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.

Arrival and transfer to your hotel.

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.

2 Nights

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.

This morning, you will embark on a guided city tour of Lima’s historic downtown, beginning with a visit to the Main Plaza and the surrounding monuments: the Cathedral, built in 1534 and an architectural masterpiece; the Presidential Palace, where the soldiers guarding the palace offer an excellent photo opportunity; the Archbishop’s Palace, City Hall, the Desamparados train station, and the Moorish-style houses and balconies along Lima’s old streets.

Casa Aliaga House, is a  beautiful colonial house built in 1535 for Jerónimo de Aliaga, one of Pizarro’s followers, and which has been occupied by 16 generations of his descendants.

After this visit, you will continue to the Rafael Larco Herrera Archaeological Museum (Museo Arqueolegico Rafael Larco Herrera), founded in 1926, is the world's largest private collection of pre-Columbian art; with an astonishing array of gold, silver, semi-precious stones and textiles. The collection's predominant strength is in Mochica ceramics, from the north coast of Peru, of which the erotic ones are the most famous. Their notoriety ought not to obscure the fact that the museum presents a complete view of the cultural development of ancient Peru through a selection of its 45,000 pieces, housed in a colonial building of the 18th century.

Lunch is included at Cafe del Museo 

The Sacred Valley of the Incas

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 ruins; 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.

Pisac is a picturesque Andean Village, typical except for the huge, spreading pisonary tree that dominates the central square. Most people visit Pisac to see the market on Sunday, and despite its popularity, the market retains much of its local charm; villagers from miles around gather to barter and sell their produce.

In the tourist section of the market, a wide variety of handicrafts can be purchased, such as the local ceramics including a huge and varied collection of hand-painted multi-coloured beads. There are smaller markets in Pisac on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Lunch at Huayoccari Hacienda.

Hacienda Huayoccari Restaurant is a hidden gem, off the beaten track, tucked away in the lush, vegetation-filled private estate of the Lambarri-Orihuela family in the village of Huayoccari in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

In good weather, you can sit outside on the terrace and enjoy stunning views of the Sacred Valley and surrounding mountains. This restaurant focusses on serving hearty, traditional Andean meals prepared from local ingredients from their own farm or other local farms. The four-course menu varies from day to day, but consistently features some of their staple entrées such as lomo saltado and fresh trout from the Sacred Valley.

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.

2 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 ruins, 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.

Morning departure from your hotel with a scenic drive to the agricultural terrace of Moray. You will explore the experimental Inca terraces and then will be driven to the salt panes of Maras.

Four natural depressions in the landscape it the small town of Moray were used by the Incas to build terraces that served as a botanical laboratory to establish methods for improving their harvests. The circular-shaped terraces still remain intact today.

The town of Maras is best known for its salt mines, which have been exploited since Inca times; this arrangement of terraces filled with hot spring waters contain an astonishing percentage of salt. It is a thing of great beauty and an unforgettable experience to see the sun reflected on the hundreds of white salt pools.

Lunch at Wayra restaurant.
The Wayra restaurant offers the unique opportunity to see a Paso Horse demonstration. These Peruvian horses, with their elegance and noble spirit, symbolize a centuries-old tradition of cultural fusion and folklore that defines and enriches Peru.

This morning you will visit the massive fortress of Ollantaytambo, a formidable stone structure that climbs massive terraces to the top of a peak. This was the valley’s main defense against the Antis and was the site of the Incas’ greatest victory against the Spanish during the wars of conquest.

Within the quaint streets of present-day Ollantaytambo is an Inca fortress that was built to guard the entrance to this part of the valley and protect it from possible invasion from the jungle tribes. Later the Citadel of Ollantaytambo, was the scene of the Inca resistance against the troops of Hernando Pizarro. This gigantic agricultural, administrative, religious and social complex is located 97 km from Cusco and includes a temple, platforms and an urban area. We can distinguish two areas: one called "Araqama Ayllu", an area linked to ritual and sacred activities, and the second "Qosqo Ayllu", dedicated to housing. Ollantaytambo was an important administrative center, which probably also fulfilled military functions, as indicated by its walls and towers. There are also traces of ancient roads and aqueducts. The town of Ollantaytambo is called a "Living Inca Town", because its people maintain ancient customs and traditions.

Located more than 6000 feet above sea level in Peru’s mountain peaks, Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most impressive archaeological sites. This legendary lofty city was abandoned by the Inca Empire, reclaimed by the jungle and lost to humanity until its rediscovery in 1911. Built by the Incas on the summit of "Machu Picchu" (Old Peak), in the middle of a tropical montane forest overlooking the canyon of the Urubamba, the 'Lost City of Machu Picchu' is a site of extraordinary beauty and enormous archeological significance. The complex reflects the Inca Empire at its height, with giant walls, terraces and ramps that appear to have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments.

The phenomenal technological skills of the Incan engineers can be seen in multiple facets of the site: the exacting precision of the massive stone buildings, the water channels that reveal a deep understanding of hydraulics, and Intihuatana ("the highest point of the Sun"), which served as a solar calendar that regulated planting and harvesting.

Perched high up in the Andes, Machu Picchu Pueblo is a riverside town known for its proximity to the famous Machu Picchu ruins. 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.

Transfer to the train station to take the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. Arrival and transfer to bus station.

Visit to Machu Picchu, the impressive Inca citadel located 113 Km. from Cusco at 2400 meters above sea level. This complex has several stone constructions that leave the tourist breathless because of the amazing design. Accompanied by your guide, explore the city's ruins, and feel its pulse as you visualize the lives of the priests, craftsmen, and servants who inhabited this seemingly uninhabitable citadel. Excavations at the site have revealed skeletons, artifacts and woolen clothing, but no gold. The same precision of assembled stones exists here as in other Incan sites. Overlooking the raging Urubamba River and discovered in a hidden tangle of vines and trees atop the mountain, the city of Machu Picchu will forever hold the secret of its destruction - the Incas left no written record.

Lunch at Sanctuary Lodge restaurant.

In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes.

*Guide returns to Cusco in the afternoon.

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

Once called the ‘Navel of the World’ by the Incas, Cuzco remains a city that blends colonial Spanish charm with older, more austere remains of pre-Columbian glory – one can still see the foundations of Inca structures on many of its city streets today. Cuzco’s most important landmarks include sites from both Inca and colonial times, such as the Korikancha (the ancient Temple of the Sun), the Inca street of Loreto with its 12-cornered stones, the cathedral, the Museum of Colonial Art, the archaeological park of Saqsaywaman (the fortress-temple), the nearby funerary shrines of Kenqo, and the water-worship site of Tambomachay.

This morning, you will have a second visit to the Machu Picchu complex (No guided tour).

Lunch on your account.

Return to Aguas Calientes for your Vistadome train to return to Cusco.

Sonesta Hotel Cusco is located just an 8-minute drive away from the Velasco Astete Airport, and a few blocks from the Main Square. The hotel offers guests quick access to the train station and major tourist attractions such as the Koricancha Palace and Sacsayhuaman. Accommodation is provided in Standard Single Rooms, Standard Matrimonial Rooms, Standard Twin Rooms, Executive Twin Rooms, and Executive Matrimonial Rooms. Facilities and services available to guests staying at the hotel include airport pick-up, free Wi-Fi, the on-site Mamaji restaurant, room service, event rooms, and laundry facilities.

2 nights

Casa Andina Premium Cusco is a beautiful 17th-century mansion located just 5 minutes from the Plaza de Armas of Cusco and a few steps from the city's main tourist attractions. Accommodation consists of 93 spacious guest rooms and suites, each equipped with air conditioning, a television, minibar and an in-room safe. Guests can enjoy dining at the on-site restaurant, unwinding with a refreshing drink at the bar, or staying in and taking advantage of the room service. Additional amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi access and a 24-hour reception. Massage services are also available.

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.

After seeing the sights of the ancient city, your visit will take you to the ruins 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.

Set on the shores of glistening Lake Titicaca, on the Altiplano of Peru, this large city is dubbed the ‘folklore capital' of the country, well known for its traditional music and dance. It is also famous for its incredible collection of floating islands - man-made islands created from reeds, which exhibit the unique survivalist culture that has been alive here since pre-Incan times. Other highlights include visits to the atmospheric, historical Church of San Pedro, the gorgeous Sistine Chapel of the Americas, and a stroll along the boardwalk on the shoreline of Lake Titicaca. Active types should take on the challenge to climb up the 700 steps to the Kuntur Wasi viewpoint, which is presided over by a massive metal condor sculpture, for the reward of breathtaking vistas across the city and Lake Titicaca beyond

Transfer from the hotel to the train station to take your train to Puno

The PeruRail Titicaca train offers an unforgettable journey linking the magical cities of Cusco and Puno. Ride this exclusive train through the gorgeous landscapes between the cities of Cusco and Puno and Travel alongside the peaceful waters and dazzling peaks of Peru’s altiplano region.

Lunch included on board

Upon your arrival, transfer to the hotel

Casa Andina Premium Puno is located on the shores of Lake Titicaca in Peru. Accommodation consists of a variety of guest rooms, each equipped with internet access, a bathroom with a tub, hairdryer, a safety deposit box and a private balcony. Guests can enjoy a variety of traditional Peruvian cuisines at the on-site restaurant. Other amenities offered include a lobby bar and internet access.

2 Nights

Located on a private island, the island Esteves, GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca offers travellers sunrises and unforgettable sunsets from anywhere in the hotel, with majestic views of Lake Titicaca. From the private pier to ancestral islands to share traditions, customs, and craftsmanship with the inhabitants of the world's highest navigable lake.

The hotel is 45 minutes from Manco Capac airport and has 123 rooms. During a stay, guests can make use of the business centre, relax in the wellness and relaxation area, buy souvenirs, take pictures from the gazebo or play billiards in the games room. The restaurant offers international dishes Uros merged with the main ingredients of the region; always with a wonderful view of the lake. In the evening, enjoy a "sour coke" in Taquile bar.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to 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 ruins. 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.