Peru A la Carte

Upon arrival in Peru, you will meet your driver for a private transfer to your selected hotel for check-in.

After breakfast, meet your driver/guide for a private city highlights tour of Lima. You’ll begin with a tour of Colonial Lima with a stop at the Main Square for a chance to admire the Government Palace, the Cathedral and City Hall. During your tour you’ll have the chance to visit the Cathedral and learn about the religious history of Peru. The tour continues with a visit to San Francisco Convent and a journey below the surface to the Catacombs below Lima. After, head to the Pueblo Libre District to visit the Larco Museum, housing over 3,000 years of Peru’s pre-Columbian history. (B)

This morning, you’ll meet your driver for a private transfer to Lima’s airport for a short flight to Cusco (not included) and then continue your trip toward Awanacancha. Here you will learn about the various types of camelids (llamas, alpacas, etc.) that live in the Andes region. Additionally, local villagers will teach you about the ancestral methods and techniques used to produce their renowned textile art. A few miles further along, you’ll reach Pisac, a beautiful place where Incan and Colonial influences have reached a perfect balance. Take some time to explore the quaint town and shop for extraordinarily fine jewelry and ceramics. Finally, visit one of the last remaining Incan towns, Ollantaytambo, which was once fiercely guarded by a massive fortress. (B,L)

After breakfast, meet your driver for a private transfer toward the village of Chinchero, famous for the extraordinary quality of their textiles. Here, you will visit the workshop of Nilda Callanaupa who began the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales de Cusco so young women could learn from their elders the long-standing heritage of textile weaving. After this, continue to the archaeological site of Moray, once used as an agricultural testing ground in Incan times. Finally, your journey ends with the Salt Pans of Maras, continually operating since Incan times. (B,L)

This morning, meet your driver for a private transfer to the Ollantaytambo train station to board the ultra luxurious Hiram Bingham train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. On board, you’ll enjoy a welcome cocktail and brunch, live music and tea service. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will meet your transfer to the entrance of the famed Machu Picchu citadel. Follow the footsteps of the ancient Incas as you explore this magical site on a guided tour. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner in town. (B,L,D)

This morning is the ideal opportunity to visit the citadel early to watch a spectacular sunrise over the ruins. Your guide will take you through the different areas of the complex as you take in your mystical surroundings. Later, board the Hiram Bingham train for service to Cusco. Enjoy tea service and dinner on board then meet your driver on arrival for a private transfer to your selected hotel in Cusco. (B,D)

After breakfast, you’ll begin your tour of Cusco with the ruins of Sacsayhuaman Fortress, a colossal structure built with huge carved rocks. Next, take in the view over Cusco city from Cerro Pukamoqo, a natural scenic overlook. Return to the lower part of the city with an en route stop at the San Pedro Market, the city’s main street market, for the opportunity to shop for locally produced goods. Just a few blocks away is the impressive buildings of Qoricancha, a temple dedicated to the Sun God, whose interior walls were said to have been covered in gold. Stroll through the main square where you will visit the Cathedral and the works from the Cusco School of Art. The remainder of the afternoon is yours at leisure to explore the city. (B)

This morning, meet your driver for a private transfer to Cusco airport for a short flight back to Lima (not included). Upon arrival in Lima, you will either have assistance connecting to your international flight home or you will meet your driver for a private transfer to your next destination. (B)