6-Day Exploration from Lima to Machu Picchu
Peruvian Essence: Embark on a Captivating Journey Through Peru’s Rich Heritage
“Peruvian Essence” is a 6-day journey that takes you through the heart of Peru’s cultural and historical marvels. Begin your adventure in Lima, exploring the vibrant Miraflores district and the city’s captivating blend of Incan and colonial architecture. Fly to Cusco, the Inca empire’s crown jewel, to experience its unique charm and heritage. Traverse the enchanting Sacred Valley, marveling at impressive stonework and Incan sites. Your journey culminates in the majestic Machu Picchu, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, where history and mystery intertwine. Throughout this small-group tour, enjoy authentic experiences that connect you deeply with local communities and the environment, making it a sustainable and unforgettable adventure.
Highlights
- Lima’s Cultural Tapestry: Dive into Lima’s rich history and modern vibrancy.
- Cusco’s Incan Heart: Explore the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.
- Machu Picchu’s Ancient Majesty: Discover the iconic Machu Picchu, a testament to Incan ingenuity.
- Sacred Valley’s Inca Legacy: Visit the Sacred Valley, exploring its traditional markets and ruins.
- Authentic Andean Experiences: Engage in genuine cultural interactions, enhancing your understanding of Peruvian traditions.
Brief itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Peru – Arrival in Lima
Land at Lima’s international airport and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the nearby areas at your own pace.
Day 2: Exploring Lima – Cultural and Gastronomic Experience
Discover Lima’s rich history and architectural heritage through a guided walking tour. Enjoy a culinary journey in the evening, tasting traditional Peruvian dishes and local flavors.
Day 3: Journey to Cusco – The Inca Capital
Take an early flight from Lima to Cusco. Explore Cusco’s colorful streets, historical landmarks, and vibrant markets.
Day 4: Sacred Valley Wonders – Pisac and Ollantaytambo
Embark on a day tour to the Sacred Valley, visiting the traditional market in Pisac and the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo. Learn about the local customs, crafts, and Inca history.
Day 5: Majestic Machu Picchu – A World Wonder
Travel by train to the breathtaking Inca citadel of Machu Picchu for a guided tour. Explore the iconic terraces, temples, and learn about the site’s historical significance.
Day 6: Farewell to Cusco – Departure Day
Enjoy some free time in Cusco for last-minute explorations or souvenir shopping. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your Peruvian adventure.
Prices for this trip
Hotel Category | Double or Triple room | Single room Additional cost |
---|---|---|
Tourist | US$ 1130 | US$ 179 |
Superior Tourist | US$ 1281 | US$ 286 |
First Class | US$ 1473 | US$ 530 |
* Minimum 2 passengers to confirm the booking; solo traveler is subject to an additional fee.
* Small group min 2, max 12 — group tour; join other travelers at each destination (If you want a private tour just for you, ask your travel agent).
Includes and excludes
Included
- Accommodation: 5 nights in Lima, Cusco, and Aguas Calientes hotel.
- The itinerary includes all admission costs (Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu).
- English-speaking local guides lead the tours.
- All transfers: airport, train station, bus station transfers, Hotel pickup, and drop-offs.
- Train ticket: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Cusco (Expedition Class).
- Meals: According mentioned in the itinerary (vegetarian or special diets are available).
- All ground transportation.
- 24-hour support by our local staff.
Not Included
- The price does not cover domestic or international flights. Consult a travel agency if necessary.
- VISA procedures, travel insurance, pre, and post-tour accommodation.
- Additional personal costs (alcoholic beverages, laundry).
- The price does not cover gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and support staff.
- Guidance in another language (Germany, French, others), in case you request them, please ask your travel agent.
- Additional items are not included explicitly in the itinerary description.
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Trip code: LIMAHU6D01-SIC
Day 1 – International Arrival in Lima
- Lima Airport Transfer: Arrive in Lima at any time. Our representative will be waiting at Lima airport with a customized sign with the client’s name.
- Upon arrival in Lima, assistance at the airport and transfer to the lodging.
- No scheduled activities exist, so check into lodging and restore the energy.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Lima.
- Meals included: None.
Day 2 – Lima Gastronomic and Walking Tour
- Hotel breakfast; pick up from the hotel at 09:00. This Lima culinary adventure will begin with a visit to the local market. Smell, taste, and experience the infinite variety of textures, colors, aromas, and flavors.
- Then, we take clients to our cooking studio, where we have “hands-on” learning more about Peruvian cuisine and prepare delicious local dishes. Make an authentic Peruvian dish to tantalize tastebuds and later enjoy achievements.
- Have to choose four options; FISH, “Sudado de Pescado” steamed fish (Main Course), or the Peruvian National dish called “Ceviche.” CHICKEN; “Aji de Pollo” in English chili chicken (Main Course) or “Papas a la Huancaina.” MEAT; “Lomo saltado” (Main Course) or “Causa Limeña”.
- Vegetarian option; “Pimento Relleno” (Main Course) and “Solterito”.
- In the end, we will enjoy the lunch prepared by ourselves.
- At 14:00, pick up and transfer to Lima historical center. We will take a fascinating walking tour. We will show our clients the palaces, castles, magnificent Saint Francisco Monastery, and spectacular subterranean Catacombs throughout our city.
- We visit the main square, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Municipal Palace, the train station Palace, the unique old-fashioned “Cordano Bar,” colorful mansion palaces, the Jiron del Union Pathway, the Post Office Palace, the Dominicans Tower, and the Historical Rimac Bridge, as well as the lovely surrounded wooden Balconies.
- The historical center is considered a World Heritage protected by UNESCO.
- The tour will end around 18:00.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Lima.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 3 – Flight to Cusco & Colorful Cusco Walking Tour
- Hotel breakfast; at 06:30, picked up from the hotel and escorted to the airport to trip to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital.
- Upon arrival in Cusco, assistance at the airport and transfer to the lodging.
- The rest of the day is free for relaxation to minimize the adverse effects of the high altitude and explore this wonderful city.
- Hotel pickup at 14:30. The Cusco walking tour starts in the colorful San Pedro market; there is probably no better place to witness Cusquean life. Enjoy a firsthand look at how residents live day-to-day outside the postcard perfection of Cusco’s main square. The guide explains this market’s history as its wanders through the narrow aisles laden with colorful fabrics, meals, fruit juice, bread, and shaman stalls.
- After, we visit Cusco’s main square. This busy and vibrant space marks the city’s colonial center, featuring wide stone pathways and well-kept colorful gardens.
- Afterward, we will go to Qorikancha, where Santo Domingo’s convent sits atop the ancient temple. For some unknown reason, numerous invaders were awed by the splendor of this temple when they first arrived because, according to tradition, it was fully gold-plated.
- The tour ends around 18:00.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
- Meals Included: Breakfast.
Day 4 – Tour to the Sacred Valley (Pisac & Ollantaytambo)
- Hotel breakfast; pick up from the hotel at 07:30 am. We embark on a journey to the Inca’s Sacred Valley, beginning in Pisac, 31 km from Cusco. The old Incan archaeological site is on the summit of a mountain. There have the chance to witness the impressive stonemasonry skill of our ancient ancestors.
- Afterward, go down into the quaint little town and wander through its colorful market to buy intricate, beautifully hand-crafted products.
- Afterward, have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
- We next go to Ollantaytambo, an Inca military, religious, and agricultural hub perched on a mountain. Unlike other little villages, this one has retained its original Incan architecture, with magnificent stone structures and winding alleyways.
- Following the tour, we go to the Ollantaytambo railway station to board the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 5 – Visit the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu & Back to Cusco
- Hotel breakfast; at 06:00. Take a bus to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (2,430m/7,972ft). Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, the mountaintop fortress earned every bit of its notoriety.
- Around 07:30 am, the guided tour begins; the guide expertly directs through the astounding ruins and main streets. Then wander around the town squares and climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom.
- The guided tour takes around two hours and 30 minutes.
- From 12:30 pm to 13:30, take the bus to Aguas Calientes.
- From 13:30 to 15:00, take lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes.
- Board the train to return to Cusco later in the day. Arrive at Poroy station and then be picked up and transported to the Cusco hotel.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 6 – Departure from Cusco
- Hotel breakfast; Our representative will meet in the hotel lobby at the specified hour and help with the departure—airport transfer.
- Meals Included: Breakfast.