Shades of Peru

This seven-day guaranteed departure tour through the Imperial City is the perfect mix between history and outdoor activities. Appreciate the magnificent natural legacy of the 7-color Mountain, as well as the historical heritage of Machu Picchu, the heart of the most important pre-colonial empire in South America. Also, explore the cities of Lima and Cusco, where you will discover a great testament to the history of the country.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Lima: Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Peruvian capital combines history with modernity. In its historical centre, colonial architectural structures stand right next to the Pacific Ocean, all seeped in a deeply bohemian atmosphere

Cusco: The ancient Inca capital is a unique blend of pre – Columbian past and Spanish architecture. Its temples, squares and streets are surrounded by hills that amazing places like Sacsayhuamán and Quenqo, Puca Pucará and Tambomachay. 

Machu Picchu: The ‘lost city of the Incas’ draws thousands of people to Peru each year. Hidden among the vegetation, this mountain-top citadel, built in complete harmony with the landscape, hosts a wealth of rooms, temples, bridges and religious sites that offer visitors a chance to get closer to Peru’s fascinating past.

Vinicunca: Around 100 km southeast of Cusco, rests one of the most beautiful wonders of nature: the 7-Colour Mountain. This place, also known as the Rainbow Mountain, has an altitude of 5,200 metres above sea level. The 7-colour Mountain is a natural wonder that enchants visitors from all over the world. The accumulation of minerals during hundreds of thousands of years give it its particular and magical colouration.

Day 1: ARRIVAL LIMA

On arrival in Lima, a transport service and a guide will pick you up from the airport at the scheduled time to transfer you to your hotel in Lima. Have the rest of the day at leisure to get to know the city. The Peruvian capital is a modern metropolis full of history and the home of approximately 10 million inhabitants. The city is currently undergoing an exciting process of cultural and economic changes. Optionally you can book our optional extra: 

Magic Water Circuit with Dinner (shared basis):

A modern system of fountains certified as the largest in the world by the Guinness World Records. Built in Exhibition Park, the Magical Water Circuit attracts crowds during summer and winter, being one of the new favorite attractions of Lima. See yourself and enjoy our water cruise that is followed by a unique gastronomical experience at a restaurant, accompanied by a delicious dinner.

Notes: Shared service. Not available on Sundays and Mondays. Start time: 17:30 hours. Duration 4 hours. Includes Pick-up and Drop-off, Bilingual guide (Spanish and English), Admission to Magic Water Circuit and dinner.

Overnight in Lima

Day 2: LIMA: CITY TOUR

Breakfast at the hotel. At approximately 9 am, your local guide will be waiting in the lobby of the hotel to pick you up to explore Lima’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with fascinating historic buildings. The route begins at the traditional Pueblo Libre district, where you visit the Larco Museum, located in a beautifully restored viceregal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid from the seventh century. The museum boasts a complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver objects, as well as pieces of erotic art. Then visit Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to one of his captains, Jeronimo de Aliaga. This is the only house from that time, still belonging to the same family. Continue with a scenic tour through the colonial downtown. See the Main Square, where you can appreciate the grandiose architecture of the Spanish Empire. Admire Lima’s Cathedral, built during the 16th century. At around 1 pm finish the trip returning to your hotel. Rest of day at leisure.

Overnight in Lima

Day 3: LIMA – CUSCO: CITY TOUR & ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES (90 min by flight; not included)

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport to take your flight to Cusco ( Lima – Cusco flight is not included). Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive not later than 10:30 am. Noon arrivals are too late. One of our representatives will receive and welcome you and then you will be transferred to the selected hotel. After a short break at the hotel, you will be picked up by your local guide to start the tour at 1 pm. Enjoy a guided 4-hour tour of this charming city, which was the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex, which was built over the Inca Coricancha temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to worshipping of the sun, and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent. Ancient chronicles say the temple was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument of the Main Square. Head to the hills above Cusco to visit the remains of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose imposing ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, and the ruins of the temple and amphitheatre of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practised agricultural rituals. Admire Qenqo and then finally visit Puca Pucara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua) an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Its dwellings squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls, and towers can still be appreciated. Afterwards, at approximately 5.30 pm, return to your hotel.

Overnight in Cusco

Day 4: CUSCO – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (1.5 hr by train / 75 km - 2 hrs by land)

After breakfast at the hotel, a transportation service will pick you up and transfer you to the Ollanta Station to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu. Following a scenic journey through dramatic Andean landscapes, arrive at the station in Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you will be guided to the bus that takes you to Machu Picchu. 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 Pachacútec as his holiday residence. However, a century later, the city was abandoned after the Spanish conquest, saving itself from the destruction that reached other Inca settlements. Instead, the jungle grew slowly among its stone constructions and hid it, protecting it. During the guided tour, you will learn about the origins of this impressive citadel and visit its most outstanding monuments such as the main square, the royal rooms, the temple of the three windows, the circular towers, the sacred clock and the cemeteries. After the 2.5 hrs guided tour, you will have the opportunity to have free time in the citadel. At the time indicated by the guide, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a delicious lunch. Next, board the train back to the Ollanta station, and, from there, a vehicle will take you to your hotel in Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco.

Day 5: CUSCO

Today breakfast is followed by a relaxing free day at leisure.

Overnight in Cusco.

Day 6: CUSCO – VINICUNCA – CUSCO (240 km – 7 hrs)

You are picked up from the hotel early in the morning, at approximately 4 am and transferred to Cusipata, where the hike begins. The trek is surrounded by beautiful sceneries of the Andes and guarded by the majestic Ausangate Mountain, one of the most important mountains of Cusco, considered a sacred entity since the times of the Incas. Once you reach the viewpoint of the 7-Colour Mountain, appreciate the surroundings from up high. After a few minutes, start descending to Cusipata, where your transfer is waiting for you to return to Cusco. On the way you will stop to savor a lunch. Arrival at the hotel in Cusco at approximately 4 pm. Rest of afternoon at leisure.

Distance: 4 Km. Ascent: 406 meters. Descent: 406 meters. Duration: 3 hours.

Overnight in Cusco

Day 7: DEPARTURE CUSCO

After breakfast, enjoy a pleasant transfer from the selected hotel to the airport.

Weather in the region is extremely variable and we suggest you to pack for a variety of conditions. In addition, our trek passes through various bio-zones ranging from high altitude alpine conditions to high jungle. During a sunny day you can expect temperatures of about 18–27°C (65–80°F), however, on the pass the weather is very unpredictable and temperatures can drop to 0°C (30°F) during the day (but you won’t spend a lot of time up there). At nights, temperatures vary from 05 - 10º C to 0°C or below. We provide you a Sleeping bag that can support -28 °C (-18 F), and a bottle of hot water for your convenience.

Expect a mixture of terrain from the highlands to the cloud forest. Most of the road is rocky, passing through steep parts and downs, surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.

INSTRUCTIONS

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)

If you are prone to altitude sickness, please see a doctor to get a prescription for altitude pills before you go.

Aside from the clothes for trekking, you should bring casual clothes for dinner and for visiting Machu Picchu the next day.