Peru: Inca Ruins, Sacred Valley and Andean Condors

Known as the “White City” because of the distinct white volcanic stone used in many of its buildings, Arequipa boasts a lovely colonial center with numerous 17th and 18th century colonial gems. Visit the Cathedral, the Cloisters, the Compañia de Jesus Church, the colonial district of Yanahuara, the San Lazaro neighborhood, the Chilina ravine and the residential area of Selva Alegre. The highlight of this tour is the visit to the 16th century Santa Catalina Monastery for its history and restoration works; a stroll through the narrow passageways, plazas and gardens is like travelling back in time.

Early departure to the Condor Cross viewpoint for a mesmerizing experience of being in close proximity and watching Andean condors fly in front of your eyes and heads. Equally mesmerizing are the views of the canyon depth, considered one of the deepest in the world. En-route stops at Maca and Yanque towns, home of colonial churches.

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 ½ hours, and the maximum time allowed within Machu Picchu is 4 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.