Cusco's Historic Heart: A Journey from the Skies to the Streets

Begin your day with an 08:00 hrs transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, a transfer will take you to your hotel in the city.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., embark on a City Tour of Cusco, starting with the historic Main Square, once known as Huacaypata or Warrior's Square. Explore the Cathedral, a remarkable structure on the site of the former Suntur Wasi temple. Notice the intricately designed choir cloisters, pulpit, and altar.

Continue to the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo, a striking example of Spanish architecture built on the Inca temple of Koricancha and dedicated to the Sun God. Admire the finely carved stone blocks that speak of a glorious past.

Your exploration extends to the outskirts of Cusco, visiting the majestic Sacsayhuaman fortress, known for its massive, overlapping platforms. Journey to Tambomachay, the Inca baths, and Kenko, a worship site with impressive stone engravings. Visit Puca Pucará, a once-thriving administrative and military centre.

Conclude your day by returning to your hotel in Cusco, where you can relax and reflect on the day's discoveries. Consider exploring the city's culinary scene for dinner at suggested restaurants like Limo, MAP Café, Incanto, Chicha, Greens Organic, or Calle del Medio.

• Activity of the Day: City Tour & Surrounding Ruins (Group Tour - 4 hours)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Altitude: 3,399 m.a.s.l. / 11,152 ft.

At approximately 08:30 hrs, your journey to the heart of the Sacred Valley begins with a pickup from your hotel, leading you on a scenic drive to the Pisac archaeological complex. This 1 hour and 35-minute trip offers a chance to capture stunning views and admire the iconic Pucara Bulls atop Andean homes, symbols of prosperity and protection often gifted at weddings.

Upon arriving at Pisac, immerse yourself in the history and beauty of its ancient terraces designed by the Incas to enhance agricultural space. Following the exploration, delve into the vibrant atmosphere of the Pisac artisan market. This historical gathering spot has long drawn traders and communities from across the valley, showcasing traditional attire, exquisite crafts, and local produce.

Post-lunch, your adventure continues to Ollantaytambo, an exceptional example of Incan urban planning. Here, marvel at the religious, astronomical, and military structures and learn about the incredible feat of moving massive boulders for construction purposes.

Your day concludes with a transfer to your hotel in the Sacred Valley, where you'll enjoy a special New Year's dinner.

Note: The train to Machu Picchu permits only 5 Kg of luggage. Please pack only essentials for the Sacred Valley and store extra luggage at your Cusco hotel.

• Activity of the Day: Pisac Ruins, Market & Ollantaytambo (Group Tour – 7 hours)
• Meals: Breakfast – Lunch
• Altitude: 2 800 m.a.s.l. / 9,187 ft

• From / to: Train: Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
• Type of Transport: Expedition

At 08:15 hrs, begin your journey to the iconic Machu Picchu, recognized as a significant World Heritage Site, with a transfer to the train station. The experience of encountering the Citadel, nestled between the mountains and the jungle, defies description and ignites the imagination with its majesty and mystery.

Upon your arrival in Aguas Calientes, you'll be greeted at the train station and taken on a 20-minute ride up to Machu Picchu. Here, a tour of the Citadel awaits, offering you a chance to delve into the history and enigma of this impressive site.

Machu Picchu is situated in an extraordinary setting, surrounded by lush vegetation and perched between two mountains: Machu Picchu (old mountain) and Huayna Picchu (young mountain), with the winding Urubamba or Vilcanota River below.

After exploring the Citadel, return to Aguas Calientes, where you can wander through the village or enjoy lunch at your leisure (not included).

Your return journey includes a train to Ollanta. From there, a shuttle bus will take you back to Cusco, bringing your day full of ancient wonders and natural beauty to a comfortable close.

• Activity of the Day: Machu Picchu Tour (Private Tour - 3 hours)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Altitude: 3,399 m.a.s.l. / 11,152 ft.

Dawn to Dusk: A Journey from Cusco to the Rainbow Mountain Summit

Embark on an early morning adventure at 05:00 hrs as we pick you up from your Cusco hotel for a journey through Qollasuyo, the southern part of the ancient Quechua land, integral to the Tawantinsuyo (the Inca Empire). The initial drive, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes, sets the stage for a day of discovery.

Our first stop is the District of Cusipata, where we'll pause for a refreshing 30-minute breakfast. The journey then resumes for another hour to Fulawasipata, the starting point of our trek. Here, you'll receive a briefing before we begin our ascent at the foothills of the majestic Ausangate mountain range. The hike up to Rainbow Mountain takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, offering a chance to encounter various South American camelids along the way.

Reaching the peak of Rainbow Mountain, you'll be greeted with a stunning display of natural colours and breathtaking views, a perfect backdrop for memorable photos.

The descent, lasting about an hour, brings us back to Fulawasipata. Our driver will be ready to take us back to the District of Cusipata for a well-deserved lunch lasting about an hour. Post-lunch, you'll embark on a 4-hour and 40-minute drive back to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Anticipate arrival at your Sacred Valley hotel around 18:00 hrs, perhaps a bit tired but undoubtedly filled with unforgettable memories from an extraordinary day. Conclude your evening with a restful overnight stay at the hotel.

VERY IMPORTANT: The duration of the trek to Rainbow Mountain is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes uphill and 1 hour downhill, depending on the pace and physical condition of each traveler. Alternatively, you have the option to take a horse, which will reduce the ascent time to 1 hour and the descent time to 40 minutes. From there, it's just a 10-minute walk to reach the summit.

• Activity of the Day:Full Day Excursion Rainbow Mountain (Group Tour – 12 hours approx.)
• Meals: Breakfast - Lunch -
• Altitude: 3,399 m.a.s.l. / 11,152 ft.

Seamless Travel and Relaxation: Paracas Retreat

• From / to:Flight: Cusco – Lima
• From / to:Private Car: Lima - Paracas

You will be picked up at 05:15 hrs. and transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima. Our team will wait to welcome you and provide a private transfer to Paracas upon your arrival. Upon reaching Paracas, you'll receive assistance at the hotel, where the remainder of the afternoon is yours to relish in the facilities and amenities at your leisure.

• Activity of the Day:Journey from Lima to Paracas
• Meals: Breakfast
• Altitude: 10 m.a.s.l. / 33 ft.

From Wildlife Havens to Ancient Mysteries: Exploring Ballestas and Nasca

At approximately 07:30 hrs., embark on a transfer to the local port for an unforgettable two-hour boat excursion to the renowned Ballestas Islands. Marvel at the diverse coastal wildlife inhabiting these islands, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and numerous migratory birds. En route, you'll be able to admire the enigmatic Candelabro geoglyph, a colossal and mysterious figure etched into the Ica coastline. Following this captivating Ballestas adventure, you'll be transferred to the local airport for a remarkable 1-hour and 40-minute flight over the Nasca Lines. Witness the extraordinary and enigmatic designs of this immense Pre-Incan astronomical calendar, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for observation and photography. After the overflight, return to your hotel to unwind and reflect on the day's incredible experiences. Later, enjoy a private transfer to Lima, where our team will assist you upon arrival at your hotel.

• Activity of the Day: Ballestas Islands (Group Tour – 2 hours) + Overflight Nasca Lines (Group Tour – 1 hour 40 minutes)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Altitude: 144 m.a.s.l. / 472 ft.

Layers of Lima: From Ancient Treasures to Modern Marvels

From 08:30 to 09:00 hrs, your day begins with a hotel pickup for a comprehensive tour exploring the diverse layers of Lima, Peru's capital city, from its pre-Hispanic roots to its modern cosmopolitan vibe. Venture to the Historic Centre of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and stroll through its iconic streets, soaking in the rich tapestry of architectural marvels and historical monuments. Your journey commences at the Convent of Santo Domingo, a 16th-century masterpiece renowned for its impeccably preserved colonial architecture. Ascend its tower for panoramic views of the cityscape. Next, delve into the cultural treasures of the Larco Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of Pre-Columbian art, including exquisite gold and silver artefacts and the renowned "erotic" archaeological exhibit. Conclude your museum visit with a delightful treat at the Café del Museo, where you can savour a mousse made from "lucuma," a cherished Peruvian fruit endemic to the region.

• Activity of the Day: City Tour & Larco Museum (Group Tour – 4 hours)
• Meals: Breakfast
• Altitude: 144 m.a.s.l. / 472 ft.

At the scheduled time, a transfer will be arranged to take you to Lima airport for your international flight.

Thank you for embarking on this journey with Luxury Peru Travel. We look forward to welcoming you back for more memorable adventures. Have a pleasant and safe flight home!

***End of Services***