Machu Picchu, Cusco and Lima Peru Highlights Tour Uncover South America

Peru Tour Machu Picchu, Cusco and Lima Perú Highlights Tour

5 Days Similar tours from £2919

    Discover Machu Picchu: A Journey Through Iconic Cusco and the Essence of Perú

    Discover one of the New 7 Wonders of the Modern World in just 5 days as you embark on an unforgettable immersion into the living heritage of Peru. Wander through the ancient streets of Cusco and uncover the legacy of Maras and Moray; explore the timeless beauty of Ollantaytambo and travel aboard a luxury train to the legendary Machu Picchu. Connect with Andean traditions during a hands-on weaving workshop and savour an authentic Pachamanca lunch by Lake Piuray. Complete your experience with a Cusco cooking class guided by a local chef and a cultural tour of Lima before departure. A journey where history, gastronomy and tradition come together to inspire every traveller.


    EXPERIENCE TYPE

    Local traditions, Culture and Adventure

    • Ollantaytambo, PEru

      Ollantaytambo, PEru

    Tour Highlights

    PERÚ

    Sacred Valley Discovery: Explore the Sacred Valley, visiting the Maras salt ponds and Moray’s terraces while immersing yourself in local culture.
    → Machu Picchu Summit: Conquer Machu Picchu mountain for breathtaking views, guided by a friendly local expert who will share the fascinating history of this ancient citadel.
    → Explore Vibrant Local Markets: Visit the colorful markets of Cusco, interact with local vendors, and discover authentic flavors, crafts, and daily life.
    Lima’s Colonial History:Discover Lima’s rich colonial heritage as you explore its historic architecture, grand plazas, and iconic landmarks that reflect centuries of cultural fusion.
     Traditional Andean & Culinary Experience: Participate in an authentic weaving workshop, enjoy a traditional Pachamanca by Lake Piuray, and explore Peru’s flavors with hands-on cooking and Pisco classes in Lima.

                                                                 

                        

    • Chawaytire, Peru

      Chawaytire, Peru

    Tour Itinerary and Essentials

    • Detailed Itinerary Show All

      • Day 1 Welcome to Cusco, Peru: Visit Moray and Explore the Sacred Valley

        Welcome to Peru, Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be transferred directly to the Sacred Valley to begin your tour. With its lower elevation and peaceful ambiance, the Sacred Valley is the ideal place to acclimatize to the altitude and enjoy your first days in Cusco.

        Your tour begins on the way to the Sacred Valley, with a visit to some remarkable Inca sites. Your first stop is Moray, where impressive circular terraces were built in a natural depression. Although they may resemble a large amphitheater, Moray is widely believed to have served as an agricultural experimentation center due to the temperature variations between its terraces.

        Next, you will continue to Unu in Tiobamba, a charming countryside restaurant that prepares delicious meals using fresh local produce.

        In the afternoon, you will visit Maras, an ancient salt-extraction complex made up of thousands of salt pools cascading down the mountainside. Still in use today, Maras offers stunning landscapes, and the unique pink salt harvested here can be purchased directly from local villagers.

        At the end of the day, you will head to your hotel to rest and enjoy a peaceful evening in Ollantaytambo.

        Overnight: Cusco or similar
        Meal Plan: Lunch

      • Day 2 Ollantaytambo, Deluxe Trains & Machu Picchu

        Today, we will visit the heart of the Sacred Valley, beginning with an early exploration of the ancient Inca town of Ollantaytambo. In the soft morning light, this remarkable place reveals its preserved stone terraces, narrow streets and centuries of history that still echo through the village.
        From here, you will board a scenic train to Aguas Calientes, following the Urubamba River as the landscape slowly transforms from Andean fields and eucalyptus groves to the lush greenery of the cloud forest. A delicious box lunch will accompany you on this beautiful journey.

        Upon arrival, a short 5 minute walk leads you to the shuttle buses that take you up the mountain to Machu Picchu. With your guide, you will explore the citadel’s hidden corners and learn about the engineering and spiritual significance behind this extraordinary site. The route you follow will depend on ticket availability, and each one offers its own unique perspective.

        After your visit, you will return to Aguas Calientes by shuttle. In the late afternoon or early evening, you will board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where private transport will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. A day filled with history, culture and unforgettable landscapes.

        Overnight: Cusco or similar
        Meal Plan: Breakfast & Box Lunch

      • Day 3 Cultural Weaving Workshop and Traditional Pachamanca Lunch at Lake Piuray

        We will begin the day with a scenic drive to the community of Parobamba in the Sacred Valley, where you’ll meet local artisans who have preserved ancestral weaving traditions for generations. During this hands-on workshop, you’ll experience the full textile-making process, from natural dyeing with local plants to the creation of intricate patterns that reflect the stories and symbolism of Andean culture. The artisans will demonstrate their techniques and invite you to try weaving using the same tools their families have relied on for centuries.

        After your immersive visit in Parobamba, you’ll continue to Lake Piuray for a traditional Andean Pachamanca lunch. This ancient Quechua cooking method uses heated stones and aromatic herbs to cook ingredients underground, producing rich flavors from locally sourced tubers, meats, and seasonings. The serene lakeside setting provides the perfect backdrop as you enjoy this authentic culinary experience, a tradition that has remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years.

        Following lunch, you’ll make your way to Cusco, where you will settle into your hotel in the city center and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

        Overnight: Cusco - Antigua Casona San Blas or similar
        Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

      • Day 4 Cooking Class in Cusco with a Local Chef and Market Tour

        Start your morning with Seledonia, a local chef celebrated for her mastery of both traditional Cusco flavors and contemporary Peruvian cuisine. Your experience begins in one of the city’s lively markets, where vendors showcase the rich bounty of the Andes and the Amazon. As you wander through the colorful corridors, you'll encounter an array of fruits and vegetables such as lucuma, chirimoya, and granadilla, along with freshly baked breads and local cheeses.

        Guided by Seledonia, you’ll learn about each ingredient’s origins and its role in Peruvian cooking, selecting fresh produce together for your upcoming culinary session. After exploring the market, you’ll head to her kitchen, where she will teach you how to prepare classic Peruvian dishes using the ingredients you’ve chosen. This interactive class offers a deeper understanding of the techniques, traditions, and distinctive flavors that define Cusco’s cuisine. Once your dishes are ready, you’ll sit down with Seledonia to enjoy the lunch you’ve created.

        Later in the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Cusco airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival, our team will meet you and escort you to your hotel in the city.

        Overnight: Lima - Souma Lima or similar
        Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

      • Day 5 Lima City Tour and Departure Home

        Depending on your departure time, you will begin with a drive to Lima’s historic center, exploring its UNESCO listed main square and admiring the blend of pre Columbian, colonial, and modern influences. You will then visit Casa Aliaga, the oldest continuously inhabited private residence in the Americas, where preserved colonial architecture offers insight into life during Spanish rule.

        Afterward, enjoy a traditional Peruvian lunch at Casa Tambo, set inside a restored colonial building. Your day continues at the Larco Museum, home to an outstanding collection of gold, silver, and ceramics that reveal the sophistication of Peru’s ancient civilizations. From the museum, you will be transferred to the airport at the coordinated time for your international flight home.

        Overnight: None
        Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

    • What's Included

      • 4 nights' accommodation 
      • Private Ground and Boat Transportation
      • Meals as defined in the itinerary
      • Local English-speaking tour guide
      • Domestic flights - Cusco to Lima
      • Activities mentioned in the itinerary
      • First Class Inca Rail return train to Machu Picchu (exclusive service with special amenities).
         

      What's not included

      • International flights
      • Meals not listed in the itinerary
      • Tips and other discretionary expense

    THANK YOU

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