Half day Lima city tour: Santo Domingo Convent and Casa Aliaga.

We will begin the visit of the city with an exploration of Colonial Lima. First, we will stop off at the Main Square, to explore it on foot and admire the exteriors of the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and the City Hall, all examples of Lima’s still-present colonial architectural opulence. We visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a religious and architectural gem that houses holy paintings, images, and relics of Peruvian saints, as well as written accounts of the endeavors of the Dominican Order across the country. Then, we will visit Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion that currently holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited private residence in the Southern Hemisphere. Finally, we will begin a journey through the streets of modern Lima as head toward the most traditional of the residential zones of the capital: San Isidro, the heart of the city’s financial district; and Miraflores, a perfect spot to enjoy wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean.

Finally we will head to the Bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, an area called home by countless artists, photographers, and authors. We will walk along peculiar streets lined with Republican houses, admire the splendid views, and visit the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), witness to untold numbers of romances, and source of inspiration for one of Peru’s great composers, Chabuca Granda.

Transfer to the airport to take your flight to Cusco. Flight: Lima – Cusco (not included). Upon arrival in the city of Cusco, you will be welcomed by our representative, who will assist you and give you some indications for your stay.

Half day Cusco city tour: San Pedro Market, Qoricancha Inca Temple and Cusco Cathedral.

We will visit the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman a colossal structure built with huge carved rocks jointed with absolute accuracy, this astounding sample of the Incan military architecture is, undoubtedly, the greatest architectonic work of the Tahuantinsuyo. We will make a short stop at Cristo Blanco, a large statue where we will enjoy a panoramic view of the city.Then, we will explore the San Pedro Market, Cusco’s main street market, inundated with aromas, tastes, sights, and colors of the local products of the Cusco region. Afterward, visit the Qoricancha (which means room of gold in Quechua), a temple dedicated to the Sun god. Legend has it that its inner walls were once completely lined with gold. Finally, will head to Cusco Cathedral. We will take a guided tour to discover the mysteries of it and admire its lovely atria and priceless 17th and 18th century paintings of the Cusco school.

Full day tour to Sacred Valley: Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo Fortress with lunch at local restaurant

This morning, we will continue the trip toward the Sacred Valley. We will reach Pisac, a beautiful place where Incan and Colonial influences have reached a perfect balance and created the unique way of life of the local inhabitants. You will get a chance to explore this quaint town, famous for its artisan markets where you can find extraordinarily fine jewelry and ceramic and textile craftwork. We will take lunch in a local restaurant. Afterwards, we will visit one of the last remaining Incan towns, Ollantaytambo, which was once fiercely guarded by a massive fortress. We will discover the large archeological complex of what used to serve as a wayside inn for royal delegations on long journeys. Surviving structures here include multiple walls and towers that were used to protect the citadel from possible invasions. Time permitting you will get a chance to mingle with the locals at a typical Peruvian Andes establishment, either at a “chichería” (establishment for the brewing and sale of chicha, the famous traditional Andean drink made of germinated corn) or a bakery with still-functioning traditional ovens. Return to Cusco.

Full day visit to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Lunch included.

We will pick you up from your hotel at the scheduled time and go to train Station. The comfortable train ride from there to the station at Aguas Calientes is packed full of spectacular vistas. On our arrival, we will take a bus that will drop us at the admission fee to the citadel of Machu Picchu itself. Unearthed for modernity by Hiram Bingham more than a century ago, Machu Picchu is considered one of the seven wonders of the world. Its architectural beauty, spectacular natural setting, and the energy that radiates from its enigmatic buildings will take your breath away. We will follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas as we take a tour of the magical citadel led by one of our guides. Afterwards we will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Finally, we will return to Aguas Calientes train station and catch the train back to train station. Upon arrival, private transfer to the selected hotel.

Transfer from Cusco to Puno with lunch

Today we will depart from Cusco to the city of Puno. This beautiful route awaits to surprise us. We will make a stop in Andahuaylillas town and its church, known as the Sistine Chapel of America for the quality of the art it houses. The sanctuary was built by the Jesuits in the 16th century on top of an Inca temple. The church is a small structure consisting of a single nave and the bell tower. We will continue our tour until we reach Raqchi. The most important building within the complex is the Wiracocha temple. Architecturally it is classified as Kallanka, that is, a tall building completely covered with straw (wood and “ichu”). Externally it is 92 meters long and 25.25 meters wide. We will also visit the Pukara museum. During its heyday, this town covered more than a square kilometer and housed thousands of bureaucrats, priests, craftsmen, farmers, shepherds, and possibly warriors.

We will finally arrive to the city of Puno.

Full day Titicaca Lake: Uros islands and Amantani island

We will travel to legendary places where time seems to have stood still. Our first stop will be the Uros floating islands. These are a peculiar grouping of around 40 small islands made totally of totora, a natural reed that grows around the lake. The cheerful inhabitants will invite us to get to know their traditional lifestyle and customs. We will continue the voyage across one of Lake Titicaca’s most beautiful islands. Amantaní, a paradise of Cantuta flowers, has been a center of mystical ceremonies since pre-Incan times. Here, the region’s most famous shamans congregate to keep alive ancient traditions and preserve the physical and spiritual intangibility of their ceremonial temples. We will visit the important sanctuaries of the Pachamama and the Pachatata, where Andean priests still make offerings to the earth. We will refresh our senses, enjoy stunning views, and share in the ancient customs and way of life of the native Andean people. Before making our way back to Puno, we will have lunch at a local home.

After breakfast at your hotel, proceed to the airport for your onward journey.