A 7-Day Odyssey to Machu Picchu
Peru’s Cultural Tapestry: A 7-Day Odyssey to Machu Picchu
Embark on “Peru’s Cultural Tapestry,” a 7-day odyssey that unveils the vibrant blend of history and natural splendor across Peru’s landscapes. Begin your journey in Lima, where a gastronomic tour highlights the city’s stunning architectural mix of old and new. Next, soar to Cusco for a colorful walking tour amidst iconic Inca sites. Delve into the Sacred Valley’s breathtaking foothills, visiting Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and immerse in the local culture and market life. The journey’s pinnacle is the legendary Machu Picchu, an awe-inspiring Inca citadel shrouded in mystery and grandeur. Cap off your adventure with a hike to the mesmerizing Rainbow Mountain, a geological wonder. This small-group tour is designed for travelers seeking an authentic, sustainable, and safe experience, contributing positively to the local communities and the environment.
Highlights
- Lima’s Architectural Fusion: Explore the rich blend of old and new in Lima’s architecture.
- Cusco’s Incan Heritage: Discover the historical treasures of Cusco, from Incan ruins to colonial charm.
- Machu Picchu’s Ancient Splendor: Experience the awe of Machu Picchu, a testament to Incan engineering.
- Sacred Valley’s Cultural Depths: Wander through the Sacred Valley, absorbing the vibrant market life of Pisac.
- Rainbow Mountain’s Colors: Ascend Rainbow Mountain, a breathtaking display of Peru’s natural beauty.
Brief itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lima – Welcoming the Heart of Peru
Arrive at Lima’s international airport and transfer to your hotel. Take the day to rest, acclimatize, and enjoy leisure time in the vibrant Peruvian capital.
Day 2: Exploring Lima – Gastronomic Delights and Cultural Sights
Embark on a walking tour to explore Lima’s rich history and cultural landmarks. Enjoy a gastronomic experience, tasting traditional Peruvian cuisine and local delicacies.
Day 3: Journey to Cusco – The Inca Capital Awaits
Catch a flight from Lima to the historical city of Cusco. Engage in a colorful walking tour of Cusco, visiting key sites like the Plaza de Armas and Qorikancha.
Day 4: Sacred Valley Adventure – From Pisac to Ollantaytambo
Depart for a full-day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit the Pisac market and ruins, then explore the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo.
Day 5: Mystical Machu Picchu – Unveiling the Incan Wonder
Travel by train to the world-renowned Machu Picchu. Enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of the ancient Inca citadel.
Day 6: Rainbow Mountain Trek – A Journey Through Colorful Landscapes
Embark on an early morning hike to the stunning Rainbow Mountain. Experience the breathtaking colors and views of this unique geological formation.
Day 7: Farewell Cusco – Departure Day
Spend the morning at leisure in Cusco for last-minute explorations or shopping. Transfer to Cusco airport for your departure flight, concluding your Peruvian adventure.
Prices for this trip
Hotel Category | Double or Triple room | Single room Additional cost |
---|---|---|
Budget | US$ 1119 | US$ 181 |
Tourist | US$ 1228 | US$ 207 |
Superior Tourist | US$ 1330 | US$ 323 |
* Minimum 2 passengers to confirm the booking; solo traveler is subject to an additional fee.
* Small group min 2, max 16 — 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: 6 nights in Lima, Cusco, and Aguas Calientes hotel.
- The itinerary includes all admission costs (Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain).
- 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: UMP7D01-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. We embark on a journey to the Inca’s Sacred Valley tour, 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 Machu Picchu 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 – Hike Colorful Rainbow Mountain
- Breakfast at Hotel. Pick up at 04:00 from the hotel and a 3-hour drive to the trailhead. Stop at Cusipata; afterward, we continued towards Phullawasipata (4626m/15,177ft) head of the trail for the Rainbow Mountain tour.
- Enjoy the ride as we pass alpaca and llama herds. Bring a camera since we will be seeing Ausangate Mountain. Also, take a stroll through rural areas and meet the residents.
- The hike to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain (5,030m/16,498ft) takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Upon reaching the red hill, we will have breathtaking views of the distinctively colored rock formation that gives Rainbow Mountain its name: turquoise, orange, brown, and red sedimentary rock strata. Once we reach the peak, we will have a chance to eat and take in the panoramic views. Typically, the break lasts 45 minutes.
- It is time to descend after soaking in the beautiful vistas.
- Returning to the trailhead should take lunch before traveling to Cusco.
- We will embark on the 3-hour drive back to Cusco and drop off at the Cusco hotel.
- The approximate arrival time is between 16:30.
- The estimated walking distance is 6 km (3.73 miles). Estimated walking time, 2 to 3 hours.
- Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 – 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.