Dive into the perfect mix of flavours and history of Lima and Cusco in this gastronomic tour. Meet the impressive offer of traditional and contemporary restaurants that both destinations provide while exploring its historical sites, monuments and traditions.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Lima: The capital of Peru is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered the ‘Gastronomical Capital of America’.
Machu Picchu: The lost city of the Incas hidden at the top of an Andean peak and offers views not only of the mountain range but also of the mysterious Inca past.
Day 1: ARRIVAL LIMA (12km – 45min)
Arrive at Lima Airport. Transportation service and a representative will pick you up from the arrivals hall to transfer you to your hotel in Lima. The Peruvian capital is a modern metropolis full of history, currently undergoing an exciting process of cultural and economic changes. Alternatively, you can choose to go on the following Optional Tour (not included):
Magic Water Circuit with Dinner and Folk Show (shared basis):
A modern system of fountains certified as the largest in the world by the Guinness World Records. Built-in Exhibition Park, the Magical Water Circuit attracts crowds during summer and winter, being one of the new favorite attractions of Lima. See yourself and enjoy our water cruise that is followed by a unique gastronomical experience at a restaurant, accompanied by a delicious buffet dinner and amusing folk show.
Notes: Shared service. Start time: 18:00 hours. Duration 4 hours. Includes Pick-up and Drop-off, Bilingual guide (Spanish and English), Admission to Magic Water Circuit and Buffet dinner with Folkloric show
Overnight in Lima.
Day 2: LIMA: CULINARY EXPERIENCE & CITY TOUR
Begin your day with a food tour in Barraco, one of the most beautiful, artistic and bohemian neighbourhoods in Lima. Taste 15 Peruvian meals such as "lomo saltado" and "causa" and learn how to prepare the famous ceviche and pisco sour. Plus, participate in our biodiversity workshop with chocolate tastings. Discover the historical and cultural anecdotes behind every dish you'll taste during that 4-hour walking food tour through the streets of Barranco.
In the afternoon, explore Lima’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with fascinating historic buildings. The route begins at the traditional Pueblo Libre district, where you visit the Larco Museum, located in a beautifully restored viceregal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid from the seventh century. The museum boasts a complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver objects, as well as pieces of erotic art. Then visit the Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to one of his captains, Jeronimo de Aliaga. This is the only house from that time, that still belongs to the same family. Continue with a scenic tour through the colonial downtown. See the Main Square, where you can appreciate the grandiose architecture of the Spanish Empire. Admire Lima’s Cathedral, built during the 16th century. At the end of the tour return to your hotel.
Overnight in Lima.
Day 3: LIMA – CUSCO (90 min flight, not included)
Delight in a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Transfer from your hotel to the airport of Lima to take the flight to the city of Cusco (flight not included, morning departure is recommended). At your arrival in Cusco, a representative will welcome you to the Imperial City and accompany you to your selected hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Alternatively, you can choose from our optional tours (not included):
Cusco City tour and nearby Archaeological sites (shared basis):
Catch a glimpse of the charming city of Cusco during our Cusco city tour and visit this old capital of the Inca Empire and its nearby archeological sites. With our guide you start with a visit of Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex and one of the most important temples dedicated to worshipping of the sun, then, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument of the Main Square. Head to the hills above Cusco to visit the remains of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose imposing ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, and the ruins of the temple and amphitheater of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practiced agricultural rituals. Admire Qenqo and then, to wrap up our tour, visit Puka Pukara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua) an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Afterward, return to your hotel.
Notes: Shared service. Start time: 13:00 hours. Duration 5 hours. Includes Pick-up and Drop-off, Bilingual guide (Spanish and English), Admission to Coricancha, Cusco Cathedral and BTC (Cusco tourist ticket).
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 4: CUSCO: WALKING TOUR & CHOCOMUSEUM / PISCO MUSEUM
After a rich breakfast at the hotel, join a gastronomic tour that includes a visit to the Chocomuseo and the Pisco Museum; two ideal places in which to learn about the production process of each of these staples, from raw ingredient to end product. To make things even more enticing, in each one of them you will get to enjoy a taste! At the end of the tour, return to your hotel.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 5: CUSCO – CHINCHERO – LIVING MUSEUM YUCAY – OLLANTAYTAMBO – SACRED VALLEY (100km – 2.5hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up from your hotel to visit the town of Chinchero, a traditional Cusco urban centre located at an elevated point with a beautiful view of the valley. The inhabitants of this area preserve the artisan traditions and the inherited knowledge of the Incas and display them in their clothes and customs. In Chinchero there are also archaeological remains and a beautiful seventeenth-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. Then, you are transferred to the Living Museum of Yucay, an Andean tradition interpretation centre with demonstrations of the production of textile work, adobe, pottery and silverware, following the techniques used by the ancestors. Visit the town of Ollantaytambo upon your arrival, inhabited uninterruptedly since Inca times, and have a superior Andean gastronomy experience in a restaurant (included). Fell the true spirit of the Sacred Valley, transmitted in a cosy atmosphere! Later, climb the iconic fortress, built next to a mountain and then you are transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight in Sacred Valley.
Day 6: SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (30km – 1hr / 1.5hr by train – 30min by land roundtrip / 50km – 1hr)
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the Ollanta train station. Your visit to Machu Picchu begins with a train trip to Aguas Calientes, where you will arrive in an hour and a half, approximately. After a 25-minute bus ride, you will arrive at Machu Picchu, the 'lost city of the Incas'. It is believed that the archaeological site was built around the year 1450 by Inca Pachacútec as his holiday residence. However, a century later, the city was abandoned after the Spanish conquest, saving itself from the destruction that came to other Inca settlements. During the guided tour, learn about the origins of this impressive citadel and its most outstanding monuments such as the main square, the royal rooms, the temple of the three windows, the circular towers, the sacred clock and the cemeteries. At the end of the tour, return to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a delicious lunch (included). Then board the train back to the Ollanta station. From there, a transportation service will take you to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 7: DEPARTURE CUSCO (5km – 15min)
After finishing your breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Cusco International Airport to continue with your travel arrangements.
Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for visiting the coastal areas of Peru, while for the high Andean area the use of warm clothing is recommended. It is not recommended that visitors wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or short clothes when visiting religious temples or official buildings. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. Carry the same document that you presented to the agency, given that the train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu will be issued with the same information. In all train services to Machu Picchu, the passenger can carry only hand luggage (backpack, bag or briefcase) weighing no more than 5kg / 11lb on the train to/from Machu Picchu. You will find your luggage at the chosen hotel. Allowed size: 62 linear inches 157cm (height + length + width).