Classic Peru Private Journey

Arrive in Lima, where we’ll meet you and arrange your transfer to the hotel. Later, we’ll set out on an in-depth tour of the UNESCO‑recognised Historic Centre to admire the architecture of old Lima. We begin at the Convent of Santo Domingo, built at the time of the city’s foundation and the site where the University of San Marcos – the oldest in the Americas – was established. Inside, we’ll see the country’s oldest choir stalls and a library of 25,000 volumes, including works printed in the 15th century. The remains of San Martin de Porres, San Juan Masias and Santa Rosa de Lima rest here. Crossing the Plaza Mayor, we’ll take in the Government Palace and the Municipality before entering the Cathedral to appreciate artworks that reflect colonial Lima. We then leave the centre for the Larco Museum to gain a clear overview of the cultures of ancient Peru, viewing gold pieces, textiles and erotic ceramics – with access to the open storage area to further explore their ceramic art.

Enjoy a free day in Lima to explore as you wish. You can browse the city’s malls and craft markets or follow your own interests.

In the afternoon, we stop at a traditional tavern in Pueblo Libre to savour a Pisco-based drink – Peru’s flagship spirit – then continue to the Park of the Reserve for the Magic Water Tour, a contemporary city icon with 13 fountains that blend colour, illusion and fantasy.

Transfer to the airport for our flight to Cusco. On arrival, meet and greet and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, we begin our city tour at the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, exploring the fortress and its remarkable stone walls with blocks up to 4 metres high. We continue to Q’enqo – an ancient Puma temple – to see the carved altar inside the rock, then on to Tambomachay, known for its sacred fountains. En route we pause for a panoramic view of Puca Pucara, a watchtower that once controlled the entrance to the city. Back in Cusco, we visit the Temple of the Sun, Korikancha – over which the Convent of Santo Domingo was later built. According to legend, its walls were once lined with gold sheets that amazed the conquistadors. We finish in the Main Square with a visit to the Cathedral, home to valuable colonial paintings and historic works such as the cross brought by the first conquerors.

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

Today we explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We begin at Awanacancha, where we see and feed Andean camelids – llamas and alpacas – and watch local experts demonstrate traditional weaving and natural dyeing techniques. We then continue to Pisac to visit the Inca archaeological site set high above the valley with panoramic views of the colonial town below, followed by a guided walk through the colonial centre. You can browse the handicraft market at your own pace. In the afternoon we head to the Inkariy Museum for lunch, then take a guided tour through its galleries displaying cultural representations of ancient Peru’s pre–Hispanic civilisations.

We travel deeper into the Sacred Valley to discover its lesser‑known highlights. Our first stop is Moray, where colossal concentric terraces – reminiscent of an amphitheatre – were created to generate 20 distinct microclimates that supported agricultural production for the Inca Empire. We then continue to the historic salt mines of Maras, a striking patchwork of white pools set against the green valley – a scene that truly looks like a postcard. We pause for a buffet lunch. In the afternoon we visit the archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo to observe the precision of Inca stonework. We then board the train at Ollantaytambo station for the journey to Aguas Calientes. On arrival, our staff welcomes us and assists with getting settled in our hotel in Aguas Calientes – now known as Machu Picchu Town.

We board the bus and ascend the winding road to Machu Picchu, with sweeping views of the Urubamba River and its canyon. On arrival at the Inca citadel, we set off on a guided tour of its terraces, ceremonial spaces, stairways and urban sectors – a clear overview of this remarkable site. After the visit, we have lunch at one of the local restaurants in the area. At the scheduled time, we return to Cusco and transfer to the hotel for the night.

At the scheduled time, we will collect you from your hotel and provide your departure transfer to the airport for your onward flight.