Lima, Cusco
Lima, Cusco
5 to 7 days
Seductive, striking and natural, Peru is a fascinating country that is worth to visit. Its history lives in its valleys and towns. Explore this stunning destination, learn about its fascinating history and admire the examples of fine engineering by the Inca. Visit the Sacred Valley and let its magical landscapes captivate you.
Visit its picturesque villages and get to know its wonderful people of Peru!
Built along the Vilcanota riverbank, on the lands of an old 17th-century colonial hacienda.
Admire the natural beauty, local architecture and vibrant culture outside this modern hotel.
On the shores of Lake Titicaca, you can enjoy traditional Peruvian hospitality at the Sonesta Posadas del Inca Lake Titicaca Puno.
Built along the Vilcanota riverbank, on the lands of an old 17th-century colonial hacienda.
Admire the natural beauty, local architecture and vibrant culture outside this modern hotel.
On the shores of Lake Titicaca, you can enjoy traditional Peruvian hospitality at the Sonesta Posadas del Inca Lake Titicaca Puno.
*The selected hotels are indicative, subject to availability at time of booking the tour. In case of unavailability, we will offer a hotel of the same category. Contact one of our travel experts to see more hotel options and categories for your trip to Peru.
* Tours and itineraries suggested by Bespoke Galapagos in order to have a functional trip.
** Excursions may change due to climate conditions.
* Tours and itineraries suggested by Bespoke Galapagos in order to have a functional trip.
** Excursions may change due to climate conditions.
* Tours and itineraries suggested by Bespoke Galapagos in order to have a functional trip.
** Excursions may change due to climate conditions.
The Amazon rainforest is the most biodiverse ecosystem of our planet. Explore nature at its highest expression in the Amazon Jungle.
A valley nestled in an inter-Andean corridor enclosed by the two cordilleras formed by 76 volcanoes, many of them still active.
Explore the Galapagos Islands on this 6 day land-based tour. Visit the most relevant sites of Santa Cruz island and Isabela island.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will have a free morning to enjoy the city at your own pace. In the afternoon, the tour begins in Coricancha, a sacred site which was also referred to as ‘The Temple of the Sun’. Originally built on the orders of Pachacuti Inca, it was the arrival of the Spanish which elevated the temple to form the basis for the whole of the Santo Domingo Convent.
Moving on, you’ll then visit what is arguably the most significant structure in Main Square, the Cathedral, which was finalised in 1654.
Sacsayhuaman is the next destination on the tour, another building erected on the orders of Pachacuti Inca during the 15th-century. One of the most symbolic structures of the Incas, you’ll find yourself facing a fortress which is truly colossal. Look more closely and you’ll see the huge stones used for its construction; to this day, no-one has been able to solve the riddle of how these vast slabs were moved around, let alone used for construction. Every year on 24th June, the Inti Raymi festival concludes at Sacsayhuaman, commemorating the winter solstice by paying tribute to the sun.
The day finishes off at Puca Pucara, an intriguing structure located approximately 7km from the city. Translating literally as “red fort” Puca Pucara is believed to have been used as a base for military operations. A complex architectural design, you’ll discover numerous plazas, baths, towers and aqueducts, amongst other structures, which all combine to create a site which is simply enthralling. Experts believe that Puca Pucara was a location where the Inca troops could enjoy some respite while their leader was in Tambomachay, resting. After this visit you will return to the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Pick up from the hotel to start your tour and head to Chinchero where you’ll be visiting locals who are the custodians for some of the most traditional artisan crafts. With knowledge that’s passed down through the generations, the skills are clearly visible in both the clothing produced and their specific customs. Aside from the craftsmanship, at Chinchero there is also one of the first Catholic churches constructed in Peru, a stunning example of 17th-century architecture as well as some archaeological remains.
Once you’ve finished in Chinchero, the Living Museum of Yucay is next where the theme of traditional handicrafts continues. You’ll have the opportunity to view some of these complex skills in practice during demonstrations of historical Andean crafts. Allow yourself to be transported back to ancient times as you watch the utterly absorbing displays of silverware, pottery, adobe and textiles. Some of the established residents of this museum have four legs, not just two, and before you leave you’ll have the option of feeding the many alpacas, sheep and llamas who live there!
Following such an active morning, it’s time to enjoy some of the most sublime Andean gastronomy available with lunch at Chuncho restaurant in Ollantaytambo. The intimate yet relaxing ambience captures the real essence of the Sacred Valley, offering visitors a truly authentic experience. While in Ollantaytambo, you’ll also have time to explore the town, a place which has been continuously inhabited since the days of the Incas, as well as scaling the famous fortress, located against a stunning mountainous backdrop.
Breakfast at the hotel. Then, you will be collected fro your hotel to start your tour. This day is all about Machu Picchu and to reach it you’ll first embark on a two-hour train journey to Aguas Calientes. Often referred to as ‘Machu Picchu pueblo’, Aguas Calientes is the last bastion of modern civilisation before entering into one of the most important and ancient archeological sites in the whole of Peru. Aguas Calientes has many attractions for those who prefer to rest overnight in the mountain foothills before starting the climb early the next day. A wide variety of hotels to suit all budgets, along with restaurants and a vibrant craft market are just some of the delights that Aguas Calientes has to offer.
Whichever option you choose, it takes just a short bus ride before you’ll arrive at Machu Picchu where some of the most incredible architecture from Incan ancient times has been preserved. Machu Picchu was the sanctuary for Pachacuti Inca and today, it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You’ll discover much to explore within the citadel, including optional visits to the Inca Bridge and Intipunku (Sun Gate). Subject to availability of space, you may also visit Huayna Picchu. Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at Café Inkaterra. Return to Cusco.
After breakfast at the hotel you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cusco. After your arrival and check-in at the hotel you will head to Coricancha and start the trip off in style, setting the scene for what lies ahead. You may also hear Coricancha called “The Temple of the Sun”, a reference to the sacred site of worship which lies within its boundaries. Although Coricancha was built upon the orders of Pachacuti Inca, it was the Spanish who really underlined its importance by basing the Santa Domingo Convent around it.
Next on the itinerary for the day is a visit to Main Square to see the iconic Cathedral. Built in the 16th-century, it’s widely considered to be one of the most esteemed monument structures.
Breakfast at the hotel. Then, you’ll be collected from your hotel in the morning to visit the nearby town of Chinchero. Here you’ll discover the real Cusco which awaits, with remarkable views over the valley below. Those who live in Chinchero are renowned in the world of artisan crafts, protecting long-held secrets and traditional skills. View handcrafted clothes and local customs as well as taking in the archeological remains. The 17th-century church located in Chinchero has particular significance as it was one of the very first pieces of Catholic architecture within Peru.
There is more Inca craftsmanship on display at the Living Museum of Yucay, the next stop of the day. Here you’ll be able to immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful examples of Andean traditional crafts with silverware, pottery, textiles and adobe all on display, with live demonstrations available in some areas too. Engage on a closer level with this long-established way of life by feeding some of the residents from the museum yourself - not people of course, but animals! There are alpaca, llamas and sheep who you can get up close and personal with.
Lunch takes place in Ollantaytambo where you’ll be treated to a wonderful example of Andean gastronomy at the Chuncho restaurant. Blending an intimate and snug atmosphere with the very essence of the Sacred Valley, it’s an experience not to be missed. While you’re in Ollantayambo you can also enjoy a look around this town which has been inhabited since ancient Inca times. If you’re feeling energetic, the magnificent fortress is well worth the climb, backed by dramatic mountain scenery.
Breakfast at the hotel. -Machu Picchu is on the to-do list for today, a journey that first begins with a train ride to the locality of Aguas Calientes. With wide-ranging accommodation suitable for all budgets, the town also has a thriving handicrafts market along with shops and restaurants. It’s just a short bus trip to Machu Picchu from here, the UNESCO World Heritage Site which when translated means ‘Old Mountain’. Named as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu has incredible architecture and engineering that once served as a hideaway for Pachacuti Inca. While visiting this iconic citadel, you have the option of also visiting the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the Inca Bridge and subject to availability, Huayna Picchu.
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the bus station in the morning. Take it easy and enjoy watching the breathtaking landscape of the Andes slide by as you journey by bus to the next location, Puno. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to stop three times, the first of these being 40km away in Andahuaylillas. This land is believed to have been lived on by the Wari before the Inca but now the local 16th-century church is the primary attraction. Often referred to as the ‘Sistine Chapel of America’, the church has some very special artwork and also houses an original pipe organ which has been recently restored.
Racchi is the next stop where the Wiracocha Temple is located. A distinctive piece of architecture, it resembles a wall with doors and windows standing at 20 metres high and 30 metres wide.
After lunch in Sicuani, the penultimate stop of the day is made in La Raya. At 4313 metres above sea level, it’s the highest point between Puno and Cusco.
The last stretch is 60km before you reach Pucara, the location of the Pucara Lithic Museum and the first settlement within the lake, being developed sometime between 100-300AD. You’ll spend overnight in the hotel in Puno with breakfast and lunch included.
Breakfast at the hotel. A transfer will take you to the port of Puno, from here you will catch a boat to the artificially made floating islands where the Uros live. These people live on islands made from Totora reeds which grow in the surrounding lake, woven with thick canes. The houses are also built from reeds and avoid fire hazards by cooking outdoors.
After 90 minutes travelling, you’ll reach the Island of Taquile. Unlike the other areas on the lake which speak Aymara, Taquile uses the Quechua language. The island was formerly part of the Inca Empire and there are still traces of the ancient culture that remain. Your visit will include an overview of these and some demonstrations of local traditions.
The tour bursts into life right away with an early morning trip from your hotel to arrive in Sacsayhuaman where the first walk begins, either to Devil’s Balcony or Chacan. Inca architecture fuses beautifully with nature here with structures that seem to blend seamlessly with the rocks that support them. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape from the top of the cliff where there’s a natural viewpoint.
Lunch is eaten en route before arriving at the Temple of the Moon, the perfect spot to learn more about the connection between the stars, nature and cosmology in Andean culture.
The return route to Cusco will follow the ancient Antisuyo Inca Trail, allowing an exploration of archeology digs at Cusilluchayoc along the way. Before arriving at the hotel, the tour will travel through the San Blas district in the city, an area famous for its skilled craftsmen and local artisans.
This day is one of the highlights of the tour, with the opportunity to visit one of the most magnificent sites in the world, widely acclaimed for its extraordinary engineering in the pre-Hispanic era: Machu Picchu. Also known as Old Mountain, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the listed New Seven Wonders of the World, an honor which is completely understandable to all those who have visited it.
Pachacutec Inca chose Machu Picchu as his final resting place, and where his mummified remains would lie. It’s not difficult to see why this spot was chosen as even today, the granite constructions and buildings seem to defy conventional architectural design, appearing to have almost grown organically. While you wonder over the incredible processes of construction, there are many other beautiful spots in Machu Picchu. As well as seeing the royal mausoleum, you can marvel at the Intihuatana or travel to the Inca Bridge.
It’s also worth taking some time out to simply appreciate the stunning landscape from the many vantage points. With the Urubamba River snaking around the scenery and backed by the Salkantay mountain on the horizon, the view is unlike any other on Earth.
Cheacupe is the first destination for the penultimate day, where you’ll start out from to journey to either Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca. The ancient Wari site, Pikillacta, is en route where you can admire structures that are very reminiscent of the Pyramids. A brief rest in Cheacupe offers the chance to take in the town before moving onwards to Quesoyuni, a tiny Andean community in the mountains. The ascent begins straight after lunch towards Kairawiri, the location of the camp. This provides the gentle acclimatisation needed for the higher climb on Day 6.
After a nourishing breakfast in camp, the ascent starts in earnest early in the morning. The route to Vinicunca requires a decent level of fitness as the climb can be tough in places. However, the result will be more than worth the effort with an exceptional view at the top. With the App Ausangate offering a stark white contrast to the explosion of color on the landscape, the panorama is one that you’ll simply never forget. Spend 30-45 minutes appreciating the stunning sight before returning to Quesoyuni to enjoy a relaxing picnic. After lunch you will head back to Cusco.
