Sample Peru Travel Itinerary

Travel Peru with us on this classic style tour and feel the mystery, knowledge, and depth of the ancient civilizations while enjoying amazing Peruvian cuisine, cultural immersion off the beaten path and scenery that will astound you. Get to walk the Classic Inca Trail for a day (no camping required) and arrive to Machu Picchu the same way the Incas did! All tours are private with the best local guides. A full day touring the Inca Capital – Cusco. Plus….a special adventure day to view the majestic Andean condor in its natural habitat soaring above a stunning canyon and  without the crowds that are in other areas. Visit exclusive properties and a traditional community in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Heartwarming encounters with the very charming locals and so much more.

Tour Highlights

• Arrive to Machu Picchu via a Special Day Hike on the Classic Inca Trail – no camping necessary
• Visit Cusco, the capital and center of the Inca Empire and its surrounding areas
• Be inspired in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and appreciate why they considered it “Sacred”
• Visit an Andean working ranch and make your own chocolate and coffee from bean to delicious
• Astounding views on your day adventure to see the majestic Andean Condor

Travel Itinerary Highlights

Day 1 – Arrival Lima

Warm welcome by Ancient Summit at the airport and private assistance to your hotel.

Day 2 – To Cusco and Sacred Valley

Morning flight to Cusco and journey to the picturesque Sacred Valley with interesting stops along the way. Light activity day as first day in the altitude.

Day 3 – Exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Rich history, stunning scenery, extraordinary archaeology abound in the Valley along with warm and friendly locals. Visit Pisac Market and the impressive ancient site. Delicious home cooked lunch awaits you at an exclusive private home of dear friends.

Day 4 – More of the Magical Sacred Valley

Enjoy a very special and off the beaten path working ranch belonging to another of Nina’s dear friends. Options for horseback riding, and your opportunity to visit Moray, Maras and the incredible Incan salt mining terraces. After lunch back at the ranch, learn to hand-craft Peruvian chocolate the traditional way.

Day 5 – Express Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Experience awe-inspiring vistas, colorful orchids and hidden archaeological sites along the one day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu.

Day 6 – Exploring Machu Picchu

A day to absorb all the wonder of Machu Picchu with your private guide. We have the option to climb Huayna Picchu or other points of interest inside the Citadel.  Return by train to the Sacred Valley.

Day 7 – Sacred Valley to Cusco

Travel towards Cusco with options for kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding on a glacier-fed lake and a gourmet picnic lunch. Visit an authentic traditional village, participate in a weaving demonstration and meet the children in the educational center operated and supported by Ancient Summit.

Day 8 – Cusco

Full day explorations of the fascinating and vibrant ancient city of Cusco, considered as the Center of the Incan Empire.

Day 9 – Condor Search in Chonta

Scenic drive to Apurimac Canyon from Cusco for a short trek to see the majestic Andean condor in its natural habitat. The perfect option if you do not have the time to travel to the Colca Canyon – and fewer crowds!

Day 10 – Cusco to Lima

Fly back to Lima and enjoy the highlights of Peru’s capital city. Visit the best museum in South America, explore Lima’s neighborhoods and colonial history, and leave for home with the best memories ever!

Detailed Peru Travel Itinerary

From Lima, fly to Cusco and continue to the Sacred Valley of the Incas exploring the places, people and culture for a few days as we make our way towards Machu Picchu. After visiting our wonder of the world, we ride the train back to the Sacred Valley and eventually make our way to Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire where we enjoy the eclectic mix of ancient tradition and modern vibrancy. Also,  spend a day searching for the incredible but endangered Andean condor in flight, which has spiritual significance to the people of Peru. Your last day in Peru takes you back to Lima, also known as the City of Kings with an opportunity to visit some of its most interesting spots before heading back to the airport for your flight home. Time permitting, you can enjoy a meal in one of Lima’s World-Class restaurants.

Day 1 – Arrival Lima

A warm welcome by an Ancient Summit representative and full, private assistance. For convenience tonight, stay at the only hotel located inside the Lima Airport to assure a good night’s rest and easy transition for your continued journey in the morning.  WELCOME TO PERU!

Overnight: COSTA DEL SOL – Airport Hotel

Day 2 – To Cusco and Sacred Valley

We will be back to help get you checked in for the flight to Cusco.  Enjoy the view from far above the Andes. Upon arrival in Cusco, you will meet your guide along with your driver to begin the picturesque journey towards the Sacred Valley. Today is your day to take it somewhat easy as a first day in the high altitude. Your guide is with you and willing to go as fast or as slow as you need. There is so much to do and see in the magical Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Overnight: SACRED VALLEY

Day 3 – Sacred Valley: Exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas

This morning we stop at the Pisaq market, a traditional Andean market (now fairly touristy but still interesting), as well as a visit to the ancient site. A specially prepared lunch awaits you at the home of Nina’s dear friend. Wonderful home cooking and seasonal ingredients come from their own organic garden. This home is not open to the public and you will enjoy the authenticity as well as the warmth and welcoming of your hosts. After lunch, depending on how you feel, options can be discussed with your guide.

Overnight: SACRED VALLEY

Day 4 – Sacred Valley: Moray, Maras & the Incan Salt Terraces

Another unique and authentic day with a visit to a special working ranch belonging to another of Nina’s dear friends. Experience the ride on the smoothly gaited Peruvian Caballo de Paso (Peru’s National Horse), to visit the ancient sites of Moray, Maras and the incredible Incan salt terraces known as the Salineras. After a short orientation and accompanied by your chalan¹, we set off on rural paths, passing small villages. Traveling on your wonderful horse, we are transported into a rural lifestyle, meeting and greeting villagers in their everyday lives, where we respectfully interact in their cultural space and get a glimpse of their daily rhythms. Using paths that have existed since before the time of the Inca’s, you will enjoy truly impressive views. Once back at the ranch, a delicious farm to table lunch is served. After lunch, handcraft your own chocolate and/or coffee the traditional Andean way. We call this “from bean to delicious”.  These beans come from the ranch’s own organic plantations in the jungle.  Spending the day here is a true highlight of your time in the heavenly Sacred Valley. This is an exclusive private property that only privileged guests have access to. This lovely day ends back at your hotel for a good night’s rest in preparation for the long-anticipated adventure tomorrow. NOTE: If you do not want to ride horses, we have other options for this visit depending on your needs.

¹ Originally, the title given to a Peruvian Paso horse rider. Typically, the best horse rider in a Peruvian town or village. A Chalan must earn this title. It is a title of respect

Overnight: SACRED VALLEY

Day 5 – Express Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

Very early this morning, we board our train from Ollantaytambo for the panoramic journey to ‘Km 104’, where your Inca Trail trek begins. Crossing the Vilcanota River via a beautiful bridge we arrive at Chachabamba, the first Inca site on the trek. Leaving this site, the path continues into a forest offering some welcomed shade.  We reach a beautiful waterfall and continue to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna (‘Forever Young’). Our journey continues to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) and your first inspiring view of our Wonder of the World!

Overnight: INKATERRA PUEBLO  or SANCTUARY LODGE

Day 6 – Explore Machu Picchu

After breakfast your guide will meet you to start your guided tour of Machu Picchu along with options to climb either Huayna Picchu or Montaña Machu Picchu. Today you will learn about this most amazing architecture and the mysterious temples to better understand the sophisticated ideas of this highly advanced culture. Lunch is served at the Sanctuary Lodge. Later this afternoon we board the train and return to the Sacred Valley where your now familiar driver will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel.  Free evening to relax and reminisce about the wonders.

Overnight: SACRED VALLEY

Day 7 – Sacred Valley to Cusco

With exceptional memories and an appreciation of why the Incas called it the Sacred Valley, it is time to say good-bye for now to the Sacred Valley and begin the drive towards Cusco.

Along the way, we stop at a beautiful glacier fed lake for kayaking or stand up paddle and a gourmet picnic style lunch in a scenic area. After lunch we visit an authentic village whose inhabitants still practice their traditional lifestyle. This is not a usual tourist stop but something we offer our visitors as this is one of the communities we are dedicated to working closely for sustainability and education of the children. Our “Moms” welcome you for a demonstration of their ancient weaving tradition and you can participate if the spirit moves you. Nina’s son, Julio, runs the after school-learning center and is very committed to the children and looks forward to inviting you to their classroom. With your heart’s warmed by this touching experience, we now finish the drive to Cusco and your hotel. Please feel free to wander out on your own. Cusco is wonderful at night!

Overnight: CUSCO

Day 8 – Getting to Know Cusco

Today is your private tour of the city of Cusco. A city famed for its blend of Spanish and Inca cultures and has long been the inspiration for many an artist and chef.  Once the principal city of the Inca empire, and is now the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas.  Today we can visit the Koricancha Temple, a classic example of the fusion of Inca and Western cultures. Sacsayhuaman, as well as several other iconic archeological sites can be visited if you wish. Your guide always has more ideas and ways of showing you this incredible city based on your interests.

Overnight: CUSCO

Day 9 – Condor Search in Chonta

A unique adventure today. The drive starts along a well-paved road with stops at two archaeological sites – Quillarumilloc, a former Inca moon temple, and Tarawasi, an important ceremonial center.  You have beautiful views of Mt. Salkantay and the Limatambo Valley before arriving at the community of Chonta to begin the hike.  There are 4 different viewpoints over the astounding Apurimac Canyon. From these strategic areas, you’ll have the opportunity to see the majestic Andean condor in its natural habitat and hopefully as up close and personal as one can possibly get. It is one of the largest flying birds in the world and can have a wingspan of over 9 ½ feet.

Overnight: CUSCO

Day 10 – Cusco to Lima and home

This morning we say goodbye to the Andes and return to Cusco airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima you begin your tour of this City of Kings which includes a visit to Larco Herrera Museum and the Huaca Pucllana a most amazing discovery right in the middle of Miraflores.  At the appropriate time, we drive you back to the Lima Airport in time for your international flight. *If your flight is later this evening, we can arrange for a hotel room where you can freshen up and use as a base camp for the day.