Explore the Magic of Peru

Today you will focus on the exquisite fusion between Peruvian ingredients and diverse world-renowned techniques. In the morning, begin your tour in Lima, visiting a typical Peruvian market. Be witnesses of the variety, freshness and colors of the different products that our country has to offer. Continue visiting a restaurant, where you will learn how to prepare a delicious Peruvian Ceviche and Pisco Sour, national drink. Finally, you will delight our palates with a traditional lunch in a local restaurant.

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.

Upon arrival to Cusco, you are met for a private transfer and tour in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you will be astounded by the beauty of the Andean landscapes along the way. Visit Awanakancha, a small complex to admire Andean camelids such as alpacas and llamas, and learn from local inhabitants about traditional dyeing and knitting techniques. Later explore the Pisac Market with enough free time to purchase handcrafts and if you feel like tasting something traditional, stop by the wood ovens for a delicious empanada or a piece of bread.  Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Visit the most outstanding sites of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You will 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, ensuring the empire’s agricultural production. You will 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. Lunch at a local restaurant. Finally, you will visit Ollantaytambo, a picturesque town continuously inhabited since Inca times, where you will visit the temple of the same name, used as a fortress during the Inca resistance, and from where you will obtain collection images.

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 necessary for one overnight. Your extra luggage will be stored at the hotel in Cusco (you can get it back upon your arrival).

Around noon, 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. Before the tour, you will have a delicious lunch at the Tinkuy restaurant of Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Hotel. Then proceed to visit the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, which will astonish us with its terraces, ceremonial shrines, steps, and urban areas. Energy is all around us. After the guided visit, back to the town.

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

You will have a short workshop that’s both fun and informative, while molding your own dark or milk chocolate, with over a dozen toppings to choose from. You’ll also get to be taught about the history of cacao and how it transformed into one of the most famous treats in the world!

In the afternoon, you will visit the Archeological Park of Sacsayhuaman. Your excursion starts with visiting the magnificent fortress, which radiates peace and quiet. You will be able to admire the rocks measuring up to 4 meters high that were used in its construction. You will continue to “Q’enqo”, the 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.