Day 1:
Upon arrival, enjoy a warm reception and transfer to your hotel in Lima. For those staying in a first class or deluxe class hotel, you will be welcomed with Peru’s national drink, Pisco Sour. This world famous Peruvian drink is as well known in the area as Tequila is in Mexico. A hard liquor made from the quebranta grape, Pisco comes from the city “Pisco” located 250 km. south of Lima. In the afternoon, beginning with a panoramic visit of Lima´s historical city center, we will descend to the Plaza Mayor. Here, you can view the Presidential and Municipal palaces, the main Cathedral and the Arizobispal Palace. We will enter the Cathedral, which holds the tomb of the Spanish Conquistador Francisco Pizarro. Next, enjoy a short walk in the Historical Center on our way to visit the San Francisco and Santo Domingo churches. As our panoramic tour continues, we will visit the modern part of Lima which boasts an old pre-Inca shrine called "Huaca Huallamarca" which is located in the residential area of San Isidro. We will also see “Huaca Pucllana” which is located in Miraflores. A short stop will be made at Love Park (also known as the “Parque del Amor”). From here, enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Our tour ends a visit of bohemian Barranco suburb. Here you can find the romantic bridge of sighs (“Puente de los Suspiros”).
Day 2:
After breakfast, enjoy this day of leisure. We recommend visiting the temple of Pachacamac, one of the oldest in the Peruvian coast or the Larco Herrera Museum, one of the main private collections here.
Day 3:
After breakfast, you will bet transferred to the airport for your departure to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with coca infusion tea (“mate de coca”) that will help you to get used to the altitude. Enjoy the rest of the morning at your leisure. In the afternoon, we will visit the imperial city of Cusco. Beginning in the neighborhood of San Blas, with its artisans, we will visit the church of San Blas to see its impressively carved woodwork. Traveling by foot, we will go down the narrow stairs of Hatun Rumiyoc street where the Palace of Inca Roca is located (known as Palacio Arzobispal). On its walls, you will discover the figures of a puma and snake. Also observe the famous stone with 12 angles, the perfect image of the Incan architectural perfection. Continuing on foot, we will visit the Plaza de Armas of Cusco or Awqaypata (warrior’s place). Enter the Cathedral of Cusco to view of beautiful woodwork and colonial paintings containing extensive Incan iconography. Visit the Korikancha (Temple of Inti God - El Sol) on which the Santo Domingo Convent was built. Legend says this temple was completely gold coated, which impressed the conquerors upon their arrival. Our tour ends with a panoramic visit of Cusco.
Day 4:
After breakfast, ascend to the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman, visit the Cuidadela of Sacsayhuaman. This is the royal house where they admired the Sun God but also worshiped younger gods. Admire this large structure and enjoy the magnificent landscape which brings peace and tranquility. Next, visit Qenqo, the old temple of the Puma. Inside you can see a sacrificial alter made of a huge stone. At Tambomachay see the sacred fountains of life and health. Puca Pucará, “atalaya” (watchtower) safeguarded the city gates and the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Afterwards, we will return to Cusco where you can enjoy an afternoon of leisure to stroll around the city of Cusco and shop.
Day 5:
You will be transferred to the train station after breakfast, then travel to the town of Aguas Calientes, located at the bottom of the mountain. Here is the citadel of "Machu Picchu", the Sacred City. Ascend the citadel by bus, we will enjoy a spectacular view of the canyon formed by the Urubamba river. Once we’ve entered the citadel you can walk along the terrace, steps, ceremonial centers and housing. According to locals, this area is a concentration of energy due to the composition of quartz found in the stones. Enjoy a buffet lunch before returning to Costco in the afternoon by train. Upon your arrival, transportation to your hotel will be provided.
Day 6:
Transfer to the airport.