Peru offers some of the most intense travel experiences in South America, and with such destinations, creating a relatively short and comprehensive program while keeping the budget within the affordable range, is not an easy task. However, Affordable Peru, does just that! You may travel on any day of the week, year round.
Featuring: Lima, Cuzco, Sacred Valley & Machu Pichu. This program is based on shared services, with bi-lingual guides at each location.
Your choice of accommodation at the following locations:
Shared sightseeing, visits and transportation:
Meals:
Daily breakfast at the hotel, plus additional meals as indicated in the itinerary; (b= breakfast, l = lunch, d = dinner)
Not included:
Important:
This tour requires travelers to be in good physical shape because it may be challenging at times. It also operates in some points at altitudes that are over 12,000 feet above sea-level. If you have any doubts about your ability to withstand these conditions, please consult with your physician.
Arrival in Lima
Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival in Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport, meet our representative after the luggage and customs area. He/she will be carrying a sign with your name and then drive you to your hotel in Lima.
Lima, the City of Kings
You will be picked up from your hotel for a tour of the “City of the Kings". The tour begins with a panoramic visit to the Huaca Pucllana archaeological center that was active during the 5th and 8th centuries A.D. Proceed to the Historical Center of Lima for a drive-by of the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the City Hall, the Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace. Then you will proceed to the San Francisco Monastery, a masterpiece of Colonial architecture, followed by a drive through the residential districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, where you will enjoy a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean and its beaches. Lastly, return to your hotel.
Afternoon will be spent at your leisure. (B)
Lima / Cuzco
Pick up from your hotel and transfer to Lima's Airport. Depart Lima on a flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival, meet our representative and he/she will transfer you to your hotel in Cuzco. Welcome to the Royal City! In the afternoon, explore the magical capital of the Incas on a tour that includes a visit to the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and the Santo Domingo convent monastery. The Santo Domingo monastery was built over the Koricancha temple, one of the most important temples dedicated to the worship of the Sun. According to the chronicles, it was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Then you will roam around the old town with its very narrow streets. After seeing the most interesting sites of the city, you will be driven into the nearby remarkable Inca ruins in the area, including Sacsayhuamán, the temple and amphitheater of Kenko and the Red Fortress of Puca Pucara. (b)
From Cuzco to the Sacred Valley of Incas
Today you depart Cuzco and descend to Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, at 8000-9000 feet above sea level. We first visit Pisac, where you will have the opportunity to bargain with vendors at its local handcrafts market. Enjoy lunch at a pleasant hostelry in the countryside and continue to the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. The site was in construction, just as the Spaniards arrived and the work was seized, allowing us to have very rare and clear evidence of the methods used by the Incas to construct their "Mega Projects". After exploring the site's magnificent past, stroll through the quaint streets of today's town, a perfect sample of the Inca's Urban Planning. We continue to your hotel in the Sacred Valley for an overnight stay. (b,l)
Discover Machu Picchu
Transfer to Ollanta train station to take the Vistadome service to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Ascend the mountain by shuttle for a guided tour of the marvelous citadel, visiting the main plaza, the royal quarters, the Temple of Three Windows, the circular tower, the sacred Sun Dial and burial grounds. Then descend the mountain to check into your hotel and enjoy a 3-course dinner. (b,d)
Sunrise at Machu Picchu / Cuzco
The morning will be spent at your leisure to watch the sunrise in Machu Picchu. Your second entrance and transportation to Machu Picchu are included (guide services are not included for this day). During the late afternoon, walk to the train station. The Vistadome Train depart from Aguas Calientes. (Please arrive at the station 30 minutes prior to departure). The train then arrives at the Ollanta Station, where you switch to a vehicle for the last segment of the trip to your hotel in Cuzco. (b)
Cuzco
Lazy day in Cuzco. Just sleep through the morning or stroll along the streets to visit the art galleries, studios, cathedrals and markets. (b)
From Cuzco to Lima / Depart Peru
Morning spent at your leisure for last minute souvenir shopping. You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Airport in Cuzco for your flight to Lima, with a connection to your home-bound flight. (b)