morning as you pay a visit to the workshop of Pablo Seminario, a respected artist who creates beautiful pottery using techniques, styles and influences reminiscent of ancient cultures from all across Peru. Afterwards, stop at Pisaq, a town famous for two things – the local market as well as the empanadas. Learn in a workshop to make empanadas out of 7 different kinds of flour, before tasting the empanadas for lunch. Continuing on the road to Cusco you'll also stop by the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 13th century, before arriving back into the Incan capital where the rest of the day will then be free.
Day 6 - Cusco sightseeing and free time
Kick off the final day of your tour with a sightseeing tour of ancient Cusco. Visit Coricancha, or the ‘Temple of the Sun', the most important temple in the Incan Empire, before admiring the bounty of colonial art on display in the Cathedral. Walk down Loreto street and admire the handiwork of Incan stone masons before ending up shopping for local handicrafts in San Pedro market. With the rest of the day then free, why not join us for an Optional Experience visiting Moray and Maras to see Incan farming and salt mining techniques at play, head to 17th century Piquillacta to see the pre Incan citadel built by the Wari people, or treat your sweet tooth with a visit to the Choco Museum to learn more about the Peruvian chocolate making process. Tonight, you'll see out an incredible trip in style with dinner, folklore tales and dancing.
Day 7 - Depart Cusco
One New Wonder of the World and an incredible seven days later, your trip will finally come to an end this morning. Leaving with priceless memories, a wealth of new knowledge and a wonderful group of new friends, you'll make your way to the airport today. Departure is at leisure from Cusco Airport. When booking your international flight from Lima,-allow 3-4 hours of connecting time between the arrival of the national and the departure of the international flight.

Whats Included

• All internal air included in trip cost
• An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• Many meals included
• Audio Headsets provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
• City orientation tours
• Extensive variety of Choice Optional Experiences

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