Hidden Treasures of Peru | 9-Day Peru Escorted Tour
Hidden Treasures of Peru Escorted Tours
Lima
Unearth the rich cultural traditions and Bucket List experiences of this gem of a destination. Starting in the capital city of Lima, soak in the local flavors on a half-day tasting tour that includes five stops across three districts. Visit an organic coffee roasterie, go fruit tasting at a local market, sample pisco, and have fun at a hands-on cocktail and ceviche class with a professional chef, followed by a Peruvian gourmet lunch with dessert at a top Lima restaurant with views of pre-Incan ruins. Then, finish your day with Lima’s most iconic sights—colonial and modern—including Plaza San Martin, City Hall and more. Visit the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, El Olivar Park with olive trees brought from Spain in the 15th Century, the Central Park of Miraflores, and scenic El Parque del Amor (Love Park) located on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Sacred Valley
Spend three days exploring the archaeological and artistic wonders of Sacred Valley. A full-day tour of Pisac explores this town’s renowned ruins including the Temple of the Sun, visits its vibrant market where the region’s artisans meet to buy and sell their wares, and includes lunch in a local hacienda. The next day, head to the Andean village of Chinchero for a textile demonstration in the home of artist and master weaver Nilda Callañaupa. Continue on to the colorful Maras Salt Pans, and the circular terraces of Moray that feature a series of agricultural microclimates and resemble giant fingerprints. Then learn to make chili in a batan at a cooking class, followed by lunch in a local community. Spend your last day in Sacred Valley exploring the Inca fortress and citadel of Ollantaytambo. Stretch your legs on a one-hour hike through the countryside to view the well-preserved Inca remains of the Pumamarca Archaeological Site, take in the view and refresh yourself with a box lunch.
Machu Picchu
The guided vacation features two full days to experience the magic of Machu Picchu, the great mountain-top city abandoned by the Inca Empire, reclaimed by the jungle and lost to humanity until its rediscovery in 1911. The first day, take a guided tour of the Citadel, one of the most amazing urban creations of the Inca Empire with its giant walls, terraces and ramps; and enjoy a buffet lunch in a local restaurant. The next day is at leisure to stroll around the town of Machu Picchu, visit their hot springs or return to the Citadel to explore at your own pace.
Cusco
Cusco, the archaeological capital of South America, is a fitting final stop for this guided vacation. The half-day city tour visits the city’s most important historical monuments: The Main Square Cathedral, and Santo Domingo Church built upon the foundations of the Inca temple Koricancha, dedicated to worship the Sun God. Visit San Pedro Market and Sacsayhuaman Fortress, a ceremonial compound and magnificent example of Inca military power that boasts a panoramic view of the city.
Included in Escorted Tours:
- Bilingual guide in each destination
- Meals: 5 Lunches
- Airport transfers
- All entrance fees to the sites noted
- Roundtrip train ticket to Machu Picchu
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- Second entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
- 2 bus tickets to/from the Machu Picchu ruins
- Porterage tips (additional tips are optional)
- Permanent assistance during the trip
- Reusable water bottle
Peru Optional Tours & Activities
Half Day City Tour and Larco Museum
See the City of the Kings, including its Historical Center, Plaza Mayor, Government Palace, City Hall, Cathedral, San Francisco Monastery, the residential Districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, El Olivar Park, Central Park and El Parque del Amor. (LIMA)
Full Day Tour to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountain with Local
Start your day early with a visit to the Citadel of Machu Picchu, including a one-hour guided climb up the Huayna Picchu and entrance tickets. Take in the stunning views of Machu Picchu, the surrounding mountains and the Vilcanota River below. (MACHU PICCHU)
Full Day Pisac Market, Pisac Ruins and Ollantaytambo Fortress
stops at Inti Watan group to see the Temple of the Sun, baths, altars and more; Pisac Market where artisans of the region gather to buy and sell their goods; and the Inca fortress and citadel of Ollantaytambo. (CUSCO)
Full Day Maras Saltpans, Moray Terraces and Ollantaytmabo Fortress
Embark on a journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, to the Maras Salt Pans and its seemingly never-ending terraces; the Moray terraces, believed to be a former gigantic agricultural laboratory, an astronomical observatory or a place of worship, or maybe all three; and the Inca fortress and citadel of Ollantaytambo. (SACRED VALLEY)