Colonial Peru and the amazing Machu Picchu

Destination Arequipa Canyon del Colca Sicuani Cusco
Duration 7 days 6 nights
Dates & Prices
Date of travel

 

Tour Highlights

 

Luxury tour through colonial heritage Luxury tour Machu Picchu Andean condors of Peru  Peru travel Inca
Colonial legacy Machu Picchu Andean condors Inca heritage

 

 

Experiences

This luxury private tour to Peru will give you the opportunity to travel back into the time and spend a night in a colonial house of 18th century in Arequipa. You will admire the majestic landscapes of Colca Canyon and observe the gorgeous condors hovering over the canyon. You will also explore the Peruvian Sistine Chapel in Andahuaylillas and discover the main secrets of Inca’s architectural masterpieces in Cusco. Of course, you will make a roundtrip to Machu Picchu on board of the luxury Hiram Bingham train.

 

Your tour at a glance

The colonial past of Peru, its amazing landscapes and, of course, the incredible legacy of the Incas, its what your dedicated guide will make you discover during your luxury week tour. Explore the heritage of the colonial period of Spanish conquistadors in Arequipa, admire the amazing landscapes with herds of lamas and alpacas on the way to Colca Canyon, discover the main characteristics of the architectural masterpieces of the Incas in Cusco. Your guide will always follow your wishes and your days will be organized according to your preferences.

 

Day 1 : Arrival in Arequipa
Day 1 : Arrival in Arequipa

The white city of Arequipa is an excellent start point for those who would like to explore the heritage of the colonial period of Spanish conquistadors. Your private guide will welcome you today at Arequipa airport and will take you to your stylish accommodation. It will give you the possibility to travel back into the time and spend a night in a colonial house of XVIII century. Later your guide will make you discover the historical city center of Arequipa which is inscribed on the UNESCO heritage list. The alleys around the historical Plaza de Armas are particularly pleasant. Your guide will be glad to make you discover also the religious citadel of Santa Catalina, which has been remained undamaged from the XVI century. Another interesting discovery could be the mummy of Juanita, dating back to the XV century. Learn more about this Inca girl by visiting the Museo Santuarios Andinos. Overnight in Arequipa.

Day 2 : From Arequipa to Canyon del Colca (3h driving)
Day 2 : From Arequipa to Canyon del Colca (3h driving)

When we say Peru, we associate it certainly with the Inca Empire first, then with colonial period of Spanish conquistadors. However, one of the main characteristics of the Inca's land are its amazing landscapes with herds of lamas and alpacas. And today you will continue jour journey to reach the amazing Canyon del Colca by crossing the Reserva de Salinas y Aguada Blanca, nestled in the middle of snow-covered volcanoes. On the way you will have the opportunity to stop and see herds of alpacas and the famous vicuñas whose wool is the sweetest and most expensive in Peru. It only gives 300 grams of wool per year. Later, we will reach Chivay, one of the typical villages along the Colca Canyon. Here you will meet the rural people who come to sell their crops and crafts in the small village market. Later, you will be lodged in one of the hidden gems of the Andes, admiring the majestic landscapes of Colca Canyon. The Belmond Las Casitas will offer you a delightful retreat within the Canyon del Colca. Overnight in Yanque.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 3 : From Canyon del Colca to Sicuani (5h driving)
Day 3 : From Canyon del Colca to Sicuani (5h driving)

Today you will continue your journey through the natural beauties of the Inca's land. In the morning you will discover the Cruz del Condor, from where you can have a breathtaking view on the Colca canyon and observe the Andean condors hovering over the canyon. Later, crossing the Reserva de Salinas y Aguada Blanca you will admire not only its various volcanoes and mountain lakes but you will see different species of birds as well as mammals (flamingos, deer and the famous vicuñas). Afterwards, you will continue your way through the picturesque La Raya pass and you will reach Sicuani by the evening, a stopover city between the Canyon del Colca and Cusco. Overnight in Sicuani.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 4 : From Sicuani to Cusco (3h driving)
Day 4 : From Sicuani to Cusco (3h driving)

Cusco and its important archaeological remains located in the outskirts of the city, will be certainly one of the main highlights of your trip. How was the life during the Inca period in the capital and what happened after the arrival of the conquistadors? Your private guide will be glad to make you discover today's life in Cusco by showing you at the same time original walls dating back to the time of the Incas, on which the Spanish constructions were built. On the way to Cusco, you will make some stops, such as the San Pendro church in the small town of Andahuaylillas. This church was built in the 16th century by the Jesuits. It attracts people especially with its pretty frescoes, often compared with the Sistine Chapel. Another discovery of the day will be the archeological site of Pikillaqta from Wari culture (pre-Inca civilization). Later, you will reach Cusco and your private guide will take you to your hotel, a unique experience to spend the night in an elegant hotel built on Inca foundations. Overnight in Cusco.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 5 : Cusco sightseeing
Day 5 : Cusco sightseeing

The ancient capital of the Incas is waiting for you today. Your private guide will help you to explore the city in all its glory. He will help you to discover the main secrets of Inca’s architectural masterpieces and you will discover how they will destroyed by Spanish conquistadors and replaced by new constructions. Coricancha (the ancient Temple of the Sun), which was the most sacred place for the Incas is a vivid example of such kind of construction. The temple was completely demolished by the Spanish but there is still the Inca base of the construction on which the convent Santo Domingo was built in the 17th century. What were the main characteristic of the architectural buildings of that time, how the Incas had built these amazing monuments? Your guide will be happy to answer to all of your questions. After lunch, he will help you to reveal also the secrets of the archeological sites surrounding Cusco. He will make you discover Tambomachay with its aqueducts, canals and various cascades and you will learn about different water cult ceremonies. Then by visiting Puka Pukara, you will realize what a military fortress was at the time of the Incas. The discovery of Qenko will help you to understand the process of sacrifices and mummifications. And for what the Sacsayhuaman was famous for? Why only the Incas had the right to enter the territory of this complex? Discover it during your visit. Overnight in Cusco.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 6 : Round trip by train to Machu Picchu
Day 6 : Round trip by train to Machu Picchu

The visit of Machu Picchu is certainly one of the breathtaking moments of a trip in Peru. It becomes much more pleasant when you get there by luxury Hiram Bingham train, which makes your experience more immersive. Thousands of visitors discover the incredible ''lost city'' of the Incas each day, but not everyone can really enjoy each moment of this amazing journey. Your private guide will be there to make you discover this incredible architectural gem as no one has never did and you will learn much more about its best-kept secrets. Your magical experience will end by taking back the luxury Hiram Bingham train and returning to your hotel in Cusco built on Inca foundations. Overnight in Cusco.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 7 : Cusco and departure
Day 7 : Cusco and departure

Today your guide will take you to Cusco Airport for your departure flight. In case you have time before your flight time, your guide will be glad to make you suggestions for some shopping or additional sightseeing. The colorful bags and scarfs will always remind you about the beautiful alpacas of the Peruvian Andes.

Meals : Breakfast

Hotels during this exclusive luxury trip to Peru

 

CIRQA - Relais & Châteaux, Arequipa - 5*
Luxury tour Peru Arequipa   Luxury tour Peru Arequipa
   
  Luxury tour Peru Arequipa
   
  Luxury tour Peru Arequipa
   
  Luxury tour Peru Arequipa

 

Why we chose it?


Amazing experience in a 16th century colonial period hotel

Located in the historic center of Arequipa

Tailor-made organic amenities  

 

Overview

Your stay in Cirqa hotel will give you the opportunity to travel back in time to 16th century, the period when Arequipa was built and to live an unforgettable experience in a colonial house. The powerful walls, arches and columns of the hotel are all made of volcanic rocks. Its astounding architectural interior with current contemporary nuances is a perfect bland of modern and traditional touches.

 


 

Belmond Las Casitas, Canyon del Colca - 5*
Luxury tour Peru Canyon del Colca   Luxury tour Peru Canyon del Colca
   
  Luxury tour Peru Canyon del Colca
   
  Luxury tour Peru Canyon del Colca
   
  Luxury tour Peru Canyon del Colca

 

Why we chose it?


Surrounded by the serenity of the mesmerizing Colca Valley

Experience the traditional beauty of Peru

Bland of traditional and modern luxury touches in the awe-inspiring natural environment

Individual ‘’casitas’’ with a private terrace and hot tub

 

Overview

Discover the hidden gem of the Andes by spending an overnight in las casitas of breathtaking Colca Valley. Relax in your individual casita with a private terrace and hot tub or enjoy the treatments of the local wellness Spa rich in indigenous organic plants and flowers that soothe your body and mind. Another memorable experience for you could be the Alpaca feeding, these emblematic animals, which are walking near the casitas.

 


 

Wilkamayu hotel, Sicuani - 3*
Luxury tour Peru Sicuani   Luxury tour Peru Sicuani
   
  Luxury tour Peru Sicuani
   
  Luxury tour Peru Sicuani
   
  Luxury tour Peru Sicuani

 

Why we chose it?


Strategically located in the tourist corridor Cusco - Puno or Cusco - Arequipa

Charming central courtyard with colonial-style galleries

Warm and homely atmosphere 

 

Overview

The hotel Wilkamayu is the ideal accommodation to make a stopover between Cusco and Arequipa or Puno and Cusco. Even it’s not a luxury accommodation, it offers first rate quality services to its guests and does its best to ensure a pleasant and relaxing experience to its visitors complying their highest expectations. The charming garden decorated with antiques and artworks from Cusco will ensure your peaceful evening at the hotel.

 


 

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco - 5*
Luxury tour Peru Cusco   Luxury tour Peru Cusco
   
  Luxury tour Peru Cusco
   
  Luxury tour Peru Cusco
   
  Luxury tour Peru Cusco

 

Why we chose it?


Built on Inca foundations

Decorated with colonial period frescoes

Specialty dishes prepared by leading Peruvian chefs

Inspired Andean wellness 

 

Overview

This former convent built on the Inca foundations, dating back to 17th century will take you back in time and you will live an amazing experience in your artistic room where the Inca stonework meets the Spanish colonial architecture and where the modern comfort meets the old-world charm. Relax at open-air heated pool, enjoying the colorful dishes at the local Senzo Bar. Don’t miss the unique Spa treatments that offers the local Hypnoze Spa, inspired by Inca and Andean culture.

 


 

 

Your tour includes:

- All private transfers with air conditioned high end SUV with all applicable transport taxes
- Dedicated English speaking guide-driver and his living expenses
- All luxury accommodations with full breakfast daily
- All entrance fees as per described itinerary
- Luxury train (Hiram Bingham) for a round trip to Machu Picchu
- Gastronomic lunch and dinner on board of Hiram Bingham train
- Bus for a round trip to Machu Picchu entrance
- Courtesy of fresh bottled water at all times in the car
- Car and passenger insurance
- All parking fees

 

Your tour does not include:

- Meals and drinks (except as specified above)
- Personal expenses (tips, telephone calls etc...)
- International airfare

 

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