Lima to Cusco - 7 day tour

Welcome to the Peruvian capital. On arrival, you will be collected and transferred to our hotel. Once you're settled in, you can spend the rest of today unwinding in the hotel, or head out to explore the city.
Overnight: Lima

Today we are exploring Lima, the 'City of Kings'. Our tour of the capital city begins in the pretty district of Miraflores, before we head to the equally lovely San Isidro, stopping for a quick look at a 'huaca', a sacred pre-Inca archaeological site. Making our way to the city centre, we will stroll along some of the city's most important streets, arriving at last at the central Plaza de Armas. There will be free time to soak up the colonial architecture of Lima's main square.

Moving on, we visit the historic Convent of Santo Domingo, another well-preserved example of colonial architecture. Our final stop is the privately-owned Larco Museum, where there is plenty of time to browse an astonishing array of archaeological treasures. Then it's back to the hotel and a free evening for you to head out and sample some of Lima's nightlife. Make sure to try a Pisco Sour, it's an excellent local cocktail!
Overnight: Lima  |  Breakfast

Lima - Cusco. After breakfast at the hotel and check out, transfer to the airport for your internal flight to Cusco. Note that this flight is not included in the cost of your tour. See the Trip Notes for recommended flight information. We can help you to book this flight.

Arriving in Cusco, you can spend the rest of today at leisure - maybe you could explore the Inca site of Sacsayhuaman, or take in the impressive city Cathedral?

Alternatively, join our optional tour of Cusco. Take in the sights and smells of the local market before we head to the ruins of Koricancha, an ancient Inca palace, dedicated to the Sun God. On this tour we also visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the Q’enqo archeological site and the Plaza de Armas, home to the majestic Cathedral.
Overnight: Cusco  |  Breakfast

Cusco - Sacred Valley. Leaving Cusco, we head to the Maras salt mines, where the world's finest salt is extracted and exported around the world.

We then visit the archaeological site of Moray, home to huge terraces where the Incas used to grow food and other crops. We can also meet members of the Misminay indigenous community, who will warmly welcome us to their village with traditional music and dancing. Learn about the lives of these rural villagers and join them for some of their daily activities, including planting, harvesting and textile work. After our visit, we continue to our hotel in the Sacred Valley.
Overnight: Sacred Valley  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Sacred Valley - Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco. This morning we transfer to Ollantaytambo and board the train to Machu Picchu. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, this ancient citadel was once known as the Lost City, forgotten for centuries until its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Even the Spanish conquistadors never found this hidden treasure.

We will tour Machu Picchu with the services of an expert local guide, who will be able to share all the best secrets and fascinating history of this city in the clouds. After our tour, there will be some leisure time for you to explore on your own before we descend the mountain to the town of Aguas Calientes. We will enjoy an included lunch before getting back on the train. Arriving back at Ollantaytambo, we then make our return drive to Cusco.
Overnight: Cusco  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Today is at leisure for you to relax at the hotel or further explore Cusco. Alternatively, you can join an optional tour to the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.

If you join the tour, we depart Cusco early, crossing the South Valley towards Cusipata and then Phulawasipata. Here we begin our hike, ascending to Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain. Take in the bright colours, created by a plethora of minerals in the soil and rocks here. There's plenty of time to take photos and explore the area before we walk back to our vehicle and return to Cusco for the night. Total hiking distance is approximately 8km.
Overnight: Cusco  |  Breakfast