Compare Lights of Peru, The Inca Empire by Say Hueque vs Peru Adventure + Machu Picchu by Women High on Adventure

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: Bienvenida

Meals: Dinner

Cusco, Peru

Arrive at the Cusco Airport (CUZ) where we’ll be there to give you a warm WHOA welcome and take you to the hotel. You're coming into a high altitude, 3,400 meters (10,498 feet), so it’s important to take it easy to let your body adjust throughout the day. Drink lots of water, coca tea (the locals swear by the stuff), and take the afternoon to rest and roam around the beautiful city that is Cusco. (We recommend hitting up the colorful, bustling San Pedro Market for an authentic taste of the Cusqueña culture.) At night we’ll meet for an authentic Peruvian meal (yum!), meet our guides, and get briefed for our trek.

We highly recommend our adventurers to arrive at least one day early if possible! This will give you time to settle in, get rested, acclimatize in Cusco, and have a buffer in case of flight delays or lost luggage. There will be detailed information on how to book extra nights at our partner hotel in the Pre-Adventure HUB that you will receive a few months before your adventure.

Day 2: Vamanos

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Cusco To Soraypampa To Soirococha

Elevation: 3,400 - 3,900 - 4,400 m

Hiking Time: 4 - 5 hours

Distance: 9 km

We'll leave Cusco first thing in the morning and take a scenic drive through the Andes to Soraypampa - where our 4-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu begins! The Salkantay Trail is a custom-designed, off the beaten path alternative to the classic Inca Trail that provides more spectacular vistas, privacy and authenticity than the traditional route. Oh and, did we mention that National Geographic Adventure named it as the coolest way to trek to Machu Picchu?! After eating a homemade breakfast, we'll begin trekking to our first camp, Soirococha (4,400 m), where we'll have the evening to enjoy the gigantic glaciers and majestic mountains surrounding us!

Day 3: UP, UP & Away

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Soirococha To Salkantay Pass To Collpapampa

Elevation: 4,400 - 4,600 - 2,850 m

Hiking Time: 9 - 10 hours

Distance: 22 km

This is one of the most humbling and physically challenging days, but it's also one of the most beautiful and rewarding! We'll reach the highest point on our trek, the Salkantay pass (4,600 m), as we hike between the Salkantay (6,264 m) and Humantay (5,990 m) glaciers. It's a long day, but there'll be plenty of time to stop for photo ops (and dance parties) before traversing the valley to camp.

Day 4: It's A Jungle Out There

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Collpapampa To Lucmabamba

Elevation: 2,850 - 2,000 m

Hiking Time: 4 - 5 hours

Distance: 6 - 7 km

The temperature will start to become warmer and our surroundings more tropical as we follow the trail along the Santa Teresa River. The contrast between the lush forests and mountainous peaks is one of the many reasons this trail will take your breath away! We'll be entering the "Ceja de Selva" (eyebrow of the jungle), which is full of colorful orchids, hummingbirds and flocks of parrots. At the end of the trail we’ll be picked up and take a fun, panoramic drive to camp. At camp we’ll have time to relax and tour a local coffee farm, complete with a tasting, before dinner.

Day 5: Sneak A Peek

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Lucmabamba To Hidroelectrica To Aguas Calientes

Elevation: 2,000 - 1,890 - 2,050 m

Hiking Time: 7 - 8 hours

Distance: 14 km

We'll pass through some avocado, banana and coffee plantations on the final leg of our journey to Machu Picchu. We'll start the day hiking up to Llactapata Ruins (2,650 m ), one of the most scenic spots on the trail! Once there, we'll have a break and listen to the history of the area while we enjoy a spectacular view, a sneak peak if you will, of the backside of Machu Picchu! We will then head to the Hidroelectrica train station for lunch followed by a short train ride back to civilization to spend the night in the town of Aguas Calientes. You'll have the evening to recuperate, take a hot shower and roam around the charming town.

Day 6: Discover The Lost City

Meals: Breakfast

Aguas Calientes To Machu Picchu To Cusco

Elevation: 2,050 - 2,430 - 3,400 m

We'll start very early, so we can experience Machu Picchu in the magical morning light of sunrise. You'll have time to get lost in the Lost City of the Incas, and our guide will be on hand to tell you more about the fascinating history of this World Heritage archaeological site. We'll also have the exclusive opportunity to take a unique day hike far above the ruins (3-4 hours), for the most breathtaking views of Machu Picchu. In the afternoon, we'll take a scenic train ride back to Cusco for the evening.

Day 7: Where the Heart is

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Chinchero, Peru

At Whoa, every adventure is made more special by connecting and sharing adventure experiences with local women. Our last day in Cusco as a group, is all about reflecting, reinforcing and celebrating how special and powerful women coming together is! We'll begin the day with a visit to Mama Sherpa's village, Chinchero. Here you will connect with the local women as they tell you how they have come together to use their skills to improve the lives of those around them. At night, we'll regroup for a celebratory dinner, and toast to the awesome adventure we all shared! **

Day 8: Adios Amigas

Meals: Breakfast

Cusco, Peru

We’ll say our goodbyes before you head to the airport to return home, or continue on adventuring!