The Sacred Grand Explorer – 8D/7N

• Upon arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport, our representative will welcome you and provide a private transfer to your selected hotel.
• Lima, known as the "City of Kings," was founded in 1535 by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro and served as the capital of the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru for nearly three centuries. Today, it is a dynamic metropolis that combines colonial architecture, modern neighborhoods, archaeological treasures, and one of the world's most celebrated culinary scenes.
• The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after your international flight or begin exploring the city's charming districts.

Accommodation: Lima

Meals: None

• Early morning departure toward the southern coast of Peru.
• Your first stop is Paracas, a beautiful coastal reserve renowned for its dramatic desert-meets-ocean landscapes and diverse marine ecosystem. This region is often referred to as the "Galápagos of Peru" due to its abundant wildlife, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and numerous bird species.
• Continue to Ica, an oasis city surrounded by vast desert dunes. Visit the famous Huacachina Oasis, a picturesque lagoon encircled by towering sand dunes that create one of Peru's most spectacular desert landscapes.
• Enjoy time to admire the scenery and experience the unique atmosphere of this natural oasis before returning to Lima in the afternoon.

Highlights:

• Scenic drive along the Pacific Coast
• Visit to Paracas
• Huacachina Oasis
• Desert landscapes of Ica

Accommodation: Lima

Meals: Breakfast

• After breakfast, transfer to Lima Airport for your flight to Cusco.
• Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.
• Located at 3,399 meters (11,152 feet) above sea level, Cusco was once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire and remains one of the most fascinating cultural destinations in South America. Its cobblestone streets, Inca foundations, colonial churches, and vibrant local traditions provide an extraordinary introduction to Peru's rich heritage.
• The afternoon is free for rest and acclimatization to the altitude.

Accommodation: Cusco

Meals: Breakfast

• Today, discover the remarkable history and architectural beauty of Cusco.
• Your guided tour begins in the historic city center, where colonial buildings stand atop ancient Inca foundations. Visit the iconic Plaza de Armas and admire the impressive Cathedral.
• Continue to the Temple of Qorikancha, once considered the most sacred temple of the Inca Empire and dedicated to the Sun God.

The tour continues to the impressive archaeological sites surrounding Cusco:

• Sacsayhuamán: A monumental ceremonial complex famous for its enormous stone walls, some weighing over 100 tons, perfectly fitted without mortar.
• Qenqo: An important ceremonial center believed to have been used for religious rituals and astronomical observations.
• Puka Pukara: A military and administrative outpost strategically located along ancient Inca routes.
• Tambomachay

Known as the "Temple of Water," featuring sophisticated hydraulic engineering and ceremonial fountains.

Accommodation: Cusco

Meals: Breakfast

• Experience an exciting adventure through the Sacred Valley's breathtaking landscapes aboard all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
• Ride through picturesque Andean scenery surrounded by mountains, traditional communities, and agricultural fields.
• Visit the fascinating archaeological site of Moray, an ancient Inca agricultural laboratory composed of circular terraces built into natural depressions. Historians believe the Incas used these terraces to experiment with crop cultivation under varying microclimates.
• Continue to the famous Maras Salt Mines, a spectacular complex of thousands of salt pools cascading down the mountainside. These salt pans have been continuously used since pre-Inca times and remain one of Peru's most iconic landscapes.

Highlights:

• ATV adventure through the Andes
• Moray Agricultural Terraces
• Maras Salt Mines
• Stunning panoramic views

Accommodation: Cusco

Meals: Breakfast

• After breakfast, depart toward the Sacred Valley and visit Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved living Inca towns in Peru.
• Explore its impressive archaeological complex, featuring massive terraces, ceremonial temples, and strategic defensive structures. Ollantaytambo played a significant role during the resistance against Spanish conquest and remains an outstanding example of Inca urban planning.
• Later, board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes, traveling through dramatic mountain landscapes alongside the Urubamba River.
• Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure in preparation for your visit to Machu Picchu.

Accommodation: Aguas Calientes

Meals: Breakfast

Today marks the highlight of your Peruvian journey.

Board the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu, one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Built during the 15th century and hidden among the cloud forests of the Andes, Machu Picchu remained unknown to the outside world until its scientific rediscovery in 1911.

During your guided tour, explore:

• The Main Plaza
• The Temple of the Sun
• The Sacred Rock
• Agricultural Terraces
• Ceremonial Areas
• Residential Sectors

As you walk through this mystical citadel, learn about the ingenuity, spirituality, and engineering achievements of the Inca civilization while enjoying spectacular mountain views.

After the visit, return to Aguas Calientes and board the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Accommodation: Cusco

Meals: Breakfast

• After breakfast, transfer to Cusco Airport for your domestic flight to Lima.
• Depending on your international flight schedule, connect with your onward departure flight.
• Your unforgettable Peruvian adventure comes to an end, taking home memories of ancient civilizations, majestic landscapes, and extraordinary cultural experiences.

Meals: Breakfast