Peru: Classic Machu Picchu

Explore the highlights of Lima on a full-day private excursion. Stroll through the beautiful city center visiting the main square of Plaza Mayor, the Lima Cathedral, and the Government Palace. Explore other highlights of the city gaining insights into Peru and her capital city. The country of Peru was once populated with many different civilizations and indigenous empires. The Incas are just one of the many people to have called Peru home creating a country rich with history and heritage. Visit the beautiful Larco Museum, considered one of the best museums of Peru, and view the many artifacts that document Peru’s illustrious past. (09:00 to 17:00. Private Activity. Lunch Included. The museum opens every day of the year.)

After a drive through the picturesque countryside, arrive at the sleepy village of Pisac, along the banks of the Urubamba River. Head up to the Pisac archaeological complex, which features four sections on a mountain ridge. See the spectacular agricultural terraces and the main fortress, called Q’alla Q’assa. At the back towards Kitamayo Gorge, Inca burial sites adorn the cliff walls. Nearby, there’s the pink granite ceremonial complex, highlighted by the Sun Temple. Continue to the citadel sector. Further ahead is Kinchiraqay that has thatched red adobe granaries. Learn about Pisac’s history, its connection to the partridge, and its significance in the Inca Empire. Later, visit the bustling market in Pisac town, with stalls selling colorful local handicrafts and souvenirs. Take time to enjoy the diversity of Peruvian products, and try regional street foods. Stop for lunch at Sarapampa Hacienda. Also located on the banks of Urubamba River, the hacienda has produced Cusco’s famous giant white corn for three generations. Members of the Sumar family, who own the property, will greet you and tell you about the ancient methods they use to produce this traditional crop. Then gather around the table to enjoy a meal that draws on the rich farming heritage of the Sacred Valley and features traditional dishes. Soak in the intimate atmosphere that feels more like a family get together than a meal in a restaurant, before you drive back to your hotel.

(Duration: full day: Start time: 0800 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Travel time to activity: 1 hr; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; All entrance fees included)

On this full-day privately guided excursion you will visit the beautiful colonial town of Chincheros as well as the spectacular Incan sites of Maras and Moray. Start your morning at the fascinating Maras Salt mines which feature more than 100 small pools fed by a salt-water mountain spring that is interconnected by channels. It still remains in use today by the community and represents an important income for numerous families in the area. Walk up to the vantage viewpoint from where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the salt mines and its surroundings. In the afternoon, you will head along a dirt road towards another typical Andean village called Moray; famed for being an Inca agricultural experimental center. At Chincheros visit a local textile workshops were local alpaca weavers practice their centuries old traditions. Both these ancient sites and your visit to Chincheros, will take your breath away and leave you fascinated by the mysteries of the Incan civilization. (From 09:00 to 17:00; Private Activity; Lunch Included; Please note that trekking and walking on the salt pans of Maras is prohibited in order to preserve the purity of the salt extracted.)

Embark on this fascinating private exploration of the ancient Inca town of Ollantaytambo. Set at an altitude of 9,160 feet (2,792 m), this quaint town sits tucked amid soaring mountains and spectacular ruins. Saunter around the meticulously laid out town with an efficient irrigation system put in place by the expert architects, masons, and craftsmen of the Inca Empire. Walk across narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets as you make your way to the terraces that once made up the majestic fortress – one of the few where the Spanish invaders suffered a defeat. Climb up to the top of the fortress to enter the complex of the Temple of the Sun, which lies incomplete. Marvel at the massive Wall of the Six Monoliths and the ceremonial center situated before savoring stunning views from your vantage point. Relish the vistas to your heart’s content before beginning your descent. On the way down, stop for a closer look at the many baths and fountains, prominent among them being the Princess Bath.

Start your visit to the most iconic archaeological wonder of South America, taking the ’Voyager’ Train in the evening from Ollantaytambo Station to Machu Picchu Pueblo. As the train winds its way through the scenic Sacred Valley and along the Urubamba River, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Andean highlands, Enjoy stunning views of the Peruvian countryside, while gliding past lush-green terraced fields and towering mountains. Enter the mist-shrouded Cloud Forest and journey across the rugged Andean Plateau. Arrive at Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night before your epic adventure continues the following morning.

(Duration: 3.5 hrs; Time of day: evening; Private activity & transfers; All entry fees are included; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

Continue the tour the following morning for a fully guided exploration of the infamous lost city where you will learn about the human ingenuity required to construct the site and ponder its many mysteries. Return to Cusco. (Pick-up around 6:00 on Day Two, Private Activity, Lunch is not included)

Discover Cusco’s heart and the secrets of the Incan Empire, where colonial flair and Incan culture combine to create a fascinating atmosphere. On this half-day tour your private guide will take you to explore the Main Square and Cathedral, San Blas neighborhood, San Blas Church, the market and Korikancha. (Half Day; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring comfortable walking shoes. )