Ancient Civilisations of Peru

Upon arrival, reception and transfer to your selected hotel, located in the city’s exclusive residential district of Miraflores, for a 2 nights stay. Founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, this “City of Kings” is a blend of colonial structures, pre-Colombian sites and modern conveniences. It’s also one of the world’s premier culinary cities, with a cuisine that reflects its people’s varied origins and traditions. (None)

Morning city tour of Lima, one of the major cities in the Spanish conquest of the Americas, visiting the Plaza Mayor and Cathedral. Then spend time exploring the Larco Herrera Museum, one of the city’s best museums for pre-Columbian artifacts. (Breakfast)

 

From Lima, fly north to Jaén or Chachapoyas, a colonial town surrounded by swathes of high-altitude cloud forests. The Chachapoya civilisation had a culture that fiercely rivalled the Incas. Stay for 2 nights at selected hotel. (Breakfast)

In the morning you will explore the ancient fortress of the Chachapoyas known as Kuelap. a magnificent Pre-Inca fortress which many consider it to be the second most impressive ruin complex in Peru after Machu Picchu, with a parallel drawn between the stunning settings of the two archaeological sites. Moreover, it is the largest ancient stone structure in south America. Embraced by the dense forest of the Andean mountains, Kuelap fortress pays testament to a pre-Inca civilization lost to history. Climb aboard a cable car and enjoy spectacular views of the Utcubamba Valley as you ascend to Kuelap fortress’ vertiginous perch. From Kuelap tourist center, choose to take a 20-minute uphill hike or horseback ride (optional) to the archaeological site. Enter through a gap in the 65-foot (20-meter) walls and appreciate more than 400 dwelling and ceremonial buildings alongside history-rich commentary from your guide. After thorough exploration, return to Tingo Nuevo town for lunch and then relax during the transfer back to your hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Today explore and be amazed by one of the world’s greatest waterfalls called Gocta. Immerse in this adventure and access to one of the highest falls in the world, 771m high (2,530 feet), by a 6-hour hiking or horseback ride through a path in which we will able to feel the nature and have many opportunities to take pictures of the Gocta falls from different angles. Take a fresh shower from the waterfall’s spray, hear its roar and sense the mist of the falls. (Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner)

Today be enchanted by impressive Karajia Sarcophagi and Quiocta Cavern. An exciting combination of adventure and history. Take this opportunity to learn more about the Chachapoyas cultural beliefs and discover the impressive burial structures of Karajia, unique in the world, located on the cliff-side. Also enjoy an exciting adventure getting inside Quiocta Cavern where we will walk through the darkness with flashlights to see interesting rock formations such as stalactites and stalagmites. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Take a full-day drive towards the coast to Chiclayo and visit the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Sipán. Stay of two nights at selected hotel. (Breakfast)

Drive to Trujillo, visiting the mystical El Brujo Archeological Complex and the Cao Museum en route. Stay 1 night at selected hotel in Trujillo. Delve into the history of Peru’s ancient Moche people as you tour  El Brujo, where you’ll get to see ancient ruins from the 1st to 8th centuries—the time with the Moche civilization thrived. Marvel at the site’s three intricately decorated temples and explore its museum, where the recently excavated mummy ‘Lady of Cao’ is on display. (Breakfast, Box Lunch)

Explore the Sun and Moon pyramids, the fishing town of Huanchaco and the adobe city of Chan Chan. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Fly to Cusco, one-time capital of the Incan Empire and discover the tranquil, grassy wonderland of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with its colourful and lively markets, charming flower-filled plains, great natural beauty and some of the most impressive historic Inca sites. Spend rest of the afternoon at leisure, taking time to acclimatize. Stay 2 nights at selected hotel. (Breakfast)

Spend the day visiting Inca-era sites such as Chinchero, an authentic market town known for its colourful woven textiles. Continue to the Maras salt pans, terraces of dazzling white salt still harvested in exactly the same way since the time of the Incas. Head to the Moray ruins, stone depressions believed to be an agricultural laboratory. Wander around its huge earthen bowl learning about the different microclimates and ancient crop variations. (Breakfast)

In the morning discover the secrets of the Incas at Ollantaytambo, originally a massive fortress settlement and an astounding feat of construction and ingenuity. The present town follows the original grid system and evidence of the ancient structure still remains. After the tour, board the afternoon train service for a splendid journey to Machu Picchu,  one of the world’s great travel experiences. Overlooking the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century at the height of the Inca Empire. Although this “Lost City” was revealed to the rest of the world by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911, its location was long known to locals. Its original purpose, however, remains a matter of some conjecture, as the Incas left no written records. Explore the ruins with your expert local guide and, as you wander amid the age-old stone walls, picture life as it might have been in this majestic citadel, set some 8,000 feet above sea level. Stay for 1 night at selected hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo (former Aguas Calientes). (Breakfast)

Rise early and choose between three guided hikes: the Inti Punku, or Sun Gate, entry point to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail; the Huayna Picchu, a high peak affording excellent views of the ruins; or Machu Picchu Mountain, offering unparalleled views of the famous Inca sanctuary. Then explore the city’s ruins, and feel its pulse as you visualize the lives of the priests, craftsmen and servants who inhabited this remote citadel. Overlooking the raging Urubamba River and discovered in a hidden tangle of vines and trees, the city of Machu Picchu will forever hold the secret of its purpose — the Incas left no written records. Later, return to Cusco on board the late afternoon train. Transfer to selected hotel for 2 nights. (Breakfast)

This morning or afternoon, discover Cusco on a city tour that includes the Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple, a Dominican church built on the foundations of the Koricancha, the Incas’ principal religious building. Listen as a local expert explains how the historic clashes between the Incas and the Spanish played a role in forming today’s Peruvian culture. Next, travel just outside of Cusco to behold the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, an enduring testament to Incan architectural skills. Examine its colossal stone blocks, cut and fitted together with incredible precision and without a single drop of mortar to hold them in place. This imposing fortress, which witnessed the greatest battle between the Spanish and the Incas, overlooks the red-tiled roofs of Cusco. (Breakfast)

Enjoy a morning at your leisure, sleeping in, visiting shops or simply relaxing. Then, fly back to Lima and connection back home. End of services. (Breakfast)