The Peruvian Gastronomy is one of the most praised in the world and we have structured this itinerary so you can learn how to prepare the most popular dishes in our country, likewise, you’ll get to experience the cultural expression of each destination in this package.
This 9-day itinerary will not only take you on a cultural journey but will also show you the best of Lima and Cusco, without leaving the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu behind. Find out everything about this experience below!
Our team will be waiting for you at Lima’s airport to take you to the hotel. After checking-in, you will have a detailed explanation of the day-to-day itinerary, as well as receiving information of what to do nearby, restaurants, shops and more.
We highly recommend taking some time to rest so you can experience Lima at its fullest. Don’t miss the chance to try the famous Peruvian gastronomy and visit its beautiful neighborhoods.
Overnight in Lima.
According to your arrival time, ask for our optional tours:
- Magic Water Circuit Tour (Dinner Show Included).
- Pachacamac Archeological Site Tour.
Breakfast in the Hotel.
What a better way to explore Lima’s historic center than taking a guided tour with a local expert. In this opportunity, you’ll get to know the attractions with more historical and cultural value within the center of the city, such as: Parque de Exposición, Plaza Grau, Paseo de los Heroes Navales, Plaza San Martín, the Main Square, Palacio del Gobierno, and the Cathedral of Lima.
The Historic Center of Lima was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 since it comprises over 600 historical monuments from the Colonial era. After our visit, we’ll continue to the Miraflores district to have a panoramic view from the outside of Huaca Pucllana, one of the 54 “Huacas” found in Lima and a well-preserved Pre-Inca sanctuary inside the city.
After a morning of exploring and getting to know the history of Lima, you’ll have the rest of the day off to explore and continue to enjoy the city.
Overnight in Lima.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Our team will pick you up in the morning to visit the Surquillo Market, a popular local market located a few blocks from Miraflores Kennedy Park, known for its top-quality products and for being the main supplier to many renowned restaurants in Lima.
Here we’ll get to know the different native vegetables and fruits endemic to the Andean, Amazon and Coastside regions. There we’ll pick the best ingredients for our seafood cooking class.
Afterwards, we’ll head to the center of the city, where a professional chef will teach you how to prepare the most popular dish in Peru: Ceviche. This seafood dish is made with raw fish, marinated in lemon juice, mixed with spices, pepper and onion.
Later, we’ll learn how to make the Peruvian flag drink Pisco Sour, which contains Pisco, lemon and egg. And then, the best part of all, we’ll get to sample what we just made!
Finishing our meal, we’ll go to a buffet restaurant in the Miraflores neighborhood with an impressive view of the Pacific ocean. There we’ll have the opportunity of sampling a great variety of typical Peruvian cuisine and desserts. Later, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon off to explore and enjoy the main tourist district of Lima.
Overnight in Lima.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Our team will take you to Lima International Airport in time for your check-in and flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, our team will take you to the hotel where you’ll try the famous Coca tea, known for helping with any altitude sickness symptoms. After checking in at the hotel, our team will explain all the sights with a map of the city, also indicating restaurants, exchange offices, shops and more.
Important Note: Cusco is located at 3,400 meters above sea level. Therefore, we highly recommend you to take a few hours to get used to the altitude before exploring the city of Cusco.
Optional Visit: The Qosqo Center of Native Arts has daily presentations of typical Andean music and dances from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We recommend you arrive 45 minutes in advance. Tickets are already included in the package.
Overnight in Cusco.
Breakfast at the hotel.
From 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – Enjoy the different sightings within the historic center of Cusco with our local guide. (Exclusive tour available for Viagens Machu Picchu passengers only).
In the afternoon, we’ll start the Archaeological City Tour with a visit to the different attractions within the city and its surroundings, like Sacsayhuaman, the Qoricancha Temple, Q’enqo, and more.
Optional Visit: The Qosqo Center of Native Arts have daily presentations of typical Andean music and dances from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We recommend you arrive 45 minutes in advance. Tickets are already included in the package.
Overnight in Cusco.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Our team will pick you up in the morning to visit one of the most emblematic and cultural places in Cusco, the San Pedro Market. There you’ll find a great variety of products including vegetables, fruits, cheeses, meats, fish, among others.
The guide will teach you everything about this cultural hub, where many farmers come to sell their organic products. In contrast with the market in Lima, here you’ll appreciate the diversity of the Andean region and their local spices.
Later, we’ll head to our cooking classes where the professional chef will teach you the preparation techniques of the Novo-Andean cuisine. On this occasion, we’ll make a three-meal course with fresh and unique ingredients from the region.
Finishing our gastronomic experience, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon off to enjoy more of the former capital of the Incas.
Overnight in Cusco.
Breakfast at the hotel.
On this day, we’ll depart in the morning for the Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour. We will make our first stop to visit the Awanacancha Traditional Textile Museum, just after enjoying the magnificent view of the Sacred Valley.
Following the itinerary, we’ll continue to visit Pisac, a small town recognized for its authentic cultural expression and the outstanding Pisac Archeological site. Later, we’ll have lunch in Urubamba, located right at the heart of the Sacred Valley.
Finishing the tour, we’ll get to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll get to visit one of the oldest villages within the valley and its towering archeological site. After exploring the town of Ollantaytambo, We’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes, a town located in the middle of the mountains of the Peruvian jungle, surrounded by an impressive natural setting.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
The wait is finally over, now it’s time to live the dream! Our team will take you from the hotel to board the bus up to Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes about 30 minutes from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu’s main entrance.
Our professional guide will provide all the details about this wonder of the world, including the mysteries and fascinating facts of the Inca culture. After our time in Machu Picchu, we’ll go back to Aguas Calientes to return to the city of Cusco by train.
Overnight in Cusco.
Now, if you’d like to spice up your experience in Machu Picchu, please check these additional services:
♦ Exclusive lunch at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Hotel, located just in front of the entrance to Machu Picchu.
♦ Return on the Vistadome train, a panoramic train with first class seats.
♦ Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain. The most in-demand additional hike within Machu Picchu. This mountain offers an outstanding view of the citadel and great picture opportunities.
For further information, please contact our sales team.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Our team will be waiting for you at the hotel to take you to the airport 2 hours before your flight departure. This will be the last of our services.
Quick Tip: If your flight from Cusco to Lima departs in the afternoon, we encourage you to visit some of the museums within the historic center: The Contemporary Art Museum, the Regional Museum, the Coricancha Museum, and the Popular Art Museum. Don’t worry about the entrance fees, they are all included in your Cusco Tourist Ticket!
Check-In & Check-Out Times:
- Lima: Check-in time at 1:00 p.m. | Check-out time at 12:00 p.m.
- Cusco: Check-in time at 10:00 a.m. | Check-out time at 9:00 a.m.
- Aguas Calientes: Check in time at 9:00 a.m. | Check out time at 10:00 a.m.
Hotels with breakfast
• 03 nights in Lima
• 04 nights hotel in Cusco
• 01 hotel night in Aguas Calientes
Tours and Excursions
• Walking Tour in Cusco | Free of Charge
• Archaeological City Tour in Cusco | Regular Service
• Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour + buffet lunch | Regular Service
• Guided Tours in Machu Picchu | Private Service
• City Tour Colonial and Modern Lima | Regular Service
• Tourist Train | Ollantaytambo > Aguas Calientes
• Tourist Bus | Aguas Calientes > Machu Picchu > Aguas Calientes
• Entrance to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
• Tourist Train | Machu Picchu > Ollantaytambo or Cusco
• Tickets to all archaeological complexes to visit
Cooking Lessons in English
• 01 cooking class with a chef in Lima
• 01 cooking class with a chef in Cusco
Transfers all in private
• Transfer Airport > Hotel in Lima
• Transfer Hotel in Lima > Airport
• Transfer Airport > Hotel in Cusco
• Transfer | Cusco or Ollantaytambo Station > Hotel in Cusco
• Transfer Hotel in Cusco > Airport
Benefits of Viagens Machu Picchu
• 24 hour assistance in Spanish and English.
• Professional team on all tours and walks.
• Excursions in Spanish and English
• Personalized concierge, and assistance to the needs of your stay.
What is not included?
• Travel insurance.
• National or international air tickets.
• Food and drinks not mentioned above.
• Extra expenses: laundry, phone calls, and details not mentioned in the itinerary.
| Hotels | Categories | Validity | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lima:
-Arawi Miraflores Express, Ibis Budget Miraflores, Girasoles Hotel,
or Similar Room Standard 3 night(s)
- Breakfast
Cusco:
-Rojas Inn, San Francisco Plaza, El Andariego,
or Similar Room Standard 4 night(s)
- Breakfast
Aguas Calientes:
-Flower House, Ferré Boulevard Machu Picchu, Sacred Stone Boutique,
or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s)
- Breakfast
|
Economic
|
|
|||||||||
|
Lima:
-Habitat, Libre Hotel, Faraona Grand Hotel ,
-Arawi Miraflores Prime, Del Pilar Miraflores, San Agustin Exclusive,
or Similar Room Standard 3 night(s)
- Breakfast
Cusco:
-Casona Plaza Cusco, San Agustin Internacional, Taypikala Cusco,
or Similar Room Standard 4 night(s)
- Breakfast
Aguas Calientes:
-Ferré Machu Picchu, Hatun Inti Classic, Tara Machupicchu,
or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s)
- Breakfast
|
Touristy
|
|
|||||||||
|
Lima:
or Similar Room Standard 3 night(s)
- Breakfast
Cusco:
or Similar Room Standard 4 night(s)
- Breakfast
Aguas Calientes:
-Taypikala, Tierra Viva Machu Picchu, Golden Sunrise,
or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s)
- Breakfast
|
First
|
|
|||||||||
|
Lima:
-Dazzler By Wyndham Miraflores, Radisson Decapolis Miraflores, Mercure Ariosto Lima,
or Similar Room Standard 3 night(s)
- Breakfast
Cusco:
or Similar Room Standard 4 night(s)
- Breakfast
Aguas Calientes:
-El Mapi By Inkaterra, Hatun Inti Boutique,
or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s)
- Breakfast
|
Premium
|
|
|||||||||
|
Lima:
or Similar Room Standard 3 night(s)
- Breakfast
Cusco:
or Similar Room Standard 4 night(s)
- Breakfast
Aguas Calientes:
or Similar Room Standard 1 night(s)
- Breakfast
|
Luxury
|
|
|||||||||
Buffet Lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant
Located in the luxurious Sanctuary Lodge hotel (former Orient Express); It is the only one located very close to the entrance to Machu Picchu.
• From USD 40.00 per person.
Return train Vistadome Service
First class train with panoramic view, typical dance show and service on board.
• From USD 70.00 per person.
Entrance to the Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu Mountain
Small path that runs from the Inca citadel to the viewpoint of Huayna Picchu, a strategic and unique place where you have the most complete view of the Machu Picchu citadel.
• From USD 65.00 per person.
Travel in-style between Cusco and Puno with the Titicaca Train
Enjoy luxurious wagons, typical dances, a gourmet lunch and on-board service on a magical ten-hour journey along the beautiful landscapes between Cusco and Puno. For more details on availability, please consult your travel agent.
• From USD 270.00 per person.
Private Tours and Walks
They are ideal for those who want a more personalized service, where the schedules of the tours and walks are more flexible, according to the client's preference. To request a private or personalized service, contact our travel agents.
1. Would my admission ticket to Machu Picchu be refundable in case I change the date or cancel my trip?
Recently, the Ministry of Culture of Peru made an update regarding the changes to the admisison ticket to Machu Picchu: all ticket sales are now final. Therefore, the tickets we purchase as a part of your tour package are not refundable, and also cannot be transferred to another person or modified to another date.
2. Do you arrange commercial and international flights?
At the moment, we do not arrange international or commercial flights. However, we will help you organize your trip and flight schedules before traveling abroad. Make sure to contact our team and get personalized assistance for planning your trip.
3. Do you organize personalized travel packages?
Yes, our main goal as a travel agency is to provide an authentic adventure in our country. Therefore, if you’re looking to travel off the beaten path or to be provided with the best trip itinerary through Peru, make sure to contact our team.
4. Do you offer private tours?
Yes, we have private excursions to different locations in Peru. We are looking forward to guaranteeing comfort while still showing a great part of our historical and cultural heritage.
5. How do I book a travel package?
Booking a travel package is as easy as requesting a quote on any of our options. Once you’ve filled in your details, one of our travel assistants will get in touch with you. If you still have no idea of what you’d like to do during your stay in Peru, don’t worry, we are here to help you.
Our sales team will take care of all the details involved with your trip as well as giving you options about the different destinations to visit in our country. You’ll realize that planning a trip abroad has never been easier.
6. How far in advance should I book my trip?
We usually recommend booking your trip at least 2-3 months in advance, especially if you’re planning on a long stay in Peru. Viagens Machu Picchu works with 3 to 5-star hotels and most of them request booking weeks in advance, as well as tours, train rides, transportation options, and other services.
7. What is the best train for Machu Picchu: Expedition or Vistadome?
We recommend you take the Expedition train on the way to Aguas Calientes since most of the departure times are generally when it’s dark. The expedition train has simpler wagons with smaller windows.
Usually, the return takes place during daylight, which is why we would recommend you take the Vistadome train with panoramic windows to enjoy the visually striking scenery this road has to offer. In addition, the Vistadome train offers onboard service and typical dance shows.
8. Are the train tickets included in the package?
Yes, all of our packages include round trip train tickets. Except for those who may choose to go to Machu Picchu by trek. In this case, we’ll only cover the return ticket.
9. Can I choose seats on train trips?
Unfortunately, Peru Rail (the railway company) does not allow passengers to choose seats on any of their different types of train. The distribution of these is done automatically by the company’s system.
10. During the trip to Machu Picchu, where will my largest luggage stay?
Bags that weigh more than 5kg are not allowed on the train or in the Archeological Site of Machu Picchu. Therefore, you must leave your large luggage in the storage service of your accommodation.
For your trip to Machu Picchu, we highly recommend you carry a light backpack with just the essentials for your comfort.
11. What are the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountains?
Those are the surrounding mountains to the Inca Citadel. Huayna Picchu is located at 2,720 meters above sea level and offers an outstanding view to the archaeological site as well as several Inca ruins along the trail.
The Machu Picchu Mountain is located at 3,082 meters above sea level, and serves as another viewpoint to the famous historical sanctuary. However, the trek to its summit is significantly less challenging than the Huayna Picchu mountain.
To trek either of these mounts, you must purchase an additional entrance ticket well in advance. For more information, please contact your travel agent.
12. What Currency is Used in Peru?
Nuevo Soles is the local currency in Peru, banknotes come in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, and 10. Whilst coins come in 5, 2, 1, 0.50, 0.20, and 0,10 units.
13. What is the best currency to use in Peru: US Dollars or Soles?
Almost all establishments accept payments in US Dollars, but we highly recommend you have both Dollars and Soles (the local currency) since there might be places where you’ll need to pay with the Peruvian currency.
14. What are the Peru entry requirements?
Depending on your nationality, you would either need a tourist visa, valid passport or your national I.D. card to enter Peru, for example:
- Passport: Concerns to every country that isn’t in the Andean Community. It must have a validity of at least 6 months.
- Tourist Visa: Applies for visitors from Venezuela, Haití, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Cuba.
- National I.D. Card: Valid for all the members within the Andean Community as, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
Changes & Cancellations
1. If a tour is canceled due to weather conditions, do I get a refund?
Tour cancellations due to bad weather conditions have no refund, as they are factors beyond our control. However, we’d like to ensure the integrity of our passengers by acknowledging that some other situations may be taken into account. Therefore, if having any inconvenience, make sure to contact your travel agent.
2. Can I change the starting date of my travel package?
Yes, you can change the starting date of your travel package. However, an administrative fee between 10% and 50% of the total value of the package will be charged, depending on the proximity to the original date of your trip (this is subject to availability and supplier policies).
3. Can I cancel my trip?
Yes, you can cancel your trip. However, there are certain regulations binded to your refund options. Viagens Machu Picchu will only refund a certain amount according to the following conditions:
- Up to 50 days prior to the date of the trip, there will be no penalty, discounting the deposit commission and other administrative services for a total of 10% of the value of the package contracted.
- Up to 39 to 21 days before the starting date, there will be a 20% fine of the total value of the package.
- Up to 20 days before the starting date, there will be a 50% fine of the total value of the package.
- Up to 10 days before the starting date, there will be an 80% fine of the total value of the package.
- For cancellations made less than 7 days before the starting date, the total value of the package will be withheld.
Important Note: Machu Picchu Travel will have up to 50 days to refund the money to the passenger, according to the aforementioned conditions, counted from the date of cancellation of the trip.
For further information, we have a section with the most Frequently Asked Questions about Peru, Machu Picchu, and our company.
To confirm your booking, we will send you a link with 25% of the total amount; the remaining 75% must be paid 10 days prior to the trip. Payment can be in US Dollars, credit, or debit card. For payment in installments of the remaining value, please consult your travel agent.
Our current payment methods are through PayPal and Visa.
