Peru Tour: Land Of The Incas

 
Where: Peru
When: Book now as a custom self-guided adventure
Duration: 9 days
Group Size 2-10 people
Price: $TBD

Overview

A Spectacular Journey Into the Past

To Discover the Hidden Treasures of One of the Most Fascinating Civilizations on Earth!

This exclusive program is unmatched in its unique offerings, its expert private guides, its charming boutique accommodations and its attention to detail. The tour will focus on the Machu Picchu Ruins, the Sacred Valley, and Cusco. At 7,000 feet above sea level and covering over five square miles, the Machu Picchu ruins overlook a lush rainforest in the heart of the Peruvian Andes. Unlike most tours, you will have 2 full days in Machu Picchu. This exceptional site is a remarkable remnant of the Inca Empire, and the extraordinary harmony between its natural and cultural elements make it a “must-see” place in a lifetime. You will also go off the beaten path to discover native communities and the prominent Incan temples and fortresses in the Sacred Valley. The tour will finish in the last imperial city of the Americas — Cusco, where we will visit the UNESCO World heritage sites, eat exquisite cuisine, shop at local artisans’ markets and visit the other prominent Incan Ruins.

 

Itinerary

Daily Itinerary

Morning flight to Cusco and transfer to the Sacred Valley. We will begin our program with a welcome dinner in our beautiful hotel nestled in the lush Urubamba region of the Sacred Valley. Urubamba Valley is known for its lush scenery, picturesque colonial towns and a magnificent Inca fortresses. We will begin a 3-night stay in the Sacred Valley where you will be able to adjust to the high altitude gradually and explore the most extraordinary Incan ruins and meet local native communities.
After breakfast, we will begin our day with an optional meditation to settle into our new surroundings. Then we will head off the beaten path to the small town of Maras.This village is known as a former salt-producing center that dates back all the way to colonial times. After visiting Maras, you will take a lunch break (included) at the Parador de Moray.

After lunch, you’ll head to the fascinating display of terraces in Moray, located only about 2 miles (4 km) from Maras. Moray boasts three amphitheater-like terraces made by the Incas. These terraces, which are carved deep into the earth in a bowl shape, were thought to be used to determine the optimal conditions for growing crops. Afterwards you will have free time in the community. You have the choice to have dinner at your hotel or you may be transferred to a restaurant of your choosing in Urubamba.

This day of touring is one of a kind. We will get an early start and visit the Pisac Ruins in the morning before the multitude of tour buses arrive in the afternoon. Pisac riuins are notable for their Inca waterworks and beautiful, curving agricultural terraces, which offer excellent vistas of the Sacred Valley. The religious buildings in particular are as finely made as those at Machu Picchu. The town of Pisac, located beneath the ruins, also hosts a popular local crafts market.

Afterwards we will drive further up into the Andean mountains to visit a remote local native village called Amaru. Amaru is a rural community of weavers that offer textile demonstrations. We will be supporting their family run Weavers Association by having them prepare an organic Andean meal for lunch.

We will finish the day by returning to the Sacred Valley and doing a Ceramic Workshop that works techniques and designs from ancient Peruvian cultures. You have the choice to have dinner at your hotel or you may be transfered to a restaurant of your choosing in Urubamba.

After an early breakfast, we will take the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. Upon our arrival to Aguas Calientes, your luggage will be transferred to your hotel and we will take a short bus ride up to Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca citadel. We will be guided through the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu by Andean priest and expert local guide, Adriel Garay. His years of study and connection with the cosmos offers a beautiful, fulfilling way to experience this spectacular ancient city. Unlike most tours, we will spend the morning first hiking to the sun gate and visiting the inca bridge, so that we can spend the afternoon in the citadel with significantly fewer tourists. A delicious buffet lunch (included) has been organized in Machu Picchu at the Sanctuary Lodge.

After lunch, when most of the other visitors have gone we will tour the citadel of Mach Picchu, the most spectacular ancient city in the world. Built by the Inca Pachacutec, and comprising stone blocks fitted with masterful precision, Machu Picchu harmoniously blends into the mountain landscape. This fabulous city has houses, temples, warehouses, a large central square, all connected by narrow roads and steps, and is surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side which were used for agriculture.

Once all the other visitors have gone (around 5pm) you will have and an opportunity to truly appreciate the grandiose setting of this Inca masterpiece; with no crowds but only an eerie silence that few people experience.

We will return to Aguas Calientes for dinner and to stay the night in a beautiful boutique hotel nestled into the mountains.

The next morning we will do what few tourists do, return to Machu Picchu to enjoy a wonderful sunrise!!! You’ve come all this way and we believe it is essential to spend some extra time at this awe-inspiring place. You will have time for some private reflection before you have the opportunity to hike Machu Picchu mountain. Let Machu Picchu unfold all its mysteries for you, take in the breathtaking cloud forests and jagged mountains or marvel at the extraordinary Masonic precision of the ancient Incas. Either way, your morning of self discovery will be one never to be forgotten.

We will return to Aguas Calientes for an unforgettable lunch (included). You will be treated to a delicious gourmet meal at a French Peruvian restaurant that is known for its passion fruit drinks and delicious desserts. Before leaving Aguas Calientes, we will also visit a local master jeweler who specializes in Incan symbols. Here you are certain to find that one-of-kind piece to return home with. In the early evening, we will take the Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo. Here will be staying one night in a boutique hotel that has a wonderful restaurant and Sushi Bar.

The next morning we will wake to explore Ollantaytambo, the best preserved Incan town in Peru, with its narrow alleys and street water canals and trapezoid doorways. The inca temple and Fortress above town is second in beauty to Machu Picchu. This historic fortress was where Spanish conquistadors lost a major battle against the Inca Empire. Most tourists just whisk through this town and truly miss out on the endless things to explore here. Our exper local guide, will guide us through the 200 steps that lead up terraces to the temple of the sun which is considered one of the masterpieces of Incan stonework.

Afterwards we will start heading back to Cusco with a stop for lunch (included) in the weaving village of Chincheros. We will be there for their traditional Sunday market where Andean Quecha’s barter their crops in traditional clothing. We will see a avery fun weaving demonstration and also visit the Chincheros church which is widely known as one of the most beautiful Spanish churches form the colonial period.

We will be transferred to our lovely hotel in the San Blas district of Cusco, where we will finish the tour with a 3-night stay. This night will have the opportunity to eat at one of the many delicious restaurants of Cusco.

After breakfast, you will have a private guided tour of Cuzco, which was the imperial capital of the Americas at the start of the Spanish Conquest. It will include the astounding Cathedral, the Qoricancha or Sun temple, the Plaza de Armas, and the San Pedro central market.

In the afternoon and evening you will have free time to explore this beautiful city on your own; to visit museums and start shopping for those must-have purchases such as brightly colored woven alpaca scarves, gloves, socks, ponchos, throws and rugs. You may also chose to see the local folkloric music and dance show at the Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo.

An optional group lunch (not included) will be organized at a local establishment that has been serving traditional Peruvian food for the past 25 years. You will have the opportunity to have a traditional drink made of blue corn and cloves called chi chi morada. Their menu is extensive and has something for everyone but if you dare, you can try Cuy, a traditional dish of guinea pig. They have homemade chocolates and other delicious offerings.

Our last tour will be unforgettable. We will be inviting back the Andean Priest, Adriel Garay to guide us through the must-see sacred places of the Incan culture that are just 10 km located outside of Cusco. We will visit the Sacsaywaman Incan Fortress, The Tower of Puca Pucara, the Tombomachay Incan baths and the Quenqo Incan Temple. Adriel Garay will honor us with an sacred Incan coca leaf ceremony at Sacsaywaman Incan Fortress. This is a unique, one of a kind experience that is not part of a typical tour.

Sacsayhuaman boasts impressive Incan design and artwork with massive stones over 9 meters (30 feet) tall and weighing up to 125 tons. Many of the stones have peculiar placement and designs, such as the condor, puma and snake which represented the three Incan worlds.

Tambomachay is a source of spring water that is believed to be worshiped by the Incans. Although uncertain of the function of Tambomachay or “The Bath of the Inca”, the site continues to be a spiritual place for the locals and the water still flows today.

Qenqo is a stone-made labyrinth with a sacrificial altar in its center. Consisting of staircases and channels, the site of Qenqo is believed to have held many Incan rituals.

In the afternoon and evening you will have free time back in Cusco.

Transfer to the airport for the flight back to Lima and your international flight home.

Location:

Peru
The mountainous region of Peru, where the Andes mountain range dominates the landscape and contains various ecological regions and altitudes. The northern Andes are lower and more humid than the rest, while the central Andes are the tallest and steepest, and it is here where you find the country’s highest peak, Huascarán, at 6,768 meters above sea level. The southern Andes are wider, and are also known as the altiplano, or high Andean plateau. The sierra has two seasons: summer (April to October) with sunny days, cold nights and little rain – this is the perfect time to visit; and winter (November to March), when it rains heavily. During the day, temperatures can reach 24°C, and at night they can fall to -3°C.

Highlights

Peru is the Land of the Incas,

Peru is the land of the Incas, an incredible civilization that learned how to tame its geography and live in harmony with the rivers, the Sun, the rain, the ocean, the mountains and the cold dryness of the Andes, adapting to their surroundings and surviving thanks to Mother Earth’s gifts.

Part of this ancient society still lives today in each town and can be seen through the customs of the people and the Peruvian culture. A trip to Peru takes you back in time and allows you to rediscover facts about Peru such as the exciting lives of the Incas, Chancas, Chachapoyas, Mochicas, and Wari, as well as their great works of art, their fiestas, the roots of their social strength and the energy of their people.

Accommodations

Casa Andina Private, Sacred Valley

Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley resembles a refuge in the mountains, with fabulous views of the Andes from all rooms. This is a cozy hotel and has a local inspired design with rustic details. Among the services that we offer our guests are: complimentary WiFi Internet (in public areas), Internet Center, Meeting Room, Fitness Center, Sauna and Spa.

Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu

With its professional service, comfortable rooms, and simple but tasteful decoration throughout the grounds, this charming hotel is a perfect place for guests to soak up the beauty of their surroundings while enjoying a quiet moment of relaxation. Each accommodation features wooden furnishings, a large bed covered with comfortable bed linens Andean art adds the finishing touch to the room. All accommodations come with Internet, an LCD cable television, and air-conditioning. The hotel also serves guests with a restaurant, bar, sauna and gym. In the mornings, enjoy a generous and fresh breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant overlooking the Urubamba River.

Boutique Hotel in San Blas Cusco

This Boutique Hotel has highly personalized service and care, in one of the most magical and mystic tourist cities in the world, Cusco. The hotel is situated downtown in the historic area of San Blas, just two and a half blocks from the main square of the city of Cusco. It is a neighborhood of narrow pedestrian streets with a unique blend of Inca and colonial architecture. Within the San Blas area you will see men and women sitting in the plazas, the market stalls and on sidewalks working on their handmade pieces of art.

The following is provided in each room: handmade rustic furniture, in-room safety deposit boxes, telephone with direct dial, private bathroom, hotel room service, high speed wireless internet (complimentary access), Premium Cable TV, bath robe and room heater.

Inclusions

What’s Included

(This is an all-inclusive tour with no hidden costs.)

  • 9 day exclusive private tour of the Sacred Valley and Cusco
  • Airport Transfers to and from Cusco
  • Private local expert guide and private vehicle for entire tour
  • Train ride and tour to and from Machu Picchu
  • 3 nights luxury hotel accommodation in Sacred Valley
  • 1 night charming hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
  • 1 night charming hotel accommodation in Ollantaytambo
  • 3 nights in boutique hotel in San Blas, Cusco
  • 8 Delicious and abundant breakfasts
  • 1 exclusive buffet lunch at Santuari Lodge in Machu Picchu
  • 1 gourmet lunch at Indio Feliz in Aguas Calientes
  • 3 authentic delicious Peruvian lunches
  • 2 Dinners: Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner
  • 2 half-day private guided tours of Cuzco city:
    • Koricancha Temple, cathedral, San Pedro Market and so much more.
    • Sacsayhuaman Inca Fortress, Tambomachay Inca Baths and Kenko Inca Temple
  • 3 Full-Day off the beaten path private tours of the Sacred Valley:
    • Pisac Market and Amaru native village of weavers
    • Ollantaytambo Inca Fortress tour and Chincheros market
    • Maras Salt Mines and Moray Inca Terraces tour
  • Private all-day guided tour of Machu Picchu tour with Andean priest, Adriel Garay
  • Second entry to Machu Picchu and optional hike with guide
  • Entrance fees to all archeological sites and museums on tours
  • Optional coca leaf ceremony by Andean priest, Adriel Garay
  • Dynamic onsite director from the United States

What’s Not Included

Airfare to and from Cusco, Peru, 2 lunches, 5 dinners, Guide gratuities, Excess baggage charges, Alcoholic beverages, Airport taxes and items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, laundry fees, immunizations or insurance of any kind.

Travel

If you are planning to travel with the group, contact us immediately to find out the specifics of the group flight. The sooner you make your reservation the more likely you will be able to travel with the group. Otherwise you may make other travel arrangements.

Important Notes

This program is based on a minimum of 10 participants. In the event that the program does not fill, the trip will be cancelled and any deposits and payments fees will be returned to the participants

Safe & Secure Travel

Each program includes:

  • Insured, comfortable and air conditioned vehicles are provided for transportation in the host country.
  • Optional International Medical Travel Insurance for each participant.
  • Pre-departure advising
  • Pre-departure and onsite orientations
  • Risk Management & Crisis management plan

Reviews

This was more than a trip… where you see the sights and experience great food, meet great people… it was so much more than that… I brought home a renewed gratitude for all I have and all I have to offer… a beautiful journey!Mr. WordPress
This was more than a trip… where you see the sights and experience great food, meet great people… it was so much more than that… I brought home a renewed gratitude for all I have and all I have to offer… a beautiful journey!Mr. WordPress
This was more than a trip… where you see the sights and experience great food, meet great people… it was so much more than that… I brought home a renewed gratitude for all I have and all I have to offer… a beautiful journey!Mr. WordPress

Cost

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About Your Guides

Dawn Feuerberg (AKA Aurora in Spanish)

Owner and founder of Aurora Adventures, LLC.

Dawn  has been leading tailor made adventures abroad since 1995.  At a very young age she began to travel on her own seeking out and connecting with the aboriginal, the indigenous and the authentic local life abroad. For her, traveling abroad is all about connecting to the soul of the region and its people. She has dedicated most of her life to offering alternative, independent and unconventional travel experiences.

She is a meditation guide, a Spanish professor of 27 years and mother of two teenage daughters.

Read full bio…

Raul Montes

Raul Montes is a Cusco native and Andean Renaissance man. He is a master tour organizer with intimate knowledge of the Andean culture. Raul was a pioneer in bringing mountain bike touring to the Cusco region, has climbed Mount Aconcagua in Argentina (22,841′) five times and has been a river rafting guide on the class V Rio Bio Bio in Chile. An excellent outdoorsman and professional mountain guide with more than 20 years of experience leading groups, Raul has an easy-going personality and also enjoys history, geography, travelling, photography, bird watching and good wine. Raul owns a small and comfortable lodge at the Claud Forest of Manu National Park, he enjoys to spending time observing birds and nature.

Adriel Garay

Adriel Garay has a unique capacity to illuminate both Peru’s ancient sites and its deep spiritual traditions. He is an Andean Priest from Cusco, Peru. His training spanned the years of his life, firstly in the jungles of the Amazon, being initiated and developing in the ancient ways of connecting to the cosmos and opening up as channel between the heavens and Pachamama. He then schooled traditionally, achieving a degree in the history and indigenous lineage of his country. He now splits his time between leading spiritual pilgrimages, lecturing at universities and sharing sacred rituals of the Inca Empire.