New Heights in 8 Days
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Experience the exciting adventure of getting to know Cusco and Machu Picchu from the angle, but adding in walks to the captivating landscapes of Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) and Humantay Lagoon that have attracted thousands in recent years. DAY 1 | ARRIVAL IN LIMA
Upon arrival at the airport in Lima, you will be taken to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day free to explore the city.
DAY 2 | LIMA / LARCO MUSEUM & CITY TOUR Explore Lima's old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is filled with fascinating historic buildings. Start the tour with the Larco Museum, located in the traditional district of Pueblo Libre and housed in a beautifully restored viceregal mansion, which itself is built on top of a 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid. The museum has a very complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver objects, as well as pieces of erotic art. Next, head to the Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted in 1535 by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro to one of his captains, Jerónimo de Aliaga. This is the only house of the period that still belongs to the same family. Continue with a scenic tour of the colonial center. Visit the Plaza de Armas, where you can appreciate the grandiose architecture of the Spanish Empire. There you will find its magnificent Cathedral, built in the 16th century. Finish the tour returning to your hotel.
DAY 3 | LIMA - CUSCO / CITY TOUR & NEARBY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES (90 min flight) A transfer will take you to the Lima airport to take your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in the Imperial City you will be transferred to your selected hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of this enchanting city, once the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour begins at Coricancha, also known as 'the temple of the sun'. It was built by order of the Inca Pachacutec to worship the sun and, upon the arrival of the Spanish, became the basis for the construction of the Convent of Santo Domingo. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument in the Plaza de Armas, and head to the hills where Sacsayhuaman is located, one of the most emblematic Inca buildings built in the 15th century. It is an immense fortress built with large stones, the moving and assembly of which remains a mystery. Continue to Qenqo, an archaeological complex of religious use, where rituals related to agriculture were celebrated. Finally, you will visit Puca Pucará, located seven kilometers from the city. Puca Pucara, which means "Red Fort", was an architectural complex of supposed military use, with multiple environments, squares, baths, aqueducts and towers. It is believed to have been used by the Inca entourage while the leader rested in Tambomachay. After the visit, you will return to your hotel.
DAY 4 | SACRED VALLEY / CHINCHERO, OLLANTAYTAMBO AND LIVING MUSEUM OF YUCAY A vehicle will pick you up in the morning at your hotel to take you to the village of Chinchero*. This traditional Cusco urban center is special not only for its privileged view of the Sacred Valley landscape, but also because its inhabitants preserve the traditions and knowledge inherited from the Incas, which is reflected in their clothing and handicrafts. In addition to its cultural legacy, in Chinchero you can visit the agricultural terraces and its beautiful 17th century church, built over an ancient Inca palace and considered one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. Continue your journey through the Sacred Valley towards Ollantaytambo, making a stop at a viewpoint to enjoy the scenery before arriving at the Living Museum of Yucay. This museum is actually a center of interpretation of Andean traditions, with demonstrations of textile work, adobe handicrafts, ceramics and silverware using the same ancient Inca techniques. In the place live alpacas, llamas and sheep, which you can see up close and even feed. Finally, start your tour of the town of Ollantaytambo with a delicious lunch. Enjoy the Andean essence of the place as you stroll through its streets - which still maintain Inca urban planning and have been inhabited ever since - and climb the iconic fortress, built into the side of the mountain. At the end of your visit, return to your hotel to rest filled with the Inca spirit. *Sunday visits include the Chinchero market.
DAY 5 | SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO Your visit to Machu Picchu begins with an hour and a half train ride through spectacular Andean scenery to Aguas Calientes, departing from Ollanta station. From here, you will take a 25-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu, the 'lost city of the Incas'. It is believed that the archaeological site was built around 1450 by the Inca Pachacutec as a vacation residence. During the guided tour, learn about the origins of this impressive citadel, presenting its most outstanding monuments. At the end of the tour, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch. In the afternoon, take the train back to Cusco. *Lunch time may vary depending on the entrance to the citadel. *Remember to purchase your tickets before your trip due to the limited capacity of the citadel. Tickets are subject to availability.
DAY 6 | CUSCO – HUMANTAY– CUSCO Depart from the city of Cusco for one of the most spectacular treks through the Andes Mountains, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery, rich culture and vast history of this part of the world. Pass through the archaeological site of Tarawasi, near the town of Limatambo (1.5 hours from Cusco), before continuing to the mountain village of Mollepata, taste the delicious coffee grown in the area and continue to Soraypampa (3,850 masl). From this point, the two-hour ascent to the Humantay lagoon (above 4200 masl) begins. Enjoy one of the most impressive panoramas of the trip, where photography enthusiasts will have the opportunity to get wonderful shots. Finally, begin the descent to Soraypampa for approximately 1.15 hours, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch. Finally, return to your hotel in Cusco. Walking distance Soraypampa – Laguna Humantay - Soraypampa 4 km / 2.4 mi
DAY 7 | CUSCO – VINICUNCA – CUSCO Vinicunca or the mountain of 7 colors, is a natural work of art at 5,200 meters above sea level. Its tonalities are due to the accumulation of minerals over time, dragged by the waters of the mountain range, winds and humidity. Start this adventure to Vinicunca leaving early in the morning from Cusco in the direction of Cusipata where you will have breakfast. Continue with the tour and arrive at the starting point of the trek. The road is surrounded by beautiful landscapes of the Andes and guarded by the majestic Ausangate Mountain, one of the most important mountains of Cusco, considered a sacred entity since Inca times. After a few minutes at the viewpoint of the mountain to take some pictures and rest, you will start the hike back to Phullawasipata and then go by bus to Cusipata where you will enjoy lunch. After lunch, you will return to your hotel in Cusco.
DAY 8 | CUSCO DEPARTURE A vehicle will take you to the airport in Cusco to board your departure flight.
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2024 price per person in US$: (with shared services)
Hotel List |
