Peru and Bolivia: Ancient Cultures

Explore the highlights of Lima on this privately guided city tour as you gain insights into Peru and her capital. Stroll through the beautiful city center visiting the main square of Plaza Mayor, the Lima Cathedral, and the Government Palace and other historical attractions.

(Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Easy.)

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)

Visit the lost city of the Incas with a private local guide. Learn about the human ingenuity required to construct the site and ponder its many mysteries. Marvel at the surroundings and soak in the wonders of this magical place, hidden amongst the green summits of the high Andean cloud forest. In the afternoon, after lunch, take the Vistadome train to Cusco. (Guided Machu Picchu tour lasts about 2.5 hours; with local guide. Private activity & transfers; Lunch Included)

Head out to the ancient Inca citadel of Sacsayhuaman, located on the outskirts of the city. Walk around this UNESCO World Heritage site with its massive structure made of huge carved rocks joined together with calculated precision, and get a glimpse of the architectural acumen possessed by the Incas and their ability to complete a project of this magnitude in an era far removed from the conveniences of today’s world. Set off for the quirky and artsy neighborhood of San Blas with its narrow cobbled streets and the main plaza. Stop by the workshops of famous local artists such as Olave, Mendivil, and Merida and explore at your own pace. Saunter over to the serene, 16th century San Blas Church that sits atop an Inca sanctuary. Marvel at the exquisitely beautiful wood pulpit carved from a lone cedar tree featuring the Spanish Churrigueresque style of sculpting. Amble on to the Qoricancha or golden temple dedicated to the Sun God who was worshipped by the Incas. Stroll across the main square to Cusco Cathedral which houses a collection of valuable paintings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. (Half Day; Fitness Level: Easy;)

Enjoy a memorable train journey across the altiplano landscape of the Peruvian Andes, aboard the luxurious Titicaca train. In the morning, head to the Wanchaq train station in Cusco and enjoy a complimentary hot beverage before it is time to board. Over the next ten hours, take in splendid views of the verdant terrain and picturesque streams that make up the remote region. You could walk through the train cars to the open air observation car, an excellent spot to take panoramic photographs of the Andean countryside. There is also a bar car serving refreshing cocktails. Here, you can watch a pisco sour demonstration and even try your hand at making this national drink. At lunch time, head to the dining car for a three-course gourmet meal, featuring regional ingredients, paired with a glass of wine. As the train chugs on, enjoy live cultural performances by Andean artists dressed in colorful traditional attire. Later, relish afternoon tea as you take in the vistas from the large windows of the dining car. In the evening, reach the train station in Puno where you will disembark.

(Duration: full day; Time: 0730 hrs; Shared activity; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Please arrive at least 30 mins prior to scheduled departure time; Departures subject to availability)

Visit the floating islands of the Uros, located on the glittering waters of Lake Titicaca during this private tour. The Uros first fled from the Incans and then from the Spaniards, seeking refuge in the lake and creating their own islands made out of reeds. Discover how they adapted to living in the lake and then visit either Taquile or Amantaní islands which offer stunning views of the lake and are inhabited by a small, isolated indigenous group who offer a warm welcome into their simple homes. (07:00 to 17:00, Shared Fast-Boat, Private Guide, Lunch Included)

The Tiwanaku culture, which belongs to the Pre-Inca period, is considered one of South America’s most important civilizations. On this privately guided tour you will visit the archaeological site where you will be able to appreciate incomparable examples of this culture, such as the Gateway of the Sun, Pyramid of Akapana, Temple of Kalasasaya and the Semi-subterranean Temple.

Explore the fascinating city of La Paz with a private guide on this full day tour. Visit the city’s most representative sites such as the Church of San Francisco, Plaza Murillo and government palaces, and the oddly fascinating ´mercado de brujas´ witches market. Walk the antique cobbled street Calle Jaen full of small eclectic museums. Continuing, reach The Andes district where craftspeople display the essence of Bolivian folklore. After lunch travel into the residential neighborhoods and meander the Valle de la Luna moon valley park which is made up of unique natural geological formations. Your private guide will go at your pace and tailor the experience to your wishes.