Classic Peru

Explore vibrant Lima, journey through the Sacred Valley with its ancient ruins, marvel at the majestic Machu Picchu, and delve into Cusco’s Inca and Spanish colonial legacy. This unforgettable adventure awaits!

Discover the richness of Peruvian culture and history.

Top Highlights

What’s Included

We design unforgettable and luxurious journeys just for you. Our bespoke trips include:

Best Time to Visit

From May to September, Lima’s microclimate is shrouded in a fog called La Garua; a thick layer of low-hanging clouds paired with low temperatures and a bit of drizzle.  The further away from Lima you travel along the coast, the more the sun breaks through the mist.

During summer, November to March, coastal Peru is warm and sunny, making the ocean great for swimming.

The Andes highlands have two seasons: wet and dry.  April to November it rarely rains and the days of endless sunshine offer an even better view of the rugged mountain peaks against a clear blue sky.

Mid-December to March sees some very heavy showers and temperatures can drop quickly when the sun disappears behind the clouds, and as you reach higher altitudes.  Although you’ll probably get a bit wet, you can still trek to Machu Picchu during these months, although the Inca Trail closes during February.

Itinerary

Arrive in Lima

Lima

Upon your arrival in Lima, a driver waits at the airport to take you to the centrally located Hilton Garden Inn Lima in the trendy Miraflores district. Don’t forget to ask the incredibly experienced concierge team to offer recommendations and secure a reservation at one of the city’s acclaimed dining establishments.

During your stay in the capital, you will explore Lima’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s packed with fascinating historic buildings. The route begins at the traditional Pueblo Libre district, where you’ll visit and enjoy a delicious lunch at the Larco Museum, located in a beautifully restored vice-regal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid from the seventh century. The museum boasts a complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver objects.

Also of interest, visit the Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to one of his captains, Jeronimo de Aliaga. This is the only house from that time that still belongs to the same family.

Given Lima’s absolute lead in the culinary scene in South America, we also highly recommend a “Foodie Tour” through the vibrant markets, backstreets and hidden gems of the city; or a cooking class exploring Lima’s incredible fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine!

 
Suggested Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores

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Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

This leg of your journey whisks you from Lima to Cusco, with a stop at the fascinating Sulca Museum showcasing ancient Peruvian cultures. Enjoy lunch at a charming hacienda boasting art collections and scenic landscapes. Your private driver will then take you to your hotel in the heart of the Sacred Valley, the Sonesta Posadas Del Inca Yucay.

The Sacred Valley is a living testament to Incan urban planning, and you will understand why during your visit to Ollantaytambo, a massive Incan fortress including many large stone terraces, built on a hillside! Major sites within the complex include the huge Sun Temple and the Princess Baths fountain. The village’s old town is an Inca-era grid of cobblestoned streets and adobe buildings. You will also see the intriguing salt mines of Maras and the enigmatic Moray agricultural terraces.

Finally, the end of your journey through the Sacred Valley brings you face-to-face with the magnificent Machu Picchu. Journey by luxury train, enjoying the panoramic views prior to reaching the ancient citadel, where a passionate, private guide will unravel all its secrets and hidden symbols. After a delicious lunch in an Andean cafe surrounded by nature, return to Cusco by bus.

 
Suggested Accommodation: Sonesta Posadas Del Inca Yucay

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Cusco

After your time at the one and only Machu Picchu, it’s time to unveil Cusco’s magic! Enjoy a private tour that will transport you through time as you explore the imposing Sacsayhuaman fortress with its breathtaking city views. Wind your way down cobbled streets lined with a blend of Cusco’s past and present—ancient Incan walls standing stoic for centuries juxtaposed with vibrant shops and restaurants bustling with life.

Descend the charming Siete Borreguitos street, a picturesque path once used by locals with their wares and livestock, including sheep (borreguitos). Marvel at the engineering feat of the colonial Sapantiana Aqueduct, a testament to Cusco’s rich history. End your journey in the heart of the city at the Plaza de Armas, where the grandeur of the Cusco Cathedral and the once-golden Coricancha temple, a sacred Inca site dedicated to the sun, will leave you awestruck. Prepared to be mesmerized by Cusco!

 
Suggested Accommodation: Wyndham Costa Del Sol Cusco

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Depart from Lima

We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something just for you.

Hear it from our clients first

Why we are the top choice for your next luxury trip.

Our unique approach to planning transformative experiences ensures our clients gain more than just a vacation: they come away with a greater understanding of the world, their place in it, and how the journey has enriched their lives.