Peru: Colonial Capitals & Inca Ruins

The Trip

Discover the incredible 15th century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu on this 11-day trip to Peru’s cultural capitals. Starting in the country’s capital of Lima, set along the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean, uncover the unique history, amazing architecture, and vibrant streets of this incredible city. Visit local markets, taste popular street foods, and explore bustling neighborhoods full of street art and local heritage. After a few days in Lima, fly to Cusco, a cultural center high in the Andes. With a private guided experience you’ll learn all about the city’s Inca roots, the impact of colonialism, and how both make up the fabric of this community. Explore the nearby ancient archaeological sites of Maras and Moray, stop in the quaint town of Chinchero, and practice the techniques of Andean cooking in a Peruvian culinary workshop. Finally, it’s off to Machu Picchu on a private, 4-day trek along the Classic Inca Trail with a reputable, local trekking outfitter. Hike this historic path through the Andes with your Quechua guide before reaching the Sun Gate and magnificent Machu Picchu.

The Details

Price:

From $3,491 per person

Duration:

10 nights, 11 days

Inclusions:

Highly-rated boutique hotels
All-inclusive Inca Trail trek
All transportation within Peru
Private & small-group experiences
Curated Peru mini-guide
Trip preparation & support

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The Itinerary

Lima

Day 1: Upon landing in Lima, a driver will meet you in the arrivals hall of the airport and take you straight to your boutique luxury hotel (see below) in the city center. Check in, get settled, and take the rest of the day to relax and get acclimated.
Day 2: After breakfast, meet up with your local guide for a private tour of the unique streets and best sights of Lima’s historic center. Meet in Plaza San Martin to learn about Peru’s fight for independence, before walking down Jirón de la Unión to Iglesia La Merced, one of the city’s oldest churches. Visit some of the city’s most important buildings, taste some local food and drinks at a popular cafe, stop at a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and finish up at Casa de Aliaga, a home that’s belonged to the same family since the 16th century.
Day 3: Wake up, have breakfast and enjoy a free morning to continue exploring the city. In the early afternoon you’ll be picked up for your small-group tour of Lima’s local markets and food history. Discover streets you would otherwise never visit, taste exotic fruits and vegetables at busy markets, and sample street food snacks that are the favorites among locals. The tour ends in the trendy, bohemian Barranco neighborhood, famous for its impressive street art. Your guide will share insights about this cool area, lead you to more delicious food, and end the tour with a delicious Peruvian dessert.

Cusco

Day 4: It’s your last day in Lima, so get ready to say goodbye and head to incredible Cusco, high in the Peruvian Andes. After breakfast a private car will pick you up and take you to the airport, where you’ll board a short, non-stop flight. Upon arriving in Cusco, another private transfer will take you to your boutique luxury hotel. Check in, drink plenty of water to (Cusco has an elevation of over 11,000 feet!), and get settled. Later in the afternoon, you'll meet up with a local guide for a private tour of the city, learning about the city’s Inca roots at San Francisco Square, mingling with locals at San Pedro Market, visiting the iconic QoriKancha temple and the ‘Stone of the 12 Angles’, and take in a wonderful view of the city at Mirador de Tricentenario.
Day 5: Wake up, drink lots of water to fight the effects of the altitude, and grab some breakfast at your hotel. Then it’s off for a private excursion to some of the area’s most impressive sights, including Maras and Moray. See where the Incas once performed agricultural testing at Moray, visit the terraced ponds of the Inca-era salt pans of Maras, and stop at the picturesque town of Chinchero which is home to an Andean textile center and Inca-era walls.
Day 6: Take the morning to relax and adjust to the altitude. In the afternoon you’ll join a small-group local cooking workshop to learn all about the culinary traditions of Peruvian cuisine. Stop at a local market for ingredients before perfecting the techniques of a traditional Andean kitchen for a local chef. Cook up and enjoy a delicious meal and enjoy some tastings of local Pisco and chica along the way. Get to sleep early tonight, because tomorrow’s the start of your Classic Inca Trail Trek.

Inca Trail & Machu Picchu

Day 7: On the first day of your Classic Inca Trail Trek you’ll be picked up at your hotel by your local trekking outfitter and drive to Piscacucho, or as it’s commonly referred, Kilometer 82, where you’ll begin your trek. With the help of your expert Quechua guides you’ll hike about 3.5 miles to the first archaeological site of the trek, Llactapata. After another 2.5-3.5 miles of hiking you’ll reach your first camp site in Huayllabamba, at just under 10,000 feet. Settle in for a delicious dinner cooked up by your trekking outfitter chef and go to sleep in your high-quality and spacious tent.
Day 8: Day two of the Classic Inca Trail trek is generally considered the most challenging, reaching a maximum altitude of nearly 14,000 feet. Starting in the early morning, the trek leaves the pastoral mountain farmlands and heads through subtropical forest. After lunch you’ll start the steep ascent up ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’ before continuing down the other side of the pass, losing nearly 2,000 feet of elevation along the next 2 miles of trekking before setting up camp at Pacaymayo.
Day 9: In the morning, hike through Runkurakay, an ancient checkpoint along the historic Royal Inca Trail, to Machu Picchu. Pass the incredible ruins of Sayakmarka, then on through a beautiful cloud forest. Stopping in the ‘town of the clouds’ for some incredible views of Salkantay mountain, the trek continues for another 3 hours to Winay Wayna, the final campsite of the trek.
Day 10: Rise early on the final day of the trek for the last stretch, crossing through the famous ‘Sun Gate’ to Inti Punku and then on to Machu Picchu. It’s just a few miles of hiking before you reach this world famous site, where you’ll have free time to hike and explore the area as well as a guided tour by your local guide. Visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, or just take your time discovering this magical place. After a relaxing lunch, board the train back to Cusco and check back in to your hotel for your final night in Peru.
Day 11: It’s your final day, either talk to us about extending your trip, or hop on the plane for your flight home.

Pricing & Inclusions

Inclusions

3 hotel nights in Lima
- Boutique hotel: Quinta Miraflores Boutique Hotel or equivalent
- Luxury boutique hotel: Atemporal or equivalent
4 hotel nights in Cusco:
- Boutique hotel: Antigua Casona San Blas or equivalent
- Luxury boutique hotel: Belmond Hotel Monasterio or equivalent
4 day, all inclusive Classic Inca Trail Trek with visit to Machu Picchu
Non-stop flight from Lima to Cusco
Private round trip airport transfers in Lima
Private airport arrival transfer in Cusco
Private Highlights Tour of Lima with a local guide
Small-group Lima local markets & food history tour
Private introduction to Cusco tour with a local guide
Private day trip to Maras, Moray, & Chinchero
Small-group Peruvian cooking workshop in Cusco
Curated Peru mini-guide
Trip preparation & support

Exclusions

International flights to Peru
Meals & activities not listed above
Travel insurance

Pricing

With boutique hotels & shared Inca Trail trek
- From $3,491 per person (Shared trek dates and availability are limited)
With luxury boutique hotels & private Inca Trail trek
- From $5,203 per person
Pricing for Cohica Designed Trips is based on double occupancy and may vary depending on travel dates and total number of travelers.
This Designed Trip offers the flexibility to make date changes after booking (ask us for details)

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This Designed Trip was developed based on our personal travels, with local contacts, favorite hotels and authentic activities that we've experienced first-hand.
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FAQs

WHAT IS A DESIGNED TRIP?

A Designed Trip is a pre-designed travel plan based on our personal, first-hand travel experiences in each destination. As they are pre-designed, our Designed Trips have been created as a turnkey travel option and can be booked and delivered in as little as one week.

CAN I MAKE ANY CHANGES TO A DESIGNED TRIP?

Absolutely! Pre-designed doesn’t mean there isn’t any flexibility. Whether you want to shorten or lengthen your trip, switch out a destination or change an activity, let us know. If, however, you want a trip built around your specific desires, a Custom Trip might be more appropriate. We can help you decide, so get in touch.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?

Once you’ve selected your Designed Trip and chosen between a Boutique, Luxury Boutique or Luxury experience, your trip can be booked and delivered in as little as one week. If you would like to make some changes to your trip, such as including an alternative activity, shortening or lengthening your trip, then this can take a bit longer.

HOW DO I KNOW HOW MUCH MY DESIGNED TRIP WILL COST?

Once you have decided on your Designed Trip, your dates, and any adjustments we will provide a personalized itinerary and pricing for your trip. We have included base pricing on each Designed Trip page to give you an idea as to what the final cost might be, but prices can fluctuate depending on time of year and any personalization. Get in touch and we can help.

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