Peru’s capital is a fantastic city to tour, dotted with a multitude of cultural sites and beautifully preserved architecture. Founded by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535, Lima was first named ‘City of Kings’ – a biblical reference to the ‘Three Wise Men of the East’ – before its name was changed by the Spanish colonialists. The most significant historical buildings are located around the Plaza Mayor, the most notable being the Government Palace, where one can still observe the changing of the guard performed by the Húsares de Junín. The beautiful Cathedral and the various small palaces and colonial balconies also play also their part in the beauty of the city. Another highlight is the famed Larco Herrera Museum, documenting the millennial cultures that preceded the Inca civilization and containing a priceless collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including some of South America's finest pre-Inca erotic pottery.

On arrival at Lima International airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. The city of Lima was founded by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro on January 5, 1535, the eve of the Epiphany of the Magi – from which it derived its evocative original name of La Ciudad de los Reyes or “The City of Kings”. It is a city of rare fascination and unexpected pleasures. Lima has decayed colonial splendor and the teeming vitality of an oriental bazaar; melancholy cloudy winters and warm breezy summers; impoverished urban sprawl and quiet elegant corners among ancient buildings where the night air is scented with jasmine.

Casa Andina Select Miraflores is located a couple of blocks from Kennedy Park and a few minutes from the district's main shopping centres and restaurants. Accommodation consists of spacious guest rooms and suites, each equipped with free Wi-Fi access, a television, minibar, desk and an in-room safe. Guests can enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast and various dishes at the La Plaza Bar & Grill restaurant. Room service is also available. Additional amenities include parking, a Jacuzzi, gym and four large rooms to hold events.

1 Night

Pullman Lima Miraflores Hotel enjoys a prime location in the exclusive Miraflores district, an area known for its shops, gardens, easy access to the beaches and only three minutes from the Larcomar Shopping Center. A haven of relaxation, the spacious rooms and suites showcase elegant decor and are equipped with Wi-Fi, climate control and a minibar. When it comes to dining, guests can savour delicious cuisine at one of the hotel's two remarkable restaurants. Leisure facilities include a fitness centre, a wellness area and a rooftop swimming pool with ocean views.

Also known as Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is located in the Peruvian Andes, beneath the worldfamous site of Machu Picchu and not far from Cuzco, the unofficial Inca capital. This fertile valley is fed by a network of waterways and encompasses a wealth of archaeological sites, including Ollantaytambo, renowned for its extensive Inca structures; Moray, which features ancient agricultural terracing and a working irrigation system; and Pisac, with its ancient vestiges and colourful weekly market.

Transfer to the airport. Flight to Cusco.

Arrival and transfer to the Sacred Valley. En route, visit to Awanacancha, which is a weaving center with the goal to keep alive the traditional textile arts. Here you can see four members of the cameloid family - llama, alpacas, vicunas and guanacos; learn about the harvesting of the different wools and the natural dying techniques and have a chance to see native weavers from different areas showing their different weaving styles and dresses.

Then, you will be driven to Pisac, a Peruvian village full of color and tradition in the Sacred Valley on the Urubamba River. The village is well-known for its market, an event which attracts travelers from all over the world.

Lunch at Huayoccari Hacienda.

Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, a one-hour drive from the ancient Inca capital of Cusco. The Posada is a former 18th century colonial-style monastery and is surrounded by lush gardens. The hotel has 87 guest rooms each containing a television, individual climate control, direct-dial telephone for domestic and international calls, and a safe. Several services and facilities offered at Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay include room service, laundry service, internet access and assistance with tours and travelling. For dining and entertainment, the hotel restaurant, Inkafé Plaza, serves a variety of traditional Novoandean dishes and international cuisine. Also found on the hotel grounds are souvenir shops and Andean markets.

3 nights

Located in the Sacred Valley of Cusco, Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel and Villas is ideally situated for easy access to the valley's attractions and incomparable Inca architectural wonders, including the world-famous Machu Picchu. Accommodation consists of spacious rooms, suites and villas, each equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities, a television, a minibar, a desk and an in-room safe. Guests can enjoy dining at the onsite restaurant, unwind with a refreshing drink at the bar, or stay in and take advantage of the room service. Additional amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi access, luggage storage, onsite parking and an event room. There is also a Jacuzzi and a spa offering a range of massage treatments.

• FULL DAY AWANACANCHA

• PISAC MARKET

• 🍽️LUNCH HACIENDA HUAYOCCARI

• Breakfast and Lunch

• Entrance fees

• Dinner

• Tips

Day at leisure to choose an adventure tour (Please ask for the additional price):

Transfer from hotel in Sacred Valley to Piuray Lake at 11 269 ft is located amidst a surreal landscape. On the way we will pass through small Andean communities surrounded by fields farmed by local people. It is a great chance to observe Andean villagers in their daily work. When we arrive to our lake put in, passengers will receive a safety briefing by their guide just after receiving their kayaking equipment. We then pop into the water and start our adventure in this astonishing attraction. We will observe of plenty bird life and even some local fishermen with their nets and fishing lines scattering the lake for fresh rainbow trout. After 1 ½ hours paddling along the lake’s shore we will pop out of the water and return back to our hotel or next destination.

Guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Sacred Valley at around 5:00 am. After 2 hours driven, we will stop in Mollepata village for a short break before ascending a winding mountain road to a site called Soraypampa (3,900m/12,795ft) for 1 hour driven. Here you will begin our hike to Humantay Lake; you begin an ascent up the slopes that border the plateau. Two hours later, after making your way over the final hill, you will be stunned to see the turquoise water of the lake, made even more spectacular by the sight of the Humantay (4,200m/13,779ft) glacier looming behind it. Here you will have a chance to relax, enjoy a snack and meditate in the tranquility of this magical spot. After we will descent back to Soraypampa where we will enjoy our Lunch, a short nap, then return to the hotel.

The Sacred Valley zip-line gives people of all ages the opportunity to fly over this magical and magnificent valley, in a safe and fun way. The zip line has 7 lines or cables, from 150mt to 700mt, for a total of 2800mt. Starting with 30-40 minutes hike, easy and via ferrata equipped for more safety will take you to the first line. You will have a small via ferrata climbing (4 meters) so you can have a perfect idea on what is to climb a ferrata route. Each line is different from the other, you will start with an easy and short one and the circuit will allow you to upgrade your zipline expertise.

Lunch included at the hotel.

The trail climbs gently through the mountains through the last houses of Huayllabamba, and then through Polylepis woodland, puna or treeless grassland of the High Andes. In the afternoon we start our steady ascent towards the highest pass, which is called Abra Warmiwañusca or “Dead Woman’s Pass”, at 13,850 ft. (4,211 m). We then descend through the forested Pacaymayo Valley towards our eponymous camp at 11,900 ft. (3,620 m), where our staff will receive us with a tasty dinner and warm tea. All meals and snacks are included.

The Inca Trail is by far the most famous trek in South America and is rated by many to be in the top 5 treks in the world. In just 26 miles (43km) it manages to combine beautiful mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest, subtropical jungle and, of course, a stunning mix of Inca paving stones, structures and tunnels. The final destination of the trail just cannot be beaten: Machu Picchu, the mysterious "Lost City of the Incas".

This morning we ascend towards the second-highest pass of the trip (13,113 ft.), visit Sayacmarca, Aobamba Valley and through bromeliads and orchids to our campsite near a rock pinnacle topped with Inca viewing platforms, which overlook the archaeological site known as Phuyupatamarca ('Town of the Clouds') which offers fantastic sunrise views of the snow-capped peak named Salcantay, the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, and a stunning view down the valley towards the steamy heat of the Amazon rainforest.

Overnight Camping.

Perched high up in the Andes, Machu Picchu Pueblo is a riverside town known for its proximity to the famous Machu Picchu complex. This cloud-forest town is encircled by towering forested cliffs and boasts an endless array of hotels, restaurants, markets and labyrinthine streets. Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, serves as an excellent base to explore the renowned ancient archaeological site of Machu Picchu. Visitors can enjoy various other activities, including having a relaxing massage after a long day of exploring, taking a stroll through lush rainforest to the Mandor Waterfalls, embarking on an adventurous hike up the Putucusi Mountain or soaking in the relaxing thermal baths with the Andes as your backdrop. Don’t miss the Machu Picchu Museum and Botanical Gardens, displaying the area’s history and diversity of indigenous flora.

On this last day of the Inca Trail, we enjoy a fantastic morning view and go through Wiñay Wayna before the relatively gigantic grand finale at Machu Picchu which we reach in the afternoon. Return to Aguas Calientes to overnight in the hotel.

Dinner at the hotel.

Step into the smart, contemporary and cozy confines of El MaPi, amidst the hustle and bustle of Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes), where you can admire and interact with the quaint folksy town and glimpse a peculiar perspective. Discover an efficient, lively and people-friendly atmosphere; you are welcomed along with other global guests expecting an unfussy, down-to-earth break. Relax in a pleasant and wholesome ambience after your enlightening visit to Peru’s most distinguished destination, the Machu Picchu Archaeological site. El MaPi offers cozy and serene accommodation in Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly Aguas Calientes), incorporating stylish, casual design with the essential comforts. With simple, functional concept in mind, our rooms have eco-friendly amenities, creating a healthier, restorative environment for you during your stay in Machu Picchu.

1 night

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is ideally located in Aguas Calientes, providing easy access to the majestic Machu Picchu Archaeological site. Surrounded by lush gardens and designed to harmonize with nature, it offers a serene retreat. Enjoy guided nature walks, an Andean Spa, and a unique butterfly house that enhances your experience in this stunning region.

This morning, you will embark on a guided city tour of Cusco, visit the most important places of the Archaeological Capital of America which was the capital of the Inca's Empire. Observe the mixture of the 3 cultures: the native quechuas Indians, the Spanish conquerors and the actual people. We include the visit of the Main Square, the Cathedral, the church of "La Compañía", the attractive neighbourhood of San Blas and the Santo Domingo Church former Koricancha Temple.

With its cobbled streets trodden and locals in traditional garb, Cusco’s city centre has a charming old-world flavour. At its heart lies the Plaza de Armas, where you can take in the grand colonial architecture and discover the secrets of the city’s legacy as the seat of the Inca Empire.

After seeing the sights of the ancient city, your visit will take you to the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a true testimonial to Incan architectural skills. Compiled of massive stones (one weighs 125 tons!) you are challenged to try to slip a piece of paper through the cracks inbetween these blocks, cut and fitted together with incredible precision without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place. This ancient fortress (where the greatest battle between the Spanish and Incas took place) overlooks the red-tiled roofs of Cusco and the breathtaking countryside surrounding the city.

This impressive Inca archaeological site, perched atop a hill outside the city of Cuzco, is believed to have served a dual purpose as both a temple and a fortress. Like many other Inca complexes, it is built from large stones, carefully crafted to fit tightly together without the use of mortar. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

At a scheduled time, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima.

Upon arrival, assistance at the airport for your international flight.

Peru is most famous for the sacred archaeological site of Machu Picchu – visited each year by scores of intrepid hikers who brave the Inca Trail’s arduous slopes to explore the age-old sites.

. The country’s attractions extend far beyond the mystical allure of this legendary location and include palm-fringed beaches, quaint Andean villages and archaeological treasures that predate Machu Picchu by hundreds of years – all imbued with the nation’s rich melange of indigenous and colonial cultures. Equally enticing are the exotic reaches of Peru’s Amazon rainforest; Lima’s superb eateries, exquisite architecture and effervescent nightlife; the glittering, mountain-ringed waters of Lake Titicaca; and the vibrant city of Cusco, referred to by the Incas as ‘the centre of the world’.

Banking and Currency

Currency 

Local currency: Peruvian Sol 
Symbol: S/ 
ISO code: PEN 
Subunit: céntimo 
Banknotes: S/10, S/20, S/50, S/100, S/200 
Coins: céntimo, S/1, S/2, S/5 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Travel, Transport and Getting Around

Air: 

Main airlines: LATAM Airlines, Avianca 
International Airports: Jorge Chávez International Airport (Lima) 
Domestic Airports: Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (Cusco), Rodríguez Ballón International Airport (Arequipa), Capitán FAP Carlos Martínez de Pinillos International Airport (Trujillo) 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Limited 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Limited 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Limited 

Health and Medical Information

Q'inti meets or exceeds the travel industry’s latest global health and safety protocols.

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Peruvian cuisine is diverse and flavourful, featuring influences from indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian cuisines. Highlights include ceviche (marinated raw fish), lomosaltado (stir-fried beef), and causa (layered potato dish). Notable local drinks include Pisco Sour (cocktail), chicha morada (purple corn drink), and Inca Kola. 
Tipping: 10% 

Climate and Weather

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: Varies by region 

Summer: 

Average highs: Varies by region 
Average lows: Varies by region 

 Winter: 

Average highs: Varies by region 
Average lows: Varies by region 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Peru is during the dry season, from May to September, when the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the ancient ruins. 

Clothing and Dress Recommendations

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet Availability

Internet cafes: Yes 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: Yes 
Libraries: Yes 

Electricity and Plug Standards

Plug Type: Type A, Type B 
Voltage (V): 220V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.