ESSENCE OF THE INCA WORLD (7 NIGHTS)

Explore Bohemian Barranco

Barranco is Lima´s smallest yet most lively district, with its bohemian charm and air of inspiration. It is an eclectic mesh of past and present, of grand colonial mansions and stylish, trendy restaurants, boutique shops and equally inviting bars. The district is home to many of Peru´s artists, writers, and musicians, and is the hub of creativity in Lima. Let Barranco romance you!

Please allow approximately three to four hours for the entire experience. 

Visit Pisac Ruins and Calca Market

Head to the heights of Pisac where you will first visit the ruins, a very important city during Inca times and the only Inca site apart from Machu Picchu with a stone sun dial. You will learn about the history and the most interesting temples and structures while enjoying breathtaking views of the countless agricultural terraces leading down to the Urubamba River and the Sacred Valley. 
Then continue to the traditional Andean town of Calca in the shadows of the eastern mountains of the Sacred Valley. Here, the town market is buzzing with commerce and stalls selling local and foreign goods like fruits, vegetables, herbs, potatoes, flowers, etc. 

Please allow approximately four hours for the entire experience.

Visit Chinchero, Moray & Maras

Begin your journey in Chinchero, a colonial town set atop ancient Inca foundations, perched on the windswept plains at 12,430 ft. While its centuries-old architecture and sweeping views are captivating, the heart of Chinchero lies in its market—a vibrant scene where locals trade handicrafts, food, and textiles in a tradition that has endured for generations.

Continue to Moray, an intriguing archaeological site where vast circular terraces descend into the earth. While some theories suggest a cosmological significance, these terraces are believed to have served as an agricultural laboratory for the Incas, allowing them to experiment with crops at different altitudes and microclimates.

Finally, descend to the salt mines of Maras, a striking landscape of terraced salt pools that have been harvested by hand for centuries. Watching the local families continue this age-old practice offers a glimpse into a living tradition. You’ll also have the chance to purchase hand-harvested salt, supporting the local community while taking home a unique piece of the region.

Please allow approximately six hours for the entire experience.

Explore Machu Picchu

Meet your guide at the exit of the train station or in the lobby of your hotel for a short walk to the bus station and a 20-minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu Citadel (elevation: 8,000 ft. – 2,432 m.a.s.l.). Scratching the surface of the heavens from its place atop the grandest of mountaintop pedestals, it is easy to lose yourself in the mystique and grandeur of this enigmatic citadel. Soak in the energy and atmosphere of one of the most significant archeological sites on the planet while your guide helps you uncover the secrets behind key areas of interest such as the Sun Dial, the Guard House, the Sacred Plaza and the Temple of the Sun.

Please allow approximately three hours for the guided route and four hours for the entire experience | You must show your passport in order to be allowed to enter Machu Picchu Citadel.

Conquering Machu Picchu Mountain

Take a short walk from your hotel, followed by a 20-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu citadel (8,000 ft. – 2,432 m.a.s.l) only if you're staying down in the village. This medium to challenging ascent is an absolute must-do for the adventurous! The trail, accessed from the archaeological site and mainly made of stone stairs, joins parts of the Inca Trail before reaching Machu Picchu Mountain's peak in up to two hours. Relax at the summit and enjoy a sensational view back down over Machupicchu and other significant ruins in the area, as well as of the jagged, larger-than-life Andes before going down in about an hour and a half.  

Please allow up to four hours hiking and up to five hours for the entire experience | You must show your passport in order to be allowed to enter Machu Picchu Citadel.

Highlights of Cusco and San Blas

Explore a city renowned for its captivating architecture and vibrant local culture, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status. In Cusco, Spanish walls and rooftops blend seamlessly with Inca foundations, creating an illusion of harmony that contrasts with the city's complex and conflict-ridden past.

As you stroll through the historic center, your guide will share insights and stories about the plazas, churches, and landmarks surrounding the Main Square. Then, continue to San Blas, Cusco’s historic arts district, where Inca traditions and Spanish influences shaped a legacy of religious art that once spread across South America during the colonial era.

Please allow approximately three hours for the entire experience.