Arrive in the capital city of Lima and stay overnight at one of the hotels located adjacent to the airport or if you arrive earlier in the day, we would recommend a hotel in either Miraflores or Barranco. Staying in Miraflores or Barranco is an excellent way to immerse yourself in this bustling metropolis of Lima, enjoy one of the many fine dining establishments, and walk along the Pacific Coast before departing for the city Cusco located in the Andes Mountains region of Peru.

Return to the airport for a morning flight to the Inca capital of Cusco, nestled high in the Peruvian mountains. Your private bilingual guide will be waiting for you at the airport to pick you up and take you for your first full day of exploration.

To better acclimate to the higher altitude, we will travel directly from the airport in Cusco to the Sacred Valley. The landscape of the Sacred Valley is a dramatic contrast to the city of Cusco. In the valley, steep green mountains flank the fertile valley in every direction while snow-capped peaks twinkle in the sun. Your Peru voyage is a personalized journey, so you and your group can choose what activities you would like to do and which sites you would prefer to explore.

Some of the options include the following:

• Hike up to the majestic Pisac ruins nestled in the mountainside offering spectacular views of the town of Pisac, the Urubamba River, and the surrounding landscape.
• Browse and shop for artisan handicrafts, fresh fruit, and exotic foods in the town of Pisac at the local market.

Again, feel free to discuss your itinerary for the day with your tour guide. Depending on how you feel from the travel and the high altitude, you could do something adventurous and ambitious or something a little more relaxed. Today is about you!

After a full day of activities, we will spend the night in the Sacred Valley. Feel free to explore the nearby towns and find a nice restaurant for some dinner and drinks, then make your way back to the hotel in a moto-taxi for a restful night’s sleep.

Today, we wake up at the hotel and have a delicious breakfast before venturing off to the acrchalogical sites of Moray and Maras. Both of these sites offer an incredible glimpse into some interesting aspects of Incan culture. Moray is thought to be an ancient agricultural laboratory that was used to test growing various crops at different altitudes and temperatures. Maras, looking like something from another world, is a site made up of over 3,000 different salt pools that has been in use long before the Incan Civilization. 

After our time at Moray and Maras, we will head to Ollantaytambo. Once we reach Ollantaytambo, we will explore the ruins of Ollantaytambo, one of the very last holdouts for the Incas as they defended their empire against the Spanish Inquisition. You will be fascinated by the history that took place in this small town located at the gateway to the ancient citadel of Macchu Picchu. Even after the Spanish conquered the Inca Empire, they had no idea that Machu Picchu was located only 15 miles away from the fortress of Ollantaytambo.  

After exploring and climbing the ruins of Ollantaytambo, it is time to return to the hotel and break for the day. Feel free to explore any of the shops, find a cozy restaurant to dine at, and unwind before we head to Machu Picchu in the morning.

After breakfast, your full-day tour to the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu starts with the world-famous scenic train journey from Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes. The American explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911, and this mysterious ruin remains a bucket-list destination for travelers from around the world looking to make the most of their Peru holiday. 

After arriving in Aguas Calientes, we will travel by bus up the mountain to the gates of Machu Picchu. With your bilingual guide, you will explore the spectacular citadel while learning about Inca traditions, culture, spirituality, and history. At its prime, Machu Picchu was believed to have up to 500 inhabitants living high up in the clouds. Machu Picchu is located in the center of a complex set of trails linking the site to the city of Cusco and many other small towns located deep in the nearby jungle. We will have approximately two hours to explore Machu Picchu, enjoy the views of the landscapes below, and to take as many pictures as your heart desires.

After our time at Machu Picchu, we will travel back down the mountain and head to the train station from where we will travel to Ollantaytambo and then go by private transport back to Cusco. Once we get to Cusco, we will check in to the hotel and then you are free to rest and recuperate after such a long day.

Today, we will explore the Inca capital of Cusco and the nearby ruins, a seamless blend of Inca and colonial history. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, the city is bursting with quaint architecture, cobblestone streets, and impressive viewpoints. In the iconic Plaza de Armas, we will visit the Cathedral before checking out Qorikancha, the most important temple and spiritual center of the Inca Empire. Next, we head to the outskirts of the city to explore the dramatic fortress of Sacsayhuaman and the massive stones that make up the walls of the military complex. Sacsayhuaman is a wonderful example of Incan military architecture. 

After our Cusco city tour, you are free to explore more of the city on your own, catch a flight back to your home country, or continue your travels in Peru. 

Veru Voyage recommends extending your holiday to explore more of Peru. Visit shimmering Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, or immerse yourself in the lush Amazon Rainforest teeming with wildlife and plenty of adventure.