12 DAYS PERU: FESTIVAL OF THE SUN & ANCIENT WONDERS

Transfer: Airport to Hotel
Arrive in Lima, Peru’s coastal capital. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the Miraflores district.

Colonial Lima & Barranco
Discover the historic heart of Lima, whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through Plaza Mayor to admire the Government Palace, Cathedral, and City Hall, all reflecting the grandeur of Lima’s Spanish colonial heritage. Visit the historic Casa de Aliaga, one of the oldest continuously inhabited residences in the Americas, still home to the same family for centuries.

Continue to the artistic district of Barranco, where colorful streets, colonial mansions, and the iconic Puente de los Suspiros evoke the city’s bohemian charm. Along the way, stop at traditional huariques to sample authentic Peruvian specialties.

Coastal Archaeology North of Lima
Depart early and drive about 1.5 hours north of Lima to the coastal town of Chancay. Stop to view the impressive Port of Chancay, one of South America’s newest and most modern deep-water ports and an emerging gateway for trade between Peru and Asia.

Continue another 1.5 hours north to visit Bandurria Archaeological Site, where ancient pyramidal structures rise beside coastal wetlands rich with birdlife.

After lunch, proceed to the nearby Peñico Archaeological Site, a recently discovered ceremonial centre associated with the ancient Caral-Supe civilisation.

Sacred City of Caral
Head to the Sacred City of Caral-Supe, the oldest known city in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its monumental pyramids, ceremonial plazas, and impressive urban planning that dates back over 5,000 years.

Continue with a 1-hour drive to Vichama Archaeological Site, where striking clay reliefs depict ancient myths and ceremonial scenes.

Later, return to Lima and check in at an airport hotel, convenient for your early departure the next morning.

Domestic Flight: Lima to Cusco
Early in the morning, check-in at Lima Airport for your flight to Cusco.

Journey from Cusco to Sacred Valley
Upon arrival at Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, travel about 1.5 hours by road into the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Enroute, stop at Manos de la Comunidad, where you will encounter llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos while learning about traditional Andean weaving techniques.

Later, take part in a Pachamama ceremony, an Andean ritual honouring Mother Earth. Continue to the charming town of Pisac, renowned for its vibrant artisan market and traditional crafts. 

Sacred Valley Full Day Exploration
Begin the day at the lively market in Urubamba, where farmers and artisans showcase regional produce and handcrafted goods. Visit the remarkable Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of terraced salt pools cascade down the mountainside.

Explore Ensifera Camp, a serene garden sanctuary where numerous hummingbird species can be observed up close. Then, visit a workshop of a renowned Andean milliner to witness the creation of Parwa hats, traditional wool and felt hats made using centuries-old techniques.

Conclude the day at the Moray Archaeological Site, with its enigmatic circular terraces, believed to have served as an agricultural laboratory for the Incas.

Ollantaytambo & Machu Picchu
Travel about one hour to Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site, exploring its impressive terraces and fortress walls.
From here, board the luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham Train for a scenic journey through the Andes to the legendary Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Enjoy a guided exploration of this extraordinary Inca citadel set high above the Urubamba River amid dramatic mountain scenery.

Journey from Machu Picchu to Cusco
Return early in the morning to Machu Picchu for a final guided visit, when the morning light illuminates the magnificent ruins and surrounding peaks.

Later, board the Vistadome train for the journey back to Ollantaytambo, where a traditional Pachamanca lunch awaits. This ancient Andean cooking technique uses heated stones to prepare meats, vegetables, and herbs underground.

After lunch, travel by road for about 1.5 hours to Cusco.

Discover Cusco
Explore Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Visit the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, followed by San Pedro Market to experience the sights, aromas, and colors of local produce and crafts.

Continue to Cusco Cathedral, home to a remarkable collection of colonial art. The afternoon is free to relax or explore the historic streets.

Inti Raymi Sun Festival
Today is one of the great highlights of the journey as you witness Inti Raymi, the spectacular Festival of the Sun, celebrated annually during the winter solstice in Cusco. This grand historical reenactment recreates one of the most important ceremonies of the Inca Empire. The festivities unfold across three historic locations, beginning at the Qorikancha, once the most sacred temple of the Inca world. The procession continues to the Plaza de Armas, where ceremonial rituals and proclamations take place.

The celebration culminates at the monumental fortress of Sacsayhuamán, where hundreds of performers dressed in elaborate costumes recreate ancient ceremonies honouring Inti, the sun god. Music, dance, and dramatic performances bring the traditions of the Inca Empire vividly to life in one of South America’s most extraordinary cultural events.

Palcoyo Rainbow Mountains
Depart early for a scenic 3-hour drive through the Andes to Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain, a quieter and more accessible alternative to the famous Vinicunca.

A gentle high-altitude walk reveals 3 colourful mountains, a surreal stone forest, and panoramic views toward Ausangate, a sacred peak. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst this serene Andean landscape before returning to Cusco.

Transfer: Hotel to Airport
Enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel in Cusco before a private transfer to the airport for your onward flight.