Ancient Peru
- Lima
- Trujillo and Chiclayo
- Chachapoyas
- Lima
- Paracas and Nazca
- Sacred Valley
- Machu Picchu
- Cusco
- Choquequirao
An epic and comprehensive private tour of both Peru's lesser known and more prominent ancient treasures
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
Itinerary highlights
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Discovering the vibrant food scene in Lima
- Flying over and learning about the mysterious Nazca Lines
- Hiking to and around the famous lost city of Machu Picchu
- Trekking the unforgettably beautiful path to Choquequirao
What's included
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Luxury accommodation throughout
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All tours specified in the itinerary description
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All internal flights and private transfers
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Full support from your Travel Designer and Concierge before, during and after your trip
At a glance
From seeing the northern desert kingdom of Chan Chan and the Tucume Pyramids, to Chachapoyas in the Cloud Forests and flying over the Nazca Lines and the walking among Andean citadels of Machu Picchu and Choquequirao, this is an epic and comprehensive tour of Peru’s most incredible ancient treasures.
After a few days discovering the vibrant capital of Lima, you will head to the northeast to explore the fascinating pre-Colombian complexes of Chan Chan, El Brujo, Tucume, Ventarron and the Royal Tombs of Sipan.
You then head into the interior to hike the valleys of Leymebamba, visiting the town’s renowned museum and the Revash archaeological site, then spend some time exploring the lesser-known ancient site of Chachapoyas and the Kuelap Fortress.
From here you will journey south to discover Paracas, flying over the mysterious and intriguing Nazca Lines as well as touring this desolately beautiful coastline and its resident marine wildlife. It’s then onto Cusco, the Sacred Valley and the astonishing Machu Picchu citadel – areas steeped in rich history. You will enjoy a private tour with an expert guide, as well as time to explore by yourself.
The challenging four-day trek to Choquequirao (Machu Picchu’s lesser known sibling) offers a truly extraordinary finale and exploration of the hardly-visited marvel of the ancient Incan world
Example trip itinerary
Lima
Transfer
Meet and greet at Lima airport
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Lima
Accommodation in Lima
Lima
Highlights
- 82 guestrooms
- Observatory Restaurant
- Bar
- Spa
- Rooftop pool
- Gym
- Concierge service
Overview
This luxury hotel in Lima is a great place to relax before or after your visit to Machu Picchu and other destinations in Peru.
The hotel is set on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and adjacent to one of the most exclusive residential areas and commercial districts of Lima. Miraflores Park prides itself in offering outstanding personalised service and a home away from home atmosphere.
With 82 rooms, the amenities include three massage rooms, a rooftop heated pool, state of the art gym and a special observatory restaurant with sea views while dining.
→ Find out more
Lima
Highlights
- 20 spacious, contemporary rooms adorned with art
- Large pieces of artwork can be found throughout the hotel
- Indulge in Peruvian delicacies and international fusion cuisine
- Gaze out across Barranco from the rooftop terrace
- A great central location for more artistic experiences
Overview
Combining intimate, modern hospitality with stylish, historical elegance, Hotel B offers a polished and decidedly local stay for your time in Lima. Located in the city’s bohemian district of Barranco and housed in a historical Belle Époque mansion – once the palatial, ocean-view residence of the Peruvian president Augusto Leguia – this Relais & Châteaux property captures Peru’s past in 21st-century luxury.
The 20 spacious and charming rooms are spread between the historic ‘casona’ and the adjoining modern extension. All feature large pieces of artwork in-fitting with the general arts theme of the hotel. There are more than 250 works of art dotted around the hotel, all Latin American but mainly Peruvian, including a throw on wall in the library that dates back to 500 BC.
The rooms, which range from the cosy ‘Alcoba’ size to the grand ‘Atelier’ rooms, all display chic furnishings and modern amenities, with contemporary style and smart design blended together in a very refreshing and unique way.
For dining, make your way to the 1920s-themed bar. With a focus on Peruvian delicacies, the menu promotes local and seasonal produce. Within the peaceful library you can also enjoy afternoon tea, or perhaps opt for a drink as the sun sets on the rooftop terrace.
With six galleries on the same street as the property, Hotel B is the ideal stay for those who love art, culture and history.
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Two nights in Lima
Enjoy the Capital of Peru, known particularly for its excellent cuisine and good museums, as well as the historic down-town areas.
Full day tour of Caral Pyramid
Following breakfast you will be collected from your hotel and travel for four hours to Caral in Northern Lima. Upon arrival you will witness Caral, the civilisation responsible for the oldest urban complex (of the same name) in America, and which redefined the history of societies when it was discovered that it is 5,000 years old, as old as China, Egypt, India and Mesopotamia. Discover the huge pyramids, squares, atriums and altars where numerous sacred ceremonies and offerings to deities have taken place. You will then enjoy lunch before returning to your hotel in Lima.
Transfer
Private transfer to Lima airport
Flight
Flight from Lima to Trujillo
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Trujillo
Trujillo
Accommodation in Trujillo
Trujillo and Chiclayo
Overview
The best hotel in the area, the Costa del Sol Trujillo Centro sits on the main square of the city surrounded by impressive colonial architecture. The hotel is set itself in a converted building and has pleasant courtyards and a pool area. Rooms are comfortable and decorated in keeping with the Colonial heritage of the building.
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Huacas del Sol y de la Luna tour
This tour will give you an insight into the history in the Moche river valley, one of northern Peru's most fascinating rural areas. Over 2,000 years ago archaeologists believe the capitol of the Moche kingdom was built here, one of the most powerful and impressive cultures of pre-Incan Peru. The Moches are chiefly known for their high level of mastery in pottery and decorative iconography of their monuments. Visit the main attraction of the Moche countryside route, the Huacas del Sol y de la Luna (Temples of the Sun and Moon) archaeological complex and the Huacas de Moche Museum. The Temple of the Moon is a beautifully decorated temple symbolising the spiritual center of the Moche culture and boasts a series of temples built one on top of the other for many years. Within the site, besides a huge amount of ceremonial objects, approximately 40 skeletons of sacrificed soldiers have also been found. In the upper reaches of the adobe ramparts see the remains of vast walls embellished with figures of multi-colored divinities, the most of important being the Moche “God of the Mountains”. You will then enjoy lunch a Huanchaco Beach restaurant.
Trujillo city and colonial quarter
Tour of the main attractions of the city of Trujillo, known as the "City of Eternal Spring", and which has a rich colonial heritage, standing out with its baroque-style properties as well as the republican art of its neo-classical mansions. Your tour begins at the Plaza de Armas, a beautiful historic setting where Martin de Estete began tracing the city on behalf of the founder Diego de Almagro in December of 1534, and where you will find the monument of La Libertad, a baroque sculpture built of marble. Proceed to the main city Cathedral, which dates from 1647 and holds in its interior rococo altars painted in white and gold, and baroque paintings by the Cusco and Quito schools. The cathedral also houses the Cathedral Museum, with mainly religious works in gold and silver dating from virreynal times. Continue with a visit to the Urquiaga or Calonge neoclassical Mansions, and in whose interiors you'll find the desk of Simon Bolivar, a large collection of pottery and dishes donated by the Libertador to Mr. Juan Antonio Ochaita y Urquiaga. Today, the mansion belongs to the Banco Central de Reserva del Peru.
It's then onto to visit the House of Emancipation, also known as the "House of Windows", which was the residence of Dr. Pedro Madalengoitia y Saenz de Zarate, cantor of the Cathedral and brother of the Bishop of Trujillo. Continue to the Ganoza Chopitea House, located near the Main Square and called the Lions house. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Plaza El Recreo and the ancient City Wall of Trujillo, before heading to the south of Trujillo to visit a religious center of the Mochica culture, built in the fifth century.
Chan Chan
Your next stop is a comprehensive guided tour of the pre-Colombian archaeological complex of Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in America and also the largest of the Chimu culture, covering an area of 20 km² approximately.
Constructed by the Chimor people, who originated from the Moche civilisation, around AD 850 and what became part of the Kingdom of Chimu. This ancient and imperial adobe city, reported to be where 30,000 inhabitant once lived, lasted until the fall of the Incan Empire in AD 1470.
El Brujo and Cao Museum
El Brujo consists of a variety of temples built by the Moche people sometime between AD 1 and 600. The main temple, Huaca Cao Viejo, houses the famous mummy of the Lady of Cao, the only female Moche governor from this era. Other vestiges found here include remains of an important ceremonial precinct with two of its walls decorated with small high-relief iconographic designs. The narrative scenes that adorn the walls each contain around fifty iconographic figures which display scenes of fishing and navigation, human figures related to the cosmic world, mythical animals, shamans, warriors, and human sacrifice.
The museum is divided into six halls - the first two offer general information on the archaeological site with pottery and textiles from the pre-Hispanic period until the present day. The third houses an impressive wooden idol that was used for important rituals and then was buried in an enclosure of the temple. The fourth hall is dedicated to describing the human sacrifices of the Moches, the fifth showcases ceramic pots that belonged to an important woman of the Moche elite, while the sixth is dedicated to the Lady of Cao.
Tucume private tour
Your guide will drive you to the famous Túcume archaeological complex, also know as Peru's 'Valley of the Pyramids'. With over 200 hectares, this complex is home to twenty-six major pyramids and other monuments such as squares, walls, courtyards and water canal systems, all reflecting the ancient Lambayeque's sophisticated growth system and complex social structure. Your guide will brief you on the history and help bring to life what was once one of Peru's most impressive cities built over 1000 years ago.
Private tour of Ventarron and Huaca Rajada with lunch
Ventarrón is an archaeological site which represents the first evidence of civilisation in northern Peru more than 4,500 years old. One of the most ancient temples devoted to fire worship has been discovered here, it is the earliest representation of the “Andean Cross” or “Chacana”. Go on to see Huaca Rajada and museum. It is here that the tomb of the renowned and powerful Moche Lord of Sipan was unearthed. The tomb is an excellent example of the splendour and great power of the Moche rulers. Other archaeological works including vast amounts of fine jewelry made on gold, silver, and copper and ceremonial utensils have also been found here. These discoveries help archaeologists gain a better understanding of the Moche culture. You will then be transferred to the town of Lambayeque and have lunch at El Cántaro restaurant.
Private tour of Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum
Visit the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum, one of Latin America's most modern and impressive archaeological museums. Boasting a collection of amazing Moche artwork found in the tomb of the Lord of Sipan, at the Huaca Rajada site, see silver and gold jewellery, fine weaving, emblems of religious and military power, and great quantities of ceremonial utensils.
Transfer
Private transfer across the Andes to Chachapoyas
Chachapoyas
Accommodation in Chachapoyas
Chachapoyas
Overview
Whether you’re waking in your room, enjoying breakfast or swimming a lap of the gorgeous pool, you’ll be greeted with a staggering view of the rushing Gocta waterfalls at this simple and cosy retreat.
Found 45 minutes from Chachapoyas, in the little village of Cocachimba, Gocta Lodge is the perfect base for exploring the region’s stunning nature and historically important pre-Incan ruins.
You can then rest your weary limbs after a day of scenic hiking with the comfortable amenities here, from the spectacularly set pool which makes you feel you are swimming off into the falls, the suite’s private whirlpools and room’s personal balconies and hearty Andean dishes served on the dining terrace.
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Revash museum and hike
This morning you will be collected by your guide and privately transferred to the town of Leimebamba. During the drive you will stop off at the Revash mausoleum and take a four hour hike (round trip) to the archaeological site, a wonderfully colorful structure found on a shelf or platform high up on a cliff. The cliff walls in the shelf area are adorned with geometric designs representing animal figures.
Leymebamba Museum
Enjoy a visit to the Leymebamba Museum, one of Peru's most fascinating museums. Take a look at the collection of over 200 Inca-Chachapoyas mummies which are in an excellent state of preservation and the country's largest collection of Kipus. You will then be privately driven back to your hotel.
Kuelap Fortress
A two-hour drive will bring you to Kuelap Fortress, a striking building which sits on a cliff edge. Surrounded by an impressive wall almost 2,000 feet long, this archaeological research point may have been a significant religious centre dedicated to the Chachapoyas gods. Kuelap's gates or main entrances are built as narrow walled passageways that continue to narrow as they reach upwards into the fortress, so the complex would remain restricted. Enjoy lunch in the small town of María before returning to your hotel.
Transfer
Private transfer to Chiclayo airport
Flight
Flight from Chiclayo to Lima
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Lima
Lima
Accommodation in Lima
Lima
Highlights
- 82 guestrooms
- Observatory Restaurant
- Bar
- Spa
- Rooftop pool
- Gym
- Concierge service
Overview
This luxury hotel in Lima is a great place to relax before or after your visit to Machu Picchu and other destinations in Peru.
The hotel is set on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and adjacent to one of the most exclusive residential areas and commercial districts of Lima. Miraflores Park prides itself in offering outstanding personalised service and a home away from home atmosphere.
With 82 rooms, the amenities include three massage rooms, a rooftop heated pool, state of the art gym and a special observatory restaurant with sea views while dining.
→ Find out more
Lima
Highlights
- 20 spacious, contemporary rooms adorned with art
- Large pieces of artwork can be found throughout the hotel
- Indulge in Peruvian delicacies and international fusion cuisine
- Gaze out across Barranco from the rooftop terrace
- A great central location for more artistic experiences
Overview
Combining intimate, modern hospitality with stylish, historical elegance, Hotel B offers a polished and decidedly local stay for your time in Lima. Located in the city’s bohemian district of Barranco and housed in a historical Belle Époque mansion – once the palatial, ocean-view residence of the Peruvian president Augusto Leguia – this Relais & Châteaux property captures Peru’s past in 21st-century luxury.
The 20 spacious and charming rooms are spread between the historic ‘casona’ and the adjoining modern extension. All feature large pieces of artwork in-fitting with the general arts theme of the hotel. There are more than 250 works of art dotted around the hotel, all Latin American but mainly Peruvian, including a throw on wall in the library that dates back to 500 BC.
The rooms, which range from the cosy ‘Alcoba’ size to the grand ‘Atelier’ rooms, all display chic furnishings and modern amenities, with contemporary style and smart design blended together in a very refreshing and unique way.
For dining, make your way to the 1920s-themed bar. With a focus on Peruvian delicacies, the menu promotes local and seasonal produce. Within the peaceful library you can also enjoy afternoon tea, or perhaps opt for a drink as the sun sets on the rooftop terrace.
With six galleries on the same street as the property, Hotel B is the ideal stay for those who love art, culture and history.
→ Find out more
Overnight in Lima
Transfer
Private transfer from Lima to your hotel in Paracas
Paracas and Nazca
Accommodation in Paracas
Paracas and Nazca
Overview
A large luxury resort located overlooking the bay, the Libertador is a great base from which to explore the region with great facilities and areas to relax and unwind afterwards. The hotel is newly constructed with large comfortable rooms; the style is modern contemporary with whitewashed walls, light textiles and woods.
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Three days exploring Paracas and Nazca
Enjoy exploring this fascinating stretch of coastline to the south of Lima. The Nazca lines are one of the most beguiling mysteries left by the ancient civilisations of Peru, while the Ballestas islands are Peru’s answer to the Galapagos, a protected area rich with bird and marine life.
Ballestas Island
This morning you will start your tour toward the Paracas pier to sail until the Ballestas Islands, home to a large population of sea lions, Humboldt penguins and other species found in the archipelago, an ideal place for their reproduction and coexistence.
Light aircraft flight over the Nazca Lines
The famous Nazca Lines found are but more confounding geoglyphs left by the Nazca culture which succeeded that of the Paracas between 300BC-700AD. More than seventy giant animal and plants figures etched into the sand of the pampas, some reaching 1,000 feet in dimension, have prompted many hypotheses and premises from academics to religious fantasists. However not an awful lot is known about this civilisation as little was left behind.
This is the best way to see the Nazca Lines: a monkey, a spider, a humming bird, all of vast size, can be seen from light aircraft - try to decipher the mystery yourself. Your flight will cross the twenty geoglyphs on the Nasca plain as well as those discovered more recently at Palpa. The trip ends by flying over the mountains, where you will find marine fossils up to 150 million years old, and take in the unfolding scenes of strikingly beautiful desert, valleys and craggy coastal pampas.
Transfer
Private transfer to Lima airport
Flight
Flight from Lima to Cusco
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in the Sacred Valley
Sacred Valley
Accommodation in Sacred Valley
Sacred Valley
Highlights
- 43 casitas
- Relais & Chateaux Restaurant
- Adjoining ranch and stables
- Birdwatching
- Cooking classes
- Andean weaving
- Pottery workshops
- Mountain bike tours and trekking
- Visits to sites around the Sacred Valley
- Kayaking
Overview
Set among beautiful gardens in the magnificent location of the Sacred Valley, Sol y Luna is a charming and comfortable hotel with wonderfully relaxing amenities. Your bungalow, or ‘casita’, is designed with Andean touches and stylish interiors and boasts gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape. Spend your days exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas where you can partake in exciting activities such as horse riding, bird watching and para-gliding.
Back at Sol y Luna the indulgent spa, sauna and pool is a peaceful place for you to unwind, while the dining consists of a number of Relais & Chateaux member restaurants: Killa Wasi, where Peruvian and European cuisine is served and Wayra, a separate restaurant set in the hotel’s Wayra ranch where Andean cuisine pays homage to the wealth of natural ingredients cultivated in the Sacred Valley since the time of the Incas. There is also a bar, Chicha Wasi, where you can enjoy authentic pisco sours.
The hotel is also recognised for its community initiatives, particularly in education. After 10 years of working with different schools and programs, Sol y Luna opened the Sol y Luna Intercultural School, providing educational services to a number of local students. The hotel recently started another initiative, Sol y Luna Home, which provides a safe home for children without a family or who are victims of violence.
→ Find out moreSacred Valley
Overview
This is without doubt one of the most comfortable and luxurious places to stay in the Sacred Valley. Set in a beautiful spot by the Urubamba river the hotel is close to the Incan fortress of Ollantaytambo. The construction and design of the 22 rooms is in keeping with the rustic surrounds of this historic location with extensive use of natural materials, yet never compromising on luxury.
The hotel has a good restaurant and a high quality 230 square metre spa in which to relax after a day exploring the area. There are also two very spacious and well-appointed villas suitable for families or groups of friends travelling together.
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Two days exploring the Sacred Valley
Spend your days relaxing and exploring the incredible scenery of the Sacred Valley. It's a great place to experience the beautiful scenery and culture of Peru.
Ollantaytambo
Visit the Inca fortress town of Ollantaytambo. The site was built just as the Spaniards arrived and is one of the most important if not visible vestiges of how the Incas inhabited and functioned in their cities making it a fascinating place to explore. There is a fortress at the top of the hill (and quite a few steps) which is particularly interesting to investigate for the techniques the Incas used in its construction.
Maras and Moray
Your guide will bring you to the fascinating (and beautiful) sites of Maras and Moray. Maras is an open system of terraces that has been used for centuries to harvest salt from a stream of mineral rich water that comes from within the mountain. Moray is an ancient system of Inca terraces which they used to acclimatise new plants to the high altitude environment.
Transfer
Private transfer to Ollanta station
Transfer
Train to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu
Trains to Machu Picchu
Luxury train journeys in Peru
Highlights
- Dining and bar car
- Observation car
- Multiple carriages to relax
- Brunch and dinner served
- Relax and be transported
Overview
Named after the first American to discover the Incan hilltop citadel in 1911 and owned by Orient Express, the Hiram Bingham is a world-class luxury train. Travellers on the train are driven to Poroy station just outside Cusco to board the exclusive blue and gold painted carriages and for just over three hours you are resplendently transported to Aguacalientes, the town beneath the ruins.
Aboard, the 1920s Pullman carriages reflect the opulence of the locomotive era bedecked in polished brass, wood panels and rich, comfy seating. There is also a period observation car at the rear.
Brunch on the outward journey and dinner on your return are included. These are taken in the elegant dining car replete with white-linen tablecloths, clinking crystal, and you are looked after by the smartest team of waiters. Whilst feasting on fine Peruvian cuisine the steamy forest scenery unfolds right in front of you and there’s a great bar car that often has live music on the return leg, or you can just simply relax into a snug armchair in one of the carriages.
Escorted to the Lost City of the Incas there is a small-group guided tour included, but for those who would like a more exclusive visit we can easily arrange a private one for you.
→ Find out moreLuxury train journeys in Peru
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Highlights
- Sit back and take in the views
- Toilet facilities
- Comfortable leather seats
- Snack service
Overview
The Vistadome train takes you to the magnificent ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu in superb modern comfort.
As per its name, the train has wide glass windows built into the roof and sides of the carriages so you really do get to see the rich Peruvian countryside rushing by. Large leather seats, air conditioning, heating, and good service reflects all the contemporary efficiency and standards of Peru Rail too.
If you’re looking immerse in the surroundings this is a unique way to connect with the scenery en-route to Machu Picchu.
Traditional snack food is provided on board made using local ingredients for an experience of the Andean cuisine. On the return trip you can also watch live traditional dance performances, inspired from the ancient cultures of this region.
→ Find out more
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Private tour of Machu Picchu
Your private guide will take you on a comprehensive tour of the Machu Picchu citadel, really bringing it to life by detailing the history, significance and myths surrounding it as well as taking you to the hidden corners and best viewpoints. After your tour, you'll descend to Aguas Calientes for a delicious lunch at the rustically elegant Inkaterra hotel, before an afternoon at leisure. You can explore the areas around Machu Picchu or carry on exploring the ruins.
Return in the evening to overnight at your chosen hotel in the Machu Picchu area.
Accommodation in Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu
Overview
An excellent option in the Machu Picchu area, the Sumaq is located outside of the town of Aguas Calientes on a stretch of the Urubamba river.
60 rooms and suites are decorated to a clean modern finish with flourishes and details inspired by the Inca citadel, with views of the river and mountains.
One of the real highlights here is the restaurant, by our reckoning one of the best in the Machu Picchu area.
Aside from visiting the famous citadel above, you can partake in Peruvian cooking classes, witness traditional ceremonies and shamanic rituals, and head out on hikes through the lush valley in search of unique species of flora and fauna.
→ Find out moreMachu Picchu
Highlights
- 31 rooms
- Two restaurants & afternoon tea
- Massage
- Privately guided tours of Machu Picchu
Overview
The only accommodation located inside of Machu Picchu, The Sanctuary Lodge offers stunning views from many of the rooms and the hotel is within walking distance of the Incan ruins. The gorgeous garden is a wonderful place to have breakfast or a cocktail in the evening while relishing in the peace of the surroundings. Given the location, space is at an economy so the standard rooms are not overly spacious. However, this is a small price to pay for such a stunning location. All meals are included in the cost.
→ Find out moreMachu Picchu
Highlights
- Restaurant, bar & cafe
- Visit the Machu Picchu Citadel
- Nature walks
- Tea plantation
- Bird watching
- Hiking
Overview
The hotel consists of several whitewashed cottages in an Andean village located in the heart of Aguas Calientes, part of the historical Machu Picchu attraction.
Tea time and evening nature shows are offered each day, and the hotel has a spa and yoga facility. The spacious rooms all have a fireplace and thick, handmade alpaca wool blankets cover each bed making it a perfect place for simple relaxing before and after your Machu Picchu excursion.
Inkaterra is a leader in ecotourism and sustainable development in Peru. They have a commitment to research, and sharing knowledge about biodiversity and culture with the world through authentic travel experiences. Because of this, they have been granted the First International Certificate in Sustainable Tourism given by Control Union Green Choice and the Sustainable Tourism Standard Conservation Award. They are also Rainforest Alliance verified and there is no single-use plastic at the property. It does not stop there, as of 2021 Inkaterra has been acknowledged by the United Nations as the World’s First Climate-Positive Hotel Brand
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The impact of your stay:
- Recognised as the world’s first Climate Positive hotel brand by Green Initiative, endorsed by the United Nations, Inkaterra collaborated with AJE Group, Machu Picchu Town Hall, and the National Park Service to make Machu Picchu the first carbon-neutral international destination. This commitment aims to cut carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, aligning with the United Nations Paris Agreement goals.
- Funded by tourism, the hotel actively restores a 4-hectare area damaged by livestock, nurturing native flora and encouraging the return of fauna. Partnering with Cornell University, the hotel monitors bird inventories, recording 294 species, including the Andean cock-of-the-rock, Andean motmot, Golden-headed quetzal, and 18 hummingbird species. Additionally, they’ve identified 372 orchid species, discovering 26 new orchid species previously unknown to science.
- Through their non-profit Inkaterra Association, the hotel conducts practical conservation workshops for school children. These engaging sessions, blending knowledge with fun through games, exhibitions, crafts, and experiments, serve as a crucial tool to raise environmental awareness among children. The aim is to foster their role as environmental ambassadors within their homes.
Morning free to explore Machu Picchu
You have the morning free to explore the famous site on your own.
Transfer
Train from Machu Picchu
Trains from Machu Picchu
Luxury train journeys in Peru
Highlights
- Sit back and take in the views
- Toilet facilities
- Comfortable leather seats
- Snack service
Overview
The Vistadome train takes you to the magnificent ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu in superb modern comfort.
As per its name, the train has wide glass windows built into the roof and sides of the carriages so you really do get to see the rich Peruvian countryside rushing by. Large leather seats, air conditioning, heating, and good service reflects all the contemporary efficiency and standards of Peru Rail too.
If you’re looking immerse in the surroundings this is a unique way to connect with the scenery en-route to Machu Picchu.
Traditional snack food is provided on board made using local ingredients for an experience of the Andean cuisine. On the return trip you can also watch live traditional dance performances, inspired from the ancient cultures of this region.
→ Find out moreLuxury train journeys in Peru
Highlights
- Dining and bar car
- Observation car
- Multiple carriages to relax
- Brunch and dinner served
- Relax and be transported
Overview
Named after the first American to discover the Incan hilltop citadel in 1911 and owned by Orient Express, the Hiram Bingham is a world-class luxury train. Travellers on the train are driven to Poroy station just outside Cusco to board the exclusive blue and gold painted carriages and for just over three hours you are resplendently transported to Aguacalientes, the town beneath the ruins.
Aboard, the 1920s Pullman carriages reflect the opulence of the locomotive era bedecked in polished brass, wood panels and rich, comfy seating. There is also a period observation car at the rear.
Brunch on the outward journey and dinner on your return are included. These are taken in the elegant dining car replete with white-linen tablecloths, clinking crystal, and you are looked after by the smartest team of waiters. Whilst feasting on fine Peruvian cuisine the steamy forest scenery unfolds right in front of you and there’s a great bar car that often has live music on the return leg, or you can just simply relax into a snug armchair in one of the carriages.
Escorted to the Lost City of the Incas there is a small-group guided tour included, but for those who would like a more exclusive visit we can easily arrange a private one for you.
→ Find out moreTransfer
Private transfer from Ollanta Station to your hotel in Cusco
Cusco
Accommodation in Cusco
Cusco
Overview
This luxury boutique hotel is located right in the center of Cusco surrounded by cobblestone streets, museums and next door to Plaza Las Nazarenas. This really is the premier property in Cusco and a real delight to stay at.
La Casona is a beauitfully and carefully restored colonial manor house from the 16th century with modern luxuries. With only eleven suites surrounding a courtyard, the atmosphere is very private and charming.
Each room is furnished with period antiques and has a fireplace and heated floors. Other hotel amenities include a library, restaurant, lounge, spa, butler services and Peruvian cooking classes.
→ Find out moreCusco
Overview
Cusco’s most famous and prestigious hotel, Monasterio is a beautifully restored monastery in the heart of town just steps away from the main plaza, finest restaurants and best museums. Built around Incan foundations, adorned with antique Spanish design, the hotel is an important historical landmark and is protected by the National Institute of Culture.
The 126 unique rooms offer a great mix of elegance and comfort, ranging from cozy quarters to expansive suite. The hotel also goes the extra mile in terms of guests’ comfort with the provision of some oxygen enriched bedrooms to help acclimatize to the high altitude.
There are two restaurants – Illariy in the cloisters opening out over the leafy courtyard where you’ll find delicious breakfasts and light lunches, and El Tupay which serves fine international cuisine created from local ingredients, often accompanied by opera. The relaxed lobby bar is the place to sip pisco sours after a day exploring.
→ Find out moreCusco
Highlights
- 55 oxygen-enriched suites with Cusquenian art and furniture
- Cloistered gardens with tranquil fountains and pretty patios
- A restaurant with a menu of signature dishes and Peruvian flavours
Overview
Palacio Nazarenas, a meticulously restored palace and convent, offers a harmonious blend of modern luxury and Cusco’s rich history. This exclusive boutique in Cusco is an urban sanctuary which features just 55 suites, each enriched with oxygen and equipped with a private bar stocked with fresh, locally sourced ingredients for crafting personalised drinks.
The charm of Palacio Nazarenas is revealed in its exquisite details. Once a nunnery, the property showcases floral accents and Cusquenian hand-crafted artistry throughout. The hotel also boasts an outdoor heated pool, nestled amidst cloistered gardens, Incan stone walls, tranquil fountains, and picturesque patios.
Experience the flavors of the Andes at Mauka, the vibrant restaurant led by renowned chef Pía León, celebrated as one of Peru’s brightest culinary talents. Her innovative approach highlights the local biodiversity of Cusco while honoring the cultural heritage of the Peruvian Andes. Mauka’s menu reintegrates ancestral crops, seeds and traditions into gourmet dining, offering a captivating journey through Peru’s historic ecosystems. In a relaxed yet refined setting, savor signature dishes crafted with care, creativity, and irresistible flavours.
The hotel is located within easy distance of city highlights like Plaza de Armas and Sacsayhuamán, and is ideally situated for exploring Cusco.
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Two days exploring Cusco
Enjoy this beautiful city and UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll have our list of recommendations as well as private guides on hand to enjoy the best of this beautiful city. We can arrange a number of private, interest-led tours to booking fine restaurants for you. Your personal travel designer will be able to recommend activities that are most suitable to your interests.
Tour of Cusco and nearby ruins
Your local expert guide will collect you from your hotel for a tour of the city, starting out at the Santo Domingo convent monastery. This former colonial monastery was previously the Koricancha Temple, one of the most important temples devoted to the worship of the sun. According to the chronicles, it was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Your next stop will be the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral. After touring the most interesting sites of the city, you will be driven by private vehicle to the countryside just outside Cusco to visit some of the remarkable Inca ruins in the area such as the cult centre of Sacsayhuaman, the temple and amphitheatre of Kenko, and the Red Fortress of Puca Pucara.
Choquequirao
Private Choquequirao Trek: Day One
You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco in the early morning and taken to the Cachora town, the starting point of the trek to Choquequirao. After enjoying lunch at a local house, you will start hiking amidst the wild flora until you reach Chiquisca, the location of your camp. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea followed by dinner.
Private Choquequirao Trek: Day Two
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at daybreak before starting the hike to Marampata. After lunch you will start the last section of the route to Choquequirao through a subtropical jungle road that has a spectacular fauna composed of condors, taruca deer, vizcacha rodents, foxes, skunks, pumas, hummingbirds, bears and the Andean cock-of-the-rock, Peru's national bird. You will arrive late afternoon and watch the sunset at the citadel.
Private Choquequirao Trek: Day Three
After breakfast you will explore the citadel on a guided tour. The name Choquequirao is mentioned in Spanish chronicles since 1710, although it is believed that this was the last refuge of the Incas after the Spaniards conquered Cusco and the neighboring towns between 1532 and 1533. Located on the foothill of the snow-capped Salkantay mountain, in the La Convención province, the Choquequirao urban complex was built among huge mountains and it is considered Machu Picchu's 'sacred sister', due to their structural similarities.
The complex houses numerous administrative and religious buildings, a ceremonial platform, warehouses, agricultural terraces, squares and houses, and some scholars believe it is a huge unfinished project.
Private Choquequirao Trek: Day Four
You will wake up early and start the trek to Cachora town, where you will enjoy lunch before transferring to Cusco.
Transfer
Private transfer to Cusco airport
Flight
Flight from Cusco to Lima
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
