Taste of Peru Experience

On arrival at the airport in Callao, we will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

This morning we begin our exploration of the City of Kings in Miraflores, pausing at the much‑loved Parque del Beso for sweeping views over Lima Bay. We then pass the pre‑Inca Huaca Pucllana pyramid on our way to historical Downtown Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the Plaza Mayor, surrounded by the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Government Palace and City Hall, we enter the Cathedral of Lima to see the crypt of Francisco Pizarro. We continue across the square to the Convent of Santo Domingo, a colonial landmark housing the remains of Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martin de Porres and San Juan Masias, as well as visit its notable library with 15th‑century printed books. The first university in the Americas, San Marcos, was founded here. We then return to the hotel.

In the afternoon we visit the Larco Museum for a clear overview of Peru’s ancient cultures, viewing exquisite gold pieces, textiles and the renowned collection of erotic ceramics, with access to the museum’s open storage. We continue to an old pisco bar in Pueblo Libre to taste a Chilcano and a classic butifarra sandwich, then round off the outing at the Magic Circuit of Water, where illuminated fountains create a vibrant spectacle. Dinner is at Pescados Capitales, a lively restaurant known for its excellent seafood and focus on fresh, high‑quality ingredients.

We transfer from your Lima hotel to the city of Pisco by bus, then continue to Pisco airport for our flight over the Nazca Lines. From the aircraft we’ll admire these immense desert drawings – visible only from above – depicting figures such as the Monkey, Hummingbird, Condor and Spider. We will fly at the time confirmed on arrival at the airport.

We transfer from Paracas to Ica on a shared service, travelling into the desert to visit the Huacachina Lagoon, a natural oasis often called the Oasis of America and considered one of the most beautiful places on Peru’s coast. We then stop at El Catador, a family-run winery with more than 160 years of tradition, to see their time‑honoured production methods, including ancient clay vessels and a distinctive oak press. We continue to Tacama – recognised as South America’s oldest vineyard, founded in 1540 – to learn about the production of wines, sparkling wines and pisco. At the vineyard restaurant, we enjoy regional cuisine from the warm Ica Valley. We return to Paracas for your transfer back to Lima.

After breakfast, we transfer you to the airport for your flight to Cusco – airfare is not included and we recommend booking a morning departure. On arrival in Cusco, we transfer to your hotel. At around 13:30 we begin an afternoon city tour, starting at Plaza de San Cristobal for panoramic views over the city. We then visit San Pedro Market to experience local flavours and see the produce that supplies Cusco. Next, we explore Qorikancha, admired for its Inca stonework and walls that were once covered in gold. From the artisans’ neighbourhood of San Blas, we walk down Hatun Rumiyoc past the Inca Roca palace – now the Archbishop’s Palace – and pause at the famous Twelve Angled Stone. We finish in the Plaza de Armas with a visit to the Cathedral, home to notable colonial artworks.

Please note: The flight from Lima to Cusco is not included in the cost of your tour and must be booked independently.

In the morning, we set out to visit Sacsayhuaman, an impressive Inca citadel of colossal stonework set amid beautiful scenery. We continue to Q’enqo, a ceremonial site with a rock‑carved altar, then on to the Puca Pucara lookout and Tambomachay, a monument of notable architectural excellence regarded as significant within Andean cosmology. Afternoon at leisure – you can spend the rest of the day as you wish.

We set out into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, beginning at Pisac. We explore the impressive Inca site with sweeping views over the colonial village below, then stroll through the village itself. You’ll have time to browse the artisan workshops for local crafts. We continue to the Inkariy Museum to tour its galleries, which present the cultures of ancient Peru through detailed displays, before stopping for lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the Yucay Live Culture Center, where local residents demonstrate traditional weaving and dyeing techniques, adobe making and the preparation of chicha – a corn-based drink. We also meet Andean camelids – llamas and alpacas.

We set out to explore more of the Sacred Valley. At Moray, we step down into the concentric Inca terraces, an ingenious agricultural laboratory that recreated up to 20 microclimates to secure agricultural production across the empire. We continue to Maras to tour the ancient salt mines, where the white pools contrast strikingly with the clayey land – a great spot for photos. After lunch, we explore Ollantaytambo, the last living Inca village, wandering its stone lanes, squares and terraces before visiting the archaeological site above the town. Here we see the Incas’ stonework techniques at the Sun Temple, left half built. At the scheduled time, we board the train from Ollantaytambo to the town of Machu Picchu at the foot of the mountain for an overnight stay in the area.

Today we visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World. We board the selected train at Ollantaytambo and travel to Machu Picchu station in Aguas Calientes. On arrival, our staff assist us onto the bus for the winding ascent – expect panoramic views of the Urubamba River and its deep canyon. At Machu Picchu, we explore the citadel’s terraces, stairways, ceremonial sites and urban quarters. Lunch is included. At the scheduled time, we return by train and continue with a transfer to the hotel in Cusco for the night.

We transfer you to Cusco airport for your flight to Lima – air fare not included. On arrival at Lima airport, we will assist with your connecting flight. If you would like to add extra nights in Lima, arrange additional transfers or extend your trip, we can help with all details and bookings.