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6-Day Itinerary:
"Empire Trails - From Lima to Machu Picchu"

This itinerary is designed to offer a complete and enriching experience that combines Lima’s gastronomic sophistication with the Sacred Valley’s ancestral majesty and Machu Picchu’s architectural grandeur, culminating in the historic capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco.

Arrival in lima

DAY 1

Upon arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, you will be warmly welcomed by a Luxe Andes Peru representative, who will assist with VIP transfer to your luxury hotel in the exclusive Miraflores district. Once at the hotel, you’ll receive all necessary travel information and personalized assistance with the check-in process. Use this day to acclimatize and enjoy your hotel’s amenities. If your arrival is early, we recommend exploring the vibrant Miraflores district, visiting the romantic Love Park with its spectacular Pacific Ocean views, or enjoying a welcome dinner at one of the city’s award-winning restaurants, where you can taste exquisite Peruvian gastronomy that has conquered international palates.

Lima City Tour

DAY 2

After a gourmet breakfast at your hotel, you’ll begin a fascinating exploration of the Peruvian capital accompanied by a specialized guide. You’ll visit Lima’s historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll admire the majestic Main Square, the imposing Lima Cathedral, and the historic Government Palace. Continue to the traditional Barranco neighborhood, known for its republican architecture, art galleries, and bohemian atmosphere. Culminate your day with an exclusive gastronomic experience including local market visits, premium pisco tastings, and a Peruvian cooking masterclass. The afternoon remains free to explore Miraflores boutiques or relax at your hotel spa.

Flight to Cusco - Transfer to Urubamba

DAY 3

Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco, the ancient Inca Empire capital. Upon arrival at Cusco airport, you’ll be welcomed by your specialized guide who will offer coca tea to facilitate altitude acclimatization.

Immediately begin descent to the Sacred Valley, specifically Urubamba, located at lower altitude for better acclimatization. During the journey, enjoy spectacular Andean landscapes and photographic stops at strategic viewpoints. Check into your boutique hotel in the Sacred Valley, where you can relax and enjoy the environment’s serenity while gradually acclimatizing. The afternoon includes dinner with local organic products and a relaxation session.

Salineras, Moray, Maras Tour and Train to Aguas Calientes

DAY 4

After breakfast, begin a full day exploring Sacred Valley wonders. Visit the fascinating Maras salt terraces, where thousands of salt terraces have been exploited since Inca times, creating a surrealistic landscape of white mirrors contrasting with surrounding mountains. Continue to Moray, the enigmatic Inca agricultural laboratory with its concentric circular terraces used to experiment with different crops at various altitudes. After a gourmet lunch with panoramic views, visit the colonial town of Maras, where you’ll learn about Andean communities’ daily life. Late afternoon transfer to Ollantaytambo station to board the luxury train to Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu’s base town. During the train journey, enjoy panoramic windows offering spectacular views of the Urubamba River and cloud forest. Arrival and accommodation at your boutique hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Machu Picchu Tour - Selected Circuit - Train to Ollantaytambo - Transfer to Cusco

DAY 5

This is your trip’s most anticipated day. Early morning, board one of the first buses to Machu Picchu citadel to enjoy sunrise over this world wonder. Your specialized guide will lead you through the available selected circuit, revealing the architectural, astronomical, and ceremonial secrets of this archaeological jewel. You’ll explore the most important sectors such as the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Residence, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana, while learning about the fascinating history and mysteries that still surround this sacred citadel. After a deep and contemplative experience, descend to Aguas Calientes for a farewell lunch. In the afternoon, board the return train to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll be welcomed by your private driver for transfer to Cusco. Arrival and accommodation at your luxury hotel in Cusco’s historic center, where you can rest and reflect on the experience lived.

Transfer to Airport

DAY 6

After a final breakfast at your hotel, and depending on your flight schedule, you’ll have free time for last-minute shopping at Cusco’s artisan markets, visit the famous Hatunrumiyoc street with the twelve-angled stone, or simply relax at your hotel. Your Luxe Andes Peru representative will accompany you to Cusco airport for your return flight, ensuring your departure is as comfortable as your arrival. We bid farewell with the certainty that you carry with you indelible memories of an authentic and transformative experience in the heart of the ancient Inca Empire.

What’s Included

  • Personalized VIP airport assistance upon arrival and throughout your stay with dedicated representative.
  • Accommodation in carefully selected luxury hotels: boutique hotel in Miraflores (Lima), exclusive lodge in Sacred Valley (Urubamba), boutique hotel in Aguas Calientes, and luxury hotel in Cusco’s historic center.
  • Premium private transportation throughout the itinerary, including airport-hotel-airport transfers and luxury vehicles with professional driver.
  • Entrance tickets and permits to all archaeological sites and mentioned attractions: Machu Picchu, Maras Salt Terraces, Moray, and Lima’s historic sites.
  • Specialized bilingual private guides and experts in Peruvian history, archaeology, and culture for each destination.
  • Luxury Vistadome train to Machu Picchu (round trip) with onboard service.
  • Meal plan included: All daily breakfasts, gourmet buffet lunch in Sacred Valley with local organic products, and specified meals during excursions.
  • Exclusive culinary tour in Lima with pisco tasting, local market visits, and Peruvian cooking masterclass.
  • Complete Lima city tour with access to historic centers, museums, and exclusive districts.
  • 24/7 support during the trip with direct emergency line.
  • Welcome kit with detailed trip information, exclusive maps, and local gifts.

 

What’s Not Included

  • International flights to and from Peru.
  • Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco (quotation available upon request).
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended for all adventure excursions).
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff (we suggest 10-15% of tour cost).
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary: dinners in Lima and Cusco, alcoholic beverages, and personal expenses.
  • Optional activities such as Huayna Picchu ascent, private spiritual ceremonies, or spa treatments.
  • Personal expenses including shopping, extra hotel services, phone calls, and laundry.
  • Altitude sickness prevention medication (available at local pharmacies).

 

Essential Recommendations

  1. Altitude Preparation: Cusco is located at 3,400 meters above sea level. We recommend arriving 1-2 days early for gradual acclimatization. Avoid heavy meals and alcohol the first 48 hours. Coca tea is a natural ally for adaptation.
  2. Specialized Travel Insurance: Acquire insurance that includes coverage for adventure activities, medical emergencies at altitude, medical evacuation, and trip cancellation. Verify specific coverage for Peru.
  3. Layered Clothing: Andean weather varies significantly throughout the day. Include: thermal clothing, waterproof jacket, comfortable trekking shoes, hat, UV protection sunglasses, and SPF 50+ sunscreen. A small backpack for daily excursions is indispensable.
  4. Hydration and Nutrition: Increase water consumption 2-3 days before the trip. Avoid diuretic beverages like coffee and excessive alcohol. Consume light meals rich in carbohydrates the first days at altitude.
  5. Cultural Respect: Peru is a multicultural country with millennial traditions. Learn basic Spanish phrases and respect local customs. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural communities.
  6. Financial Preparation: Bring Peruvian soles for minor expenses and tips. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and main restaurants. Keep cash for artisan markets and local services.
  7. Advance Reservations: Machu Picchu has daily visitor limits. Your tickets are guaranteed, but additional activities like Huayna Picchu require reservation months in advance.
  8. Physical Condition: Although this itinerary is moderate intensity, some level of physical fitness is recommended to fully enjoy archaeological site walks and altitude.