Modern Lima and Ancient Cusco
Peru, a country brimming with invaluable cultural and natural treasures, awaits you for an unforgettable adventure that will take you through three of its most cherished gems: Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu. In just five days, you will have the opportunity to explore Peru’s rich historical heritage, immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Cusco, and unveil the ancient mysteries of Machu Picchu. This journey is an invitation to discover the diversity and depth of Peruvian culture in a way that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul.
Peru, a land of contrasts and historical richness, is a mosaic of cultures intertwined over countless centuries. Different civilizations have left their mark on this diverse territory, and today, the remnants of their legacies can be found in every corner of the country. In this five-day journey, you will immerse yourself in the magic of Peru, where the past and the present converge to offer a unique experience.
Your adventure begins in Lima, the capital of Peru, a city steeped in history and culture. Lima is a fusion of tradition and innovation, where centuries of heritage blend with contemporary life. The heart of the city beats in its historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, colonial architecture and ancient churches contrast with the energy of urban life.
Walking the streets of Lima is like flipping through the pages of a history book. The Plaza Mayor, with its understated elegance, stands as a testament to colonial grandeur. The Cathedral of Lima and the Government Palace are just a few of the architectural jewels that surround the square. As you explore the city, it won’t be a surprise to discover why Lima is known as the “City of Kings.”
Peruvian cuisine deserves special mention. The flavors and aromas emanating from the markets and restaurants are a celebration of the richness of Peruvian gastronomy. From the fresh ceviche to the ají de gallina, Peruvian dishes will take you on a culinary journey you won’t forget.
From Lima, you will head to Cusco, a city that once served as the capital of the Inca Empire. Located over 11,000 feet above sea level, Cusco is a marvel of architecture and culture. Its cobbled streets and colonial buildings reveal a unique fusion of Inca and Spanish influences.
Cusco’s historic center, also declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a window into history. The majestic Cusco Cathedral, built on the foundations of an ancient Inca palace, is a striking example of the cultural symbiosis that defines the city.
No journey to Peru would be complete without a visit to Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most iconic and enigmatic archaeological sites. Your adventure will take you to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to this enigmatic wonder. A train journey through breathtaking landscapes will bring you to the heights of the Andes, where Machu Picchu is hidden among the clouds.
Machu Picchu is a place of mystery and awe. Its terraced fields, temples, and ancient structures are a reminder of the architectural ingenuity of the Inca civilization. As you wander through this archaeological site, you will feel a connection to the past and a deep admiration for its builders.
This five-day journey is a trip to the heart of Peru, where layers of history and culture unfold before your eyes. Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu are three destinations that tell distinct yet equally captivating stories. This journey will be an experience in which the diversity and beauty of Peru are showcased in an unparalleled way. We invite you to join us on this adventure that will take you to Peru’s most cherished treasures, where each day is a chapter in the story of a country rich in history, culture, and natural wonders.
**All our programs can be modified according to your requirements on duration, interests, activities, flight reservations or other additional destinations.**
Upon arrival at Lima International Airport our staff will be waiting to greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Here you will receive a briefing of the tour contracted, you will be given the vouchers for the provision of all the services included in the tour.
Meals: None
Breakfast. Guided tour in the morning through the most important and attractive places in Lima, “The City of Kings”. We will begin our tour in Miraflores and San Isidro, both modern residential districts. We will go to the Financial Center, “El Golf”, “El Olivar” the “Huaca Pucllana” which is a pre-Inca ceremonial temple that has survived the urban expansion of the city. We will stop at “Parque del Amor” (The Love Park) where we will watch the Pacific Ocean.
We will continue our tour in Lima’s Historic Center, which was declared by UNESCO as World Heritage Site in 1991. It also was the center of the Spanish colony in the XVI century and the place where the first buildings were constructed. We will visit the Plaza San Martín, its balconies and old mansions, the Main Square and its important buildings as the Palace of Government, Lima´s Cathedral, the Archiepiscopal Palace and the City Hall, the Desamparados Station, among others.
We will enter one of the most important convents of the XVII century. We will visit the old Library, the choir, the Main Cloister and the underground vaults known as the “Catacumbas”.
At appropiate time you will be transfered to Lima’s airport to take your plane to Cusco.
In Cusco our staff will be waiting for leave you at the selected hotel.
Meals: None
Tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, on the Vilcanota River where you will be able to see the typical Indian market and experience its people´s customs. (On Sundays, the mass is celebrated in Quechua the native language). Lunch in a valley’s local restaurant.
In the afternoon stop by Calca and Urubamba on our way to the Ollantaytambo fortress and citadel, built to guard the entrances to this part of the valley and protect it from possible invasions from the rainforest´s inhabitants. It is formed by a series of overlapping terraces. We will have the chance to walk through the towns’ streets so we can have a clear idea of how this military, religious and agricultural strategic center was during the Inca Empire.
Overnight at the Sacred Valley.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Visitors will be transferred to the train station early in the morning, to start their trip to the Machu Picchu citadel, also known as “The Lost City of the Incas”. They will get off the train at the Aguas Calientes station to take a bus that will take them to the wonderful citadel in a 30-minute-long trip through a zigzagging road. Once there, we will have a guided tour over the citadel, visiting the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sundial, the Royal Chambers, the Temple of the Three Windows and the cemeteries. Lunch in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, they will return to Cusco to be taken to their hotels.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
After breakfast, we will get to know Cusco city on a guided tour, visiting the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun or Korikancha. The tour continues outside the city to visit the Kenko, Tambomachay and Puca Pucara archaeological complexes and the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress which was strategically built on a hill dominating Cusco. It is famous for its huge carved stones, put together with amazing precision to form the external walls of the complex. Some of these stones are over 9 meters high and weight more than 350 tons.
At appropriate time, transfer and assistance on your departure. Assistance in the airport Lima city to connect with your international flight.
Meals: Breakfast
| Destination | Tourist | Superior tourist | Superior | Deluxe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lima |
Casa Andina Centro |
El Tambo |
Del Pilar Miraflores |
Double Tree El Pardo |
|
Cusco |
Antawasi |
Casona Plaza Cusco |
Xima |
Casa Andina Premium |
|
Sacred Valley of the Incas |
Ollantaytambo Lodge |
San Agustín Urubamba & SPA |
Del Pilar Ollantaytambo |
Casa Andina Premium |
| Price per person: USD | 850 | 899 | 1082 | 1292 |
| Lima | Casa Andina Centro |
| Cusco | Antawasi |
| Sacred Valley of the Incas | Ollantaytambo Lodge |
| Price per person: USD | 850 |
|---|
| Lima | El Tambo |
| Cusco | Casona Plaza Cusco |
| Sacred Valley of the Incas | San Agustín Urubamba & SPA |
| Price per person: USD | 899 |
|---|
| Lima | Del Pilar Miraflores |
| Cusco | Xima |
| Sacred Valley of the Incas | Del Pilar Ollantaytambo |
| Price per person: USD | 1082 |
|---|
| Lima | Double Tree El Pardo |
| Cusco | Casa Andina Premium |
| Sacred Valley of the Incas | Casa Andina Premium |
| Price per person: USD | 1292 |
|---|
Prices per person in US Dollars, based on double occupancy.
INCLUDES:
In Lima: City tour
In Cusco: City tour
In the Sacred Valley of the Incas: Full day excursion to Pisac and Ollantaytambo
In Machu Picchu: Guided tour for the citadel and lunch.
NOT INCLUDED:
PRICES
All rates are expressed in US dollars, per person, based on double occupancy and are subject to change without notice.
ITINERARY
All our itineraries have been very carefully prepared taking your trip’s best operation into account. However, changing the order of some tours or routes might be necessary in some cases. Although these changes occur in few instances, the itinerary details should be taken as a basic guide.
AIR TICKETS
If Colourful Peru oversees buying and issuing local-flight tickets, their prices may vary until the date of the flight’s booking and payment. Furthermore, the airline might change the flight number as well as its departure hour.
Once the flight reservation and payment are made, the latter will not be reimbursable. Changes regarding name, flight, route, trip’s date or cancellations are not allowed.
Hotel reservations that are not part of an organized trip
Cancellations and Reimbursements
Booked trips
Cancellations and Reimbursements
(*) Note: some suppliers consider stricter cancellation conditions, consequently, they reserve the right to charge additional fees for other penalties in such cases.
Regarding the Inca Trail: the reserve is subject to its payment and there will not be reimbursements in case of cancellations, moreover, neither name nor date changes are allowed.
During peak season, the company reserves the right to change the cancellation regulations in case the suppliers apply other penalties or make the aforementioned changes.
LIABILITY
Live Corporation carries out your trip’s arrangements, books transfer services, hotel rooms or other travel services required on your behalf, consequently, the company takes no responsibility for the loss of items, flight or tours delays due to events of force majeure, accidents or other events.
Important!
Live Corporation disclaims any liability for medical conditions, pregnancy, mental or physical limitations that might put at risk the health or integrity of the passenger or third parties during the operation of the booked tours or that might jeopardize the trip’s progress. Therefore, the company will not be obliged to any refunds or to address claims regarding the aforementioned reasons, even when there are not noticeable problems in normal circumstances.
Given this, it is important for the passengers to inform the company whether there is any of the aforementioned impediments, so we can offer and suggest suitable services according to the existing limitations.
CLIMATE
The climate in Peru can be divided by zones: the western Andes that has a dry and cold climate in winter and its very rainy during the summer. The rainforest that has a hot, wet and rainy climate and the desert coast with a warm climate without regular rainfall.
Cusco has a mild climate with temperatures that go from 14 ºC to 16ºC with warm days and cold nights. The rainy season is from December to March.
Machu Picchu has a semi-tropical climate with warm days and cold nights. The rainy season is from November to April.
TIME ZONE
Peru Time Zone according to Greenwich Mean Time is -5 (GMT -5), same as Bogotá and Mexico throughout the year and same as New York during summer. When it is midday in Peru the hour in the most important cities is:
| São Paulo | 14:00 |
| Frankfurt | 19:00 |
| Nueva York | 13:00 |
| Londres | 18:00 |
| Hong Kong | 01:00 + 1day |
| Singapur | 01:00 + 1day |
ALTITUDE
In Lima: 0 meters above sea level
In Cusco: 3,360 meters above sea level
In Machu Picchu: 2,400 meters above sea level
In the Sacred Valley: 2,850 meters above sea level
WE RECOMMEND
HEALTH
The Peruvian Andes are at high altitudes, so it is necessary to take precautions to avoid altitude sickness or “soroche”. It is important to rest a few hours, to walk slowly and to eat light before beginning any tour. We also recommend drinking coca tea that helps with acclimatization. Even though water is potable in most cities, it is advisable to drink bottled water to avoid any problems.
VISA
To know if you need a visa to enter Peru, please go to the closest consulate since the requirement may vary at any moment. For more information, please go to:
Visa types to enter Peru
LANGUAGE
Peru’s official language is Spanish, which is spoken by 80% of the population. However, there is a large portion of the population that speaks Quechua and Aymara (especially in the Peruvian Andes). Moreover, we can find 55 dialects in the Amazonian rainforest.
ELECTRICAL CURRENT
Electricity in Peru is 220 Volts and 60 Hertz. In some hotels, you may find dual voltage outlets, however, we suggest checking your appliances’ voltage and take precautions by having a power adapter or converter.
PERUVIAN GASTRONOMY
During the last years, the Peruvian gastronomy has become famous because of its variety and exquisiteness. Among the most known dishes you can find the ceviche, a dish made of fish and seafood marinated in lemon juice.
There is a new gastronomy trend in Cusco called “novoandina”. The novoandina cuisine is based on the creation of new dishes using local ingredients such as quinoa, quiwicha, potato, alpaca and trout. This way, we have dishes such as alpaca tenderloin with “quinotto” (risotto made of quinoa instead of rice) or grilled trout with sautéed vegetables and native potatoes.
Restaurants during your trip:
Cusco: international, local and vegetarian food restaurants.
Aguas Calientes: international and local food restaurants.
IMPORTANT
Colourful Peru reserves the right to make any changes without prior notice due to weather conditions, river levels, transport departures or arrivals, etc., to assure a better development of your trip’s operation.
Modern Lima and Ancient Cusco
Our team will be contacting you as soon as possible.