Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu 7-Day Inca Adventure
Price
Duration
Min Age
Tour Type
7-Day Peru Odyssey: Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Immersion
Embark on a 7-day bespoke journey through Peru, blending the ancient allure of the Sacred Valley with the majestic beauty of Machu Picchu. Begin in Lima, absorbing its rich cultural tapestry, and discover treasures like the Larco Museum on a city tour. Journey to Cusco, the storied capital of the Inca Empire, where ancient traditions meet colonial charm. Delve into the heart of the Andes as you explore the Sacred Valley, a land cherished by the Incas for its fertile soil and stunning landscapes. Engage with local Andean communities, experiencing their vibrant culture and historical sites. The highlight of your tour is Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel shrouded in mystery and history. Unveil its secrets with expert guides. This tour offers an immersive blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, perfect for travelers seeking an authentic and sustainable experience in Peru.
Highlights
- Lima’s Cultural Mosaic: Begin your journey in Lima, exploring its rich history and vibrant culture, including a tour of the renowned Larco Museum, showcasing Peru’s ancient treasures.
- Cusco’s Incan Legacy: Discover Cusco, the once-glorious capital of the Inca Empire, where colonial architecture blends seamlessly with ancient Incan sites, offering a unique cultural experience.
- Sacred Valley Exploration: Delve into the Sacred Valley, revered by the Incas for its fertile lands and stunning beauty, and immerse in its rich history and breathtaking landscapes.
- Andean Community Engagement: Engage with local communities in the Andes, gaining insights into their vibrant culture, traditions, and connection to Peru’s historical heritage.
- Machu Picchu’s Ancient Splendor: Experience the wonder of Machu Picchu, the mysterious Incan citadel perched high in the Andes, revealing centuries-old secrets and incredible architectural feats.
Brief itinerary
Day 1 – Lima Arrival Excellence
Arrive in Lima, Peru’s vibrant capital. Your journey begins with a welcoming introduction to the city’s rich cultural heritage, setting the tone for your adventure.
Day 2 – Discover Lima’s Rich Heritage
Explore Lima’s historical wonders, including the esteemed Larco Museum. Experience a guided city tour, unveiling Lima’s colonial architecture and vibrant urban life.
Day 3 – Cusco Bound: Unveiling the Sacred Valley’s Charms
Travel to Cusco, the gateway to the Sacred Valley. Uncover the valley’s enchanting charm, marked by lush landscapes and ancient Incan sites.
Day 4 – Andean Cultural Journey in Sacred Valley
Immerse yourself in the Andean culture of the Sacred Valley. Visit local communities, explore traditional markets, and witness the rich tapestry of history and nature.
Day 5 – Machu Picchu Expedition: A Day of Wonder
Embark on the highlight of your journey – a visit to the iconic Machu Picchu. Discover this ancient Incan citadel, a marvel of architecture and history set amidst the Andes.
Day 6 – Cusco Unveiled: A Day of Cultural Discovery
Dive deeper into Cusco’s rich culture. Explore its historic streets, visit key landmarks, and soak in the city’s unique blend of Incan and Spanish influences.
Day 7 – Seamless Departure & Lima Layover
Conclude your Peruvian odyssey with a seamless departure from Cusco. Enjoy a brief layover in Lima, reflecting on your unforgettable journey before your onward travel.
Prices for this trip
Hotel Category | Double or Triple room | Single room Additional cost |
---|---|---|
Superior Tourist | US$ 1902 | US$ 278 |
First Class | US$ 2093 | US$ 521 |
* Minimum 2 passengers to confirm the booking; solo traveler is subject to an additional fee.
* Private tour; do not join other travelers; exclusive tour with a private guide and private mobility, whether traveling alone, with family, or with friends.
Includes and excludes
Included
- Comfortable Accommodation: Enjoy a comfortable stay for 6 nights in Lima, Sacred Valley, and Cusco hotels, with breakfast included.
- No Hidden Costs: Your journey comes without surprise expenses—every admission fee for Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the iconic Machu Picchu is included.
- Expert Local Guides: Knowledgeable English-speaking local guides will lead your tours.
- Hassle-Free Transfers: We provide all necessary transfers, including airport, train station, bus station transfers, and hotel pickups and drop-offs.
- Efficient Train Travel: Journey smoothly with a train ticket for the Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo route (Vistadome train).
- Culinary Delights: Savor mouthwatering meals as per your itinerary, with unique dietary options available upon request.
- Convenient Ground Transportation: Enjoy reliable ground transportation services for your Adventure.
- Round-the-Clock Support: Our local staff is available 24/7 for any necessary assistance.
Not Included
- Flights: Both domestic and international flights are not covered. For flight arrangements, please consult a travel agency if needed.
- Visa and Insurance: Procedures related to visas, travel insurance, and any pre- or post-tour accommodation are not included.
- Personal Expenses: Any additional personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages and laundry are not covered.
- Gratuities: Gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and support staff are not included in the price.
- Language Guidance: If you require guidance in a language other than English (e.g., German, French), please inquire with your travel agent.
- Additional Items: Costs related to items that are not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary description are not included.
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: Entrance fees for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are also not covered.
Trip code: SMP8D01-PVT
Day 1: Lima Arrival Excellence: Your Journey Begins Here
- Welcome to Lima: As your plane touches down in Lima, the enchantment of your journey awakens. Sun Gate Tours warmly welcomes you at the airport, ensuring a seamless and comfortable transfer to your Lima hotel.
- Effortless Arrival: Leave the complexities of navigating a foreign airport to us. Our dedicated team is here to guarantee a smooth and stress-free experience right from the moment you land.
- Private Transportation: Step into the comfort of our private transport, meticulously designed to make your journey as pleasant as possible.
- Settle In and Unwind: With no scheduled activities upon arrival, you can seamlessly check in to your accommodation and take this opportunity to recharge for the incredible adventures that await you.
- Stay the Night at Lima Hotel
- Meals: None.
Day 2: Discover Lima’s Rich Heritage: Larco Museum and City Tour
- Larco Museum Exploration: Begin your day with a delicious hotel breakfast before embarking on a cultural journey. At 09:00, our team will pick you up from your hotel and transport you to the historic Pueblo Libre district to visit the renowned Larco Museum, founded in 1926. This museum is a treasure trove of Peruvian pre-Columbian history, housed within a captivating 18th-century vice-royal mansion built atop a 7th-century pre-Columbian pyramid. Explore its enchanting gardens and delve into its remarkable galleries, which offer a comprehensive overview of 3000 years of Peruvian heritage—Marvel at the finest gold and silver collections from Ancient Peru and the famed erotic archaeological exhibit. With over 45,000 archaeological artifacts, this museum narrates five millennia of Peruvian history.
- Culinary Delights: Your experience doesn’t end with the museum; the Larco Museum’s property includes a stunning garden and an exceptional restaurant. Prepare for a culinary journey that tantalizes your taste buds with flavors, textures, and temperatures from various regions of Peru. Enjoy a six-course meal, each thoughtfully curated to offer a diverse and authentic culinary adventure.
- Historical City Tour: After your museum exploration and delightful meal, our Adventure continues with a captivating city tour of Lima’s historical center. Discover the rich heritage of Peru’s capital, founded in 1535 and known as the “City of the Kings.” Our expert guide will unveil Lima’s downtown area’s palaces, castles, and treasures. Explore the grand Saint Francisco Monastery and its impressive underground Catacombs, revealing another layer of Lima’s intriguing history.
- After the visit, transfer to the hotel. The tour will end around 18:00.
- Stay the Night at the Lima Hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 3: Cusco Bound: Unveiling the Sacred Valley’s Charms
- Morning Exploration: Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel. At 06:00, we’ll pick you up and transfer you to Lima Airport for a swift flight to Cusco, the legendary capital of the Incas.
- Cusco Welcome: Upon landing in Cusco, our expert guide will be eagerly awaiting your arrival. We’ll make a brief stop in the charming town of Pisac, en route from the airport, where you’ll relish a delightful lunch.
- Pisac Adventure: Post-lunch, embark on a captivating visit to the Pisac market and its ancient archaeological site, perched atop a mountain. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to witness the extraordinary stonemasonry skills of our Incan ancestors firsthand.
- Market Marvels: After exploring the mountaintop marvels, we’ll descend into the quaint town, where you can leisurely stroll through its vibrant market. Don’t miss the chance to acquire exquisite, locally handcrafted goods.
- Sacred Valley Retreat: To conclude your day’s adventures, we’ll transfer you to your comfortable hotel nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
- Stay the Night at Sacred Valley Hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 4: Andean Cultural Journey in Sacred Valley
- Experience the rich cultural heritage and agricultural brilliance of the Sacred Valley with this exclusive, private tour, ensuring a memorable and immersive journey into the heart of Andean traditions.
- Agricultural Marvels: Start your day with a hearty hotel breakfast, followed by a 09:00 hotel pickup. Venture to the awe-inspiring Moray archaeological site (3,176m/10,419ft). Explore the colossal circular and semi-circular terraces, once a botanical laboratory for innovative plant domestication and adaptation experiments. These terraces may have cultivated over 3,000 plant varieties, including staples like potatoes and maize.
- Vibrant Village Encounter: The highlight of the day awaits in the charming community of Chinchero, just a 15-minute drive from Moray. Be embraced by authentic Andean hospitality as you’re greeted with traditional Quechua music and a sip of muña tea. Immerse yourself in local life, partake in daily activities, and relish a delectable meal crafted from indigenous ingredients. Discover ancient agricultural techniques and tools still in use.
- Cultural Culinary Tour: Embark on a one-of-a-kind culinary experience, where you’ll have the privilege of participating in the preparation of Pachamanca. This is not just a typical lunch, but a true immersion into the history and culture of the area. Alongside the locals, learn the art of cooking this legendary dish, a technique passed down from the times of the Incas. Witness the construction of a traditional stone oven, meticulously heated before cooking in a pit dug into the earth. Taste select meats such as pork, chicken, lamb, and guinea pig, perfectly paired with Andean potatoes, green fava beans, oca tubers, and other native products. This lunch is more than a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors, traditions, and hospitality.
- Weaving Wonders: Witness the mesmerizing artistry of skilled weavers who employ time-honored techniques. A captivating weaving demonstration showcases the intricate transformation of alpaca and sheep wool into exquisite fabrics. Dive into the world of natural dyes, and gain a deep appreciation for the meticulous craftsmanship involved in every tapestry, from spinning to weaving.
- The tour ends around 16:30.
- Stay the Night at Sacred Valley Hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 5: Machu Picchu Expedition: A Day of Wonder
- A Thrilling Start: Fuel up with a hearty hotel breakfast, then at 06:45, brace yourself for an exciting day as you’re whisked away from your hotel to Ollantaytambo train station.
- Scenic Train Journey: Embark on a scenic train voyage bound for the charming Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes. Along the way, be enchanted by the breathtaking natural vistas of the Sacred Valley, a true visual feast.
- Unveiling the Marvel: Arriving at 09:30, hop onto a bus that will transport you to the legendary Machu Picchu archaeological site (2,430m/7,972ft). This awe-inspiring wonder, UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World since 2007, deserves every accolade.
- Guided Exploration: Commencing around 11:00, your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the mesmerizing ruins and main streets of Machu Picchu. Wander around town squares and ascend intricately carved stone stairways. According to esoteric wisdom, Machu Picchu holds the esteemed title of the world’s spiritual center.
- Two-Hour Insight: The guided tour unfolds over approximately two hours, providing an in-depth understanding of this ancient sanctuary’s history and significance.
- Homeward Journey: Between 13:30 and 14:00, embark on a scenic bus ride back to Aguas Calientes, where a delightful culinary experience awaits.
- Local Gastronomy: From 14:00 to 15:30, relish a delectable lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes, savoring the regional flavors.
- Return to Cusco: As the day draws to a close, board a train for the return trip to the historic city of Cusco. Upon arriving at Ollantaytambo station, you’ll be smoothly transported back to your Cusco hotel.
- Vistadome train: Ollantaytambo (07:45) – Aguas Calientes (09:15)
- Vistadome train: Aguas Calientes (16:43) – Ollantaytambo (18:22)
- Stay the Night at Cusco Hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 6: Cusco Unveiled: A Day of Cultural Discovery
- Morning Freedom: After enjoying a delectable hotel breakfast, your morning is free to explore Cusco at your own pace or simply relax and rejuvenate.
- Afternoon Adventure: At 14:00, the day’s excitement begins with hotel pickup. The journey kicks off at the vibrant San Pedro market, an authentic window into daily life in Cusco. Delve into the heart of Cusquean culture as you wander through narrow aisles brimming with colorful textiles, flavorful cuisine, fresh fruit juices, aromatic bread, and intriguing shaman stalls. Your knowledgeable guide will weave tales of the market’s rich history.
- Colonial Elegance: Next, you’ll head to Cusco’s main square, the bustling epicenter of the city’s colonial charm. Stroll along wide stone pathways and admire well-maintained, colorful gardens, soaking in the vivacity of this central hub.
- Golden History: Your journey continues with a visit to Qorikancha, where the enchanting Santo Domingo Convent graces the site of an ancient Incan temple. It’s said that the temple was adorned entirely in gold, leaving countless invaders spellbound upon their arrival. Tradition holds that the temple’s opulence knew no bounds.
- Inca Grandeur Unearthed: Embark on an unforgettable journey to Sacsayhuaman, an astounding Inca architectural marvel that graces the hilltops above Cusco. Here, you’ll encounter monumental megalithic ruins, standing proudly as a testament to the incredible craftsmanship of the Inca civilization.
- Cusco’s Hidden Gems: As you ascend to the summit of this historic hill, be prepared to be captivated by the awe-inspiring panoramic vistas that stretch before you. Gaze upon the enchanting city of Cusco, a place where the ancient past intertwines gracefully with the vibrant present. The tour will end around 17:30.
- Stay the Night at Cusco Hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Day 7: Seamless Departure & Lima Layover: Depart Cusco with Ease
- Effortless Farewell: Bid Cusco adieu in style and comfort as we meticulously orchestrate every aspect of your departure. From your relaxing morning and hearty breakfast to a seamless transfer to the airport, leave the details to us.
- Lima’s Allure: During your journey home, enjoy a captivating layover in Lima, a city celebrated for its vibrant culture and culinary wonders. Immerse yourself in the charm of this coastal metropolis, savoring the last moments of your Peruvian Adventure.
- Meals: Breakfast