Peru Energy & Machu Picchu Journey

Arrive this morning and transfer to the hotel. This afternoon we begin our exploration of Lima, known as the City of the Kings. We start in the coastal district of Miraflores, stopping at the Parque del Beso, a well-known landmark with sweeping views across Lima Bay.

We then travel to historic Downtown Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in colonial heritage. En route, we pass Huaca Pucllana, a striking pre-Inca pyramid rising unexpectedly among modern buildings.

Arriving at the Plaza Mayor - the heart of the city - we find it framed by the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Government Palace and City Hall. We visit Lima Cathedral, where the crypt of the conquistador Francisco Pizarro is located. Crossing the square, we continue to the Convent of Santo Domingo, a remarkable colonial complex where the remains of Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martín de Porres and San Juan Masías are laid to rest. Inside, we see its historic library, which houses books printed in the 15th century. The convent was also the original seat of the University of San Marcos, the oldest university in the Americas.

We conclude at the Larco Museum, offering a comprehensive overview of ancient Peruvian civilisations. Its extensive collection of gold, textiles and ceramics - including its famous erotic pottery - provides insight into the worldview of pre-Columbian cultures. We also gain access to the museum’s storage gallery, an unusual opportunity to view thousands of carefully preserved artefacts.

Head to the airport this morning for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, you're transferred to the hotel.

In the afternoon, we set out to discover the former capital of the Inca Empire. We begin at Plaza de San Cristóbal for panoramic views across the city’s terracotta rooftops. We then visit San Pedro Market, a lively hub where we experience local flavours and see the produce that supplies the city.

At Qorikancha, once the most important temple in the Inca Empire, we learn how its walls were once covered in sheets of gold. From the artistic district of San Blas, we walk along Hatun Rumiyoc Street, passing the former palace of Inca Roca - now the Archbishop’s Palace - and pausing to admire the famous Twelve Angled Stone, a masterpiece of Inca masonry.

We continue to the Plaza de Armas to visit Cusco Cathedral, home to significant colonial artworks.

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

This morning we head above the city to visit Sacsayhuamán, an impressive Inca ceremonial complex known for its vast stone walls, some blocks weighing over 100 tonnes. The site combines monumental architecture with sweeping views across Cusco.

We continue to Q’enqo, an Inca ceremonial site featuring an altar carved into natural rock, and then to Puca Pucará, a small fortress and lookout point. Our final stop is Tambomachay, an important site associated with water rituals and a fine example of Inca hydraulic engineering.

The afternoon is free for you to explore Cusco at your own pace. Your included tourist ticket grants access to additional archaeological sites and museums should you wish to continue discovering the city.

Today we explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We travel first to Chinchero, one of the most traditional villages in the valley, known for its vibrant textiles. We visit a local weaving centre to see traditional Inca techniques for spinning and dyeing alpaca wool. We also explore the Inca remains and its colonial church, built on ancient foundations.

We continue to Moray, an extraordinary archaeological site of concentric terraces believed to have been used as an agricultural laboratory to create different microclimates. Lunch is included.

Later, we visit Ollantaytambo, one of the few remaining Inca towns still inhabited today. We explore its impressive fortress complex, including the Temple of the Sun, the so-called Temple of the Ten Windows and the Princess’s Bath. From the upper terraces, we enjoy classic views across the valley.

Today we visit Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. We board the selected train at Ollantaytambo station and travel through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes. On arrival, our staff assist us in boarding the shuttle bus for the scenic ascent to the citadel, following a winding road above the Urubamba River canyon.

At Machu Picchu, we explore its terraces, ceremonial centres and residential quarters while learning about the history and purpose of this remarkable Inca sanctuary. The setting, surrounded by forested peaks, makes the experience unforgettable.

At the scheduled time, we return by train and transfer to our hotel in Cusco.

After breakfast, we transfer you to Cusco airport for your onward flight.