Peru by Land & Rail: Machu Picchu & the Andean Explorer

Taste 14 Peruvian flavors and drinks in one of the most beautiful, artistic and bohemian neighborhoods of Lima “Barranco”. Interact with our local hosts to learn how to prepare the famous ceviche and pisco sour. Learn about all the historical and cultural details behind each dish that you will have the opportunity to try during this 4-hour food tour, walking through the streets of Barranco.

Later, in the afternoon, you will have a panoramic view of the main streets, squares, and avenues of the city. Start with a panoramic view of the Miraflores district. You will start in the Parque del Amor, where you will observe the famous sculpture “The Kiss”, by the Peruvian artist Victor Delfin. Then, observe the impressive Huaca Pucllana, the ceremonial center of the Lima culture. Continue to the Plaza de Armas, where you will find the Government Palace and the Municipal Palace. Then visit the Cathedral and walk to the Convent of Santo Domingo, whose corridors were walked by San Martín de Porres and Santa Rosa de Lima in the 17th century and where their remains currently lie.

On route, continue to the traditional Pisac market with enough time to walk around and buy handcrafts and if you feel like tasting something traditional, stop by the wood ovens for a delicious empanada or a piece of bread.

Buffet lunch at a local restaurant (beverages not included).

Finally, we will visit Ollantaytambo, a picturesque town continuously inhabited since Inca times, where we will visit the temple of the same name, used as a fortress during the Inca resistance and from where we will obtain collection images. Finally, we will board the train at the train station to go to the town of Aguas Calientes.

Let’s visit the most outstanding sites of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Start your day visiting the Inca terraces of Moray, with an impressive view of the colossal terraces, which were used to recreate 20 different types of microclimates, which ensured the agricultural production of the empire. Continue to Maras, the famous and ancient salt mines of the colonial era. The contrast of its white wells with the green valley is imposing and unmissable for a spectacular postcard of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Buffet lunch at a local restaurant (beverages not included). Return to the hotel.

Important: This evening you will need to pack a small bag for your train journey to Machu Picchu. For all train journeys, each passenger is allowed a carry-on bag (one bag or backpack) with a weight not to exceed 5kg/11 lbs. and maximum measurements of 62 linear in/ 157 linear cm (height + length + width). Baggage that exceeds these measurements will not be allowed. We ask you to pack the absolutely necessary for one overnight. Your extra luggage will be stored at the hotel in Cusco (you can get it back upon your arrival).

After check in at the hotel, the local guide will meet you boarding the bus to go up the winding road to Machu Picchu, amid a spectacular view of the Urubamba River and its canyon. Then, proceed to visit the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, which will astonish you with its terraces, ceremonial shrines, steps, and urban areas. Energy is all around. Machu Picchu altitude: 2,430 mts / 7,973 ft. After the guided visit, back to the town and enjoy a delicious lunch (included) at a local restaurant.

Important: The guided tour to Machu Picchu lasts 2 hours.

In the morning, you will go up to the Archeological Park of Sacsayhuaman. Your excursion starts with visiting the magnificent fortress, a beautiful place that radiates peace and quiet. You will be able to admire the rocks measuring up to 4 meters high that were used in its construction. Then, you will continue to “Q’enqo”, and ancient temple of the cougar, which has an altar for sacrifices in the inner part of the rock; and “Tambomachay”, the sacred fountains of life and health. On the way, you will have a panoramic view from Puca Pucara, a watch tower that controls the entrance to the city.  After that, you will visit the Temple of the Sun “Korikancha”, on top of which the Santo Domingo Convent was built. A legend tells that his temple was entirely lined with gold sheets that marveled the Conquistadors upon their arrival. Finally, you will end your tour by visiting the Cathedral, located in front of the main square, which keeps colonial invaluable paintings and other works of religious art such as the Cross that arrived with the first conquerors.

• Full Board: A-la-carte breakfast, lunch and dinner with wine included, cocktails, tea time, mini bar in room.
• Programmed hotel activities on a shared basis, with english/spanish speaking guide and basic equipment: kayaks, canoes, sunfish, rowing boats, walks, birdwatching, observation of Aymara constellations, biking.
• Half and full day scheduled shared excursions on lake or land: Uros and Tauile Islands, Aymara route, Colonial Temples, Colla route, market place visit.
• Shared roundtrip transfers: Hotel – Airport (2 hrs)/Train or bus station (1 hr).
• All vehicles include: WIFI, drinks, snacks & oxygen.
• Taxes & services.

Full day experiences:

-Islands of Lake Titicaca

-Aymara Route Sillustani

Half day experiences:

-Colla Route

-Molloco & Aramu Muru

-Colonial Temples Visit

Short activities

-Sillustani

-Rowing through the Reeds

-Cycling in Altiplano and Lake Shores

-Birdwatching

-Reading the Andean Sky

-Boathouse Nautical Sports

-Marketplace Visit

-Local Festivities

Crossings to Bolivia (for an additional price)

-Islands of the Sun

-Journey to Tiahuanaco

The White City opens the doors to us on a tour that begins at the Carmen Alto viewpoint, which offers us a beautiful landscape of agricultural terraces and from where we can observe the three guardian volcanoes that surround the city: Misti, Chachani and Pichu-Picchu. We will continue to Yanahuara´s neighborhood, famous for its church built in the Andalusian style and its viewpoint, built with beautiful architecture and surrounded by ashlar arches. Then, we will visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, closed for about 400 years; and that preserves narrow streets, squares and gardens, a jewel of the 16th century. Finally, we will go to the Plaza de Armas, where we will be able to observe the Cathedral and the portals that surround the square and we will finally go to the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús (*); where its cloisters and the famous Dome of San Ignacio stand out. We end our tour here near souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants and more beautiful views of the city.