A visit to Machu Picchu offers much more than a chance to see one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. It is also a great opportunity to experience the impressive magnetic attraction of the city of Cuzco, with its folkloric traditions, fine cuisine and expertly made handcrafts. This program also includes an introduction to the colonial center of Lima, with its balconies and churches, as well as modern districts like San Isidro and Miraflores, with its parks and views of the Pacific Ocean. From Lima it is a short flight to Cuzco, from where Machu Picchu can be accessed on a trip that offers more than tourist sights, with its focus on incomparable living culture that no travel should miss.
Day 1: LIMA (Altitude: 505 ft / 154 m)
Upon arrival in Lima you will be transferred from the airport to your hotel. With its mild climate, the Peruvian capital is a hospitable, interesting and gourmet city.
Day 2: LIMA / CUZCO (Altitude: 11 151 ft / 3 399 m)
Breakfast.
Transport to the airport, flight to Cuzco, arrival and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon visit of the city of Cuzco, with its colonial buildings constructed over Inca palaces. We will visit the Plaza de Armas, the Korikancha or the temple of the Sun, which was the principal Inca religious building. You will then visit the important Inca archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman (a great fortress), Qenko (oracle, sacred shrine), Puka Pukara (administrative center) and Tambomachay (ceremonial baths).
Day 3: CUZCO
Breakfast.
During this full-day excursion you will visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a place of incomparable beauty. The trip begins in Pisac, an exquisite little town of narrow, cobbled streets and wood-burning ovens. Above the town can be seen the agricultural terraces and stone structures of the Inca settlement of the same name. This community is famous for its craft market, where elaborate blankets, alpaca clothing and other handcrafts can be seen and purchased. You will enjoy a rustic lunch dominated by the aroma of corn that characterizes the valley. The charming village of Ollantaytambo marks the end of the Sacred Valley. Located at an altitude of 9 022 feet / 2 750 meters, Ollantaytambo has a mild climate. Visitors who walk its streets can imagine themselves transported back for a moment to the past, so strong is the Inca presence here. The upper part of the village is dominated by a fabulous temple which also served as a fortress. Return to Cuzco.
Day 4: CUZCO
Breakfast.
Today you will leave Cuzco by train to visit «the lost city of the Incas», discovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. Recently declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is certainly one of those places everyone should visit at some point in their life. You will have lunch in a local restaurant in the small town of Aguas Calientes before making the return journey by train to Cuzco, where you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 5: CUZCO / LIMA
Breakfast.
Transfert to the airport to take the flight to Lima. Arrival and transfer to the city to continue with the visit of the historical center: a panoramic tour to see the most important and attractive places of Lima: Plaza San Martin, Plaza Mayor (Main Square), Government Palace, the Cathedral, Archbishop's Palace, City Hall, Santo Domingo Church and old streets with colonial mansions and Moorish balconies. You will visit the Convent and Church of San Francisco with its famous catacombs. The tour extends to residential areas of San Isidro with Olivar Park and Miraflores with the Central Park. At proper time, transfer to the airport for your international departure.