Peru in the Footsteps of the Incas 10 Days and 9 Nights

Upon arrival in Lima, your Travelution Peru host will escort you to your hotel, assisting you with all check-in procedures. Situated just outside of Lima’s city center.

Having exploded onto the global food scene, Peru is now widely regarded as one of the world’s principal food travel destinations. In the morning, you will head off to the local market with your private chef in order to buy the local ingredients and learning about the amazing Peruvian food.

Later, take a walking tour of Lima’s key historical sites. One of the main fascinations of Lima is the concentration of ancient history in the area; the origins of the city pre-date the Spanish foundation of the city by several millennia. Begin to unravel this multifaceted history and discover the complex past of this fascinating city with a visit to the colonial area of Lima featuring the Cathedral (closed on Sundays), the Convent of Santo Domingo, and the Main Square with its beautiful baroque-style buildings. You will also visit Larco Herrera Museum, considered one of the best museums in the world. After your visit you will be privately transferred to the hotel.

Upon your arrival, one of our representatives will be waiting for you right outside of the baggage claim area holding a sign with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel in the sacred valley, you will make a stop at Awanacancha where you will see the four Andean camels (Llamas, Alpacas, Huanacos and Vicuñas) and then see a traditional Andean textile center that serves as a perfect introduction to the Andean life.

You will visit the colorful and famous market of Pisac, which has a large number of local artisans who gather from different communities to sell their handicrafts and unique food. You can then go to Pisac`s impressive archeological complex, which has a simply breathtaking view. Then you will be transferred to your hotel for a light lunch and rest in order to acclimate better to the altitude.

Today, ascend into the Andes Mountains to kayak the remote lagoon of Huaypo, a secluded gem set 12,464 ft. Paddle the pristine waters at your own pace, taking in the stunning mountain scape spread before you. Return to dry land and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch. At Travelution, we know that children don’t just like to look, but to touch as well, which is why we arrange for interactive, hands-on activities as part of our Peru family tours. In the afternoon, you’ll take part in a pottery workshop in the town of Urubamba, where you will learn about the ceramics traditions of Peru and make your own ceramic piece. Or we’ll proceed to the enigmatic Inca ruins at Moray. Visually, these stepped-terrace ruins resemble an ancient amphitheater, though some experts believe they served as agricultural laboratories where the Incas could experiment with new farming techniques. Visit the salt mines of Maras. This village is a salt-producing center that dates back all the way to pre-Inca times. There are more than 4,000 salt pools carved into the mountain.

A 7 a.m. train departure from Ollantaytambo gets you to station Km #104. After registering at the checkpoint, you’ll begin the three-hour hike to Wiñay Wayna, during which you’ll see ruins, waterfalls and many varieties of flora and fauna. You’ll take lots of photos on this picturesque stretch of your Peru tour. Spend one to two hours exploring the beautiful Wiñay Wayna ruins. From here it is a two-hour walk to Machu Picchu. You will arrive at the famous ruins in the late afternoon when there are few visitors. After a brief tour, transfer by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll spend the night at a charming hotel. The evening is free to explore this small village and soak in the hot springs.

Overnight: Aguas Calientes Machupicchu, 6,232 ft / 1,900 mt

Hiking Details: 7.54 miles / 12.14 km; approximately 6-7 hours hiking, 

Altitude min/max: from 7,053 ft to 9,022 ft

We have an early breakfast and head up to the ruins to experience the peace and solitude of this magical place. Our knowledgeable guide leads us through, explaining the significance of the various structures and the theories behind Machu Picchu’s purpose and construction methods. We have the rest of the morning and early afternoon to attempt the optional hike up Huayna Picchu and/or explore the ruins on our own. We catch the afternoon tourist train to Ollantaytambo and from there take the bus to Cusco, arriving at approximately 7 p.m. The day concludes with our guide joining us for a final celebration dinner at a traditional local restaurant. Overnight in Cusco. B

Hiking: Optional Huayna Picchu hike may be unguided and is steep with some exposure. Permits are limited. An alternative optional hike may be available if Huayna Picchu permits cannot be obtained.

It’s time to get acquainted with Cusco, a gorgeous city that wins the heart of most every traveler that passes through it. Get to know the real Cusco during a private tour. After breakfast, meet your guide and wander among the archaeological remains of Sacsayhuaman, where the Incas staged a great battle against the conquistadors. Return to the city and roam the atmospheric streets of the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas, which is known for its free-spirited scene. Explore Qoricancha and the Santo Domingo monastery (a colonial structure built on top of the ancient Inca temple of the sun); see where the locals make their grocery runs at the open-air San Pedro market and pass the famous 12-angled stone, whose image appears on the bottle of the local Cusqueña beer. 

At the end of the tour, your guide will suggest places to enjoy a delicious local lunch, but make sure to save some room for the snacks that await you in your chocolate making class this afternoon! First make your way to the Chocolate Museum. Did you know that Peru is the birthplace of chocolate? Here you will learn about its spectacular history and the unique process that chocolate undergoes from plant to plate. Best of all, make your own chocolate truffles to bring home with you!

After breakfast, transfers back to the Cusco airport will be arranged for travelers departing today. Trip members can opt to return to Lima for connecting flights home or extend their travels in Peru.