9 Days Southern Art and Culture from Lima

Day 1: Day 1 : ARRIVAL LIMA

1. 12h
   Upon landing in Lima, you will be met by a tour representative at the scheduled time who will guide you to the transfer to your hotel. The Peruvian capital is a modern metropolis filled with history that is currently undergoing several cultural and economic changes. In the afternoon, after checking in at the hotel, set out on a little tour to start getting to know the city. Your journey begins at the Magical Water Circuit of Lima, a modern system of fountains certified as the largest in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records. Located in the Exposition Park, the Magical Water Circuit attracts crowds all year round, being one of travellers’ new favourite attractions in Lima. After your visit, head to a restaurant to enjoy a fantastic dinner show, after which you will be transferred back to the hotel to spend the night.
   Overnight in Lima

Day 2: Day 2 : LIMA: PALOMINO ISLANDS AND CALLAO MONUMENTAL

1. 12h
   In the morning, after breakfast, discover the richness of the coast of Lima with a walking tour of the Palomino Islands, only 9 kilometres from the shore. These islands are home to hundreds of animals, including several species of birds and sea lions. After the tour, disembark at the dock and visit Callao Monumental, an urban art project that seeks to encourage cultural development as a way to bring the community together and improve the life quality of the residents of the area, while also promoting local artists. As a result of this initiative, the area has been given a new life, and artists contribute by teaching their techniques to children and young people from nearby neighbourhoods, encouraging them to develop their talents and thus opening the door to future job opportunities. After these two interesting tours, you will have free time to explore the art galleries and bohemian restaurants that have become a new fashionable attraction in the city. At the end of the day, a transfer will take you back to your hotel, where you can get ready for your flight to Cusco the next day.
   Overnight in Lima

Day 3: Day 3 : LIMA – CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY (90 min by flight – 75 Km – 2 hrs by land)

1. 12h
   After breakfast at the hotel, a transfer will pick you up from reception to take you to the airport, where you’ll catch your flight to Cusco (flight not included). The flight should land in Cusco at no later than 10:30 in the morning, noon arrivals being too late for the day’s tours to be carried out as planned. Once you’ve landed in the Imperial City, you will be transferred to your hotel in Sacred Valley. On the way, visit Living Museum of Yucay, a center of Andean traditions interpretations, where demonstrations of the elaboration of textile work, adobe, pottery and silverware are carried out in the same way in which they used to in antiquity; an original recreation of Inca traditions. In addition, residents of the museum include llamas, sheep and alpacas, and they can be fed. Return then to Sacred Valley for dinner
   Overnight in Sacred Valley

Day 4: Day 4 : SACRED VALLEY – MORAY - MARAS - OLLANTAYTAMBO (70 km - 2 hrs by land)

1. 12h
   Today, breakfast at the hotel is followed by a trip through the Sacred Valley all the way to the archaeological site of Moray. Like many Inca sites, its exact original function remains a mystery, although its design in the form of ever-widening concentric circular terraces means that each level had a different microclimate. This led archaeologists to speculate that perhaps it was used as an agricultural research facility. Continue then to the salt lagoons of Maras, a truly dazzling scene. Thousands of small ponds provide jobs and help feed many local families in this area. In times of the Incas, the salt deposits were an important economic hub and of great value for the imperial economy. Lastly, start your journey to the town of Ollantaytambo, where you can practically breathe in the Andean essence that permeates the place. Walk through its streets that maintain its original Inca urban planning to this day. Then climb up to the iconic fortress, built on the ledge of a mountain. After the walk, sit down to lunch while you enjoy an entertaining horse show. When you then return to your hotel you will feel imbued with the Inca spirit.
   Overnight in Sacred Valley.

Day 5: Day 5 : SACRED VALLEY

1. 12h
   This day, we will see the Paso Horse up close, a Peruvian symbol of singular stride, that earns them a spot in the traditional Peruvian marinera dance. After a brief training session, and putting on our Peruvian hats or horse riding helmets, we will get on the horse’s back to saunter across the enticing trails of the Sacred Valley, during a three-hour ride, where we will enjoy the views that surround the Hotel. Overnight in Sacred Valley

Day 6: Day 6 : SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES (75 km - 2 hrs)

1. 12h
   After breakfast at the hotel, a transportation service will pick you up and transfer you to Ollanta Station where you’ll board a train to Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu. Following a scenic journey through dramatic Andean landscapes, you’ll arrive at the station in Aguas Calientes. Once there, you will be guided to the bus that takes you to Machu Picchu. The ‘Lost City of the Incas’ is believed to have been erected in the 1450s by Inca emperor Pachacuti as a holiday retreat, yet within a century the city would be abandoned following the Spanish conquest. The Spaniards never found it, so it was spared the destruction they wrought on other Inca sites. Instead, it was slowly swallowed up by the jungle and hidden from harm. A guided tour will teach you everything about the origins of this awe-inspiring citadel, presenting its most prominent landmarks such as the monumental Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Circular Towers, the Sacred Sun Dial, and the Burial Grounds. Then return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
   Overnight in Aguas Calientes

Day 7: Day 7 : AGUAS CALIENTES – OLLANTA STATION – CUSCO (1,5 hr by train / 75 km - 2 hrs by land)

1. 12h
   Recharge your batteries with breakfast at the hotel, then board the train back to Ollanta Station, from where a transfer will pick you up to drive you all the way back to your hotel in Cusco. After making yourself at home and enjoying a well-deserved rest, you will be picked up from the hotel and taken to discover the local planetarium, where you will live a truly memorable experience. Begin by listening to an interesting introductory talk that will help you better understand the connection between the Incas and the stars. Then walk into the breath-taking dome and observe the constellations as the ancient Incas used to back in their day and age. You can also use telescopes to explore the gorgeous Cuzco sky. This activity allows you to tap into the Andean cosmovision and learn about the relationship between the ancient inhabitants of the area and the universe. A unique opportunity for introspection as you stare at distant stars in an infinite sky.
   Overnight in Cusco

Day 8: Day 8 : CUSCO: CITY TOUR

1. 12h
   Kickstart your morning at leisure with breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your free time by strolling through the streets, visiting shops or simply resting. In the afternoon, you will be able to enjoy a guided tour of this charming city, once the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour begins with a visit to the Santo Domingo Convent, which was built on the remains of the Inca temple of Coricancha, one of the most important enclosures dedicated to the cult of the sun. The ancient chronicles say that its walls were covered with gold leaf and full of golden representations of nature. Later, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument on the city’s main square. Then head towards the Cusco hills where the fortress of Sacsayhuaman is located; its imposing walls offer an impressive panoramic view of Cusco. In the afternoon, a special treat awaits; join a chocolate preparation workshop where you will learn all about this delicious product’s origin and production process while you confection your own chocolate creation.
   Overnight in Cusco

Day 9: Day 9 : DEPARTURE CUSCO

1. 12h
   After one last breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up at the agreed time by a transfer that will take you to the airport. Bid farewell to beautiful Peru and board the flight to your following destination.

Pickup details

Upon landing in Lima, you will be met by a tour representative at the scheduled time who will guide you to the transfer to your hotel.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Rates do not apply to Peruvians or residents with more than 60 days of stay. If passengers are Peruvians or exceed 60 days of stay, sale taxes (18%) will be collected by our local operator
• Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive not later than 10:30hrs. Noon arrivals are too late.
• Please note that Check In in most hotels begins at 13:00 hrs. Clients will be subject to the availability of the room if they arrive before, waiting in the hotel lobby
• If your trip includes the visit to high altitude cities such as Cusco and Puno located at more than 3400 meters (11 200 feet above sea level), do not forget to take precautions in order to avoid altitude sickness. Passengers who have heart problems or high blood pressure should check with their doctor before travelling
• Upon arrival is recommended to rest for few hours, drink coca tea and eat lightly. As a reference Machu Picchu is located at 2400 meters (8 000 feet above sea level)
• IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW ENTRANCE REGULATIONS TO MACHU PICCHU The current restrictions on visits to Machu Picchu allow a maximum stay of 4 hours in the citadel accompanied by a guide during the first entry. If the visitor tours an alternate route (Mountain Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu) the passenger will have 3 hours to for this purpose, additional to the 4 hours in the citadel. If the passenger wishes to enter the citadel again during the afternoon shift or the next day, he must acquire previously an additional ticket to enter in the new shift. There is no ticket sale in the archaeological zone. Following objects are forbidden: professional cameras that require lights and tripods, or with telephoto lenses with a weigh higher than 2 kilos (in order to use them, special authorization is needed, as well as the payment of an additional fee), drones, selfie sticks, sprays, high heels, walking sticks without rubber tip, banners and posters, sharp objects and backpacks bigger than 40cm x 35 cm x 20 cm.
• NEW PLASTIC REGULATION: After the prohibition of the access of single use plastic items to 76 natural areas including Machu Picchu, it is important to use reusable bottles. Lima Tours installs a water refill point in our office in Aguas Calientes.
• What do I need to bring? Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for visiting the coastal areas of Peru, while for the high Andean area the use of warm clothing is recommended. It is not recommended that visitors wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or short clothes when visiting religious temples or official buildings. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay Carry the same document that you presented to the agency, given that the train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu will be issued with the same information In all train services to Machu Picchu, the passenger can carry only hand luggage (backpack, bag or briefcase) weighing no more than 5kg / 11lb on the train to / from Machu Picchu. You will find your luggage at the chosen hotel. Allowed size: 62 linear inches 157cm (height + length + width)