Peruvian Experiences Tour

As you arrive into Lima airport and exit customs and baggage, you will be warmly welcomed, assisted with your luggage before escorted to your hotel, the Double Tree by Hilton, in a private vehicle. Free evening.

After breakfast, visit of colonial and modern Lima, starting in the centre of this vibrant, metropolis. The tour will include a visit of the cathedral, dating from 1654 which still houses the remains of the conquistador Pizarro in the foyer; the Main Square, with the original bronze fountain built in 1650, the Government Palace where the President has his official residence and the San Francisco Convent, with its famous catacombs. Lima, known as the city of the kings, was founded in 1535 by Pizarro and after several devastating earthquakes was rebuilt in 1991; the same year that UNESCO declared Lima 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 colonial power. The tour will continue with a visit to the residential areas of San Isidro and Miraflores.

After breakfast, with boarding passes in hand, you will be driven to the airport for your quick-check-in and brief one hour flight to Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital of the Incas. In Cuzco, you will be warmly welcomed and assisted with your luggage before your short private drive to your Hotel, the Novotel. Free day to acclimatise to the altitude.

Today you will have an early start and enjoy breakfast before your private transfer to the Railway Station in time for the boarding of the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. The train will depart at 08.00am for the 3 ½ hour journey before you arrive to Aguas Calientes train station, gateway to the lost city of the Incas. As you disembark, walk to the bus terminal where the bus will be waiting for the short ride up to Machu Picchu, which will meander through breathtaking mountain scenery up to the ancient Inca citadel.
Arrival at your hotel just outside Machu Picchu, the Sanctuary Lodge. Guided tour of Machu Picchu, the most spectacular ancient city in the world. 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 or a sanctuary for the Incas. This fabulous city has houses, temples, warehouses, a large central square, all connected by narrow roads and steps, and is surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side which were used for agriculture.

Today you will enjoy a free day in Machu Picchu with an opportunity to see the site at sunrise. Today no guide is provided as we feel that Machu Picchu requires a certain amount of self discovery to be fully understood. Either way, your day of self discovery will be a day never to be forgotten. Lunch at your hotel before taking the bus back down to Aguas Calientes and the return Vistadome train to Cuzco. Welcome and private drive back to your hotel, the Novotel.

Today, enjoy a guided tour of Cuzco including the Cathedral, Qoricancha temple, the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cuzco, Qenko and Puka Pukara.
Cuzco's history extends back to before 1000 BC when the Marcavalle Culture was the dominant power; indeed organized life in the City began practically with them. In the second phase of its history, around 800BC, Cuzco was home to the Chanapata culture and later developed several regional states. What is traditionally known as the Inka civilisation began around 1200 AD in its initial phase, with the first Inka, Manko Capaq and Mama Ocllo. It is also suggested that Pachakuteq, the ninth king, elaborated another foundation in 1438 which is also known as the expansive phase. Inca builders hereafter laid out the city in the form of a puma, with the fortress of Sacsayhuaman as the head. Novotel Hotel.

After breakfast, start of a full-day's 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. You will 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, you will witness Indians bartering 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. Continue your trip to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town that was not defeated by the Spanish with an opportunity to explore the ruins which tower above. Novotel Hotel

After breakfast, transfer to the plantation in a private vehicle. Arrival and welcome fresh juice at Julia's farm followed by lunch based on regional food. The farm is located at an altitude of 1500m and is surrounded by 3 hectares of land.
After lunch, activities on Julia's farm: Get to know the farming of exotics fruits, nuts, spices, coca, tea and coffee, sample them according to the season, and prepare coffee the jungle way (peel, roast, and grind it)
Before dinner, share some moments with Julia's family, playing with kids or helping with the cooking. Dinner with Julia's family ending in a typical jungle way of drinking coffee. Overnight at Julia's farm in rooms with private bathroom and hot water.

After breakfast, activities on Julia's farm. Discover the cacao tree and it's fruits
Learn about the harvest, the fermentation and drying process of the cacao beans
Roast and grind cacao beans. Prepare a hot chocolate with your freshly ground cacao
Lunch at Julia's before transportation back to your hotel in Cusco. Novotel Hotel.

After breakfast, return flight to Lima and connect with your international flight home.

End of our services.