Peru: Viceroyalty Capital of South America

We will start early in the morning with a transfer to the south coast. We will head to Paracas, where we will take an exciting boat ride to the Ballestas Islands, also known as the "Peruvian Galapagos." During the tour, you will see the diverse marine life of the Pacific, including sea lion colonies and hundreds of guano birds, such as boobies, pelicans, and curlews. You will also see mysterious rock formations shaped by the wind and sea. Next, we will visit the famous Candelabro, a geoglyph carved in the sand whose origin is still a mystery.

Then, we will head to the city of Ica and explore the magical oasis of Huacachina, hidden among desert dunes. There, you can choose between a buggy ride through the enormous dunes and sandboarding, an adrenaline-pumping activity in the middle of the desert. You will also have time to relax and enjoy this place's unique view.

After the adventure, we will return to Lima in the afternoon. We will spend the night in Lima.

Arrival in Cusco — Tour of the Capital of the Inca Empire

In the morning, take an early flight to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Tahuantinsuyo and the current jewel of the Andean world. Upon arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, the Machu Picchu Altitude team will be waiting to transfer you comfortably to your hotel.

After you check in, we recommend resting briefly to acclimate to the altitude (11,153 ft), which is essential to enjoying the coming days to the fullest.

In the afternoon, we will begin an exciting guided tour of Cusco's most emblematic archaeological sites. We will start in the historic center with the impressive Cathedral of Cusco, a masterpiece of colonial Baroque art. Then, we will continue to the Temple of the Sun, also known as the Qoricancha, which was the most important spiritual center of the Inca Empire. There, you will see the original walls of finely carved stone that are still preserved.

Then, we will head to the outskirts of the city to visit four archaeological sites located on the hillsides:

Sacsayhuamán, a colossal ceremonial fortress with impressive, perfectly fitting Cyclopean stone walls that testify to the Incas' advanced engineering knowledge.

Q'enqo is a ritual center that was probably used for religious ceremonies or mummification. It has underground passages and altars carved into the living rock.

Puka Pukara is an ancient military structure offering panoramic views of the valley. It was used as a checkpoint and resting place for Inca authorities.

Tambomachay is known as the "Bath of the Inca" and is a sacred place where crystalline water flows through aqueducts and canals, showcasing the Inca's hydraulic knowledge.

We will finish the tour at sunset and return to the city. Enjoy a free evening to explore the historic center or enjoy a traditional Cusco dinner.

Overnight in Cusco.

After breakfast, we will begin our fascinating journey through the agricultural, cultural, and spiritual heart of the ancient Inca Empire: the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Our first stop is the Pisac archaeological complex, located atop a mountain. This site features agricultural terraces that blend perfectly with the natural environment, as well as ceremonial enclosures, dwellings, and stunning views of the valley. Then, we will descend to the famous Pisac handicraft market, where you can admire and purchase textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and other pieces handmade by local artisans.

We will then continue our journey through the fertile valley towards Urubamba, considered the heart of the Sacred Valley. There, we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch featuring typical Andean dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.

In the afternoon, we will head to Ollantaytambo, an impressive living Inca city whose cobblestone alleys still preserve the original layout. We will visit the imposing ceremonial fortress, where we will find temples, terraces, and huge stone blocks that are perfectly assembled. We will also enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the valley and the sacred mountains.

At the end of the tour, we will travel to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the scenic train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). During the journey, which follows the course of the Urubamba River, you will see the landscape transform from the Andes to lush jungle.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our Machu Picchu Altiplano team will meet you and accompany you to the hotel. Enjoy a free night to rest or stroll around this cozy, nature-surrounded village.

Overnight in Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Today, you will experience one of the most anticipated moments of the trip: a visit to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will board the ecological buses that will take us on a 30-minute climb up a mountain road to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu (8,631 ft), nestled between cloud-covered mountains.

Upon arrival, you will begin a 2.5-hour guided tour, during which you will visit the main sectors of this enigmatic citadel, including:

The Temple of the Sun, with its perfect astronomical alignment;

The Intihuatana, or "sundial," which reflects the advanced Inca knowledge of astronomy.

You will also see the House of the Inca, ceremonial fountains, plazas, agricultural terraces, and astronomical observation centers.

Your guide will share the history, architecture, and Andean cosmovision that gave rise to this impressive legacy during the tour.

After the guided tour, you will have free time to continue exploring on your own and take pictures. If you wish, you can go up to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) or the Inca Bridge at no additional cost, according to the available schedule.

Then, we will descend by bus to Machu Picchu Pueblo for lunch (not included). Afterwards, we will board the train back to Ollantaytambo Station, enjoying the scenic views of the river, mountains, and lush vegetation once again.

Upon arrival, private transportation will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco, where your day full of history, wonder, and connection with the Inca legacy will culminate.

Overnight in Cusco.

Prepare for one of the most impressive experiences of your trip: a full-day excursion to the majestic Humantay Lagoon, a hidden natural treasure in the Peruvian Andes.

Early in the morning, we will leave Cusco for the village of Mollepata. There, we will enjoy a hearty breakfast before continuing by vehicle to Soraypampa (approximately 3,900 meters above sea level), the starting point of our trek.

From there, we will begin the approximately one-hour-and-thirty-minute ascent to the lagoon, a moderately difficult route surrounded by spectacular Andean landscapes. Along the way, we will enjoy unique views of the snow-capped Salkantay and Humantay mountains, which are considered sacred in the Andean cosmovision. Upon reaching the Humantay Lagoon (13,780 feet above sea level), you will witness an incredible natural spectacle: turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks—an ideal setting for photographs and moments of connection with nature.

There will be time to rest, take pictures, and absorb the energy of this mystical place before returning to Soraypampa. We will have lunch in Mollepata and return to Cusco in the afternoon.

Includes: Tourist transportation, professional guide, breakfast, lunch and permanent assistance.

Not included: Support horse (optional).

Approximate duration: 10 to 12 hours.

Overnight in Cusco.

Today, you will explore some of the most fascinating cultural and natural treasures of the Sacred Valley. We will begin the day with a visit to Chinchero, a picturesque Andean village that has preserved its ancestral traditions. There, we will visit a traditional textile center where local women will demonstrate the spinning, dyeing, and weaving processes they have inherited from the Incas. We will also visit the colonial church, which was built on Inca walls, and enjoy a spectacular view of the valley.

Next, we will visit the Moray archaeological complex, an amazing set of circular agricultural terraces that the Incas used as a laboratory to experiment with crops at different altitudes and microclimates. The site's ingenious design and deep connection with the land reflect the advanced agricultural knowledge of the Tahuantinsuyo civilization.

Next, we will visit the impressive Salineras de Maras, a collection of over 3,000 salt pools located on a mountainside. Fed by a subterranean saltwater spring, these pools have been exploited since pre-Inca times and are still operated by local communities. The white landscape they create in the sun is unique and absolutely photogenic.

Throughout the tour, you will be surrounded by majestic Andean landscapes, including mountains, fields, rural communities, and clear skies.

Return to Cusco in the afternoon. Spend the night in the city.

Includes: Tourist transportation, professional guide, entrance fees, guided tour at each site and permanent assistance.

Approximate duration: 6 to 7 hours

Today you will live one of the most spectacular experiences of the trip: the hike to the famous Colored Mountain (Vinicunca), a natural destination that has become one of the icons of Peru for its unique beauty and geological value.

We leave Cusco very early in the morning (approx. 4:00 a.m.) towards the community of Cusipata, where we will enjoy an Andean breakfast to recharge our batteries. Then we will continue by vehicle to Phulawasipata (4,600 m.a.s.l.), the starting point of the trek.

The route lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, crossing high mountain landscapes: open pampas, small communities of shepherds and herds of alpacas, all framed by the imposing snow-capped peaks of the Andes. The ascent is progressive, and although the difficulty is moderate, it reaches a maximum altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level, so it is advisable to be well acclimatized.

Upon arriving at the main viewpoint, you will witness an incomparable natural spectacle. Vinicunca, also known as the Rainbow Mountain, reveals its multicolored stripes, which are formed by minerals such as iron, sulfur, and copper. From this point, you can also admire the snow-capped Ausangate, the highest mountain in Cusco, which is considered sacred in the Andean worldview.

After enjoying the scenery, taking pictures, and connecting with this unique environment, we will begin our descent. We will return by transport to Cusipata for a comforting lunch. In the afternoon, we will return to Cusco.

Spend the night in Cusco.

Includes: Tourist transportation, professional guide, breakfast, lunch, entrance fees and permanent assistance.

Approximate duration: 10 to 12 hours.

Maximum altitude: 5,200 meters above sea level.

Recommendations: Bring warm clothes, sunscreen, water, energy snacks and hiking poles (optional).

Transfer to Cusco airport to take the flight back to Lima. 
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