Begin your adventure by visiting Lima's main attractions and get a taste of life in the city. Continue on your trip to explore the important Inca ruins of Sacsayhuamán, Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and spend extended time in the lost city of Machu Picchu. Wander through village markets where ancient traditions live on in the hearts of the Andean people. Experience the witches' market in Cusco, bargain over tapestries in Pisac, and walk off the beaten path in the rural Andes. This leisurely-paced 9 day Peru trip is perfect for anyone with a sense of curiosity and adventure.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Explore Lima today with the group. Visit Lima's principal attractions such as the colonial area, Plaza de Armas, Cathedral of Santa Domingo, and San Francisco Convent. Dine in the café at the famous Larco Herrera Museum, holding the most extensive private collection in Peru and housed in an elegant 18th century mansion. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. Dinner this evening is at Huaca Pucllana, an open air restaurant located at the base of a 5th century pyramid in the center of the Miraflores District. This unique restaurant was the recipient of the 2014 Trip Advisor “Travelers’ Choice” award.
Fly to Cusco today, where Andean history comes alive. Quechua-speaking Inca descendants in colorful dress fill the streets, and colonial churches sit atop bases of smooth stonework laid centuries before the Conquistadors. Arrive mid-day and enjoy an introductory walking tour to become familiar with this magnificent city. Dine this evening at Inka Grill, the establishment that pioneered the gastronomic revolution of Cusco.
Journey nearby into one of the most beautiful areas of Peru, the Sacred Valley. Visit Chinchero, which boasts a beautiful combination of Inca ruins, a colonial church, a traditional market, and mountain landscapes. Watch weavers demonstrate their craft and learn about the history and process of Peru's most well-known art form. Next, visit the town of Maras and its pre-Columbian salt mines, which are still used by locals today. End the day with a visit to the Inca agricultural terraces of Moray. The group makes its way to Urubamba this evening.
Test your bargaining skills this morning with the locals at the Pisac textile market. Travel up the hillside to the inspiring ruins of Pisac, which overlook the bustling town below.
This afternoon, we will have lunch at a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley and taste the dishes and ingredients that have contributed to the rise of Peruvian cuisine. You will have an opportunity to taste chichi, a fermented beverage made from corn, barley, and berries of the pepper tree. It comes in both alcoholic (similar to beer) and non-alcoholic forms (chichi morada). Chicha was an important part of many ritual feasts, as well as daily consumption. It is still an influential part of today’s local traditions and customs.
Next continue to the ruin site of Ollantaytambo, once a large royal estate for the Incas and later a refuge during the Conquest. The well-preserved ruins feature expansive terraces and allow visitors a glimpse into the history that still exists within its boundaries. From here you will board the train towards the Amazon and the town of Aguas Calientes, located at the base of the mountain where Machu Picchu sits. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the buffet dinner provided at the hotel this evening.
Early this morning, ride a bus up the mountainside to get your first glimpse of the sacred city of Machu Picchu. Tour ancient canals that still bring water from the high mountains to the baths used by Inca priests. Learn about the history of the Incas and theories about how this magnificent city was built. Enjoy lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge and take time to wander the sacred city on your own this afternoon. Return to Aguas Calientes at your leisure.
Today is free to further explore the ruins as you like. Hike to the Sun Gate, or reserve a trail pass in advance to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu. (Please let us know if you would like assistance arranging entrance fees or hiking permits for today – these are not included and sell out in advance!) You will return by train this evening to Cusco where live folk music and delicious dining options await!
Relax and explore with your guide or on your own today. Visit churches and surrounding buildings or the enormous Sacsayhuamán ruins with your guide. Wander Cusco’s streets, shop for love potions in the local market, or people watch from a café overlooking the Plaza de Armas. Mountain biking, horseback riding, or whitewater rafting (Class III-IV) can be arranged for those with more active tastes. This evening the group reunites at the MAP Café, an intimate space located in the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. In this elegant restaurant, enjoy reinvented Peruvian dishes and give a final toast to your travels.
Day 9: Return Home
1 Breakfast
Wake this morning for your transfer to the airport. Fly back to Lima and continue with independent travels or return home. With extra time, extend your trip to Lake Titicaca, the Peruvian Amazon, the Galapagos Islands, or any other destination in the region. Contact us for options.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Notes
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We are happy to provide personalized flight quotes based on your airline preferences or advice on using miles.
Group Size: Minimum 5 participants. Maximum 20 participants.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.6 | 105 reviews
TrustScore 4.6 of 5
Based on 105 reviews on
4 hours ago
The ability (of Kassandra) to tailor a guided trip to my exact preferences is very valuable to me, as well as the ability (of Kassandra) to provide expert guidance on destinations and travel dates. I also appreciate the ability of the backup staff (Maria Ignacio, Exito Travel) to coordinate all the details to make the travel logistics easy for the customer.
Mark Whalen
7 hours ago
Our Costa Rica trip was amazing! Kassandra planned everything and the excursions, hotels, overall organization were outstanding. Everything worked out smoothly, the excursions guides were knowledgeable allowing us to see so much of the fauna and flora of the country. The hotels were great as well, all in fantastic locations and with beautiful views.
Danny
22 hours ago
This is our 7th trip Kassandra has planned and she is wonderful to work with. She is responsive, helpful, patient and knowledgeable. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to work together with her. We love Adventure Life!
Aana Rivlin
1 day ago
Love Adventure Life, Mary is very experienced in the cruise department. Their post follow up after booking is great too.
Rita Shiver
1 day ago
Responsiveness and follow through along with staff being very personable.