The Temple of the Sun Cusco, Peru

History of Peru Tour: Ancient Ruins, Colonial Remnants, Colorful Culture

Ratings of Zicasso's Service
Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Peru

Places Visited

Lima, Cusco, Arequipa

Suggested Duration

7 Days

The looming peaks of the Andes Mountains and crevices of the Sacred Valley conceal some of Peru's best-kept secrets. You will uncover it all and much more as you tour this magnificent treasure trove of historical and cultural gems. Behold the Grand Inca innovations in ancient citadels along the massive stone alleyway of downtown Cusco. Later, marvel at exquisite examples of Spanish architecture in Arequipa at the central plaza. However, all pale in comparison to the extraordinary beauty of the...

Customizable Itinerary

Expand All

Trip Highlights

  • Touch down in sunny Lima and stroll through the verdant coastal parks of  Miraflores before embarking on a tour of the city's highlights
  • Barter at the local San Pedro market in Cusco and partake in an enticing cooking class alongside your five-star chef
  • Step inside the gold-leafed Inca temple of Qorikancha before summiting to the revered ruins of Saqsayhuaman and Tambomachay
  • Zip-line through the mystical Sacred Valley and ride horseback to attend a culture class in the village of Chinchero
  • Climb to the UNESCO World Heritage site ruins of Machu Picchu and bathe in the medicinal hot springs of Aguas Calientes
  • Behold the beautiful Spanish-inspired architecture in the center of Arequipa and take up-close pictures of the impressive El Misti volcano
  • Explore Lima's shopping district on your own before checking out the eclectic art scene of the Barranco District

Detailed Description

History comes to life during this seven-day, action-packed Peruvian adventure. You will have once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to step inside palaces, temples, and the homes of royalty, each dating back hundreds and even thousands of years. As you learn about these fascinating ancient civilizations of Peru, you will also immerse yourself in the local culture and learn how Peruvians honor the customs and traditions of their ancestors today.

Your trip begins as you coast along the tarmac at Lima's International Airport. You can peer out at outstretched sunny beaches as they disappear into the horizon. Soon, you will be whizzing down the frenzied highways of this major metropolitan city in your private transfer. After arriving at your luxury hotel in the most prestigious of Lima's neighborhoods, you will spend the day alongside your expert guide discovering the historic downtown, marked by grand basilicas, government palaces, and whimsical palm trees.

The following morning, you will depart for Cusco, where a vibrant culture, lively music, and arts scene explodes. Textiles of every hue burst from open-aired markets where women sell skirts, bags, and sweaters fashioned from alpaca wool. During a private cooking class, you will fall in love with Cuso's local delicacy known as cuy. Then, it's all about uncovering the past as you stroll down Avenida del Sol to the opulent gold-leafed Sun Temple, or Qorikancha, first built during the 12th century. You will continue your discovery of grand Incan innovation as you venture beyond downtown Cusco to the ruins sites of Tambomachay and Saqsayhuaman.

Surely, the anticipation will build during the second half of your trip as you begin your way through the mystical Sacred Valley with undulating green hillsides and the swift river waters of the Urubamba. Condors soar overhead as you gallop horseback to the quaint town of Chinchero, marked by a stunning white facade against the verdant foliage of the countryside. Here, you will learn about the Inca eating habits and how those have influenced Peru's culinary traditions even to this day. You will also take part in a wool-dyeing class where you will learn natural wool-dyeing practices.

Your trip culminates with a spectacular day-long excursion to the internationally acclaimed ruins of Machu Picchu. You will stand in awe as you look out not only on the ruins but also the stunning Andes Mountain peaks that wane into the distance like ocean waves. After touring the ancient ruins alongside your expert guide, you will descend to the base town of Aguas Calientes to dip into the natural medicinal hot springs. The following day, you will explore the elaborate architecture of the Spanish in Arequipa before returning to Lima for international departures.

Starting Price

$2,600 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.86 stars based on 846 reviews.

Luxury Peru Tour Review: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco,...
"Our Zicasso travel agent planned an interesting and varied...

Reviewed By Carol B.

Peru, Galapagos / Ecuador Vacation Review: Lima, Amazon,...
"We were so impressed with our Zicasso-recommended travel...

Reviewed By Debby F.

Peru Vacation Review: Lima, Sacred Valley, Cusco, Machu...
"We had a fantastic trip across Peru. Our contact at the...

Reviewed By Jay B.

Galapagos / Ecuador, Peru: Machu Picchu, Cooking Class,...
"Zicasso’s travel partner and his company created an exciting,...

Reviewed By Kay M.

Peru Vacation Review: Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco,...
"Our trip to Peru, planned by our Zicasso travel agent,...

Reviewed By Kristen K.

Peru Vacation Review: Machu Picchu, Cusco, Local Culture,...
"Everything went without a hitch. Our agent's tour earned...

Reviewed By James M.

Your Dream Vacation

in 3 simple steps

  1. 1

    Describe your dream trip

  2. 2

    Get matched with top travel specialists

  3. 3

    Book the trip

Free service - no credit card required