Classic Peru

Peru

Culture | Archaeology

Heirs of the Inca sky realm meets Spanish colonial.

16 days £2,995 pp (was £3,195 pp) This is the per person group tour price, based on 2 sharing. The price is subject to change with exchange rate and flight cost fluctuations.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Live the extraordinary land of Peru on this storybook voyage through sky-high Andean scenery, immaculately-preserved Inca complexes, and a touch of Iberian elegance in the lasting architectural influence of conquistador Francisco Pizarro and his Catholic priests.

See the resemblance between old Seville and colonial replicas found in Lima's 16th century Plaza de Armas, Cusco's San Blas district, and the old centre of the so-called white city, Arequipa.

Go large in Yura on some serious geology between the Altiplano and the Cordillera. See why gentle vicuñas are some of the planet's highest grazers while you journey across the high plains of the Pampa Cañahuas Reserve near Arequipa's god-like El Misti stratovolcano, and its sky-scraping neighbour, Chachani. Peer down into the sunlit abyss of the world's fourth-deepest canyon, Colca, half-expecting to see condors make a long-awaited comeback in their favoured mountain terrain.

Disembark by boat onto the floating totoro reed islands on UNESCO-listed Uros. to spend a night in a local homestay on Lake Titicaca. Enjoy the option of railway journey through the Peru's desolate highlands on the Titicaca Train to the erstwhile centre of all things Inca, Cusco. From Pisac's crescent terracing, perched ruins and colourful market, follow the Urubamba river west to Ollantaytambo to discover why they call this 62-mile stretch of paradise the Sacred Valley of the Inca. Let your dreamy journey reach a peak at one of the new seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu. Seeing is believing.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Arequipa's rich baroque architecture
  • Colca, twice the Grand Canyon's depth
  • Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world
  • Cusco, seat of the Inca Empire
  • 62 awesome miles of Sacred Valley
  • Get to know the indigenous Huilloc community
  • Incredible salt pools of Maras
  • A new wonder of the world, Machu Picchu

Places Visited

Lima - Arequipa - Colca Canyon - Puno - Lake Titicaca - Cusco - Sacred Valley of the Incas - Machu Picchu

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Train journey: Puno to Cusco
Domestic flights: Lima-Arequipa & Cusco-Lima 
Accommodation (14 nights in hotel; 1 night in a homestay)
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Itinerary & Map
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Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrival in Lima

On arrival, you will be met and greeted at the airport by a Travel The Unknown representative and transferred to your hotel. Rest and recuperate after a very long flight. The fun begins in earnest tomorrow.  

Overnight in The Lot Boutique Hotel, Lima , Queen Suite

Meal plan: n/a

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Day 2 : Lima

Start with an exclusive tour of Lima's UNESCO-protected historical centre. Among other highlights, see the 250 year-old Santo Dominican Convent, built on land seceded to the notorious friar Valverde, who helped convince conquistador Francisco Pizarro to execute Atahualpa. Continue exploring the old town centre the main plaza which contains the government and municipal palaces, before visiting Lima's emblematic cathedral. Heading indoors, we visit the Larco museum, regularly voted among the world's best collections of pre-Columbian art.

Round off the day with a demo class on how to make a perfect Peruvian pisco sour. Retire to you hotel for the rest of the evening at leisure. 

Overnight in The Lot Boutique Hotel, Lima , Queen Suite

Meal plan: Breakfast

Lima, Peru's capital, is located in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín rivers, and is one of the most arid cities in the world.  Founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535, Lima is a city with a variety of architectural styles. Also known as the Gastronomical Capital of the Americas, Lima has a mixture of Spanish, Andean and Asian cuisines.

Casa de Aliaga is a house that once belonged to Jerónimo de Aliaga, one of the followers of Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizzaro, the founder of Lima. Given to de Aliaga in 1535, the interior of the house contains vintage tiles and furniture, and has been home to the Aliaga family for 17 generations.

Larco Museum is a museum of pre-Columbian art located in the Pueblo Libre District of Lima, located in an 18th century building built over a pre-Columbian pyramid. It is specifically renowned for its gallery of pre-Columbian erotic pottery, and also provides an overview of 4,000 years of Peruvian history through ceramics, jewellery, and garments. The museum first opened to the public in 1926 and was founded by Rafael Larco Hoyle.

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Day 3 : Lima - Arequipa

The short 90-min flight time this morning from Lima to Arequipa means you won't miss out on the day ahead. Once you've landed and been escorted into town by your Travel the Unknown representative, hit the ground running on a city tour of Arequipa starting at the Carmen Alto viewpoint. From here you can see Arequipa's greatest secret: what surrounds it. This city, already poised at about 2,700m, is flanked by two of the world's highest volcanoes: El Misti and Chachani. One is 5,800m (18,000ft) and the other over 6,000m (nearly 20,000ft). Their benign guardianship over Peru's prettiest town is bound to leave you awestruck.

You'll then descend to the Yanahuara neighborhood, visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, and finish at the Plaza de Armas where the Cathedral stands tall and the Compañia Church await your respectful exploration.You'll finish the tour here, where shops, cafes, restaurants, and beautiful views are yours to explore before the rest of the day is your own. 

Overnight in Hotel Katari, Arequipa , Superior King Suite

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Arequipa is the capital and largest city of the Arequipa Region of Peru. Occupied by various peoples over time, it was re-founded in 1540 by the Spanish on the orders of conquistador Francisco Pizarro. Prior to Spanish colonisation , the city was valuable to the Inca empire as part of the route from Cuzco to the coast. It is Peru's second most populous city and metropolitan area, after Lima. Rich in baroque architecture crafted from white volcanic rock native to the area, Arequipa also contains a historic centre considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Arequipa is famous for producing many of Peru’s leading political and cultural figures, including novelist Mario Vargas Llosa.

Arequipa's San Lázaro district is representative of the city's historic past, with narrow streets and passages surrounding picturesque squares and large houses. The district is thought to be the oldest in the city - Dominican priests built an evangelist chapel here in 1538.

Plaza de Armas is Arequipa's main sqaure, showcasing the city's traditional architecture with Peru's largest cathedral and impressive colonnaded balconies surrounding it. The buildings are all built from volcanic sillar, giving them their white colour and influencing the city's nickname of the 'White City'.

Sitting on the southeast corner of the Plaza de Armas, the Iglesia de la Compañía showcases an intricately carved façade in the 'churrigueresque' style. Built in 1578, the original construction collapsed in a 1582 earthquake, and the restorative work continued to be scuppered by several other earthquakes over the centuries. The Baroque-style altar is particularly impressive, completely covered in gold leaf and displaying the images of various saints.

Lima, Peru's capital, is located in the valleys of the Chillón, Rímac and Lurín rivers, and is one of the most arid cities in the world.  Founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535, Lima is a city with a variety of architectural styles. Also known as the Gastronomical Capital of the Americas, Lima has a mixture of Spanish, Andean and Asian cuisines.

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Day 4 : Arequipa - Colca Canyon

After breakfast, depart Arequipa and head towards Colca Canyon. Plunging nearly 12,000ft, this is the world's 3th-deepest canyon. On the way to this geological landmark twice the depth of Arizona's Grand Canyon, eye the heavenly views of Chachani, El Misti and Picchu Picchu volcanoes. Cross the Pampa Cañahuas and spot vicuñas roaming free on high Andean backcountry.

Stop for lunch on route to the hotel before the afternoon at leisure to rest and enjoy your rural lodge, including an optional visit (extra cost) to the area's renowned thermal baths. The therapeutic properties of these hot springs come highly recommended 

Overnight in Killawasi Lodge, Colca Canyon , Junior Suite

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Yura is one of 29 districts in the Arequipa province. It is characterised by its dramatic geographical features, including gullies, mountain ranges and canyons. Standing at 5,290 metres, Ampato is the highest peak in the district. 

The Pampa Cañahuas Reserve is an extensive plain covering almost 315,000 hectares. The dry and somewhat inhospitable landscape holds some spectacular volcanic and rock formations, as well as unique flora, including cacti flowers that only exist in this region. It is also home to vicuñas, one of the four indigenous Andean camelids found in Peru, and more than 100 different species of bird, such as the long-tailed hawk.

Located at 4,800 metres above sea level, the Los Andes viewpoint in Patapampa provides incredible panoramic views across the various volcanoes that surround Arequipa. The lookout is located on the mountain pass of Abra Patapampa which, at 4,910 metres above sea level, is one of the highest paved passes in the Americas.

The main hub and gateway to the Colca Canyon, Chivay is a small traditional market town set within agricultural farmlands and surrounded by snowcapped peaks. The bustling square is the main attraction of the town and there is a lively market selling local handicrafts and produce. 

The Colca Canyon is a chasmic valley running through the Andes mountain range. Recognised as one of the deepest canyons in the world, the Colca Canyon possesses both pre-Inca roots and towns founded by Spanish conquistadors. The canyon is still inhabited by people of the Collagua, a pre-Inca tribe, and contains archaeological effects from their history. These locals maintain to this day their ancestral traditions, such as cultivating the pre-Inca stepped terraces throughout the area. The Colca Canyon is renowned as one of the most exhilarating places in the Americas to see Andean condors swooping overhead.

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Day 5 : Colca Canyon

After an early breakfast, you will travel to the Condor Cross lookout for incredible views of the vast Colca Valley and the chance to see Andean condors swooping overhead. Descend to the valley floor to discover rustic Maca and Yanque on the banks of the River Colca. There, you'll recognise quaint colonial churches are as much as part of the scenery as the peaks of the Andes. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before an afternoon at rest and dinner at the hotel's restaurant.

Overnight in Killawasi Lodge, Colca Canyon , Junior Suite

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Condor's Cross (locally known as Cruz del Condor) is famed for its incredible scenery and spectacular views looking across the Colca Canyon. It is a popular place for condor sightings, where the Andean bird is often seen circling up from the depths of the canyon, especially in the early hours of the morning.

The scenic Ocolle viewpoint is famous for its pre-Inca terraces known as "the Amphitheatre". An important archaeological site, it shows the impressive and advanced agricultural technology and irrigation system used by the Collaguas ethnic group. 

Lying on the banks of the Colca River in the Arequipa region, the archaeological site of Uyo Uyo is a semi-restored settlement of an ancient pre-Inca village, later occupied by the Incas. It is thought that the town was the original capital of the Colca Valley. The stone ruins of houses and streets provide an important insight into the construction techniques and advanced architectural and agricultural skills of the Collagua and Inca people. 
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Day 6 : Colca Canyon - Puno

Up early to exploit the soft hues of morning light and hit the road to visit the villages of Coporaque, Achoma and Larion, lying on the right margin of the valley. At a time to be arranged, make the journey onward to Puno.

Once in Peru's gateway port to Bolivia, check in to your hotel and plan the evening ahead. 

Overnight in Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno, Puno , Standard Room

Meal plan: Breakfast

Puno is the capital of both Puno Region and Puno Province. It was established in 1688 as the capital of the Paucarcolla province. Situated on the shore of Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America, Puno is also known as Peru’s folkloric capital for its abundant traditional festivals.

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Day 7 : Puno - Lake Titicaca - Amantaní

Lake Titicaca is central to the creation mythology of the Inca. It is here that the deity Viracocha rose from the depths to bring light to the world. Today, you might not see Viracocha creating Man by breathing on stones, but you will see extraordinary sights, all the same. Visit the floating reed-mat islands of Uros. See inhabitants of these unique 'floating communities' weave totoro reeds in a continual process of replenishment to keep their giant island rafts afloat. After a 1-2 hour journey, arrive at Amantaní island where you will be welcomed by the inhabitants of the island, fed and provided with a memorable overnight stay in their homes. Sleeping on Lake Titicaca itself is an experience unlike anything else.

Overnight in a homestay on Amantani.

Note: ferryboat service to and from Puno will be shared with other passengers.

Overnight in Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno, Puno , Homestay

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America. Located in the Andes Mountains between Peru and Bolivia, it is considered the highest navigable lake in the world in terms of elevation.

The Uros Islands are a series of manmade islands on Lake Titicaca, east of the city of Puno. The islands, as well as the homes and watercrafts used by the populace, have been constructed out of buoyant totora reeds with grow in the lake. Originally, the Uros people constructed the islands to escape from hostilities caused by the Inca peoples expanding into their land on mainland Peru. Current residents maintain the islands by adding reeds to the ground as the reeds along the bottom of the structures rot away.

Amantaní is a mountainous, inhabited island on Lake Titicaca that holds fascinating Inca and Tiwanaku ruins. The people of Amantaní have maintained their indigenous highland identity, and their traditional agricultural techniques can be seen on the terraced hillsides, where they cultivate wheat and vegetables, as well as graze alpaca livestock. Traditional dance performances are a popular attraction, while families host overnight guests in their adobe houses. 
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Day 8 : Amantaní - Taquile - Puno

After breakfast with your host family, set off by boat from Amantaní to the island of Taquile. Taquile is Peru's last isolated outpost before crossing international maritime waters into Bolivia. On Taquile you'll walk on sand higher than any other beach on Earth. From this dot of land on a great glassy lake surface, the blue sky and a horizon fringed with faraway peaks are simply immense, leaving most of us humbled by nature's grand architecture.

After a tour of the island and its stalls of handicrafts, enjoy lunch then catch the fast boat back to Puno for a free evening.

Overnight in Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno, Puno , Standard Room

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Taquile Island is an island on Lake Titicaca, near the city of Puno. Once used as an island prison by Spanish conquistadors, the island is now home to between 2,000 and 3,000 locals well-known for their high-quality textile work and long lifespan. The intricate life-long textile traditions of the island’s population, with women weaving and men knitting, earned a "Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" designation by UNESCO.

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Day 9 : Puno - Cusco

In the morning we'll depart for Puno's bus station to board a tourist bus bound for Cusco. This all-day ride through Peru's starkly beautiful Altiplano will make scheduled stops at Pucara ceramics museum, La Raya panoramic vista point, Racchi's temple of Wiracocha and, lastly, to Andahuaylillas chapel.

Arrive in the former capital of the Inca empire and check into your hotel in the pretty old quarter of San Blas. Rest up and think about dinner options, of which there are many.

Overnight in Quinta San Blas, Cusco , Deluxe Room

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

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Day 10 : Cusco

No visit to Cusco is complete without seeing the Inca citadel of Sacsayhuamán. Surrounded on all sides by beautiful mountain landscape, this megalithic fortress  oozes atmosphere. Within its gigantic walls, see the panoramic view of Qenqo, an ancient temple of the Puma that houses an altar for sacrifices. Beyond that, the Puca Pucará watchtower, plus Tambomachay, considered a symbolic pillar of the Andean worldview. Retreating back down to the city itself, embark on an exclusive tour that homes in on the old Spanish colonial district of San Blas. En route, stop at the pretty plaza of Nazarenas.

Continue down to the spiritual heart of Cusco in the Plaza de Armas. Its 16th century Cathedral houses colonial works of incredible value. Your final stop is Koricancha, whose Quechua name is Quri Kancha (Golden Temple) that receives us with all its lavishness. After the spellbinding effects of any walking tour of Old Cusco, return to your San Blas hotel to freshen up before heading out into the night, when Cusco become even more alluring. 

Overnight in Quinta San Blas, Cusco , Deluxe Room

Meal plan: Breakfast

Cusco is the capital city of the Cusco Region and Cusco Province. Until Spanish conquest in the 16th century, it was the capital of the Inca Empire. Considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its unique synthesis of two distinct cultures, Hispanic and Inca, it is also designated as the Historical Capital of Peru. As it stands today, the city possesses architecture and influence from both its Inca and Spanish colonial past, with its current population still adhering to many ancient traditions. Inca ruins of walls and temples remain in the city, as well as Spanish Colonial architecture.

The Fortress of Sacsayhuamán is a fortress-temple complex situated on the northern edge of the city of Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire. Constructed during the rule of Pachacuti, the ninth Inca ruler, the site was first comprised of mud and clay, before being built up with massive stone blocks. The site also contained temples and was used for mass storage of goods and ceremonial purposes. The fortress remains in use today for Inca-inspired ceremonies.

Coricancha is an ancient Inca temple located in Cusco. Containing the well-known Temple of the Sun among other constructions, it was the religious centre for the Inca world and was dedicated to the major gods of the Inca pantheon. Following Spanish conquest in the 16th century, the temple was destroyed in large part. The Santo Domingo Convent was built atop the resulting ruins. Built from finely carved stones, the walls of the temple were decorated with silver and gold leaf, from which the name, translating to 'Golden Enclosure', was derived.

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Day 11 : Sacred Valley of the Incas

After breakfast, depart for Pisac to wander its kaleidoscopic artisanal market. Moving up the ancient stone pathways, head to Pisac's archaeological site, a match for anything Incan you'll see elsewhere. Continue to the Huilloc community, where you will have the opportunity to interact with the community and learn about their traditions and way of life. Turn back to reach your spacious accommodation in Yucay, lying roughly halfway between Pisac and Ollantaytambo. 

Overnight in La Casona de Yucay, Sacred Valley of the Incas , Premium Suite

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Sacred Valley of the Incas is a valley located in the Cusco Region of the Andes Mountains. It was settled by the early Inca living in the Cusco Region. A lush agricultural region both in the past and present due to its lower altitude and warmer temperatures, it was a key settlement for the Inca peoples and presently provides the city of Cusco with much of its produce.

Pisac is a village located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is well-known for its large Sunday market, containing local produce and handicrafts, as well as its Inca ruins. The ruins are found at the entrance to the gorge leading to the Urumba Valley, and contain terraces, aqueducts, and steps carved into rock, as well as the ruins of buildings built from large stone blocks.

Residing in the Urubamba province of the Sacred Valley, the small farming Huilloc community is well known for its weaving and textile traditions. Using techniques from their ancestors passed down through generations, their textiles utilise colourful designs that incorporate images from their daily life and the flora and fauna surrounding them. Weaving is often done by the women, while the men are responsible for farming. The inhabitants of the community are known as the 'Huayruros', so called because of their black and red ponchos resembling the colours of the huayruro fruit found in the Peruvian Amazon. 

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Day 12 : Chinchero - Moray - Maras - Ollantayambo

Leaving from the middle of the Sacred Valley, we cross the Urubamba to the archaeological site of Chinchero. Aside from exploring the elegantly walled ruins, see another side to the town. With a long reputation for producing fine textiles and mastering dyeing techniques, Chinchero welcomes you to participate in a brief exhibition of traditional textiles. Continue on to Moray with its colossal concentric terraces, climate-controlled innovations used for raising crops. The purpose of it: to recreate 20 different types of microclimates, a measure that guaranteed the agricultural production of the empire.  

After that, we will go to Maras, the famous and millenary salt mines from colonial times. The contrast of the white wells and the green valley is awesome and a must for a spectacular snapshot of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will have lunch in a local restaurant then in head to Ollantayambo, a picturesque town which has been inhabited non-stop since the Inca times, where we will visit the temple with the same name, used as a fortress during the Inca resistance. In the evening, head back to your abode for the last night. 

Overnight in La Casona de Yucay, Sacred Valley of the Incas , Premium Suite

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

The salt pools of Maras are thought to have been first created in the 1400s by the Inca people, though there is no written record of their creation. Descending down a hillside valley in a terraced geometric patchwork of shallow pools, they are fed by a salt-rich stream that flows down the valley. Once the pools are filled, the water evaporates, leaving salt crystals to be scraped off the ground. This salt was used by the Incas to trade with other parts of the empire, and while it is not widely industrialised today, there are now about 3,000 pools that are still harvested by the local community to be sold at markets.

The archaeological site of Moray is composed of mysterious circular terraces resembling an amphitheatre. With the higher external terraces having a warmer temperature than the lower inner terraces, it is believed that the ruins were once an agricultural laboratory, where the Incas used the different micro-climates on each terrace to experiment with crop cultivation. It is also believed that underground channels were built beneath the terraces to allow water to drain as the site never floods, even during Peru's relentless rainy season.

Ollantaytambo is an Inca archaeological site located at the northern point of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Under Inca rule, the site was the estate of conquering ruler Emperor Pachacuti, who built the town after conquering the region at large in the 15th century. Later, during the struggle against Spanish conquest, the city was the stronghold for Inca resistance leader Manco Inca Yupanqui. The site contains a series of huge stone terraces, now called Temple Hill, which were once used by Inca for agriculture and irrigation, as well as the ruins of a fortress. The town, still inhabited today, contains original Inca architecture, and ruins of storehouses and other Inca buildings can also be found on-site.
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Day 13 : Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Ollantaytambo Station or Poroy Station (season-dependent) to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Following a scenic journey through dramatic Andean landscapes, arrive in Aguas Calientes and board a bus for a 25-minute ride to Machu Picchu itself. Your guide will explain the origins of this awe-inspiring citadel and the most prominent landmarks among the 200 or so buildings, such as the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Sacred Sun Dial. Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch at the renowned Café Inkaterra, a beautiful thatched-roof restaurant nestled between the railway and a mountain.

Evening of serene calm in your lodgings, with dinner thrown in. 

Please note the train to Aguas Calientes has a luggage restriction of 5 kg/11 lb. The rest of your luggage will be transferred to Cusco in time for your arrival the next day.

Overnight in El MaPi by Inkaterra, Aguas Calientes , Premium Deluxe/Media Pension

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Aguas Calientes is a bustling town that is known as the gateway to Machu Picchu. It originated in the 20th century when a railroad was built through the Andes Mountains, resulting in a settlement of railroad workers. The town takes its name, Spanish for “hot waters” or “hot springs” from the natural hot springs found in the area.

Machu Picchu is an historic site containing the remains of an ancient Inca citadel constructed in the 15th century, located in the Cusco Region between the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Basin. The site was abandoned by the Inca following Spanish conquest, and was not known by foreigners until rediscovered in 1911. Standing 2,430 metres above sea level, the site contains artistic and architectural triumphs unseen anywhere else in the world, for which it has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Formed of 200 structures, the site was significant to the Inca for various purposes, including agriculture, astronomy, and religious practices and ceremonies. The large walls, ramps, and terraces forming the architecture of the site are cut into the mountain itself, and the site is surrounded by lush jungle habitats.

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Day 14 : Machu Picchu - Cusco

Today will be an early start, as you have a second visit to Machu Picchu for sunrise. This visit is unguided, allowing you time to explore the ruins at your own pace. We recommend visiting the Intipunku (Sun Gate), which is the last stop before entering the citadel for those on the Inca Trail. Another interesting option is the Inca Bridge, part of the Inca Trail and made of straw. The bridge is woven with ancient techniques and each year several communities come together to renew and keep this wonderful tradition. Later, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and board the train to head back to Cusco. 

Overnight in Quinta San Blas, Cusco , Deluxe Suite

Meal plan: Breakfast

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Day 15 : Cusco

Today you will have a full day at leisure to rest or explore the city at your own pace.

Overnight in Quinta San Blas, Cusco , Deluxe Suite

Meal plan: Breakfast

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Day 16 : Departure

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Cusco Airport for your departure flight (flight may be international or to Lima for a connecting flight).

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

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The Lot Boutique Hotel

Lima (2 nights)

Located in the vibrant Miraflores district of Lima, The Lot Boutique Hotel provides comfortable accommodation in a converted colonial townhouse. Each room is simply yet stylishly furnished and equipped with all modern amenities, including air-conditioning, a TV and complimentary Wi-Fi. Breakfast and afternoon tea are served in a pretty internal courtyard, and there are plenty of dining options nearby.
 

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Hotel Katari

Arequipa (1 night)

Ideally situated on the picturesque Plaza de Armas in Arequipa, across from the city's historical cathedral, Hotel Katari offers beautiful views from its rooftop terrace across the city and to the nearby volcanoes. Each room is decorated in a colonial style and equipped with modern amenities. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas, and guests can unwind in the bar while dining on delicious Andean tapas.

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Killawasi Lodge

Colca Canyon (2 nights)

Located in the village of Yanque in the heart of the Colca Canyon, Killawasi Lodge provides peaceful accommodation surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Each room is traditionally decorated with Peruvian textiles and art, and is equipped with modern amenities including free Wi-Fi. There are plenty of outdoor activities offered at the lodge, while the hammocks in the garden are the perfect place to relax. A selection of local and international dishes are available in the on-site restaurant, which provides beautiful views across the valley.
 

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Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno

Puno (3 nights)

Perched on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno provides comfortable accommodation with easy access to the lake. The simply decorated rooms are equipped with modern amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, and offer either mountain or lake views. Guests can enjoy a variety of Peruvian and international cuisine in the on-site restaurant and an oxygen service is available for those concerned about the high altitude.
 

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Quinta San Blas

Cusco (4 nights)

Located in the bohemian neighbourhood of San Blas, a 10-minute walk from the central Plaza de Armas, Quinta San Blas is a former townhouse tastefully converted to a boutique hotel. All rooms face onto a charming internal courtyard, and are finished in a minimalist style with Peruvian touches. Rooms offer modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can relax in the lounge, terrace or bar, while a variety of dining options are available nearby.
 

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La Casona de Yucay

Sacred Valley of the Incas (2 nights)

Set within an 18th century colonial house in the picturesque village of Yucay, the charming La Casona de Yucay provides comfortable accommodation in tranquil surroundings. The 54 rooms are traditionally decorated with natural wooden floors and authentic Inca textiles, and large windows offer beautiful views over the garden and mountains. Guests are welcome to relax in the large courtyard, and a variety of regional and international dishes are served in the on-site restaurant.
 

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El MaPi by Inkaterra

Aguas Calientes (1 night)

El MaPi by Inkaterra offers comfortable accommodation in the heart of Aguas Calientes. The light and airy rooms are finished in a funky, contemporary style and are equipped with modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV, while free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. Guests can relax in the elegant organic spa with panoramic views over verdant cloud forest, and enjoy drinks and tapas in the hotel bar.
 

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Extensions

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Reviews

From start to finish this company wanted to have every aspect of our holiday just perfect. When we needed to change our travel to add an additional family member they accommodated this without hassle. The local tour company they booked in Peru were equally fantastic. I cannot fault their attention to every detail. I thoroughly recommend Travel the Unknown and would book again without doubt. Thank you for not just a fantastic holiday but an incredible life experience.

Marie Warner, Don Drew & Megan Drew , Tailormade Peru
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