Essential Peru

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN LIMA
Upon landing at Lima airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel, ideally located in the vibrant center of Lima. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 2: LIMA CITY TOUR AND LARCO MUSEUM
This morning, your Lima city exploration begins at the renowned Larco Museum, situated in the historic Pueblo Libre district. Established in 1926 by Peruvian archaeologist Rafael Larco Hoyle, the museum is set within an 18th-century mansion surrounded by lush gardens.

The Larco Museum is a true cultural treasure, featuring an extensive collection of over 5,000 pre-Hispanic ceramics, along with gold and silver artifacts, and pre-Columbian erotic art. As you journey through its impressive galleries, arranged chronologically, you'll uncover the rich history of Peru's ancient civilizations.

Next, the tour continues to Lima’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, known for its charming plazas, colonial-era mansions, and deep-rooted history. You’ll visit the Aliaga House, a residence constructed in 1536 and famed for its remarkable artistic and historical heritage. Notably, the descendants of Jerónimo de Aliaga, a Spanish conquistador and companion of Francisco Pizarro, still reside in this historic home.

The journey proceeds to the Plaza de Armas, Lima’s main square founded in 1535, which also witnessed the proclamation of Peru’s independence in 1821. In colonial times, the plaza served as a central market and a site for public events.

From the Plaza de Armas, you will see iconic buildings like the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Municipal Palace, and other significant colonial landmarks. The tour includes a visit to Lima’s Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site built during the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.

Following the city tour, you will be taken back to your hotel. Overnight stay.

DAY 3: LIMA / AREQUIPA CITY TOUR
At the arranged time, you will be transferred to Lima airport for your flight to Arequipa. Upon arrival, our team will escort you to your hotel in the city center.

Your Arequipa experience starts with a visit to the Plaza de Armas, one of Peru’s most beautiful squares, and the adjacent Arequipa Cathedral, dating back to the 17th century. You will tour both the Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus (1590), an outstanding example of local baroque architecture featuring remarkable artwork and murals.

The itinerary also includes the fascinating Monastery of Santa Catalina, a true medieval-style convent established in 1579 and still active today. Covering 20,000 square meters, this intriguing monastery is constructed with sillar, the signature volcanic stone of Arequipa’s architecture.

Further stops in the Yanahuara and Carmen Alto districts offer panoramic views of Arequipa’s countryside and the iconic volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. You will have the opportunity to capture memorable photos.

The tour concludes with a visit to Cayma’s main square and the Church of San Miguel Arcángel de Cayma. At the end of the excursion, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight stay.

DAY 4: AREQUIPA / CUSCO
At the appointed time, you will be transferred to Arequipa airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel where you can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay.

DAY 5: PISAC AND OLLANTAYTAMBO WITH OVERNIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES
Today’s adventure leads you through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

After a 30 km drive from Cusco, you’ll arrive in Pisac, a quaint town known for its vibrant traditional market and impressive archaeological complex atop the hills, featuring ancient stone temples and spectacular terraces.

The journey continues to Urubamba, where you’ll savor a delectable buffet lunch at a typical restaurant beside the Urubamba River.

After lunch, you’ll visit Ollantaytambo, home to a remarkable Inca fortress that once served as a strategic military, religious, and agricultural center. The site features breathtaking valley views and sophisticated irrigation systems.

The day concludes with a stop at Chinchero, famous for its colorful market filled with Andean ceramics and textiles.

Later, you will board the train at Ollantaytambo station for your journey to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, our staff will assist you with your hotel check-in. In the evening, you’ll attend a briefing for your Machu Picchu visit the next day. Overnight stay.

DAY 6: FULL DAY AT MACHU PICCHU
In the morning, you’ll board a bus for a scenic 30-minute ride with incredible views of the Urubamba River and its canyon. Arriving at Machu Picchu, meaning “Old Mountain,” you’ll be welcomed by its astonishing terraces, stairways, ceremonial areas, and urban spaces, all brimming with unique energy.

During a 2.5-hour guided tour, you will discover the wonders of this iconic site. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore further or, for those feeling adventurous, hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional).

Alternatively, you can return to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a delicious lunch (optional) at one of its renowned restaurants.

At the scheduled time, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus transfer to Cusco. Overnight stay.

DAY 7: DEPARTURE FROM CUSCO
At the agreed-upon time, you will be transferred to Cusco airport for your onward journey.