Inca Land & Machu Picchu Sunrise

We meet you at the airport in Lima and transfer you to your hotel, assisting with any current health authority requirements. Take time to settle in.

In the afternoon, we enjoy a panoramic introduction to the city. We begin in Miraflores at the Parque del Amor to see the sculpture "The Kiss" by Peruvian artist Victor Delfín. Then take in Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Hispanic ceremonial centre. We continue to the Plaza de Armas to view the Government Palace and the Municipal Palace, visit the Cathedral, and walk to the Convent of Santo Domingo, whose cloisters were once walked by San Martín de Porres and Santa Rosa de Lima and where their remains rest today. The evening is yours to relax.

We set out to explore Lima – the City of Kings – focusing on its UNESCO World Heritage historic centre. At Plaza Mayor we see the Government and Municipal Palaces and the Archbishop’s Palace, and we step into the Cathedral to view the tomb of the Spanish conqueror of Peru. We then walk to the Convent of Santo Domingo, where San Martin de Porres and Santa Rosa de Lima are laid to rest. We also take in panoramic views of Miraflores, stopping at Parque del Amor to see Victor Delfin’s sculpture "The Kiss", and viewing Huaca Pucllana, a ceremonial centre of the Lima culture. The rest of the day is free for you to continue exploring at your own pace.

We transfer you to the airport for your flight to Cusco – air fare not included; please book a morning flight no later than 11:00. On arrival, we transfer you to your hotel. At 13:30 we set off on a guided city tour, beginning in the artistic San Blas district where Inca and Spanish traditions meet. We continue via Plazoleta Nazarenas, framed by colonial buildings such as the former San Antonio Abad University and its adjoining church, then on to the Plaza de Armas to visit the Cathedral, home to important colonial artworks. We finish at Koricancha – from the Quechua Quri Kancha (Golden Temple).

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 head out to visit the Inca sites above Cusco, starting at Sacsayhuaman, an impressive ceremonial fortress of colossal stonework set amid scenic landscapes. We then take a panoramic look at Qenqo – an Inca shrine linked to the puma that contains a carved altar for sacrifices – before continuing to the Puca Pucara watchtower and on to Tambomachay, a monument of notable architectural excellence with an important place in the Andean worldview. The afternoon is free – you can choose optional activities or simply relax.

We visit the Sacred Valley’s standout sites. Our first stop is Chinchero – a picturesque town where we explore its Inca archaeological complex and beautiful colonial church. Chinchero is also known for its women weavers, who may demonstrate traditional alpaca dyeing and spinning techniques. We continue to Moray – a striking complex of concentric terraces that served as an Inca agricultural laboratory recreating diverse microclimates. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. We then explore Ollantaytambo’s impressive archaeological complex – an important Inca military, religious and agricultural centre – visiting the Temple of the Ten Windows, the Nusta Baths and the Temple of the Sun, and taking in the views from the heights of the site. We finish at Ollantaytambo station to board the train to Machu Picchu town, where our staff will meet you and assist with getting settled at your hotel.

After breakfast, we set out for Machu Picchu – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Our staff will assist with boarding the bus for the winding ride up, with views over the Urubamba River and its canyon. On arrival, we explore the Lost City of the Incas on a guided visit, taking in its terraces, ceremonial shrines, steps and urban areas. After the tour, we have lunch at one of the restaurants in the area. We return to Cusco at the scheduled time.

We’ll provide your departure transfer to the airport at the scheduled time – airfare not included.