TRIPS

Essence of Peru

8 days land-only from
$2950
per person, based on double occupancy

  • ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
  • Sacred Valley • Machu Picchu • Cusco • Aguas Calientes • Lima

Description

Tailor-Made Private Experience
Essence of Peru
Sacred Valley • Machu Picchu • Cusco • Aguas Calientes • Lima

  • Itinerary

DAY 1 – ARRIVE LIMA – CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY

Welcome to Peru!

Upon your early morning arrival in Lima, you will connect onward to Cusco.

On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. Staying in the valley, at a lower elevation than Cusco, allows for a more gradual and comfortable acclimatization to the altitude.

En route, enjoy a scenic drive through the Andes toward Urubamba, with a stop at Mirador de Taray, where you will take in sweeping panoramic views over the Urubamba Valley—an ideal introduction to the region’s dramatic geography.

Visit Pisac Market, one of the most vibrant traditional markets in the region. Here, you can explore a colorful array of local produce, artisanal handicrafts, and handwoven textiles that reflect centuries-old Andean traditions.

Arrive at your hotel around midday, set amidst the stunning Andean landscape. Check in and enjoy lunch at leisure.

The remainder of the day is free to rest and acclimatize to both the altitude and jet lag.

Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado
* * * *
Handpicked Superior Hotel or similar
Aranwa Sacred Valley
* * * * *
Handpicked Premium Hotel or similar

DAY 2 – SACRED VALLEY (B/L)

Today, visit Ollantaytambo, a classic Inca town that has been continuously inhabited since the 15th century. Towering above the village is the impressive Fortress of Ollantaytambo, one of the most important surviving Inca sites.

Steep stone terraces rise from the edge of the town up to the hilltop ruins, connected by a series of ancient stairways that allow visitors to walk through the complex. One of the best-preserved areas lies just north of Hanan Huacaypata Square, where you will find a remarkable grid of narrow streets and approximately 15 blocks of original houses built atop finely carved stone foundations—offering a rare glimpse into authentic Inca urban planning.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon, continue your exploration with a visit to Moray, a small Andean site renowned for its unique circular terraces. These concentric rings form a natural amphitheatre that descends into the earth like a crater. Widely believed to have been an Inca agricultural laboratory, the varying microclimates within the terraces were likely used to experiment with crop cultivation.

Continue to the nearby Maras Salt Mines, a striking complex of nearly 3,000 salt pools cascading down the mountainside. Fed by a natural spring known as Qoripujio, the saltwater is channeled into shallow, man-made ponds where it evaporates under the sun, leaving behind crystallized salt. This centuries-old method is still used by local families today, and the visual spectacle of the terraces is truly unforgettable.


DAY 3 – SACRED VALLEY – AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU (B)

This morning, transfer to Ollantaytambo train station to board your scenic train journey through the fertile plains of the Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes.

Upon arrival, proceed to your hotel to check in or leave your luggage with the concierge.

Continue by shuttle bus up the winding mountain road to Machu Picchu, the legendary “Lost City of the Incas.”

Set amidst dramatic mountain scenery, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This extraordinary citadel is renowned for its remarkable stone construction—massive blocks precisely cut and fitted together without mortar—demonstrating an architectural sophistication that remains impressive even today.

Enjoy a guided visit of the site, including its most important landmarks such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, the Sacred Plaza, and the Room of the Three Windows. While many theories surround its original purpose, its cultural significance and breathtaking setting are undeniable.

After your visit, descend by shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the town at your own pace.

Casa Andina Standard Machupicchu
* * * *
Handpicked Superior Hotel or similar
Casa del Sol Machu Picchu
* * * * *
Handpicked Premium Hotel or similar

DAY 4 – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES – CUSCO (B)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. The morning is free at leisure.

You may wish to take a second visit to Machu Picchu to explore a different circuit (entrance tickets and shuttle bus arrangements are at your own expense).

Please note: Due to high demand, Machu Picchu visits are now regulated by a timed-entry system with three designated circuits: Panoramic Route, Classic Route, and Royal Route. Subject to availability, the Classic Route will be prioritized. If unavailable, the Royal Route will be considered next, followed by the Panoramic Route.

Afterwards, board your return train to Cusco.

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Sonesta Hotel Cusco
* * * *
Handpicked Superior Hotel or similar
Palacio del Inka Hotel
* * * * *
Handpicked Premium Hotel or similar

DAY 5 – CUSCO (B)

Begin your city tour at the vibrant San Pedro Market, where you will experience the lively atmosphere of local life. Wander through colorful stalls brimming with fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and a wide variety of regional products.

Continue to the Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of Cusco, where you will visit the impressive Renaissance-style Cathedral.

From here, stroll through narrow cobblestone alleys lined with original Inca stone walls, leading you to Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun dedicated to Inti. Once the most important temple in the Inca Empire, it was partially destroyed by the Spanish in the 16th century. Its remarkable stone foundations were later used to construct the Church of Santo Domingo, creating a striking blend of Inca and colonial architecture.

Conclude your tour in the charming San Blas district, known as Cusco’s artistic and cultural quarter. This picturesque neighborhood is home to traditional families and skilled artisans, featuring whitewashed colonial houses, stone pathways, and a timeless atmosphere. Stroll along its cobblestone streets, browse local handicrafts, and visit unique boutiques.

Discover the enchanting Siete Borreguitos Street, a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into the soul of Cusco and provides a perfect setting for memorable photos.

Finally, proceed to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the city, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Cusco and its surrounding mountains.

The afternoon is free at leisure.


DAY 6 – CUSCO – LIMA (B)

Morning is free to explore Cusco on your own.

Optional visit of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman and of the social project Manos de la Comunidad.

Enjoy a tour in the surroundings of Cusco. Your first stop is Sacsayhuaman, the Inca ceremonial fortress dedicated to the sun. Admire the gigantic rocks used to build the site and the way they were perfectly fitted together.

After that, continue to Manos de la Comunidad where you can get up close and personal with Andean camelids and learn how to differentiate llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. The project aims to preserve and promote weaving traditions while supporting local communities.

In the later afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima.

On arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel.

Casa Andina Select Miraflores
* * * *
Handpicked Superior Hotel or similar
Casa Republica Barranco Boutique
* * * * *
Handpicked Premium Hotel or similar

DAY 7 – LIMA FULL DAY TOUR (B/L)

This morning at 9:00 am, you are picked up from the hotel and depart for a small-group (maximum of 10 travelers) tour of Lima.

Begin at Plaza San Martín, where your guide introduces Peru’s history, culture, and daily life in one of the city’s most elegant squares. Walk along Jirón de la Unión, a lively pedestrian street lined with colonial architecture, ornate balconies, churches, and local shops, offering a vibrant and authentic atmosphere.

Visit Lima Cathedral, then continue to Plaza de Armas, the historic heart of Lima, surrounded by grand colonial buildings. En route, browse local handicrafts at a traditional artisan market.

Enjoy a panoramic view of the Palacio de Gobierno, with the possibility of witnessing the ceremonial Changing of the Guard.

Explore the Monastery of San Francisco, renowned for its cloisters and atmospheric underground catacombs.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit Parque del Amor for panoramic Pacific Ocean views, then stroll through Parque Kennedy, known for its lively ambiance and resident cats.

Continue to Morro Solar, offering sweeping views over Lima and the coastline, along with historical insights.

Explore the Barranco district, Lima’s bohemian quarter. Visit the main square and the iconic Puente de los Suspiros, and admire colorful street art.

End at Mercado N°2 de Surquillo, a vibrant local market where you can sample exotic fruits and discover Peru’s diverse culinary ingredients.


DAY 8 – LIMA – DEPARTURE (B)

This morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your onward flight.


Additional information

Inclusions

• Accommodation as specified in the itinerary, or equivalent.
• Meals as indicated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
• Transportation & Tour as per itinerary, including entrance fees, unless otherwise stated.
• Private airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
• 24/7 in-destination support provided by our local operators.

Exclusions

• International and domestic airfare (please contact us for a quotation).
• Travel insurance (highly recommended; available upon request).
• Optional tours and any meals or beverages not specified in the itinerary.
• Gratuities for service providers and experience operators.
• Local city or tourism taxes, environmental fees where applicable.
• Personal expenses, including but not limited to passport/visa/ETA fees, laundry, room service, and other incidental charges.

Important Notes

Your Trip, Your Way: Enjoy the freedom to choose your own travel dates.
To customize this program to a personal journey, please contact our connoisseurs at 1-888-887-1688 or via email at info@tripconnoisseurs.com.
It's the traveler's responsibility to obtain all required visas or ETAs prior to departure.

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