Alexander+Roberts
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Arrive Lima, Peru
Upon arrival, you'll be warmly greeted and escorted to the deluxe Wyndham Costa del Sol Hotel, conveniently located within walking distance of the airport terminal.
Day 2: Fly to Cuzco and journey into the Sacred Valley
A member of our Lima-based staff will meet you at the Wyndham and accompany you on the walk to the terminal, where they'll provide check-in assistance for your flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival, you'll meet your experienced Andean guide and head into the Sacred Valley to visit the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary, dedicated to the rescue of endangered species. Explore the hilltop Inca ruins at Pisac and then hike down the mountain to explore the town. Continue to the Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba for a delightful 2-night stay; our contemporary deluxe hotel is a Colonial-inspired retreat surrounded by the magnificent scenery of the Sacred Valley. Meals B
Day 3: A Sacred Valley trek of your choice
Tailor this day to your interests and physical comfort with the guided adventure of your choice: You can embark on a valley walk to the Inca terraces of Moray and the unusual salt ponds of Maras. Or, visit the village of Willoc, famed for its fine textiles, and hike to the ancient fortress of Ollantaytambo. The final choice is a mountain trek to 13,000 feet to explore a remote Inca site. Meals B,L
Day 4: Hit the Inca Trail!
Begin your trek at Piskacuchu and visit the ruins at Llactapata before hiking to your campsite at Wayllabamba. Today's trek covers 7.5 miles in 5 to 6 hours. The maximum altitude is your campsite at 9,840 feet. Meals B,L,D
Day 5: The Summit of the Inca Trail
Ascend through a variety of high-altitude microclimates to the Warmiwañusqa Pass. At nearly 14,000 feet, this is the highest point of the trail! Our porters will prepare lunch while you take in the scenery. Your afternoon trek brings you to Pacaymayo, your campsite for the night. Today's trek covers just under 7 miles in 6 to 7 hours. Your camp is at an elevation of 11,480 feet. Meals B,L,D
Day 6: Archaeological sites along the Inca Trail
An unforgettable day of trekking includes the Trail's second mountain pass and several remote Inca sites including Runcuracay and Sayacmarka, set on a rocky promontory. Today you'll cover close to 10 miles in 8 hours of trekking. The maximum altitude is 12,792 feet. Your camp is at 8,692 feet. Meals B,L,D
Day 7: Through the Royal Gate of the Sun to Machu Picchu #WHS#
A morning trek brings you to Inti Punku, the Gate of the Sun, where you'll have a stunning vista of Machu Picchu spread out below you. Descend this last stretch of the Trail and tour the fabled Lost City with your expert guide. Then head down by bus to Aguas Calientes and check in to the deluxe Inkaterra El Pueblo in time for lunch and a relaxing afternoon. This morning's trek covers about 2.5 miles in 3 hours. The maximum altitude is 8,824 feet. Machu Picchu sits at 7,872 feet. Meals B,L
Day 8: Sunrise at Machu Picchu and return to Cuzco
We've included your bus transportation and an entry ticket so you can ascend again to explore at your own pace as the sun casts its first light upon Machu Picchu. Board the afternoon train to Cuzco where you'll be transferred to the Aranwa Boutique Hotel, where you'll enjoy oxygenated rooms. Meals B
Day 9: Sightseeing and trekking in Cuzco
Join your guide this morning to explore the magnificent Inca site of Sacsayhuaman, celebrated for its extraordinary masonry and commanding views over Cuzco. Hike back down to the city and explore through the San Pedro Market as our Andean expert offers insight into daily life and the ancient traditions which still endure throughout the region. Continue your exploration of Cuzco's Inca and Colonial landmarks including expertly guided visits of the Cathedral and Qorikancha, once the most important temple in the Inca Empire. The afternoon is free to explore further at your own pace.
Day 10: Return to Lima
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Lima, where our services end for your onward journey. Meals B
Lima
Lima, "the City of the Kings," became the effective capital of the Viceroyalty of Peru, established 1560. Today, a visit to Lima may serve as a unique Peruvian experience that offers a glimpse into the Andean world, Spanish tradition and the country's modern aspect. Visit handsome old buildings and baroque churches that testify to the city's religious background and the Plaza de Armas, shared by the realms of the Catholic church, municipality and national government. The pre-Inca ruins of Pachacamac lie a short distance south of the city. Once a ceremonial site, Pachacamac has been the most important religious center of the Andean world since before the age of Christ. Stop and admire The Temple of the Sun and the Moon, Lima's outstanding museums, and Machu Picchu - a "Jewel in the Mist."
Excursions
Huacas and Shrines on a bike (Lima - 4 hours)
Huacas and Shrines on a bike (Lima - 4 hours)
Lima is a big and modern city, it has been in continuous occupation for almost 2,000 years. Scholars have found more than 30 archaeological sites at different locations within the city limits. “HUACAS” are pyramidal constructions with superimposed platforms ending on a flat top, they were used for religious and administrative purposes by prehispanic civilizations along the Peruvian coast.
Our specialized Guide and his assistant will pick you up at the hotel with the bikes and the necessary equipment for the activity. After the briefing you will ride along one of the principal avenues of Lima towards the heart of Miraflores while enjoying the architecture and everyday life of the city folks. The first stop is at Huaca Pucllana, built 1,300 years ago, this visit is a great introduction to the history of Lima, traditions, cuisine and economic activities of ancient inhabitants. Then, we continue to the commercial and financial district, San Isidro, to visit Huaca Huallamarca, which has been through a magnificent restoration by the City Hall, you´ll appreciate the contrast between history and modern life. Finally, we return to the hotel completing a 12 km circuit on the bike. This activity is offered for mornings and afternoons. It lasts for 4 hours. The advantage of being at sea level and our moderate weather is that we can provide it all year round. We include a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour.
Highlights:
- Huacas, pyramidal constructions
- Bike to admire the arquitecture
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: the morning or afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate/Heavy (we provide a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour)
Inclusions:
- Transportation from/to hotel (as back up)
- Guide
- Bikes
- Assistant
- Bottle of water
Not Included:
- Items not mentioned in the Included section
Historical and Natural Sanctuaries (Lima - 6 hours)
Historical and Natural Sanctuaries (Lima - 6 hours)
Highlights:
- Villa Wetlands, a natural reserve
- Pachamac, a historical sanctuary and important ceremonial center
The south limits of Lima house two important sanctuaries for the visitor: Villa Wetlands, a natural reserve holding a great variety of flora and fauna, its bodies of water attract a good array of biodiversity, they have identified more than 200 species of resident and migratory birds. And Pachacamac, historical sanctuary and important ceremonial center of the central coast in Perú, it was occupied by 4 consecutive civilizations before the arrival of the Spanish.
Our specialized guide and the vehicle will pick you up at the hotel. It´s necessary to reach Villa Wetlands early in the morning to enjoy the ecosystem. You walk for 2 km. around a lagoon facing the ocean with good opportunities for pictures and a clear understanding of the migratory patterns. The next stop is Pachacamac, the highlights of this massive archaeological site are visited. You will also enter the Site Museum displaying important pieces found during excavations, one of them is the wooden idol of Pachacamac, the most important prehispanic god in this area, carved in local wood more than a thousand years ago.
Return to the hotel is after noon, the activity takes almost 6 hours and you walk almost 5 km during the visits.
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can operate: daily (excepts Monday)
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Transportation from/to hotel
- Guide
- Entrance Fees
- Bottle of water
Not Included:
- Items not mention in the Included section
Walking the history center of Lima (4 hours)
Walking the history center of Lima (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
Depart the pier to Lima's main square where the Spanish conqueror, Francisco Pizarro, founded the "City of Kings" in 1535. The Government Palace, Lima City Hall, Archbishop's Palace, and the Lima Cathedral surround the square.
Lima was founded to be the capital and most important town of the Spanish domain in South America until the 18th century. The Historical Center represents the model of architecture and urban planning of Spanish colonial cities with high political, economic and cultural importance, as devised by Charles V in 1542.
Our expert Guide will take you to the colonial section of Lima, you will walk among historical monuments, religious and political buildings located within the perimeter declared Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1988. This learning experience will allow you to appreciate typical examples of Hispanic American baroque style as well as some other different styles like Art Nouveau.
Besides the stops for great pictures of Limenian architecture, you will have the opportunity to visit Casa de Aliaga, a mansion still inhabited by the same family since the foundation of the city, an extraordinary experience that will take you back in time. To finish the experience, we will visit the Dominican Convent, which was the first catholic order to arrive in Perú with Francisco Pizarro and they have a lot of history, traditions, and sainthood to impress our travelers.
Highlights:
- Colonial section of Lima
- Visit Casa Aliaga, a mansion still inhabited by the same family since the foundation of the city
- Dominican Convent
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: daily
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light/Moderate
Inclusions:
- Transportation from/to hotel
- Expert Guide
- Entrance fees
- Bottled water
- Snack
Not Included:
- Items not mention in the Included section
The Amano Textile Museum (4 hours)
The Amano Textile Museum (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
This excursion brings us to the Amano Textile Museum, renowned globally for its extensive collection of archaeological artifacts from pre-Columbian Peruvian civilizations, as well as the significant efforts of Mr. Yoshitaro Amano in safeguarding the world's global textile heritage. The museum's inception followed Mr. Amano's decision to settle in Peru, leveraging his success as a Japanese entrepreneur.
During his journeys across Peru, Mr. Amano encountered relics abandoned by grave robbers. Recognizing their cultural importance, he dedicated a substantial portion of his time to recovering and preserving these artifacts scattered throughout Peru's coastal deserts. These treasures were then exhibited in his residence in Miraflores.
The Amano family remains deeply committed to advancing conservation and research initiatives centered on Peru's textile legacy, in accordance with the vision of the museum's founder, while also paying homage to his memory.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances/stairs)
DURATION: 4 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 10:30 and/or 14:30
Note: Filming and photography are not permitted in the Amano Textile Museum, we suggest leaving your cameras in the bus.
Museo Larco (4 hours)
Museo Larco (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
This excursion brings Larco Museum, founded by Rafael Larco Hoyle in 1926, to showcase ancient Peruvian history through its extensive collection of artifacts spanning 5000 years. Housed in an 18th-century viceroyalty mansion built atop a pre-Columbian pyramid, the museum is renowned for its erotic pottery, accessible archives, and beautiful gardens. Andres Alvarez Calderon, actual owner of the collection, emphasizes the importance of museums in preserving humanity's heritage and engaging the public through immersive experiences.
Since it was established in 1926, the Museo Larco has been acknowledged as a pioneer in terms of public access to its collections. It was one of the first museums in the world to open its storerooms to the public, and to provide online access to its entire collection, encouraging in this way the multidisciplinary research first promoted by its founder.
Larco Museum in focused on storytelling, allowing visitors to connect with Peru's ancient civilizations and their profound relationship with nature and the cosmos.
After this stop reboard the motor-coach to return to the pier.
WHAT YOU'LL SEE ALONG THE WAY
Museo Larco´s collections
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)
DURATION: 4 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 09:00 and/or 14:00
Flash photography is not permitted in the Museum.
Includes:
- Pick up/drop off at the Port of Callao.
- Touring in a private vehicle with air-conditioning. All vehicles are fitted with cellular phones.
- Qualified, registered English-speaking tour guide.
- Entrance fees.
- Bottled Mineral Water and Tissues and hand wipes provided to all guests.
Excludes:
- Tips to drivers and guides.
- Any services not mentioned above.
