Sun glistens against the rolling hills of the Sacred Valley, and traditional Andean chimes stir in the breeze. Rushing waters of the Urubamba River stir as they near the quaint village town of Aguas Calientes. Perched atop the village are the stunning UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Machu Picchu, a coveted representation of Inca design and ingenuity. All of these wonders and more await you on your magical seven-day getaway to the South American country of Peru.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Lima – International Arrival
Land at Lima's International Airport and feel welcomed by the fresh ocean breeze. Momentarily, you will meet your private guide who will accompany you throughout your Peruvian adventure. As you speed along the coastal highway, you will get your first taste of the hustle and bustle emblematic of the nation's capital. In no time, you will arrive at your luxury hotel in the heart of the historic downtown. Friendly hotel staff will greet you with a steeping cup of mate de coca herbal tea to enjoy from your private hotel balcony.
In the afternoon, you can enjoy some self-guided exploration or opt for a short guided tour of Lima's beautiful public parks. At sunset, you can stroll through the historic downtown as you watch children fly kites overhead and surfers navigate the turbulent Pacific waves. Later that evening, you will enjoy a lovely sunset dinner along the coast tailored to your culinary preferences. You can choose from traditional Peruvian delicacies such as escabeche, aji de gallina, or palta rellena as you watch the warm hues of sunset illuminate the illustrious skies.
What's Included:
Day 2
Lima – Guided Tour of City Highlights
Day 3
Cusco – Visit to Local Markets and Pisco Tasting Event
Day 4
Cusco – Qorikancha and Plaza de Armas
Day 5
Sacred Valley – Moray and Maras Ancient Ruins
Day 6
Aguas Calientes – UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu
Day 7
Lima – International Departure
Trip Highlights
- Take in Lima's historic sites from beneath the shady palm trees of the Plaza de Armas and step inside the city's historic cathedrals
- Follow your guide on a tour of the city highlights before venturing to the Barranco District for bursts of color
- Step inside the vibrant markets of Cusco and indulge in a dynamic pisco tasting event
- Tour the ancient Inca temple known as Qorikancha and stroll through the scenic Plaza de Armas
- Take in the natural beauty of the Sacred Valley as you tour the ancient agricultural wonders at Moray and Maras
- Descend on the sleepy mountain town of Aguas Calientes and visit the famed ruins of Machu Picchu
- Breathe in the fresh ocean air in Miraflores and shop in Lima's quaint downtown
Detailed Description
You will delight in the splendor and natural beauty of this majestic South American country. Walk the busy streets of Lima's downtown, shop the vibrant markets of Cusco, explore the centuries-old ruins of the Sacred Valley, and summit to the world-famous ruins of Machu Picchu on this immersive tour. You are sure to get lost in the magic and snap some photos that will last a lifetime as you journey alongside your expert guide.
First, you can keep up with the busy pace of life in Peru's metropolis of Lima, where arts, music, culture, and vivacious markets are astir. After settling into your five-star hotel accommodations, you can enjoy a relaxing evening along the oceanfront as you watch paragliders soar from the rocky cliffside to the sandy beaches below. Then, in the morning, you will join your guide on a fascinating tour of the city highlights and historic charm of downtown.
On Day Three, you are off to the birthplace of the Inca Empire: Cusco City. Here, you can explore the colorful open-aired markets as you barter for beautifully woven textiles, hand-painted jewelry, and carefully crafted pottery. After taking part in an exciting pisco sour tasting event, you will tour some of the city's most revered Inca relics at the sites of Qorikancha, Tambomachay, and Saqsayhuaman.
Finally, you will begin your expedition en route to the ruins of Machu Picchu. In the grassy fields of the Sacred Valley, you will discover ancient Inca farming techniques at the site of Moray and Maras. Rustling winds and shimmering fields will transport you to another world. Soon, you will board a luxury train car to Aguas Calientes, located at the base of Machu Picchu. You can breathe in the fresh mountain air and snap photos of the verdant foliage before settling into your resort retreat in the idyllic mountainside. In the morning, you will reach the climax of your Peruvian adventure when you make your way up the switchback roads of the Andean mountainside alongside your expert guide. From there, you will tour such famous sites as the Sacred Rock, the Main Plaza, and the Guards' Homes. Your guide will offer you a relaxing afternoon of self-exploration at the ruins before returning to Aguas Calientes in the evening for a dip in the medicinal hot springs. Your adventure awaits you, and the memories are sure to last a lifetime.
Starting Price
$2,600 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.
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