Compare Lights of Peru, The Inca Empire by Say Hueque vs Machu Picchu and The Northern Kingdoms by Audley Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 16 days |
| Price From | $ 1,925 | $ 6,615 |
| Price Per Day | $ 241 | $ 413 |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Spend 8 days discovering the most enchanting destinations Peru has to offer! The adventure will start with a guided tour through Lima, Peru’s capital city, which is brimming with historic architecture, fascinating museums, and stunning coastal views from Miraflores. Your adventure will continue in Cusco, where you will spend the day strolling through Pisac’s famed craft market and exploring the Inca archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. Afterwards, you will venture to the Sacred Valley and spend two days marveling at the masterpiece of Machu Picchu, the famed 15th century Inca citadel that also happens to be one of the most significant and spectacular sites in the world. Finally, your journey will end in Cusco, where you will have the opportunity to explore incredible landmarks of the lost Inca civilization including Qoricacha temple, the Plaza de Armas, and the Sacsayhuaman and Puka Pukara fortresses. We are committed to creating one-of-a-kind experiences for each type of traveler. That’s why our trips are 100% tailor-made! That means that A) You can choose the exact travel experience you’ve always dreamed of, and B) Our services (excursions and transfers) can be private or semi-private, or a mix of both! If you’d prefer to have a car and a tour guide at your disposal, we can make it happen, and if you don’t care about sharing your transportation and/or your tour, we can put together some experiences where you’ll be able to meet other travelers from around the world. Keep in mind that even our semi-private tours are an intimate group size, so you’ll never be lost in a sea of other tourists. |
Venture off the beaten track into the heartland of the Chachapoyas, or cloud people, and rediscover their lost world. Trek to Gocta Waterfall, one of the world's highest. Explore the former Inca capital of Cuzco. End at the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. |
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.
Day 1 : Lima
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Lima. On arrival in Lima you will be met by your private guide and assisted to your airport hotel for the evening. As you will be off again tomorrow morning it doesn't make sense to trek into the city centre.
Day 2 : Cocachimba
You will make your way back to the airport for your flight to Jaen.Upon arrival in Jaen you will be met at the airport by your driver and taken to your hotel outside of the small village of Cocachimba. This will take around three hours.
Day 3 : Cocachimba
Walk though the magnificent cloudforest scenery on your private trek to the spectacular Gocta waterfall. There are a number of steps and it can be muddy so please do wear appropriate footwear.
Day 4 : Chachapoyas
Travel from your hotel to the town of Chachapoyas on a private transfer. On the way you will stop and have a short walk to reach the viewing area for the mysterious cliff sarcophagi built by the Chachapoya people.
Day 5 : Leymebamba
Continue on your journey through northern Peru via a private transfer to Leymebamba via the Kuelap ruins.At Kuelap you will take a glorious 20-minute cable car ride, followed by a 1km walk up to the ruins. Here you will learn about the current theories on the site and take in the incredible views.
Day 6 : Leymebamba
Today begins with a visit to the Leymebamba Museum to view the collection of over 200 Chachapoya mummies and remarkably well-preserved textiles. It can be rather unnerving! After a 90 minute drive through the countryside you will arrive at the village of Santo Tomas where you will begin your walk to the viewing platform of the Revash ruins built high into the cliffs above.
Day 7 : Cajamarca
Today you will embark on one of the most spectacular drives in Peru as you cross landscapes ranging from cloud forest to the desert-like region around the Marañón Canyon. For the most part the road is a paved single track winding up and down the mountains - the views are gorgeous.
Day 8 : Cajamarca
On your privately guided tour of the Cajamarca region today you will visit the site of Cumbe Mayo, see 3,000 year old petroglyphs, and admire the stonework at an altar once used for rituals performed on the full moon.Please bring layers and comfortable footwear as the weather changes quickly up in the gorgeous landscapes of Cumbe Mayo.
Day 9 : Cuzco
An early start this morning as you make your way to the airport via private transfer for your flight to Lima. Here you will pick up the onward flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and driven to your hotel in Cuzco. You have the afternoon to begin acclimatising.
Day 10 : Cuzco
Enjoy a privately guided tour of the highlights of Cuzco and nearby Inca ruins.
Day 11 : Sacred Valley of Incas
Leave Cuzco and head into the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. On the way you will stop to visit the Inca fortress at Pisac as well as the bizarre agricultural terraces of Moray and salt pans at Maras.
Day 12 : Sacred Valley of Incas
Enjoy a day at leisure in the beautiful Sacred Valley. You might like to have a relaxing day to catch your breath before visiting Machu Picchu tomorrow. However, if you are still feeling energetic there are plenty of things to do in the area, including walking, mountain biking and horse riding.
Day 13 : Machu Picchu
Get your hiking shoes on for an active day as you make your way towards Machu Picchu. Begin with a privately guided trek along km104 (the final days of the classic Inca Trail) before reaching the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. In the evening you will make your way down to the town of Aguas Calientes below the ruins.
Day 14 : Cuzco
Today you may return to Machu Picchu for a guided tour with your private guide. You also have tickets to climb Huayna Picchu mountain for an alternative view of this fascinating site. In the afternoon return to Cuzco by rail and road.
Day 15 : International return flight
Today you will be met at your hotel and driven to the airport in good time for your domestic flight to Lima. Here you will connect for your international flight home.
Day 16 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
