Compare Machu Picchu, Peru by Blue Parallel vs Lights of Peru, The Inca Empire by Say Hueque

Day 1: Sacred Valley

After an overnight in Lima, you will be assisted with your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your personal guide who will show you the best of the Sacred Valley. You will explore the impressive ruins of Pisac in the morning, enjoy a gourmet meal in an exclusive hacienda for lunch with breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley and take part in a private meditation ceremony performed by a Paco (Andean Shaman) near Inca ruins, which will provide unique insight into the Inca's spiritual beliefs.

Visit unique, Incan archeological sites such as the terraced ruins of Ollantaytambo, the concentric ruins at Moray and the salt pools at Maras. In the evening, enjoy a private cooking class with an esteemed chef, using the freshest local ingredients to prepare Andean specialties. You will also have the opportunity to meet with the Callanaupa sisters and enjoy a traditional weaving demonstration from the local weaving cooperative. Experience a number of custom-made outdoor activities in the Sacred Valley, including horseback riding, hiking or mountain-biking.

Day 2: Machu Picchu

It is now time to experience an awe-inspiring train ride along the towering Andes and the Quechua-speaking villages of the Sacred Valley as you travel to Machu Picchu. You will either leave the train at kilometer 104 and hike the last portion of the Inca Trail with your personal guide (passing through the Gate of the Sun) or take the luxurious Hiram Bingham train all the way to Aguas Calientes, near Machu Picchu.

Discover the spectacular ruins and check-in to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, an exclusive lodge overlooking the ruins and set in its own gardens, or the luxurious Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel, nestled between steep mountain walls of lush Andean greenery in the valley below the site of Machu Picchu. You will enjoy well-deserved spa treatments and gourmet meals, wander in the ruins, nature walks, trek to the Temple of the Moon or up Huayna Picchu, and, from above the clouds, you will enjoy the surreal vistas of the Andes' peaks reaching for the sky.

Day 3: Cusco

Take the train back to the Sacred Valley where you will be privately escorted to Cusco, the city of the "Children of the Sun". You will stay in either the Monasterio Hotel, a monastery that was originally built in 1592 by descendants of the Spanish Conquistadors, or La Casona, a 16-th century manor house, restored as an 11-suite luxury hotel, or Palacio Nazarenas, which was a former palace and convent in the 16th century and has the only outdoor heated swimming pool.

Start off your experience learning about the fascinating Inca civilization from a renowned scholar. Visit the main sightseeing highlights of the historic city of Cusco, including the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the Incan "Sun Temple" of Qoricancha. Enjoy the unique opportunity to learn about Andean style and culture as you meet with Antonio Olave, one of the most important traditional sculptors of twentieth century Peru. Private guided tour of the Sacsayhuaman ruins just outside of Cusco overlooking the city. In the evening, you may enjoy exclusive access to a private colonial mansion overlooking the city of Cusco for a special dinner, followed by a private Andean concert by local musicians.

Day 4: Lima

Flight back to Lima for an afternoon of sightseeing the highlights of Peru's capital city. Visit the historical center of Lima with your personal guide, including the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, the City Hall, the Cloister of San Francisco, and San Isidro. Alternatively, exclusive access to a private collection of colonial art and pre-Inca artifacts, or visit the Larco Museum, accompanied by your personal expert guide. For shoppers, we will provide a personal shopper who will escort you to the best shopping venues in Lima. In the evening, dine in one of Peru's most acclaimed restaurants. Later, check-in assistance for your international flight departure.

Day 1: Welcome to Your 8-Day Trip to Perú - Lima

Transfer from the airport to your hotel – Day at leisure

Upon your arrival in Lima, we’ll be waiting to drive you from the airport to your hotel. Enjoy your leisure time in Lima!

Lima is the capital of Peru; the jumping-off point for nearly all trips to the country. In the Colonial Era, it housed the viceroyalty, making it the most powerful city-hub of South America.

Today, its native and foreign heritage coexist; its well-preserved, amazing colonial churches and archeological sites (heading south to Caral Sacred City) exist in harmony with Peru’s beautiful beaches overlooking the Pacific Ocean and its delicious seafood.

Day 2: City Tour in Lima

Today we’ll pick you up at your hotel to explore Lima’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with fascinating historic buildings.

We’ll start with a scenic tour in the colonial downtown, which expands from the Main Square, where you can appreciate the grandiose architecture of the Spanish Empire, like that of the Cathedral, which was built up in the 16th century and finished after 80 years of hard work!

Our next stop will be to Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion that was granted in 1535 by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to Jerónimo de Aliaga, one of his captains.

The last part of this historical day tour in Lima will be dedicated to the Larco Museum. Located in the traditional Pueblo Libre district, this meticulously maintained museum is housed in a beautifully restored viceroyal mansion. Its exhibits boast the most complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver artifacts, as well as pieces of ancient erotic art.

Since we’re on the topic of love encounters, we’ll finish the day at the “Love Park” built in 1993 to celebrate love in all its forms. Nestled in the upscale coastal district of Miraflores, you can admire the cliffs from its colorful mosaic benches and take in the most beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.

After enjoying this romantic place and meeting the famous sculpture which immortalized the tender kiss of two passionate lovers, we’ll drive you back to your hotel.

Day 3: Continue Your Perú Travel Itinerary - Cuzco

Transfer from your hotel to Lima airport
Today we’ll pick you up at your hotel and take you to Lima airport to continue your 8-day trip in Perú. Take an hour’s flight to Cuzco, maybe the most international destination of Peru, since (but not only because…) Machu Picchu, the world-renowned Inca fortress, is located only 4 hours away! 

Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Cuzco

Upon your arrival in Cuzco, we’ll drive you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the evening exploring the city at your own pace.

Day 4: Pisac and Ollantaytambo Fortress - Cuzco

Full-day tour to Pisac and Ollantaytambo Fortress
Continue exploring the Sacred Valley, and visit Pisac, famous for its craft market where you’ll find the most exquisite pieces of jewelry, ceramic, and textile craftwork. We’ll continue our trip by visiting the archeological site of Pisac to admire the stone terraces built by the Incas, and last, we’ll head to Ollantaytambo to visit its stunning fortress. Admire the remaining towers and walls that used to keep the citadel safe and the royal guests it used to host. You will sleep in Cuzco tonight, at the end of the day, a transfer will drop you at your hotel.

Day 5: Travel to Machu Picchu - Return to Cuzco

Tour to Machu Picchu, discover the legendary city!
Your tour to Machu Picchu begins with a 4-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes (literally, hot water). This town is also known as “Machu Picchu Pueblo” and is the last stop before entering the remains of the most important archaeological site in Peru. Machu Picchu means “Old Mountain” and is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

You’ll finally reach Machu Picchu (the ancient sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacutec) after a short transfer by bus through the mountains.

Here, when we arrive at the exact destination that is the highlight of your trip, we will have special moments which will most certainly be cherished forever. Enjoy your first impressions of this jaw-dropping place, and breathe the magic in the air.

At the end of the tour, you will take a bus back to Aguas Calientes and the train back to Cuzco where a transfer will drive you to your hotel.

Day 6: City Tour in Cuzco

City tour in Cuzco and archeological sites

Today we’ll pick you up at your hotel to start your Cuzco tour with a visit to the Coricancha, also known as the “Temple of the Sun” the construction of which was ordered by Inca Pachacútec (1438-1471).

This is where the Sun (Inti, in Quechua) was worshipped during the reign of the Inca Empire, and during that time its walls were fully covered with gold sheets and its courtyards were adorned with golden corn and life-sized sculptures of llamas.

We’ll continue on to visit the Cathedral, the most important building in the Main Square (whose construction lasted almost a century) and one of the most splendid Spanish colonial churches in America.

Our next stop will be the Sacsayhuamán fortress, an emblematic Incan piece of work, which protected the Holy City. The Sacsayhuamán complex was constructed with giant megalithic blocks, the transportation and construction of which continue to be a mystery.

This day will end with a visit to some archeological main attractions. You’ll visit Qenqo, located just over 2 miles away from Cuzco City, an archaeological complex mainly used for religious purposes, and where it is believed that agricultural rituals took place.

You will finally visit the vestiges of Puka Pukara, located 4.5 miles away from Cuzco. Puka Pukara, which means “red fortress”, was an architectural complex presumably used for military purposes.

At the end of this full historical and natural immersion in Cuzco’s heritage, we’ll drive you back to your hotel.

Day 7 Hike to Humantay Lagoon - Cuzco

Hike to Humantay Lagoon

You will leave Cuzco early in the morning heading to Soraypampa. On the way, pass by the city of Limatambo, an important entrance to Cuzco during the Inca Empire, and see the archaeological site of Tarawasi. Make a quick breakfast stop in a local restaurant before reaching Soraypampa and begin a mountain hike to Humantay Lagoon. Enjoy the stunning scenery of this wonderful place and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. Heading back to Cuzco, take lunch at a restaurant along the route.

Day 8 The End of Your 8-Day Travel Itinerary to Peru

This is the end of your 8-day travel itinerary to Peru…at least for now! At the appropriate time, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and head to the Cuzco airport to take your flight.

Keep on exploring other amazing destinations in Perú. Fire up your wanderlust with our featured trips to Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Peru.