Peru Culture and Inca Trail Tour

Arrival to Lima, reception at the airport and transfer by private vehicle to your hotel, Estelar.

After breakfast, a guided visit of colonial and modern Lima, including the cathedral, dating from 1654, the main square, which still houses the original bronze fountain built in 1650, and the San Francisco Convent and its catacombs. Known as the city of the kings, Lima was founded in 1535 by Pizarro and rebuilt in 1991, the same year that UNESCO declared it a world heritage site. One of the very few South American cities that preserve the colonial past, Lima was home to the Spanish viceroy during the time of the Spanish colonialists. The tour will include a visit to the residential areas of San Isidro and Miraflores.

After breakfast, we shall visit a market to see the huge variety of fish, shellfish and other coastal produce which has lent Lima the name of gastronomic capital of South America. We shall also have an opportunity of seeing the vast range of vegetables, fruits, cereals and other food products from all the regions of Peru. We shall then a visit the kitchens of one of the best local seafood restaurants in Lima to witness first-hand the preparation of the famous national dish of Peru, Ceviche. This raw fish dish is marinated in the ubiquitous Peruvian lime and is served with sliced chilli peppers. You will also learn how to make the signature drink of Peru, the Pisco Sour. After this mouth-watering presentation, we shall enjoy a delicious lunch.

After an early rise, morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Cuzco. After the hour long flight, arrival to Cuzco, reception and transfer to the Sacred Valley. Accommodation at the Casa Andina Private Collection hotel.

Free day at leisure.

Full-day excursion to the beautiful Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, situated between Pisac and Ollantaytambo. It is an exceptionally fertile valley that was and remains the larder of Cuzco. Visit the village of Pisac, founded during colonial times, and set at the foot of a hill crowned by the remains of an ancient Inca city. On Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Indians barter their products in the main square and artisans from around the area sell their woven alpaca wool blankets and ponchos, engraved gourds, antique reproductions, jewellery, etc. On Sundays, it is also the meeting place for Mayors from all the villages in the region, dressed in their traditional costumes to attend morning mass. After, visit to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town that was not defeated by the Spanish with an opportunity to explore the ruins which tower above. Late afternoon return to Cuzco and to your hotel. Briefing on the Inca Trail.

After an early morning breakfast, you will be transferred to Chilca by private car where you will meet with your Quechua porters and prepare for the Inca Trail. You will cross over the turbulent Vilcanota River, with magnificent views of Nevado Veronica (5,900m/19,000ft) and continue along the trek admiring the Llactapata archaeological site, and stopping at the Huayllabamba River for lunch. All meals are in dining tents with outstanding three course meals freshly prepared by your chef. After lunch, we will visit the archaeological sites of Patallacta, Qente, and the valley of Cusichaca along with the magical Polylepsis forest before continuing the hike. Our hiking today will last approximately 7 hours. Upon arriving to our campsite, dinner before listening to the intriguing stories and legends. Overnight camping on the trail.

An early start today as this is the most demanding day of the entire trek and we shall gain considerable altitude. We will see outstanding views to the east of the Huayanay peaks and to the west of the rugged Vilcabamba Range. After breakfast, we shall begin the climb up through the first pass at 4200 m/13,750 feet at Warmiwanusqa. Passing 3 ecological zones such as the Yunga, Quechua and Puna, we shall ascend 1000 metres in 5 hours. Lunch will be taken before the final two sections of ascent. Upon reaching the summit of Dead Woman's Pass, we shall descend into camp. Dinner and overnight camping on the trail.

After breakfast, we shall begin the ascent of the second pass, although still demanding, this is easier than the previous day's ascent. A visit to the famous archaeological site of Runquraqay. We will continue on to the restored town site of Sayaqmarka ("Town in a Steep Place") and explore the Sayaqmarka Ruins, admiring at the same time the fabulous cloud forest which is now all around us. The third pass of the Inca Trail in this section is a long white granite roadway, with some ascents and descents traversing a thickly forested mountainside. We will finally descend to the magnificent archaeological site of Phuyupatamarka ("Cloud Level Town") where a fine lunch will await us. After lunch, we will then begin the decent to Winaywayna, an outstanding Inca complex built into the mountainside. A visit of the ruins. After relaxing, we shall enjoy dinner carefully prepared by our chef. We shall also meet with our porters for the very last time and exchange thanks and talk about the ancient paths upon which we have trekked for the last few days. Overnight camping on the trail.

Early morning wake up at 4:30 AM for breakfast and to begin the final trek to Intipunku, and the first site of the archaeological complex of Machu Picchu. We will descend rapidly from cloud forest into high jungle habitat. Orchids and hummingbirds are commonly seen along this spectacular section of the trail high above the river. We will arrive at Intipunko "Gate of the Sun" to observe the sunrise over Machu Picchu from an elevated vantage point. We will then continue down to the royal road and at last the "Lost City of the Incas". Arrival and tour of Machu Picchu. Built by the Inca Pachacutec, and comprising stone blocks fitted with masterful precision, Machu Picchu harmoniously blends into the mountain landscape. There are many theories as to the origins behind Machu Picchu but three of the most popular ideas include a temple to the sun, a fortress against the jungle inhabitants and a sanctuary for the Incas. This fabulous city holds houses, temples, warehouses, a large central square and all connected by narrow roads and steps, which is surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side which were used for agriculture. We shall visit the Main Plaza, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of Three Windows, the Circular Tower and the Sacred Sun Dial and Burial Grounds. After the guided tour, you can enjoy an afternoon of self-exploration and discovery. Board the train for Cuzco. Reception and transfer to your hotel, Picoaga.

Freemorning. In the afternoon, enjoy an incredible tour of Cuzco including the Qoricancha temple or temple of the Sun, the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cuzco city, Qenko, Tambomachay and Puka Pukara.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight back to Lima and your connecting return flight home.