Peruvian Pearls

On arrival in Lima, we are met and assisted with our transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon at 2 p.m., we set out to discover the City of Kings, beginning in Miraflores with a stop at the Parque del Beso for sweeping views over Lima Bay. We continue past the pre–Inca Huaca Pucllana en route to the UNESCO listed historic centre. At the Plaza Mayor, flanked by the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Government Palace and City Hall, we enter the Cathedral to see the crypt of Francisco Pizarro. Crossing the square, we visit the Convent of Santo Domingo – a colonial jewel where the remains of Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martín de Porres and San Juan Masías rest – and admire its remarkable library holding books printed in the 15th century. It was here that San Marcos, the first university in the Americas, was established. We then return to the hotel.

Today we delve into the past on a half day visit to the Pachacamac Temple complex, a short drive from Lima. Developed between about AD 200 and 1450 and built entirely of clay, this vast sanctuary features towering pyramids, including the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. As we explore, our guide reveals the beliefs, traditions and architecture of Inca and pre–Inca cultures, bringing the site’s enduring significance to life.

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Cusco – (air fare is not included) and a morning departure is recommended. On arrival we are met and taken to the hotel.

At 13:30 we begin our city tour at San Cristóbal Plaza for panoramic views, then continue to San Pedro Market to sample local flavours and learn about regional produce. We visit the Korikancha, the magnificent Temple of the Sun, and the Church of Santo Domingo before strolling from the artisans’ quarter of San Blas to Hatun Rumiyoc Street to see the Inca Roca Palace, now the Archbishop’s Palace, and the famed Twelve–Angle Stone. We end at the Main Square with a visit to the Cathedral and its exquisite colonial artworks.

In the morning we escape the crowds at the awe–inspiring Sacsayhuamán, an immense ceremonial fortress set amid striking scenery. We then take a panoramic look at Qenqo, an ancient Puma shrine with a sacrificial altar, before reaching the Puca Pucara viewpoint and Tambomachay, whose refined engineering embodies Andean cosmovision. You have the afternoon free to explore the city as you wish.

After breakfast, the Sacred Valley of the Incas welcomes us. At Awanacancha we see and feed llamas and alpacas while locals demonstrate traditional weaving and dyeing techniques. We continue to Pisac’s Inca ruins high above the valley for superb views over the colonial town, then take a gentle walking tour below where you can browse the handicraft market. We carry on to the Inkariy Museum for lunch and a guided visit through its galleries showcasing evocative representations of Peru’s pre–Hispanic cultures. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

Breakfast sets us up for a day uncovering lesser–visited corners of the Sacred Valley. We begin at Moray, where vast concentric terraces resemble an amphitheatre and were used to recreate around 20 distinct microclimates to secure imperial agriculture. We continue to Maras to see the age–old salt pans – a dazzling contrast of white pools against the green valley – before a buffet lunch. In the afternoon we explore the Ollantaytambo archaeological site to learn about Inca stone–working, then board the train to Machu Picchu town for assistance on arrival and hotel check in.

After breakfast we take the bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu, with sweeping views over the Urubamba River and its canyon. The Lost City of the Incas reveals its terraces, ceremonial precincts, stairways and urban sectors as we tour with our guide – the energy is palpable. After our guided visit, we pause for lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Cusco at the agreed time and transferring to the hotel for the night.

We transfer to Cusco Airport for departure – air fare is not included. Our team assists with your connection in Lima. If you wish to add extra nights in Lima, further transfers or extend your journey, we can help with all arrangements.