Day 1: Arrive Lima
Arrive in Lima and take a private transfer to your hotel. Depending upon your time of arrival, step out and explore the city or just rest up for your big day tomorrow!
Day 2: Lima
Welcome to the vibrant and diverse city of Lima, where history, culture, and culinary delights come together to create an unforgettable experience. Join us on a journey through Lima's most iconic landmarks and its renowned culinary scene, where you'll explore the rich history of the city and indulge in its mouthwatering flavors. We'll start our day by delving into the historical heart of Lima. Our expert guide will lead you through the charming streets of the modern and colonial city of Lima. Marvel at the stunning colonial architecture, visit the impressive Plaza Mayor, and learn about Lima's role as the capital of the Spanish Viceroyalty. Explore historic churches and visit the impressive Convent of Santo Domingo. In the afternoon you'll be picked up from your hotel by your driver to enjoy a captivating gastronomic experience at Urban Kitchen. Where the art of cooking blends seamlessly with cultural exploration. Immerse yourself in a hands on cooking experience that transcends the ordinary, as you discover the flavors, history, and influences that have shaped Peruvian cuisine into a world renowned culinary masterpiece.
Day 3: Lima
Today you'll be picked up from your hotel by driver and guide to start your journey through the bohemian district of Barranco, a haven for art, culture, and creativity in Lima. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this neighborhood as you explore its charming streets, historic landmarks, and the iconic Victor Delfin Museum. Join us for a tour that combines the spirit of Barranco with the artistic legacy of Victor Delfin. In the afternoon kick off your adventure in the upscale district of Miraflores, where you'll be treated to a pisco sour tasting guided by a skilled bartender. Sip on this classic Peruvian cocktail while taking in the breathtaking coastal scenery, craft a ceviche that showcases the essence of the Amazon rainforest and Immerse yourself in history and culture as you enjoy an exceptional dinner within the illuminated ruins of Huaca Pucllana.
Day 4: Lima to Sacred Valley
Transfer to the airport for an early morning flight to the ancient imperial capital of Cuzco. Situated at an altitude of 11,200 ft. Cuzco reflects both the Inca and Spanish cultures. Airport greeting and transfer by minivan to experience an unforgettable view as you cross over the mountain from Cuzco and drop down into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The road follows the meandering Urubamba River and passes through rich agricultural lands and picturesque villages. En route you will have an authentic 3 course farm to table culinary experience and an immersive exploration of Peruvian history. During the afternoon you will visit the Inkariy Museum, where the combination of highly realistic figures, videos and music will take you through centuries of history, where you will discover cultures such as Caral, Paracas, Chavin and the Incas, among others before arriving to your Sacred Valley Hotel.
Day 5: Sacred Valley
After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the lobby for your departure to Andean community of Misminay, where we will learn about the lifestyle of Andean families, hike to the community viewpoint for breathtaking views of Moray's concentric terraces and experience a deeply cultural experience, a ceremony dedicated to Pachamama (Mother Earth). After working up an appetite, our next stop takes us to enjoy a Pachamanca lunch, traditional Peruvian dish that's cooked using stones and an underground oven, creating a flavorful and unique experience. Later on you can visit the Andean distillery, where you will experience handcrafted small batch spirits created with organic herbs from the grounds at el Albergue Ollantaytambo. You will then continue with your driver and guide to explore the town of Ollantaytambo and it's Inca Fortress. Dinner will be on your own this evening.
Day 6: Sacred Valley
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the town of Chinchero. This quaint town is situated between Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Here you will meet your host Manuel Choqque, an agronomist and recipient of the Producer of the Year 2018 award. He will share his expertise and insights gained from his research and experimentation with native potatoes and tubers. During the tour, you'll get to observe and taste a fascinating array of more than 370 varieties of potatoes that Manuel has cultivated and stored in his warehouse and savor the native potatoes with a traditional Peruvian sauce called Uchucuta, which is made from Peruvian peppers. Manuel's innovative approach extends to creating Andean tuber wines (made with ocas and mashwas) and native potato distillates (vodka).After the enriching visit to Manuel Choqque's, you'll head to Jeremy and Tatiana's home in the Sacred Valley. Here, you'll enjoy a delicious organic lunch in a serene setting that offers stunning views of the landscapes, ensuring a holistic dining experience. Dinner will be on your own this evening.
Day 7: Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
After breakfast, transfer to the train station for a visit to one of the most important archaeological sites in the world: Machu Picchu. The excursion will be via the Vistadome Train with a private local guide, and starts with a trip to the intriguing town of Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. Your larger luggage will stay at your hotel in the Sacred Valley, as only overnight bags or back packs are allowed on the train. You'll meet back up with your luggage after your return from Machu Picchu. The natural beauty of the surroundings makes the train the best way to start your visit. When you arrive, you will start the ascent to the ruins by bus, which will be without a doubt, one of your most unforgettable experiences. At Machu Picchu enjoy a guided tour where you will view one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World and take some impressive photos. Then it's back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch. After this exhilarating trip, you can relax at your hotel, or soak in one of the warm medicinal pools before enjoying Peruvian specialties at your dinner this evening.
Day 8: Machu Picchu to Cuzco
Enjoy the buffet breakfast and relax as the morning is at your leisure. For the adventurous, there is an optional morning visit to the archeological complex on your own. The second entrance to Machu Picchu includes round trip bus ride; however does not include guide nor lunch. You can verify the schedule of your entrance with a maximum 4 hours in the citadel. In the afternoon, you'll board the train back to Ollanta, and transfer to Cuzco. After check in at your hotel, you will have time to explore the nearby sites before dinner on your own.
Day 9: Cuzco
After breakfast, meet your guide for a walking tour of the City of Cuzco a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Learn about the coexistence of the Andean and Spanish cultures. We'll begin at at the iconic San Pedro market, a local market where you can explore the colors, flavors and traditions of modern Cusco. Followed by a visit to Koricancha; an ancient, sacred space that the Incas dedicated to the worship of the sun and the moon. And over which the order of the Dominican friars built the Santo Domingo Temple. Then, a visit to the Main Square, located across the imposing Cathedral and the magnificent Jesuit Church. We'll view additional historic colonial buildings, which together compose some of the most beautiful and captivating scenery in Peru. The evening is at your leisure and dinner will be on your own.
Day 10: Depart Cuzco
After breakfast, meet your driver for your transfer to Cuzco Airport, and onward to your next Avanti Destination!