The Historic & Ancestral Peru Tour is a carefully crafted 16-day experience that unveils the deep roots of Peruvian civilization. Your journey begins in Lima, where you’ll explore pre-Inca temples and colonial heritage before traveling to Caral, the oldest city in the Americas. Flying to the Andes, you’ll acclimatize in Cusco, the former Inca capital, and enjoy guided visits to its impressive archaeological sites.
From there, discover the Sacred Valley, with its traditional markets, terraced ruins, and the fortress of Ollantaytambo. The adventure continues with the legendary Inca Trail, a 4-day trek through ancient paths, cloud forests, and high passes that culminates with the sunrise at Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate. After a full exploration of the citadel, you’ll have the chance to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for panoramic views.
The journey doesn’t end there—venture into the high Andes to witness the surreal beauty of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), immerse yourself in Cusco’s vibrant culture, and explore the South Valley or local communities before returning to Lima.
This tour offers a perfect balance of cultural immersion, archaeological discovery, and natural wonders, ideal for travelers seeking a profound connection with Peru’s ancestral legacy.
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
- International arrival at Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport.
- Private transfer to hotel in Miraflores or Barranco district.
- Time to rest after your flight.
- Optional evening stroll along the Miraflores boardwalk (Malecón) with ocean views.
Accommodation: Lima Hotel
Day 2: Lima City Tour – Ancient & Colonial Roots
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Morning visit to Huaca Pucllana and Huaca Huallamarca, ancient pre-Inca temples located within the city.
- Continue to Plaza Mayor, visiting the Cathedral, Government Palace, and San Francisco Convent & Catacombs.
- Afternoon: visit the Larco Museum, showcasing 3,000 years of pre-Columbian artifacts.
- Evening free to enjoy Lima’s famous gastronomy.
Accommodation: Lima Hotel
Day 3: Full Day Caral – The Oldest City of the Americas
- Early departure (approx. 4 hours by road) to Caral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back over 5,000 years.
- Guided tour of the Sacred City of Caral: pyramids, amphitheater, and ancient plazas.
- Picnic lunch in Caral valley.
- Return to Lima in the evening.
Accommodation: Lima Hotel
Day 4: Flight Lima – Cusco
- Morning flight to Cusco (3,400 m / 11,150 ft).
- Private transfer to hotel.
- Light walking tour to help with acclimatization: Plaza de Armas, San Pedro Market, San Blas neighborhood.
- Evening briefing about the Inca Trail adventure.
Accommodation: Cusco Hotel
Day 5: Cusco City & Surrounding Ruins
- Breakfast at hotel.
- Guided half-day tour:
- Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun).
- Cusco Cathedral with its colonial and Inca influences.
- Nearby archaeological sites: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay.
- Afternoon free for shopping or relaxation.
Accommodation: Cusco Hotel
Day 6: Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Early departure to Sacred Valley.
- Visit Pisac Market and Pisac Archaeological Site with terraces and temples.
- Lunch in Urubamba (buffet with Andean flavors).
- Afternoon visit to Ollantaytambo fortress, one of the last Inca strongholds.
Accommodation: Sacred Valley Hotel
Day 7: Chinchero, Moray & Maras Salt Mines
- Morning visit to Chinchero, known for its weaving traditions and colonial church.
- Continue to Moray, circular agricultural terraces used by the Incas as a laboratory.
- Explore the Maras Salt Mines, with thousands of salt ponds still in use today.
- Return to Cusco in the evening.
Accommodation: Cusco Hotel
Days 8–11: Classic Inca Trail (4 Days / 3 Nights)
Day 8 (Inca Trail – Day 1)
- Transfer to Km 82 (Piscacucho) to begin the trek.
- Hike through small villages and archaeological sites.
- Campsite near Huayllabamba.
- Distance: ~12 km / 7.5 mi.
Day 9 (Inca Trail – Day 2)
- The most challenging day: ascend to Warmiwañusca Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,200 m / 13,780 ft.
- Descent to Pacaymayo Valley campsite.
- Distance: ~11 km / 6.8 mi.
Day 10 (Inca Trail – Day 3)
- Visit Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca ruins along the way.
- Campsite at Wiñay Wayna (“Forever Young”), an impressive Inca site.
- Distance: ~16 km / 10 mi.
Day 11 (Inca Trail – Day 4)
- Early morning hike to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) for first views of Machu Picchu at sunrise.
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel (2–3 hours).
- Afternoon train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
Accommodation: Cusco Hotel
Day 12: Machu Picchu Revisit (Optional Hike)
- Morning return to Machu Picchu (by train from Cusco or overnight stay in Aguas Calientes).
- Option to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advance permits required).
- Afternoon train back to Cusco.
Accommodation: Cusco Hotel
Day 13: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca)
- Very early departure (around 4:00 am).
- Drive through Andean villages with views of Ausangate Glacier.
- Hike (~2 hours uphill) to the viewpoint of Rainbow Mountain (5,200 m / 17,060 ft).
- Time to enjoy the colorful landscapes and take photos.
- Return to Cusco in the evening.
Accommodation: Cusco Hotel
Day 14: Free Day in Cusco
- A day to relax or explore Cusco at your own pace. Suggested activities:
- Cooking class with Andean ingredients.
- Visit additional museums (Inka Museum, Pre-Columbian Art Museum).
- Shopping for handicrafts.
Accommodation: Cusco Hotel
Day 15: Alternative Excursions
Choose between:
- South Valley Tour: Tipón, Pikillacta (Wari ruins), and Andahuaylillas (the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes”).
- Or cultural immersion: spend time in a traditional weaving community.
Accommodation: Cusco Hotel
Day 16: Return to Lima – Departure
- Transfer to Cusco airport.
- Flight back to Lima.
- Connection with international departure.
Tour Includes
- Accommodation in 3★ / 4★ hotels (upgrade available).
- Domestic flights: Lima – Cusco – Lima.
- All private transfers & tours with professional English-speaking guides.
- Inca Trail permits, camping gear, porters & meals.
- Entrance tickets (Caral, Cusco sites, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain).
- Daily breakfast + meals during the trek and selected days.
Not Included
- International flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses & tips.
- Original passport (mandatory to enter Machu Picchu)
- Personal luggage for Machu Picchu (5 kg max allowed in the train)
- Daypack for personal items
- Money in soles for entrance fees, water, snacks and other expenses during each tour
- Comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear (hiking boots recommended)
- Waterproof clothes and rain cover
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Water (1.5L per day)
- Sunglasses
- Scarf or hat in order to protect against the intense sunlight
- Warm jacket for the evening/wind
- Personal medications
Flexible cancellation/ change
- Cancel your tour 48 hours in advance and be reimbursed for the full amount of the tour. If you cancel the tour after these 48 hours prior to your tour no refund will be processed.
- The policy to reschedule or to make any amendment allows the update to be made no more than 5 days prior to the date of your tour and it is valid until December 30th, 2022.
- The itinerary may be subject to changes due to unforeseen circumstances, beyond the control of the operator, changes without prior notice
Accommodation, transfers, and flights are included?
The lodging and transfers in Tambopata are included as part of the tour and cannot be excluded. For the other days, you can choose if you want to hire only the tours or tours + lodging. Flights are not included but we will give you recommendations for airlines and schedules.
Why is the tourist ticket not included?
The Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket) is a personal ticket and is not sold in advance. It must be purchased in Cusco or at the entrance of the visited sites where this ticket is required.
Check our guide with all the information about the tourist ticket.
What to do with my luggage during the trip to Machu Picchu?
The maximum volume allowed on the trains is 5 kg per person, so you should travel with as little as possible, as all the rest of your luggage should stay at your hotel in Cusco during the two day trip. If you check out when you travel to Machu Picchu, you can leave your luggage in the hotel’s storage room.
What time will I enter Machu Picchu?
The entrance times for this tour is from 7am on, but it may vary according to ticket availability at the time of booking. Remember: the earlier you make your reservation, the more likely you are to get the best times.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine to visit the Peruvian Amazon?
The yellow fever vaccine is not required for your entry into Peru but may be required upon your return to your country. For more information, please contact the health authorities in your home country.
Can I reverse the order of the itinerary?
Yes, our itinerary is 100% customizable and you can change the order of visits according to your travel plans and schedule. Please note that some flights are restricted to specific days of the week and this will directly affect your itinerary.
