Culture and Archeology of Peru

A journey of discovery through the cultural and archeological treasures of Peru, past and present, culminating with Machu Picchu. Suitable for all ages and ability levels.

Jump to section:

OverviewItineraryLodgingDates & PricingReviews

Tour Season

All Seasons

Trip Length

10 Days

Activity Level

Easy

Arrival city

Cusco, Puru

Price from

From $4,100 per person

Trip Highlights

Airport greeting in Lima then city tour, gold museum, and overnight in boutique hotel in beautiful, historic neighborhood
Fly to Cusco, then transfer to the Sacred Valley of the Incas – boutique hotel
Tour of Moray, an Incan agricultural test site and the ancient salt mines of Maras with a picnic outside a 16th century Spanish church
Visit the market and ruins of Pisac in the Sacred Valley
Private transfer to Cusco for city tour including Spanish cathedrals and museums
Private tour of Sacsayhuaman ruins overlooking Cusco with a gourmet catered picnic with tables, linens, and fine wines
Visit a farming village that produces magnificent textiles
First class train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes – boutique hotel on the banks of the Urubamba River
Visit the incredible Lost City of the Incas – Machu Picchu!
Entire tour is accompanied by a bilingual, knowledgeable, entertaining guide who keeps your safety as the #1 priority.

Request more information

About this trip

Culture and Archeology of Peru

Peru is a dream destination: rich in culture, history, and breathtaking archaeology. From the colorful traditions of the Quechua people to the remarkable Inca ruins scattered throughout the Andes, the country offers a fascinating blend of living culture and ancient treasures.

Your journey begins in Lima, a vibrant city known for its history and world class cuisine, before continuing to Cusco, the heart of the Inca civilization, where ancient ruins, Spanish architecture, and thriving Quechua culture come together. From there you explore the beautiful Sacred Valley and travel by train to the crown jewel of the Andes, Machu Picchu.

Throughout the journey, bilingual local guides share the stories, culture, and history of their homeland while you enjoy elegant boutique accommodations and thoughtful touches that make the experience truly unforgettable.

Request more information

Itinerary

What to expect

Day 1–2: Lima

Arrive in Lima and transfer to your hotel in the Miraflores district. The next day, enjoy a guided tour of Lima’s historic center, colonial architecture, and vibrant culinary scene with time to sample some of Peru’s famous cuisine and visit the impressive Gold Museum.

Day 3–4: Sacred Valley

Fly to Cusco and transfer to the beautiful Sacred Valley to acclimatize and relax. Explore the fascinating Inca agricultural terraces of Moray and the centuries old Maras salt pans while enjoying spectacular Andean scenery.

Day 5–7: Cusco and Surrounding Inca Ruins

Visit the remarkable ruins and colorful market of Pisac before continuing to Cusco. Explore the historic city including the cathedral, Koricancha Temple of the Sun, and the Museum of Pre Columbian Art. Discover the incredible Inca sites surrounding Cusco including Sacsayhuaman, Qenco, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay, with a gourmet picnic overlooking the city.

Day 8: Aguas Calientes

Travel through the Sacred Valley visiting the traditional village of Chinchero and the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo before boarding a first class train to Aguas Calientes, nestled along the Urubamba River.

Day 9: Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco

Spend the day exploring the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu with an expert guide before returning by train to Cusco for a festive farewell dinner.

Day 10: Departure

Fly back to Lima and connect with your international flight home.

Lodging

Where you'll stay

IN CUSCO

Casa Andina Private Collection

A beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house, just 3 blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, replete with authentic colonial character. It offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel but the comforts and services of a much larger property.The hotel is distinguished by its 3 interior patios with wooden balconies. The principal patio, featuring a gurgling stone fountain, is one of Cusco’s emblematic colonial courtyards. In the hotel’s cozy lounge and reading room is a massive stone fireplace that’s always crackling, while the romantic gourmet restaurant invites guests to dine by candlelight in one of 4 connected salons richly decorated with 18th-century Cusco School paintings. Several rooms in the original structure of the hotel feature surviving colonial frescoes unearthed during renovation.

IN THE SACRED VALLEY

Urubamba Boutique Lodge

They say that the valley, the mountains, the farming terraces and the river were all home to the most important of the Inca heritage, with their magic and mysticism. The valley guards this magical sensation which helps you to relax, sharing its magnificent greenery against a shining sky.

With these pleasures in mind, Urubamba Boutique Lodge has reserved a place on our riverside terrace for you so you may enjoy the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Each of our rooms has a balcony, many overlooking the river, and our dining room offers a panoramic view of the lush surroundings.

Urubamba Boutique Lodge has 20 rooms, including 2 Suites. All of our rooms have been designed and decorated to make you feel at home while still offering a link to Peruvian culture and Inca history. With views of the river, mountains or our surrounding gardens, it´s impossible not to relax and enjoy yourself!

Our rooms include:

– One or two twin, double or queen size beds
– Private bathroom with bathtub
– Room Service
– Local handmade decorations
– Personal balconies for rooms on the second floor.

Casa Andina Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley’s most complete hotel: a mountain chalet-styled retreat with panoramic Andes views from every room and every angle. On more than 8 landscaped acres (3 hectares), it breathes an air of tranquility and relaxation. Unique among Sacred Valley hotels – most of which remain isolated in the valley, offering precious little for guests to do – it contains an extraordinary, full-service “Sacred Spa”, a domed Planetarium & Observatory for stargazing in the massive Southern Hemisphere sky, and gourmet restaurant and bar.

The 85 inviting, spacious rooms overlook the property’s extensive gardens and feature either private balconies or sunny sitting areas. Equidistant between Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, in the Sacred Valley of Cusco, the hotel is perfectly positioned for easy access to the valley’s abundant attractions and incomparable Inca ruins, including world-renowned Machu Picchu.