Day 1: Arrival In Lima, Peru
Arrival at the airport of Lima. Upon arrival at the Lima airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Hotel Casa Republica
Day 2: Culinary Tour (Cooking Workshop) & City Tour
Today you will discover the secrets of Peruvian cuisine. Our culinary adventure begins in a typical “Peruvian market”. Where you will find a wide range of Peruvian products and enjoy unique fruits such as “chirimoya”, “lucuma”, “aguaymanto” and “pacae“. We will visit a local restaurant, where an expert bartender will teach you how to prepare the famous “Pisco Sour”. The chef of the restaurant will prepare with you the delicious “Ceviche” a typical Peruvian dish. Then you will have a delicious lunch with the most representative dishes of Peruvian cuisine.
In the afternoon we will explore Lima and its majestic past. This excursion offers the best combination of various attractions in Lima and its three historical periods: the pre-latino, colonial and contemporary periods. Lima has known several pre-Columbian cultures dating back thousands of years, but Lima was also part of the Inca Empire. However, Lima was only founded in the year 1535 by the Spaniard Francisco Pizarro. During our tour, we will travel along Lima’s millennial history. Overnight in Lima.
Day 3: Lima – Arequipa
You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Lima airport. Today you will travel by domestic flight to the beautiful colonial city of Arequipa. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel.
Today you can explore by yourself the beautiful colonial city of Arequipa, or take a walking tour excursion (optional not included) to see Arequipa’s highlights with your private tour guide. Take a closer look at the mestizo baroque architecture, visit the San Ignacio Chapel, the imposing Basilica Cathedral, and the mini city of Santa Catalina Monastery (UNESCO world heritage listed) or the Inca ice mummy ‘Juanita’. This mummy was found in the crater of a volcano. Of course you can also sit on a terrace, relax and enjoy the beautiful view of the impressive volcano Misty. Overnight stay in Arequipa.
Day 4: Arequipa – Coca Canyon
For the first time this tour we travel in the Andes today. We drive to an altitude of no less than 4, 900m before descending again to the Colca Valley. At this altitude there are fantastic views to the many volcanoes in this area. We spend the night in the heart of the Colca Valley, in the middle of agricultural terraces, with a special architectural style inspired by ancient Inca buildings. Here we enjoy the thermal baths that are part of this volcanic area. Be sure to bring your swimwear!
Enjoy and relax at your hotel, you can take a bath in the hotel’s hot springs or enjoy the eco spa or you can also choose to explore the beautiful surroundings, for example the ruins of Uyo Uyo. Guests staying at the Colca Lodge can reach the ruins without a vehicle by hiking, gradually ascending about 40 minutes to the Uyo Uyo ruins, exploring the site and then descending the same route back to the lodge. For travelers who choose this route, we still recommend being accompanied by a guide on the 1+ hour excursion, for better understanding of the ruins and to avoid getting lost. Overnight in Colca Valley.
Day 5: Colca Canyon – Condor Cross – Arequipa City
Early in the morning we leave for the viewpoint in the Colca Canyon where we can see the majestic condors flying. The Colca Canyon is the world’s deepest canyon and is formed by the Colca River. The landscape is rugged and impressive. The view is quite spectacular.
The viewpoint overlooks one of the deepest points of the canyon where you can see no less than 1.200m into the canyon. It is here that the legendary condor, the bird with the largest wingspan in the world (up to 3,20m), can be seen. The condors rise and circle thermals in the morning, set against the beautiful backdrop of the mountain landscape.
After this experience we return to Chivay and then begin the 3-hour drive back to your Arequipa hotel. You can spend the afternoon at leisure in the beautiful city of Arequipa. Overnight in Arequipa.
Day 6: Arequipa – Cusco City Tour
Today you will be transferred to Arequipa airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Today you will visit the ancient capital of the Inca empire “Cusco“ the most beautiful cities in South America, live the magic mix of this city between traditions and history of the Incas along with the traditions and history of the Spanish.
In the afternoon, you’ll go on a walking tour through the top sites in the city of Cusco. Start by ascending above the city to visit the monumental Sacsayhuaman fortress. Then, explore the artistic neighborhood of San Blas, located within the Historic Center of Cusco. This district is renowned for its cultural and artistic atmosphere, featuring famous artisans, coffee shops, galleries, and more.
Next, visit the impressive Cusco Cathedral and the Qoricancha Temple, along with the Santo Domingo Monastery, a colonial structure built atop the ancient Inca Temple of the Sun. Finish your tour with a visit to the bustling San Pedro Market, where you’ll find a selection of alpaca clothing and other souvenirs, as well as rows of stalls selling fruits, vegetables, juices, cheese, and meat. You’ll be dropped off at your Cusco Hotel after your tour for a free evening to relax and rest. Overnight in Cusco (B)
Day 7: Sacred Valley Tour & Caccacollo Local Community & Farm To The Table Experience ‘Hacienda Sarapampa’
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, we leave towards the Sacred Valley. Our first stop is Caccaccollo, a local community where women play a central role in daily life. They will introduce you to their traditional weaving techniques. You will also have some free time to explore the charming local market and taste regional delicacies.
We then continue to Pisaq, where we visit Hacienda Sarapampa, a working farm dedicated to the cultivation and processing of giant white corn. Here, you will be introduced to traditional farming methods that have been preserved for generations.
Founded in 1937, Hacienda Sarapampa is a family-run estate offering visitors a unique cultural and culinary experience centered around corn. Discover the iconic Cusco Giant Corn, learn about rural life on the hacienda, and enjoy a true Farm to Table lunch.
Experience the Sacred Valley of the Incas while uncovering the fascinating history of white giant corn production. Learn about agricultural techniques dating back to pre-Columbian and colonial times. Afterwards, enjoy an authentic four-course meal (shared with other guests) in the farmer’s home – not a restaurant – prepared with local recipes and fresh products from the hacienda.
Following lunch, we travel to Ollantaytambo to explore the impressive ruins of the ancient Inca fortress, the site of a legendary battle where the Incas successfully resisted the Spanish conquerors.
Afterwards, transfer to your hotel in Urubamba, where you will have some time to relax and unwind. Overnight in the Sacred Valley (B).
Day 8: Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
Transfer from the hotel in Urubamba to the train station in Ollantaytambo. Today we take the train to the city of Aguas Calientes, the starting point for the trip to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at the train station in Aguas Calientes, your local transfer will meet you and escort you to your hotel. This evening dinner will be included. Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. (B/D)
Day 9: Machu Picchu
Today we leave early in the morning to the world-famous site of Machu Picchu the” Lost city of the Incas”. Partly due to its ingenious architecture and unique location in the heart of tropical vegetation, this magical place evokes mystery and admiration. The site was discovered in July 1911 by the young American archaeologist Hiram Bingham.
The sunrise view is known as one of the most beautiful views in the world. After this experience, you will be offered a very comprehensive tour by your private English-speaking guide after which you will also have a few hours of free time to spend in the complex.
Today you can climb the Huayna Picchu mountain on your own. Climbing Huayna Picchu is optional (not guided by our staff) and is at your own risk and responsibility. Tickets for the ascent of Huayna Picchu mountain can be booked (at extra cost) combined with a ticket for Machu Picchu. Return to Aguas Calientes and we take the train back to Ollantaytambo, from here transfer to Cusco. Overnight stay in Cusco. Depart from Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu and arrive at Aguas Calientes Train Station
Day 10: Free Day In Cusco
Today is yours to plan as you wish. You can take the day to relax and recover from the past few days or prepare for the adventures ahead. You can also choose from the optional activities listed below. Overnight stay in Cusco. (B)
Day 11: Cusco – Lima
Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel in Cusco. Today you leave Peru behind. We will meet you in time to transfer you to the airport for your domestic flight to Lima and onward international connection. Please note that you should be at Lima Airport at least 3 hours before your international departure. This marks the end of a truly unique experience. Have a safe journey home or to your next destination and we hope to welcome you again soon!
