Travel to Perú 11D/10N

We begin our day with a 9:30 am pick-up from your hotel. Our first stop will be a nearby market, where your guide will introduce you to the variety of ingredients we’ll be using to prepare some delicious Peruvian dishes. Next, we’ll head to our kitchen, where our chef will teach you the secrets of Peruvian cuisine. You’ll learn how to make one of Peru’s signature dishes, and if you wish, you can even join in the preparation process. After the class, you’ll sit down to enjoy the meal you’ve helped prepare, accompanied by refreshing drinks.

Following the cooking class, we’ll continue with a tour of downtown Lima. We’ll start by visiting the Presidential Palace, followed by a comprehensive exploration of the city’s historic core. Lima offers a rich mix of modern and colonial influences, and this tour is the perfect way to immerse yourself in its culture and history.

You’ll visit the Historic Center (Centro Histórico), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll see the Plaza Mayor (Main Square), surrounded by significant landmarks like the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the Archbishop’s Palace. A visit to the San Francisco Monastery will include a tour of its eerie catacombs, an underground network filled with human bones. We’ll also take you to the Larco Museum, home to a stunning collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts, including intricate pottery, jewelry, and textiles. The museum, set in a beautiful colonial mansion with lush gardens, provides a fascinating glimpse into Peru’s ancient cultures.

After this enriching experience, we’ll return you to your hotel in Miraflores for an overnight stay.

Accomodation: Tierra Viva Miraflores
Meals: Lunch
Ticktes: Included

Today, you will need to book a flight from Lima to Cusco, ideally around 7:00-10:00 am. Based on your departure time, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight.

Upon arrival in Cusco, your tour guide and driver will be waiting for you at the airport to welcome you to this fascinating city, the heart of the Inca Empire. After a 20-minute drive to your hotel, you’ll have some free time for lunch before we begin your Cusco city tour.

At 1:00 pm, we’ll start the city tour, which includes a combination of Inca sites within the city and those located on the outskirts of Cusco. The tour begins at the Main Plaza of Cusco, a remarkable place full of history and charm. Next, we’ll visit Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, which was once the center of the Inca Empire.

After exploring Qoricancha, we’ll continue by vehicle to Sacsayhuaman, one of the most impressive and largest Inca archaeological sites in the area. Unlike Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman is known for its massive stone walls and unique construction, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore its wonders.

Next, we’ll visit Qenqo, Pucapucara, and Tambomachay, all significant but smaller Inca sites with rich historical importance. Our expert guide will provide fascinating insights into each site and take you to the best spots for photos, allowing you to truly appreciate the magic and mystery of these ancient places.

We’ll conclude the tour by 6:00 pm, and our driver will return you to your hotel in Cusco for an evening at leisure.

Accomodation: Tierra Viva Hotels.
Ticket. Included
Meals: NA.

Our tour starts with a pick-up from your hotel at 8 am. Then, we will leave Cusco in our private transportation, heading to our first stop – an Alpaca farm, where you will have the chance to see all four types of them: llamas, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas. These animals were very important to our ancestors, and the guide will explain the differences among each of them.

Afterward, we will continue to Pisac, a place that was the capital of corn and potatoes. Depending on the season, we will see the farming area. Once we arrive at the Pisac Inca site, we will embark on a walking tour, exploring the famous circular Andean terraces, rooms, and water fountains. It’s one of the largest Inca sites in the Sacred Valley. After you explore and witness the beauty of this incredible Inca site, we will drive back to Pisac town, where you will have the opportunity to visit the local market. This market is typical, and the local population still practices the exchange of products, making it a good place to buy some souvenirs.

Following that, we will continue driving for almost an hour until we reach Urubamba, where we will stop for lunch. After enjoying a delicious lunch, we will continue driving for another 30 minutes to Ollantaytambo, known as the last living Inca city. This beautiful place features a remarkable Inca archaeological site where you will have a guided tour. It takes approximately an hour to explore and understand the significance of this Inca site. Afterward, you will have time to walk and explore the local village, and then the guide will take you to your hotel.

Acomodation: Sol Natura .
Ticket: Included
Meals: NA.

We will pick you up from your hotel at 5:45 am and take a short walk to the train station, where we’ll board the train to km 104, the starting point of the Short Inca Trail. Upon arrival at the checkpoint, you’ll need to show your original passport and can get a stamp if desired. After a brief preparation, we’ll begin the hike.

The first stop is the Chachabamba Inca site, where you’ll have a guided tour. From there, we continue our journey, beginning with a gradual uphill climb for about 3.5 hours. Along the way, we’ll make several stops to enjoy the stunning scenery, take photos, and snack. The route takes you through a beautiful cloud forest, rich with orchids and hummingbirds, offering breathtaking views.

Next, we’ll reach the incredible Wiñayhuayna Inca site, often referred to as a “mini Machu Picchu.” You’ll explore this fascinating site with your guide, followed by a well-deserved lunch.

After lunch, we’ll continue for about 1 more hour of hiking to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). The Sun Gate offers hikers a unique opportunity to arrive at Machu Picchu through the iconic entrance. We typically reach this point around 2:00 pm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the stunning afternoon views of the citadel, and perhaps even witness the sunset.

From the Sun Gate, it’s an easy 1-hour downhill walk to the Machu Picchu citadel. This section of the trail takes you to the upper part of Machu Picchu, providing some of the best panoramic views of the site. You’ll have plenty of time to explore, take pictures, and enjoy the majestic surroundings.

After the tour, we’ll take a bus down to the town of Aguas Calientes, where you’ll check into your hotel. Once you’ve settled in, you’ll have time to freshen up, followed by a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Accomodation: Tierra Viva Machu Picchu *** or similar
Tickets: Included
Meals: breakfast – lunch and dinner

Today will be the most important day. After an early breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take one of the early buses up to Machu Picchu. Once you arrive there, the guide will lead you to the upper part of the Inca site, from where you will have the chance to witness and enjoy the sunrise (depending on the season you visit) and, for sure, capture the best Machu Picchu pictures. You will have ample time to see and relish all the magic that the New Wonder of the World offers to its visitors.

Afterward, we will continue with the walking tour during which the guide will take you to the most important sectors and palaces that Machu Picchu has to offer. This tour lasts around 2.5 hours. Once you complete the tour, if you have a Huayna Picchu ticket, you can hike the famous mountain. The hike takes about 2 hours round-trip, and it costs $75 per ticket. It’s necessary to book in advance. If you don’t have a Huayna Picchu ticket, you will bid farewell to the Lost City of the Incas until next time and take a bus down to Aguas Calientes town.

There, you will have your last lunch with the group (lunch is not included). Afterward, you will catch the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo, where our driver will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel in Cusco. The approximate return time is around 8 pm.

Accomodation: Tierra Viva Hotels.
Ticket: Included
Meals: NA.

Get ready for an unforgettable day! Our guide will pick you up from your hotel at 4:00 am, and we’ll begin a scenic 3-hour drive to the Rainbow Mountain trailhead. Along the way, we’ll stop for breakfast.

Once we arrive at the trailhead (at 4,350 meters), we’ll prepare for the hike. Due to the high altitude, the area can be cold and dry, so it’s essential to wear warm clothing and be ready for the challenge. The hike begins with a 4 km uphill trek that will take approximately 2.5 hours. As we ascend, the breathtaking views will make every step worth it. Finally, we’ll reach the summit of Rainbow Mountain (Winikunka) at 5,150 meters above sea level, where you’ll have time to take in the stunning landscape and snap some photos of this natural wonder.

Afterward, we’ll continue on a short hike to explore the Red Valley, located just behind Rainbow Mountain. This valley is famous for its striking red color and panoramic views, offering a truly unique experience.

Once we’ve fully explored both areas, we’ll retrace our steps to where our driver is waiting. The 50-minute drive back to a local restaurant will give you a chance to relax before enjoying a delicious lunch.

After lunch, we’ll continue our journey back to Cusco, where we’ll drop you off at your hotel. The approximate arrival time in Cusco is 5:50 pm.

Accomodation: Tierra Viva Hotels.
Ticket: Included
Meals: NA.

Traveling from Cusco to Puno, both situated in the highlands of Peru, is a journey that many travelers undertake to experience the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of the Andean region. A popular means of making this trip is along the “Sun Route” (Ruta del Sol), which incorporates several significant cultural and archaeological sites, making the transit an enlightening exploration of Peru’s rich history and natural beauty.

The tour will have an early start at 6:20 a.m pick up from your hotel and transfer to the bus station. It will be a full-day tour with stops at the Andahuaylillas church, the archaeological site in Raqchi, la Raya Pass, and the lithic museum of Pukara with arrive in Puno by 5,30pm, Once in Puno, you will be dropped off at your hotel for the night.

Accomodation: Tierra Viva Puno
Meals: breakfast and lunch
Entry Fees: included

Lake Titicaca, straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia in the Andean Highlands, is one of South America’s largest lakes and the world’s highest navigable body of water. It is renowned for its deep blue waters and the floating Uros Islands, which are made from reeds. Tours to Lake Titicaca often focus on exploring its unique islands and interacting with the indigenous peoples who inhabit them.

Uros Islands:

Visit the remarkable floating islands, made entirely of totora reeds.
Learn about the Uros people, their traditions, and how they construct and maintain their floating islands.

Amantani Island:

Stay with a local family, providing a unique insight into daily life on the islands.
Explore archaeological sites and enjoy panoramic views from the island’s peaks.

Accomodation: Overnight in Local family home
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinne
Tickets: included

You will have an early breakfast with the family and take a boat to the next island called Taquile. This island is known for its intricate and rich textile and weaving traditions and sustainable tourism practices. You will have the opportunity to walk around the island and enjoy a delicious lunch by the lake.

Explore the island known for its textile arts (recognized by UNESCO).
Engage with the local community, known for maintaining their traditional Andean customs.
Enjoy a traditional meal and perhaps purchase handmade textiles as souvenirs.
You will return to Puno around 3:30 p.m. for the rest of the afternoon free of activities.

Accomodation: Tierra Viva Puno
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Ticket: All required

Our representative will pick you up from your Puno Hotel 3 hours before your scheduled flight departure. You’ll then be transferred to the Juliaca airport (approximately 45 minutes from Puno). Please note that all travelers are required to check in at the airport at least 2 hours before the departure time for national flights.

IMPORTANT: Please confirm your flight departure details (airline, flight number, and estimated arrival time) so our team can arrange your airport transfer accordingly. Your Lima to Puerto Maldonado flight should ideally be in the morning hours.

Accomodation: None
Meals: only breakfast
Tickets: None required