EXPLORING THE WONDERS OF PERU

Day 1: ARRIVAL TO LIMA / CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY

Welcome to Peru!  Arrive at Lima Airport by scheduled flight. – Flight connection to Cusco.

Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be met after luggage collection by the Swifts travel representative and transferred to the hotel in the Sacred Valley. En route you will enjoy a scenic drive through a stunning landscape to the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Visit Textil Local Center, where weavers of more than 12 communities of Southern Peru exhibit the spinning, dyeing and weaving of Andean traditional textiles helping to preserve the traditional costumes. Your visit includes the opportunity to observe an exhibition and explanation of the four types of South American camels. Here you will find the finest of the traditional and industrial Andean textiles in South America.

Continue to the town of Pisac, renowned for its colorful market where the local Indians meet to sell their merchandise as they have done for centuries. The handicraft market is open every day and is famous for its ceramic beads made into necklaces, earrings and other Peruvian artifacts.

Overnight in Sacred Valley

Day 2: SACRED VALLEY / FD Chinchero – Maras & Moras

Breakfast. Today you visit the town and market of Chinchero, a picturesque Indian village located high up on the windswept plains of Anta, 3762m above sea level. It’s one of 12 Andean communities that has retained the traditional social structure and urban design of Inca times. Local weavers have revived pre-Hispanic techniques featuring natural dyes and motifs inspired by daily life and the surrounding natural environment.

Lunch will be served at Local Restaurant. The setting in Maras with stunning views of the Vilcanota mountain range makes this an experience to delight all the senses.

Next, we will head for Maras, driving through a patchwork of fields that blend into the snow-capped peaks of the Urubamba and Vilcabamba mountain ranges. The colonial village of Maras is known for its nearby salt pans, which have been harvested since pre-Columbian times. Today we’ll see locals collecting the salt in much the same way as their ancestors would have done 400 years ago.

We’ll also explore Moray, an intriguing Inca site where terraces are arrayed in concentric circles. It’s believed to have been used as an agricultural laboratory, testing growing conditions for a wide variety of crops.

Optional: Lunch at MUNDO MIL CENTRO Rest – A journey through ecosystems of heights (direct payment)

Web site: https://www.milcentro.pe

Overnight in Sacred Valley.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / —

Day 3: SACRED VALLEY / HD Kayaking or Standup Paddleboarding in Huaypo Lagoon

Breakfast. Your adventure begins in the beautiful Huaypo lagoon, high in the Andes, which provides water for local communities and crops. Reflected in its blue waters are mesmerizing images of the surrounding mountains and nature.

Enjoy two hours of paddleboarding or kayaking around the lagoon, absorbing the views and the rich biodiversity

Overnight in Sacred Valley.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / —

Day 4: SACRED VALLEY – MACHUPICCHU / FD Inca Trail KM 104

Breakfast. We start the day by picking you up from your hotel between early to transfer you to the train station of Ollantaytambo for 1.5 hours, from where you will boar the train. towards km 104 of the railway line. You will also meet your tour guide and pass a control point of the Inca Trail. We’ll begin with a 3-hour uphill hike towards to archaeological complex of Wiñaywayna, where you will have time to explore and listen to a guided explanation of the ruins.

Afterward, you will eat lunch and walk for another 2 hours to the Intipunku Sun Gate, from where you will have a spectacular view of Machu Picchu. After we will continue walking for about 45 minutes toward Machu Picchu and spend time taking pictures and enjoying the magic of the ancient city. Afterward, you will take a bus for 30 minutes to the nearby town of Aguas Calientes where you will spend a night in the hotel also enjoy a delicious dinner in one of the restaurants in the town.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO / FD Machu Picchu

Breakfast. Visit this unique Inca citadel and its surrounding complexes on a private visit. Machu Picchu stands 2,430 m above sea-level, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was

probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height; its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The natural setting, on the eastern slopes

of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of flora and fauna. Entrances to the citadel are included.

Enjoy a delicious lunch in Machu Picchu Pueblo.

The Vistadome train boasts beautiful panoramic windows, offering unsurpassed views and photographic opportunities as you enter the Inca’s territory in search of Machu Picchu. With glass surrounding you on all sides, you will feel as if you are part of Peru’s remarkable landscape.  

Optional Train: Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train is the most luxurious way to journey between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Its sumptuous 1920s-style carriages ensure a magical journey never to be forgotten. With two Dining Cars, a Bar Car, open-deck Observation Car and Kitchen Car, the train can carry up to 84 passengers. On the journey to Machu Picchu, a gourmet brunch is served as you gaze through your window at the stunning Urubamba Valley.  

At 16.50hs. Approx. you will board the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will take the Train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy. Upon arrival at train station meet your Swifts travel representative for a private transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / —

Day 6: CUSCO / City Tour

Breakfast. At 9.30hs. or 14.30hs. enjoy a half-day tour of Cusco, which includes a visit to the cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the Santo Domingo Temple, a Dominican church and convent built on the foundations of the Koricancha, an important Inca temple devoted to worship of the sun. Your tour also includes a visit to the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which overlooks the city of Cusco.

You will be impressed by the beauty and monumental scale of this important Inca construction. Continue to Qenqo, one of the finest examples of artfully carved rock showing complex patterns of steps, seats, geometric reliefs and a puma design.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure in Cusco.

Optional: Dinner at Cicciolina Rest

Web site; https://www.cicciolinacuzco.com/

Overnight in Cusco.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch  / —

Day 7: CUSCO / FD Palcoyo – Rainbow Mountain

Breakfast. On a day’s excursion from Cusco to Palccoyo, experience wild, natural and colorful landscapes hidden deep in the Andes. Most of the day’s excursion is achieved by car, as you travel more than 3 hours from Cusco to Palccoyo. It’s the perfect option for those wanting to witness the incredible beauty of these remote mountains, and the people who live there, without the crowds or a strenuous hike.

Be ready for an early-morning pick-up at 6.30am from your hotel. Journey through an undiscovered land of wild desert landscapes, snow-capped peaks and herds of alpaca as you head towards the ultimate destination – the painted hills hidden deep in the Andes.

You’ll reach Chacacupe town at around 9am, from where it is a further 40-minute drive to the starting point for Palccoyo. As you draw closer, you’ll begin to glimpse the first signs of the colored minerals that give the painted hills their distinctive hues and patterns. Set off with your guide for a walk to the rainbow mountains – there are actually three of them – learning about the distinctive geology as you go. You’ll also be able to view towering Ausangate Mountain, the highest in Peru, and explore the Stone Forest, whose incredible natural formations are the result of earthquakes occurring thousands of years ago. 

There will be some free time to soak up the scenery before and after your explorations. A delicious box lunch will be served as you admire the breathtaking panoramic views.

Returning back to Cusco, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel at around 5.30pm.

Overnight in Cusco.

Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / —

Day 8: CUSCO / LIMA

Breakfast. Fly to Lima where one of our representatives will be waiting to escort you to Hotel in Lima, Spend your first day exploring this vibrant city at your leisure or relaxing in your hotel.

Optional: Lunch at Astrid & Gastón – fusion fare

Web site; https://www.astridygaston.com/

Optional: Dinner at HuacaPucllana Rest.

Web site; https://www.resthuacapucllana.com/

Overnight in Lima

Meals included: Breakfast /– /–

Day 9: LIMA: City Tour

Breakfast. At 9.30hs. meet your Swifts travel guide to begin your Lima city tour including the Larco Museum. You will start by visiting the Plaza Mayor, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Continue on to the cathedral, with its splendid carved stalls and gold-plated altars, the Government Palace, City Hall and the Archbishop’s Palace. Next, you’ll explore the San Francisco Monastery, which houses the largest exhibition of colonial religious art in America. From the historic center, travel through modern Lima to visit the fascinating Larco Museum, located in a unique 18th-century mansion. Among the many treasures, admire the collection of ancient Peruvian gold and silver and the renowned display of erotic ceramics.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Lima.

Optional: CENTRAL – Contemporary Peruvian cuisine

Web site; https://centralrestaurante.com.pe/

Overnight in Lima

Meals included: Breakfast /Lunch /–

Day 10: LIMA – NAZCA LINES OVERFLIGHT

Early this morning, meet your guide in the hotel lobby

The experience begins with a private transfer to Pisco airport (approximately 4 hours).

On arrival at the airport, board a shared Cessna Caravan high-wing aircraft for a spectacular flight, gaining a bird’s-eye view over the Paracas sand dunes and enigmatic Nazca Lines.

Visible only from the sky, the Nazca Lines are a series of giant shapes and designs, some stretching for nearly 300 meters. Many theories have been formulated about their purpose, from runways for alien spacecraft to lines of a giant seismograph However, German mathematician Maria Reiche, who spent her life studying the lines, came up with the most plausible theory that they formed a gigantic astronomical calendar based on the movement of the sun. Look out for more than 30 complex animal figures, such as a monkey, spider and hummingbird on this unforgettable flight. Return to your hotel in Lima by private transfer (approximately 4 hours).

TRAVEL SCHEDULE

Departs 6 30hrs (approx.) Duration 12hrs (approx).

Overnight in Lima

Meals included: Breakfast /Lunch /–

Day 11: LIMA CULINARY

Breakfast. At the arranged time meet your representative in the hotel lobby for your next experience. Considered the gastronomic capital of South America, Lima has bountiful attractions when it comes to food. Join us on a tour beginning at a local market then continue to a well-known restaurant where the chef will show you how to make ceviche and introduce you to other seafood-based specialties. Sample the iconic Peruvian cocktail, pisco sour, and a couple of Peruvian dishes.  

Immerse yourself in the colors, flavors and heritage of Peruvian cuisine. This experience begins with a demonstration of local products You’ll then head to the kitchen for a sociable, friendly cooking class.

The experience is focused not only on how to cook, but also on the story of Peruvian cuisine. Learn about historical and social issues, the influences of other cultures and how Peru’s gastronomy has evolved to become one of the most celebrated in the world today. 

Optional: Dinner at Maido | Comida Nikkei

Web site; https://maido.pe/

Overnight in Lima

Meals included: Breakfast /Lunch /–

Day 12: LIMA / —

At agreed time please meet your Swifts travel representative at the lobby for your private transfer to lima Airport for your scheduled flight.

Meals included: Breakfast / — / —

Notes:

• Rates listed in American Dollars and include the taxes and service charge for non-residents in Peru
• Tour rates are per person unless we specified a different option.
• Prices are valid until Apr 15th 2024.
• Prices are not valid from Jun 22nd to 26th (The Inti Raymi “Festival of the Sun” – Jun 24th), Christmas and New Year. Ask for prices 
• Prices are subject to change without previous notice
• This is only a quote not a confirmation of services
• Train tickets are not refundable, not endorsable, and not transferable.
• Air tickets are not refundable, not endorsable, and not transferable.
• The reservations can only be confirmed when the tour package will be requested formally
• In the case of non-rooms availability in the hotels mentioned above, we will use hotels of a similar category
• There are not booked services for this quote
• As Peru is becoming a popular country for tourists, we recommend planning your visit in advance
• The present document is only a quote, the confirmation is subject to the availability of places when the reservations are requested.
• Swifts travel reserves the right to alter the program.
• It is important to mention that Swifts travel work by and for the client and it will look for the best for its clients not only when they book or travel also when for a reasonable situation they have to cancel.
• Passport, visa, and health requirements for you and your party is your responsibility. We do recommend you obtain travel insurance against cancellation and medical coverage