Day 1
Lima
Arrive at any time and transfer to your hotel. The excitement begins this evening when you meet your fellow travellers and tour guide at the welcome meeting.
Overnight: Hotel Antigua Miraflores (or similar)
Day 2
Lima/ Chachapoyas
Board an early flight to Jaen (approx. 1hr45), then settle into your private vehicle and travel 4 hours overland to Chachapoyas, the gateway to the archaeological sites of northern Peru. "Chacha" as it's known locally, will be our base for exploring the natural, cultural, and archaeological highlights of the region.
Breakfast included
Overnight: Casa Haceinda Achamaqui (or similar)
Day 3
Gocta Falls
Hike through the cloud forest to Gocta waterfall, one of the world's tallest cascades, 771 meters high. Ancient legends that discouraged local community members from talking about the falls, which did not begin receiving visitors until 2005 and are still relatively unknown. Take in Gocta’s mesmerizing spray; then opt for a longer hike to its base, or enjoy a free afternoon.
Breakfast included
Overnight: Casa Haceinda Achamaqui (or similar)
Day 4
Kuelap Fortress
This morning, get immersed in the culture and history of the Chachapoyan people at Kuelap, a fortified city made up of more than 400 circular buildings and complexes. Ride a cable car up to the site, thought to have been an important cultural centre for these pre-Inca "Cloud Warriors." Learn about coffee harvesting at a sustainable coffee farm before tasting coffee from the area. Later, try to spot some of the 130 bird species that live in the surrounding ecological reserve, including the spatula-tailed hummingbird.
Breakfast and lunch included
Overnight: Casa Haceinda Achamaqui (or similar)
Day 5
Chachapoyas/ Chiclayo
Today, sit back and enjoy the views on a drive to Chiclayo (approx. 8-9hrs). This coastal town, founded in the 18th century, was once an important trade route between the coast and the jungle and is rich with archaeological sites and cultural history. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your own leisure.
Breakfast and lunch included
Overnight: Casa Andina Select Chiclayo (or similar)
Day 6
Chiclayo
Enjoy a visit to one of the most archaeologically rich museums in Peru: The Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum. In the afternoon, explore the tombs of Huaca Rajada and Lord Sipán, a series of burial chambers used by the pre-Inca Moche culture.
Breakfast and lunch included
Overnight: Casa Andina Select Chiclayo (or similar)
Day 7
Chiclayo/ Trujillo
Drive 4-5 hours down the coast this morning to colonial Trujillo, stopping along the way at the tomb of the Dama de Cao. Take a tour of the site and find out about the mummy discovered here in 2006, thought to be the remains of the Lady of Cao, a high-ranking Moche ruler. In the afternoon, explore Trujillo to discover baroque churches and local markets.
Breakfast included
Overnight: Casa Andina Standard Trujillo (or similar)
Day 8
Chan Chan/ Lima
Visit the Temples of the Sun and the Moon. Later, enjoy a visit to Chan Chan, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world's largest adobe city. The former capital of the Chimu people, Chan Chan covers 10 square miles and was once home to about 50,000 people. This evening takes a 1hr30 flight back to Lima.
Breakfast included
Overnight: Hotel Antigua Miraflores (or similar)
Day 9
Lima
Enjoy a free day to explore Lima's capital city. You have the option to take a city tour, see a Peruvian horse show or enjoy an evening ‘Magic Water Circuit’ show with tapas and the local pisco sours.
Breakfast included
Overnight: Hotel Antigua Miraflores (or similar)
Day 10
Lima/ Urubamba
Board an early flight to Cusco then head to the Sacred Valley, it’s an early start but there’s lots to see. Explore the pre-Inca salt pans of Las Salineras and tour the Maras and Moray ruins. Enjoy a traditional pachamanca-style meal of local specialties.
Breakfast and dinner included
Overnight: Hotel San Agustin Urubamba (or similar)
Day 11
Urumbamba
Continue exploring the Sacred Valley with a visit to the Parque de la Papa (Potato Park). You'll walk through this rural community with a local guide to learn about potato cultivation, weaving, and the importance of both to Andean culture. Also, explore the Ollantaytambo and Pisac ruins and visit the Sacred Valley Community Restaurant in Huchuy Qosqo.
Breakfast and lunch included
Overnight: Hotel San Agustin Urubamba (or similar)
Day 12
Urubamba/ Aguas Calientes
Catch an early transfer to Ollantaytambo station and board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes with the option to visit the market. You have the option to embark on the one-day Inca Trail with a local guide taking you up the mountains past the archaeological sites of Winay Wayna and Inti Pata. Reach the sungate by afternoon and enjoy some free time to explore Machu Picchu before the guided tour with the group the following day or if you prefer opt for a hot-springs visit.
Breakfast included
Overnight: Hotel Taypikala (or similar)
Day 13
Aguas Calientes/ Cusco
Enjoy a guided tour of the Machu Picchu ruins. Get free time to explore on your own or take an optional visit to the Inca Bridge before returning to Cusco by train.
Breakfast included
Overnight: Hotel Taypikala Cusco (or similar)
Day 14
Cusco
Explore historic Cusco with options to visit museums or go white water rafting, horseback riding, or mountain biking. This evening, take in a different view of the night sky at the Cusco Planetarium. Enjoy a presentation on the southern sky, contemporary astronomy, and the ancient Inca relationship with the cosmos. Check out the on-site museum and use their telescopes to admire the stars.
Breakfast included
Overnight: Hotel Taypikala Cusco (or similar)
Day 15
Cusco/ Lima
Fly back to Lima and spend an afternoon in Peru's bustling capital.
Breakfast included
Overnight: Hotel Antigua Miraflores (or similar)
Day 16
Lima
Depart at any time.
Breakfast included
