Compare Lights of Peru, The Inca Empire by Say Hueque vs The natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest by LifeCycle Adventures

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: Vernonia to McMinnville

Leisure: 10 miles with 150 feet of climbing

Intermediate:20 miles with 675 feet of climbing

Challenge: 30 miles with 900 feet

Epic: 70 miles with 2,000 feet

As this is your first day, the Intermediate ride is relatively easy. It starts in Vernonia at the start of the Banks-Vernonia State Trail. This car-free trail– that travels through Stub Stewart State Park– is built on an abandoned railroad that stretches 21 miles and has a gentle grade through scenic fields and forests. The trail also features 12 bridges including a 600- foot long, 80-foot high railroad trestle. The trail ends at Banks where your guide will meet you for your transfer to McMinnville.

Leisure riders will start at the Stub Stewart State Park Headquarters– halfway along the Banks- Vernonia trail– and, from there, join the route described above.

Challenge riders follow the Intermediate route to Banks and from there ride a further 10-miles; cruising along quiet lanes to Forest Grove. This section of riding is where you’ll see your first vineyards. Your guide will transfer you from Forest Grove to McMinnville.

Those looking for a more Epic start to their tour will ride all the way from Vernonia to McMinnville.

Day 2: McMinnville Loops

Leisure: 10 miles, 150 feet (Space Museum) 30 miles, 1,000 feet (Stoller direct)

Intermediate: 40 miles with 1,300 feet of climbing

Challenge: 80 miles with 2,700 feet of climbing

Today’s Intermediate ride meanders along the quiet lanes of the Amity Hills and the Dundee Hills. There are stunning views across fields of vines to the snow-capped peak of Mount Hood and you have the chance to visit a host of family run and organic wineries. Towns you visit include Dayton and Lafayette – both of which have good lunch options. Alternatively, take a picnic to one of the wineries. Stoller Estate is a great choice: on a hill with stunning views. Domaine Serene and Domaine Drouhin are also nearby.

Leisure riders take a more direct route to Stoller Winery – avoiding the Amity Hills – and ride back on the Intermediate route described above. An even  shorter ride takes you to the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum. Museum exhibits include the Spruce Goose. This Howard-Hughes-inspired plane was the largest flying boat ever built and was almost entirely made from wood.

Challenge riders head into the Coast Range for a series of ups and downs through forests and past remote farms. Once through the hills, the ride heads east to join the Intermediate ride from Amity and back to McMinnville via the Stoller Estate Winery.

Day 3: Estacada to Welches

Leisure: 10 miles with 750 feet (Marmot) 20 miles with 1,900 feet (Sandy)

Intermediate: 40 miles with 3,100 feet of climbing

Challenge: 60 miles with 5,750 feet of climbing

Your day starts with a van transfer to rural Clackamas County. Exactly where you start riding will depend on how far you choose to cycle.

Strong Intermediate riders will start in the small lumber town of Estacada. After leaving Estacada, you ride along back roads climbing steadily past open farmland to the town of Sandy: a good lunch stop. From Sandy, you head west on quiet lanes through an area known as Little Switzerland for its U-shaped valley and mountain-framed horizon. You end the day riding through conifer forests; through gaps in the trees you get glimpses of a snow-capped Mount Hood.

Leisure riders (or Intermediate riders looking for an easier day) will join the ride described above in the town of Sandy. For an even more leisurely ride, asked to be dropped at Marmot, in Little Switzerland.

Challenge riders follow the Intermediate ride (above) to near Welches where they add on a loop up the slopes of Mount Hood. This Lolo Pass loop adds 20 miles of climbing & descending. Your reward for all this effort? Stunning views and tired legs!

Day 4: Welches to Hood River

Leisure: 20 miles with 920 feet of climbing

Intermediate: 30 miles with 950 feet of climbing

Challenge: 50 miles with 3,000 feet

Epic: 65 miles with 5,600 feet

Today you have the choice of riding anything from an easy cruise to a real epic. Whichever way you choose, you’ll enjoy some spectacular scenery on the slopes of Mount Hood.

Intermediate riders will take a transfer to Cooper Spur – a cluster of cabins at the base of the Mount Hood Ski area. From here you descend down the Hood River Valley past orchards, wineries and lavender farms. The area is famous for growing apples, pears, cherries, peaches and other fruits. The many fruit stands make great rest stops.

Leisure riders will join the ride described above after the main descent, in the small town of Parkdale. Parkdale is also a good place for lunch.

Challenge riders transfer up to Government Camp - a ski town at 4,000 feet. From here, you ride around the southern flanks of Mount Hood. The ride peaks at 4,600 feet before descending down to join the

Intermediate route at Cooper Spur. Those looking for an Epic ride will simply ride all the way from Welches to Hood River; riding up Highway 26 to Government Camp and joining the Challenge route there.

Day 5: Hood River Loops (A)

Leisure: 15 miles with 1,200 feet of climbing

Intermediate: 40 miles with 3,100 feet

Challenge: 50 miles with 3,500 feet (HCRH) 50 miles with 4,100 feet (7-mile Hill)

Epic: 100 miles with 7,500 feet

All today’s rides start out heading west along the spectacular Columbia River Gorge; along a route described by Bicycling magazine as one of the best rides in the U.S. Much of the riding is along the Historic Columbia River Highway (HCRH) bike path. How difficult you make the ride depends on where you turn around and what route you take back.

Strong Intermediate riders will ride to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum. This is a fine place to take a break, have a browse and eat lunch. You then return to Hood River on a route with stunning views at every turn as the road twice climbs high above the Gorge before descending back down to the river.

Leisure riders will follow the ride described above but turn around in the town of Mosier. A small café here provides a pleasant rest stop.

Challenge riders will ride the HCRH all the way into The Dalles. You then return either along the Gorge or over the aptly-named 7-mile hill.

There is also an Epic ride that follows the route of the Hood River Grand Fondo - all 100 miles and 7,500 feet of it!

Day 6: Hood River Loops (B) & Transfer to Stevenson

Leisure: 20 miles with 1,400 feet of climbing

Intermediate: 40 miles with 3,000 feet of climbing

Challenge: 60 miles with 4,700 feet of climbing

You spend the first part of the day riding out of Hood River and then transfer to Stevenson at the end of the day. You can do any of the rides listed yesterday – Hood River Loop (A) – or venture into the Hood River Valley on the routes described below.

Strong Intermediate riders will ride up the east side of the Hood River Valley to Parkdale, which makes a good lunch stop. From here you head back down the west side of the valley. On this route you pass many fruit farms, some wineries and a lavender farm. The ride is known locally as the Fruit Loop for its many farm stands.

Leisure riders will follow the ride described above but turn around at the town of Odell. This is a shortened version of the Fruit Loop. The Apple Valley Country Store makes a good lunch stop.

Challenge riders will head up the slopes of Mount Hood to the aptly-named Lost Lake. On this ride you climb on car-free National Forest Development Roads and through countryside little changed since Lewis and Clark came exploring here.

We also have a route to ride directly to Stevenson, if you would prefer that.

Day 7: Stevenson to Troutdale – Last Day

Leisure: 15 miles with 850 feet of climbing

Intermediate: 35 miles with 2,200 feet of climbing

Epic: 55 miles with 2,300 feet of climbing

You return to Oregon for the final leg of your journey; crossing the Gorge on the impressive Bridge of the Gods.

The Intermediate route follows the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway. This starts as a bike path through forests and then becomes a quiet lane that passes many waterfalls: Moffett, Horsetail, Bridal Veil, Latourell and Multnomah Falls. At 620 feet, Multnomah Falls are the highest in the state and can be seen from the road. There is also a short hike up to a viewing bridge. After the falls, a beautiful twisting lane brings you to Crown Point. This imposing bluff stands over 700 feet above the river “guarding” the entrance to the Gorge. A great place to snap an iconic photograph before descending into Troutdale to meet your guide for your end-of-tour transfer.

The Leisure route follow the Intermediate route to the Multnomah Falls where the ride ends. Here you can either hike up to the falls and enjoy lunch at the historic lodge before being collected by your guide.

We have a route that takes you all the way into Portland, for those looking for an Epic urban ride to end their tour.