Compare Lights of Peru, The Inca Empire by Say Hueque vs Amazon, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu by Audley Travel

Day 1: Welcome to Your 8-Day Trip to Perú - Lima

Transfer from the airport to your hotel – Day at leisure

Upon your arrival in Lima, we’ll be waiting to drive you from the airport to your hotel. Enjoy your leisure time in Lima!

Lima is the capital of Peru; the jumping-off point for nearly all trips to the country. In the Colonial Era, it housed the viceroyalty, making it the most powerful city-hub of South America.

Today, its native and foreign heritage coexist; its well-preserved, amazing colonial churches and archeological sites (heading south to Caral Sacred City) exist in harmony with Peru’s beautiful beaches overlooking the Pacific Ocean and its delicious seafood.

Day 2: City Tour in Lima

Today we’ll pick you up at your hotel to explore Lima’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with fascinating historic buildings.

We’ll start with a scenic tour in the colonial downtown, which expands from the Main Square, where you can appreciate the grandiose architecture of the Spanish Empire, like that of the Cathedral, which was built up in the 16th century and finished after 80 years of hard work!

Our next stop will be to Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion that was granted in 1535 by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to Jerónimo de Aliaga, one of his captains.

The last part of this historical day tour in Lima will be dedicated to the Larco Museum. Located in the traditional Pueblo Libre district, this meticulously maintained museum is housed in a beautifully restored viceroyal mansion. Its exhibits boast the most complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver artifacts, as well as pieces of ancient erotic art.

Since we’re on the topic of love encounters, we’ll finish the day at the “Love Park” built in 1993 to celebrate love in all its forms. Nestled in the upscale coastal district of Miraflores, you can admire the cliffs from its colorful mosaic benches and take in the most beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.

After enjoying this romantic place and meeting the famous sculpture which immortalized the tender kiss of two passionate lovers, we’ll drive you back to your hotel.

Day 3: Continue Your Perú Travel Itinerary - Cuzco

Transfer from your hotel to Lima airport
Today we’ll pick you up at your hotel and take you to Lima airport to continue your 8-day trip in Perú. Take an hour’s flight to Cuzco, maybe the most international destination of Peru, since (but not only because…) Machu Picchu, the world-renowned Inca fortress, is located only 4 hours away! 

Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Cuzco

Upon your arrival in Cuzco, we’ll drive you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the evening exploring the city at your own pace.

Day 4: Pisac and Ollantaytambo Fortress - Cuzco

Full-day tour to Pisac and Ollantaytambo Fortress
Continue exploring the Sacred Valley, and visit Pisac, famous for its craft market where you’ll find the most exquisite pieces of jewelry, ceramic, and textile craftwork. We’ll continue our trip by visiting the archeological site of Pisac to admire the stone terraces built by the Incas, and last, we’ll head to Ollantaytambo to visit its stunning fortress. Admire the remaining towers and walls that used to keep the citadel safe and the royal guests it used to host. You will sleep in Cuzco tonight, at the end of the day, a transfer will drop you at your hotel.

Day 5: Travel to Machu Picchu - Return to Cuzco

Tour to Machu Picchu, discover the legendary city!
Your tour to Machu Picchu begins with a 4-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes (literally, hot water). This town is also known as “Machu Picchu Pueblo” and is the last stop before entering the remains of the most important archaeological site in Peru. Machu Picchu means “Old Mountain” and is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

You’ll finally reach Machu Picchu (the ancient sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacutec) after a short transfer by bus through the mountains.

Here, when we arrive at the exact destination that is the highlight of your trip, we will have special moments which will most certainly be cherished forever. Enjoy your first impressions of this jaw-dropping place, and breathe the magic in the air.

At the end of the tour, you will take a bus back to Aguas Calientes and the train back to Cuzco where a transfer will drive you to your hotel.

Day 6: City Tour in Cuzco

City tour in Cuzco and archeological sites

Today we’ll pick you up at your hotel to start your Cuzco tour with a visit to the Coricancha, also known as the “Temple of the Sun” the construction of which was ordered by Inca Pachacútec (1438-1471).

This is where the Sun (Inti, in Quechua) was worshipped during the reign of the Inca Empire, and during that time its walls were fully covered with gold sheets and its courtyards were adorned with golden corn and life-sized sculptures of llamas.

We’ll continue on to visit the Cathedral, the most important building in the Main Square (whose construction lasted almost a century) and one of the most splendid Spanish colonial churches in America.

Our next stop will be the Sacsayhuamán fortress, an emblematic Incan piece of work, which protected the Holy City. The Sacsayhuamán complex was constructed with giant megalithic blocks, the transportation and construction of which continue to be a mystery.

This day will end with a visit to some archeological main attractions. You’ll visit Qenqo, located just over 2 miles away from Cuzco City, an archaeological complex mainly used for religious purposes, and where it is believed that agricultural rituals took place.

You will finally visit the vestiges of Puka Pukara, located 4.5 miles away from Cuzco. Puka Pukara, which means “red fortress”, was an architectural complex presumably used for military purposes.

At the end of this full historical and natural immersion in Cuzco’s heritage, we’ll drive you back to your hotel.

Day 7 Hike to Humantay Lagoon - Cuzco

Hike to Humantay Lagoon

You will leave Cuzco early in the morning heading to Soraypampa. On the way, pass by the city of Limatambo, an important entrance to Cuzco during the Inca Empire, and see the archaeological site of Tarawasi. Make a quick breakfast stop in a local restaurant before reaching Soraypampa and begin a mountain hike to Humantay Lagoon. Enjoy the stunning scenery of this wonderful place and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. Heading back to Cuzco, take lunch at a restaurant along the route.

Day 8 The End of Your 8-Day Travel Itinerary to Peru

This is the end of your 8-day travel itinerary to Peru…at least for now! At the appropriate time, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and head to the Cuzco airport to take your flight.

Keep on exploring other amazing destinations in Perú. Fire up your wanderlust with our featured trips to Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Peru.

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Lima.

Day 2 : Hacienda Concepcion

On arriving in Lima, take a connecting flight to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Southern Amazon. The flight lasts just over an hour and a half. You'll be met at the airport by a representative from your lodge and board a motorised canoe with a few fellow guests. Travel for approximately half an hour by river to reach your lodge. You may wish to rest and relax on arrival at the lodge, but if there's time, you may start on the lodge's programme of activities that evening.

Day 3 : Hacienda Concepcion

Today take part in different activities with your lodge guides. You may explore one of the trails through the rainforest, seeing a cacao plantation, bread fruit trees, and rubber trees. After lunch back at the lodge and some time spent relaxing, at dusk you take a canoe trip on the river, learning about its ecosystems and the local nocturnal wildlife.

Day 4 : Hacienda Concepcion

This morning might see you visiting the oxbow Sandoval Lake, canoeing around it while your guide explains about its formation, the water palms and other vegetation that grows there, and the animals that live there. Keep an eye out for giant river otters and black caiman. In the afternoon, you may explore the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, climbing towers into the canopy and crossing hanging bridges connecting the treetops.

Day 5 : Cuzco

Take a shared transfer by motorised canoe and road back to the airport at Puerto Maldonado in time to catch your onward flight to Cuzco. After the 50 minute flight you're met at the airport by your private guide and taken to your hotel by private transfer. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and getting accustomed to the altitude.

Day 6 : Cuzco

Enjoy a half day guided tour of Cuzco's historic central district and some nearby Inca ruins. Your private guide and driver pick you up at your hotel and your tour likely includes the following sites (although order may vary): Koricancha, an Inca Temple of the Sun turned conquistador church; the cathedral on Plaza de Armas; the ruins of the Inca ceremonial area in the hills surrounding the city, and Tambo Machay, an Inca fountain and bathing place. You have the afternoon at leisure: we suggest asking your driver to drop you in the arty San Blas district so you can browse its galleries.

Day 7 : Sacred Valley of Incas

Embark on a full day group guided trip into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Leaving your hotel early, your first stop may be the terraces and market of Pisac. Visit the sturdy ruins of Ollantaytambo, a former important administrative hub for the Incas, and look across the valley to see a carved face on the mountain opposite - believed to be a messenger from the gods. You stay in a hotel in the Sacred Valley tonight.

Day 8 : Sacred Valley of Incas

Today you start the Inca Trail. You're collected from your hotel and taken to the trailhead where you're given a briefing before starting the trek. Today is relatively gentle and should ease you into the trek. The trail follows the river through the valley before developing into an undulating path. You will be camping for the next three nights, but when you arrive into camp everything is ready and set up for you by your porters.

Day 9 : Sacred Valley of Incas

Today is often considered the hardest day on the trail: much of the day is spent climbing. But the views and the terrain is exciting. After traversing woodland and a small plateau, you reach treeless grasslands. As you climb to Dead Woman's Pass, the highest point on the trail at 4,200m (13,779 ft), you can look across to the snow-covered peaks of the Huayanay Massif. Camp tonight in a clearing in the Pacaymayo Valley.

Day 10 : Sacred Valley of Incas

You third full day on the Inca Trail brings more thrilling views today, and you also pass several small ruins as you walk down Inca staircases and through Inca tunnels. There's a fair amount of downhill today, which some people find harder than the climbs. You camp near Wiñay Wayna, a complex with numerous terraces. Sleep for the last time in your tent tonight.

Day 11 : Machu Picchu

The final day of the Inca trail. After an (extremely) early morning wake-up call, you climb to the Sun Gate and hike along a trail of flat paving before arriving at Machu Picchu. You then tour the ruins with the group and your guide. You have entrance tickets included for tomorrow, too, so you may wish to spend the afternoon relaxing in your hotel after the trek.

Day 12 : Cuzco

Today you have a free morning to further explore Machu Picchu at your own pace. Included are entrance tickets to hike Huayna Picchu, the mountain shaped like a witch's hat that overlooks the citadel. Alternatively, you could take a short walk to visit the Inca Bridge. This afternoon, take the train back to Cuzco where you're met by your private guide and driver and transferred to your hotel.

Day 13 : International return flight

From your hotel, take a private transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima, in time for your onward international connection.

Day 14 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.