Southern Peru Art and Culture

Upon arrival in Lima, a tour representative will meet you at the agreed time and escort you to your hotel. The Peruvian capital is a vibrant metropolis blending modern life with rich history, currently experiencing significant cultural and economic growth. After checking in, we will take a short excursion to begin exploring the city. Your first stop is the Magical Water Circuit in Exposition Park – a spectacular display of fountains recognised by the Guinness World Records as the largest of its kind worldwide. This attraction draws visitors year-round and offers a captivating introduction to Lima’s contemporary urban charm. Following the fountain visit, enjoy a dinner show at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel to rest for the night.

After breakfast, we set out to explore the Palomino Islands, located just nine kilometres off Lima’s coast. This small archipelago is home to a variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species and sea lions. Following the boat tour, we return to the dock and visit Callao Monumental, an urban art project aimed at revitalising the community through cultural development. Here, local artists contribute by teaching their craft to children and young people from nearby neighbourhoods, fostering new talents and opportunities. You will then have free time to explore the area’s art galleries and bohemian restaurants, which have become a popular draw in the city. At the end of the day, a transfer will take you back to your hotel to rest before your flight to Cusco the following morning.

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Cusco (flight not included). It is important to arrive in Cusco by 10:30am at the latest, as later arrivals may disrupt the day’s schedule. Upon landing in the Imperial City, you will be taken to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. En route, we will visit the Living Museum of Yucay, a centre dedicated to preserving Andean traditions. Here, you can watch demonstrations of traditional textile making, adobe construction, pottery and silverwork, all recreated as they were in Inca times. The museum is also home to llamas, sheep and alpacas, which you are welcome to feed. After the visit, we will continue to the Sacred Valley for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, we travel through the Sacred Valley to the archaeological site of Moray. This remarkable Inca complex features concentric circular terraces, each with a distinct microclimate, which suggests it may have served as an agricultural research centre. Next, we visit the salt ponds of Maras, where thousands of small salt pools continue to provide livelihoods for local families. These salt deposits were highly valued during the Inca Empire for their economic importance. We then proceed to the town of Ollantaytambo, known for its well-preserved Inca urban layout. You will have time to explore its streets before climbing to the impressive fortress perched on the mountainside. After the walk, enjoy lunch accompanied by a traditional horse show. We return to the hotel in the Sacred Valley, enriched by the day’s immersion in Inca heritage.

Today, we will experience the Peruvian Paso horse up close—a national symbol known for its distinctive gait, which features prominently in the traditional marinera dance. After a brief introduction and fitting your Peruvian hat or riding helmet, we will set off on horseback for a gentle three-hour ride along the scenic trails surrounding the Sacred Valley. This ride offers a unique perspective of the landscape around the hotel, allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty of the area at a relaxed pace. Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

After breakfast, we will transfer you to Ollanta Station to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway town to Machu Picchu. The journey offers stunning views of the Andean landscape as you travel through dramatic mountain scenery. Upon arrival, you will be guided to the bus that takes you up to Machu Picchu. Known as the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, this remarkable citadel was built in the 1450s by Emperor Pachacuti as a royal retreat. It was abandoned within a century following the Spanish conquest but remained hidden from destruction, preserved by the surrounding jungle. During the guided tour, we will explore key sites including the Main Square, Royal Quarters, Temple of the Three Windows, Circular Towers, Sacred Sun Dial, and Burial Grounds, providing insight into the history and significance of this extraordinary place. After the tour, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

After breakfast, we board the train back to Ollanta Station, where a transfer will take you to your hotel in Cusco. Once settled and rested, we will pick you up for an evening visit to the local planetarium. Begin with an engaging introduction that explores the connection between the Incas and the stars. Then step inside the impressive dome to observe the constellations as the ancient Incas once did. You will also have the opportunity to use telescopes to explore the Cusco night sky. This experience offers a fascinating insight into Andean cosmology and the relationship between the region’s early inhabitants and the universe. Overnight in Cusco.

Begin your day at a relaxed pace with breakfast at the hotel, followed by free time to explore Cusco’s streets, browse local shops or simply unwind. In the afternoon, join a guided tour of this historic city, once the heart of the Inca Empire. Visit the Santo Domingo Convent, built atop the Inca temple of Coricancha—an important site dedicated to sun worship, once adorned with gold leaf and intricate golden motifs. Next, explore the Cathedral, the city’s most prominent landmark on the main square. Then, head to the nearby Cusco hills to see the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose massive stone walls provide stunning panoramic views of the city. To finish the day, take part in a chocolate-making workshop where you will learn about the origins and production of chocolate while crafting your own creation. Overnight in Cusco.

After breakfast, a transfer will collect you from the hotel at the arranged time and take you to the airport. This marks the end of your journey through Peru as you board your flight to your next destination.