8-Days Peru, The Rise of the Inca Empire

Day 1: Welcome to Lima, City of Kings and the Larco Museum of Cultures

1. Centro Historico de Lima
   4h · Admission ticket included
   Arrival to the city of Lima, assistance, and transfer to the hotel.
   
   An exclusive and intense tour of the Historical Center of Lima will take us to know and admire the architectonic relics that are part of the old Lima, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Convent of Santo Domingo is the beginning of this magnificent experience. It was built during the foundation of Lima. The Universidad Mayor de San Marcos (University of San Marcos) was founded on this site, the oldest in America. Inside, the choir with the oldest stalls in the country; and the library, with 25,000 books, some printed in the XV century, has an invaluable historical value. The mortal remains of San Martín de Porres, San Juan Masías and Santa Rosa de Lima lie inside. Crossing the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace and the Municipality, going into the Cathedral, a jewel in the history of Lima, with artworks that will make us feel closer to colonial Lima.
2. Museo Larco
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Leaving downtown Lima and heading to the Larco Museum, where we will get a clear vision of the cultures that inhabited ancient Peru. We shall admire the gold pieces, textiles and erotic ceramics that are part of the collection which will introduce us to the cosmovision of the ancient Peru. The warehouse of this museum will be open during our visit to appreciate the expressions of art that were reflected in their ceramics.

Day 2: Cusco, Capital of the Empire and the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman

1. Cusco
   30m
   Transfer to the airport and flight to Cusco. On arrival, meet and greet at the airport, transfer to your hotel.
2. Qorikancha
   1h · Admission ticket included
   In the heart of Cusco once stood the majestic Temple of the Sun, known as Korikancha, the most important religious site in the Inca Empire. It was dedicated to Inti, the Sun God, and according to legend, its walls were entirely covered in sheets of pure gold, which dazzled the Spanish conquerors upon their arrival. Today, the Convent of Santo Domingo stands atop its foundations, symbolizing the fusion of Inca and colonial architecture. Though much of the gold was looted, the finely cut stonework of the Incas remains, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of this sacred place.
3. Cusco Cathedral
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Visit the impressive **Cathedral of Cusco**, one of the most important colonial monuments in Peru and a symbol of the city’s rich cultural heritage. Built on the foundations of an Inca palace, the cathedral houses an extraordinary collection of **colonial-era paintings**, many from the famed Cusco School of Art, blending European techniques with indigenous symbolism. Among its treasures is the **original cross** brought by the first Spanish conquistadors, a powerful emblem of conquest and faith. Ornate altars, carved wooden choir stalls, and countless artistic details make this visit an immersive journey into the art, history, and spirituality of Cusco.
4. Sacsayhuaman
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Ascent to the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, where the tour begins at the awe-inspiring fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a site filled with spiritual energy and panoramic views of Cusco. This remarkable complex is built with huge stone blocks, some standing over 4 meters high, perfectly fitted without mortar—a testimony to Inca engineering. The journey continues to Q'enqo, a ceremonial center carved into rock, featuring a mysterious altar used for rituals and sacrifices. Next, visit Tambomachay, also known as the Inca Baths, where sacred springs flow through finely crafted aqueducts. On the way back, enjoy a panoramic view of Puca Pucará, an ancient military outpost that once protected the sacred city. This half-day tour offers a captivating glimpse into the religious and ceremonial life of the Incas, blending history, architecture, and nature in the highlands of Peru. Ideal for travelers seeking cultural insight and awe-inspiring landscapes close to Cusco.

Day 3: Sacred Valley: Inca and Colonial Pisac, Inkariy Museum and Yucay Live Culture Center

1. Sacred Valley
   1h
   Today, we set out to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a breathtaking region nestled between majestic mountain ranges and crossed by the fertile Urubamba River. This valley was highly valued by the Incas for its climate, agricultural potential, and strategic location, and it continues to enchant travelers with its natural beauty and deep cultural roots.
2. Pisac
   2h
   Our first stop will be the Inca archaeological site of Pisac, perched high on a mountain overlooking the valley. Pisac is one of the most impressive and well-preserved complexes in the Sacred Valley, offering a remarkable display of Inca engineering, agricultural terraces, and religious structures. From the summit, we’ll enjoy panoramic views of the colonial village of Pisac, spread out below in harmony with its surroundings.
   
   After exploring the ruins, we descend to the village itself, where narrow cobbled streets and charming adobe houses reveal the colonial character built upon Inca foundations. We’ll walk through the local artisan market, one of the most famous in the region. This is the perfect opportunity to shop for handmade textiles, ceramics, silver jewelry, and other traditional crafts directly from local artisans, many of whom continue to use techniques passed down through generations.
3. Museo Inkariy
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Later, tour of the Inkariy Museum to visit the different halls with exhibits of representations of the pre-Hispanic cultures of ancient Peru. Lunch. Visit to the Yucay Live Culture Center, tourist complex were the local settlers will show us their techniques of weaving and dying of traditional textiles, making of the adobes, preparation of the traditional chicha, a drink made of corn, and a close encounter with the Andean camels: llamas and alpacas.

Day 4: Sacred Valley: Moray Terraces, Maras Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo Living Inca Village

1. Maras Moray Tours
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Today, explore the wonders of the Sacred Valley, beginning with Moray. This fascinating site features circular Inca terraces believed to be an agricultural laboratory, where up to 20 different microclimates were recreated. It showcases the advanced knowledge the Incas had of farming and environmental adaptation.
2. Salinas de Maras
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Continue your journey to the charming village of Maras, home to one of the most unique and ancient sites in the Sacred Valley — the famous salt mines. These salt pans have been used since pre-Inca times and are still worked by local families today. Thousands of small, shallow pools carved into the mountainside are filled with salty spring water that evaporates under the sun, leaving behind pure salt. The stunning contrast between the gleaming white pools and the surrounding red clay hills creates a surreal landscape, perfect for unforgettable photographs.

Day 5: Machu Picchu, the Lost City

1. Machupicchu
   10h · Admission ticket included
   The much-awaited day to visit one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Boarding at the Ollantaytambo station. Departure in the selected train. Arrival at the Machu Picchu station. Assistance, from our staff to board the bus that will ascend up a winding road, with a spectacular view of the Urubamba River which forms a deep canyon. The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, will greet us with its incredible terraces, staircases, ceremonial sites and urban areas. Energy exudes from the whole place. Lunch. At the coordinated time, return by train and transfer to the hotel in Cusco. Lodging.

Day 6: Route of the Andean Altiplano to Titicaca Lake.

1. La Raya Pass
   7h · Admission ticket included
   Departure on a tour bus to Puno. On the way we’ll stop to visit the attractions this beautiful route has to offer. The first stop: Andahuaylillas for a visit to its beautiful chapel, then its Racchi, Temple of the Wiracocha god where the walls and narrow streets stand out. Then it’s lunch time and the opportunity to see the view at La Raya, natural border between Cusco and Puno. Before our final destination we will visit the in site Pucara Museum and a chance to get one of the local classic bull shaped ceramics. We will arrive in Puno at the end of the afternoon.

Day 7: Titicaca Sacred Lake and Sillustani Tombs

1. Uros Floating Islands
   6h · Admission ticket included
   A full day tour to explore Lake Titicaca. First we will visit the Uros , the friendly inhabitants of these handmade islands made of totora reeds. Then it’s off to Taquile Island, a place in which the settlers still maintain their ancestral traditions and colorful typical clothes. A great opportunity to explore the island and get the best view of the lake. A typical lunch is provided in the island. Return to the city in the afternoon.

Day 8: Farewell day

1. Juliaca
   Pass by
   Departure transfer.
   
   End of our services.

Pickup details

Departure Point: Tour departs from the International Airport in Lima and coincides with your flight's arrival.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants. Otherwise, your tour may not be confirmed.
• When booking your flight from Lima to Cusco, it must be in the morning. Arrival by noon is too late.
• Upon time of booking, please provide flight itinerary for international flights and domestic flights
• Important: If you go suffer from altitude sickness, please bring medicine or ask your doctor for advice before you depart.
• This tour beginnigs in Lima and finish in Puno.
• Machu Picchu has implemented new visitor circuits, with three main routes with specific differences to distribute passengers in various areas. These changes are intended to improve the visitor experience and preserve the integrity of the archaeological site. The circuit with route 2 will be given as priority and if it is not available, the options of taking circuit 3B or circuit 1B will be informed so that you can confirm your decision before the tickets are issued.
• The admission ticket of Machu Picchu is NOT REFUNDABLE and date changes or amendments are NOT accepted. *If you need to change your visit date, you will need to purchase a new entrance ticket.