Peru and the Wonders of the Inca

Inca and Chachapoya Explorations, Machu Picchu, and Cusco

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Overview

Rich with culture and history, Peru fascinates. Before their conquest by the Incas, the Chachapoya controlled vast territory in Peru’s Amazonian cloud forests from 800 to 1470 AD. Among the hallmarks of the sophisticated Chachapoya culture were skillful mummification and the construction of intricate sarcophagi and mausoleums tucked into cliffsides. The 100-year reign of the Inca Empire rose from the Peruvian highlands in the 13th century, during which the Inca masterfully constructed architecturally impressive cities and temples from Machu Picchu, through the Sacred Valley, to their capital in Cusco.

On this custom journey through Peru’s wonders, visit the best handicraft and food markets in Pisac, hike to fascinating ruins and salt mines in the Sacred Valley, take a wildly scenic cable car ride to “the Other Machu Picchu,” raft down the Urubamba River, and trek high above Machu Picchu for a panoramic view of the mystical citadel and the surrounding Andes.

This intrepid cultural expedition takes you from remote Chachapoya cultural sites in the high Amazon Utcubamba Valley to the truly breathtaking Inca destination of Machu Picchu. On every leg of your personalized Peruvian journey, a private guide and driver will meet you each morning for rich, custom-tailored explorations. Each night, stay in distinctive accommodations that connect you to the heart and soul of each place.

Price From*

$10,725 USD
Trip Type

Custom-Made Travel
Best Months for Travel

May, June, July, August, September, October
Duration

15 days / 14 nights
Trip begins/ends
Lima, Peru / Lima, Peru

*Price per person based on sample itinerary detailed. Pricing will vary depending upon number of travelers, rooming configuration, and other planning details specific to your trip.

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How Can We Customize This Sample Itinerary For You?

If this sample itinerary looks intriguing, let us know and we can begin the process of tailoring it for you and yours! Call or email us today: [email protected].

Trip Details

Trip Highlights

What’s Included? Everything you need, plus everything you want.

Machu Picchu: Surrounding your visit to iconic Machu Picchu and your hike up Huayna Picchu, you’ll explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of cobblestoned Cusco and the impressive ruins and villages of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The “Other” Machu Picchu: An eye-popping aerial cable car ride takes you to the mountaintop fortress of Kuélap. The pre-Inca archaeological site is the largest complex of stone ruins in the Americas.
Cultural Connection: Meet an elderly potter who creates traditional Chachapoyan pottery. He crafts his wares using centuries-old traditional tools and methods.
Gocta Falls: Hike to towering falls, named after the sound made by howler monkeys and only revealed to the world in 2006. The second drop of the falls is one of the largest free-falling waterfalls in the world.

The Essentials

Peru and the Wonders of the Inca

Trip Type: Custom-Made Travel

Territory: South America

Region: Peru

Trip Price: $10,725

Duration: 15 days/14 nights

Trip Begins/Ends: Lima, Peru / Lima, Peru

National Parklands:

Select Terms & Conditions

All custom travel is tailored to the desires and interests of our traveling clients (see How Custom Travel Works tab). Trip pricing detailed is an estimate of the per person pricing for the sample itinerary detailed and includes all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences described. Actual pricing for the trip designed expressly for you and others traveling with you will depend on the features and elements developed during the trip planning process. Travel with Off the Beaten Path requires agreement to our standard Terms & Conditions.

Energy Index

No Sweat - 1-2 miles of walking or hiking per day, plus easy activities

Nice & Active – 3-6 miles of hiking or walking per day, plus physically active exploration

High Five! – 5-10 miles of hiking per day, plus possible peak bagging or other action-oriented fun

Peru and the Wonders of the Inca

The Energy Index detailed above relates to the level of exertion associated with the sample trip detailed. This would be modified to fit the style and ability of your group as a part of the custom trip planning process

Make It Private

How custom-made travel works at Off the Beaten Path

We’ve been tailoring custom journeys for clients since our very inception in the mid-1980s! The process is all about connecting the interests of the travelers with the best that a given destination has to offer. To achieve this, we rely upon good ol’ fashioned conversation! Our geographically focused travel designer love to meet new people and learn about their interests for travel. Understanding your goals informs the process immensely and serves as the foundation for the development of a bespoke travel experience for you and yours.

The trip detailed on this web page is a sample of something we’ve done for other clients over the years. In order to start the process of designing your own custom travel experience, just call us at (800) 445-2995 and ask to speak with one of our Travel Advisors. After a bit of time on the phone, you will then have the opportunity to connect with one of our travel designers.

The entire planning process is very personalized and works in an iterative fashion until a final, perfect trip has been created. We then secure all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences associated with your trip and send along abundant trip materials capturing these details – and much more about your travels!

Trip Highlights
The Essentials
Energy Index
How Custom Travel Works

What’s Included? Everything you need, plus everything you want.

Machu Picchu: Surrounding your visit to iconic Machu Picchu and your hike up Huayna Picchu, you’ll explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of cobblestoned Cusco and the impressive ruins and villages of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The “Other” Machu Picchu: An eye-popping aerial cable car ride takes you to the mountaintop fortress of Kuélap. The pre-Inca archaeological site is the largest complex of stone ruins in the Americas.
Cultural Connection: Meet an elderly potter who creates traditional Chachapoyan pottery. He crafts his wares using centuries-old traditional tools and methods.
Gocta Falls: Hike to towering falls, named after the sound made by howler monkeys and only revealed to the world in 2006. The second drop of the falls is one of the largest free-falling waterfalls in the world.

Peru and the Wonders of the Inca

Trip Type: Custom-Made Travel

Territory: South America

Region: Peru

Trip Price: $10,725

Duration: 15 days/14 nights

Trip Begins/Ends: Lima, Peru / Lima, Peru

National Parklands:

Select Terms & Conditions

All custom travel is tailored to the desires and interests of our traveling clients (see How Custom Travel Works tab). Trip pricing detailed is an estimate of the per person pricing for the sample itinerary detailed and includes all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences described. Actual pricing for the trip designed expressly for you and others traveling with you will depend on the features and elements developed during the trip planning process. Travel with Off the Beaten Path requires agreement to our standard Terms & Conditions.

Energy Index

No Sweat - 1-2 miles of walking or hiking per day, plus easy activities

Nice & Active – 3-6 miles of hiking or walking per day, plus physically active exploration

High Five! – 5-10 miles of hiking per day, plus possible peak bagging or other action-oriented fun

Peru and the Wonders of the Inca

The Energy Index detailed above relates to the level of exertion associated with the sample trip detailed. This would be modified to fit the style and ability of your group as a part of the custom trip planning process

How custom-made travel works at Off the Beaten Path

We’ve been tailoring custom journeys for clients since our very inception in the mid-1980s! The process is all about connecting the interests of the travelers with the best that a given destination has to offer. To achieve this, we rely upon good ol’ fashioned conversation! Our geographically focused travel designer love to meet new people and learn about their interests for travel. Understanding your goals informs the process immensely and serves as the foundation for the development of a bespoke travel experience for you and yours.

The trip detailed on this web page is a sample of something we’ve done for other clients over the years. In order to start the process of designing your own custom travel experience, just call us at (800) 445-2995 and ask to speak with one of our Travel Advisors. After a bit of time on the phone, you will then have the opportunity to connect with one of our travel designers.

The entire planning process is very personalized and works in an iterative fashion until a final, perfect trip has been created. We then secure all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences associated with your trip and send along abundant trip materials capturing these details – and much more about your travels!

Itinerary

Day 1: Lima, Peru

Welcome to Peru! Most flights arrive into Lima in the evening, so upon arrival, retreat to a hotel next to the airport.

Day 2: Chachapoyas

You’ll be escorted to connect to your domestic Jaén flight this morning. After your airport pick up, you’ll get your first taste of Peru with a traditional lunch on the way to your unique, old style Spanish Casona hosteria.

Days 3-5: Chachapoyas, Revash, Leymebamba

You’ll spend three days immersed in the history of pre-Inca Chachapoyas culture. At the Mausoleums of Revash, you’ll see chullpas (mausoleums) built high in the limestone cliffs. Then explore the Museum at Leymebamba which houses an interesting collection of over 200 mummies. The following day, hike to the Karajia Sarcophagi with a detour into the Quiocta Caverns. Then, meet a local potter using ancient tools and historical techniques to create his wares. The next day is devoted to the pre-Inca Kuélap Fortress, which some call “the Other Machu Picchu.”

Day 6: Gocta Falls

You’ll wrap up your time in this area with an exhilarating hike to Gocta Falls. Hike with your guide through tropical forest, birding along the way.

Days 7-8: Lima

For your return visit to Lima, you’ll stay in the vibrant Miraflores district. Take a full-day guided city tour. We recommend a gastronomic tour, as Lima has repeatedly been named the World’s Leading Culinary Destination.

Day 9: Cusco to the Sacred Valley

After your flight from Lima to the Cusco Airport, your guide and driver will meet you for the incredibly scenic drive down into the Urubamba River shaped Sacred Valley. After a stop in the small colonial town and hilltop Incan citadel of Pisac, you’ll settle into your luxurious hotel.

Days 10-11: The Sacred Valley

On your first full day in the Sacred Valley, you’ll head out on the Urubamba River for a whitewater adventure. Then, hike to the Inca ruins of Pumamarca, featuring classic Inca architecture, agricultural terraces, and valley views. The next day will be devoted to exploring three famous Inca sites. First will be Ollantaytambo and its impressive Inca fortress. Then, Moray, home to 15th century terraces, and finally Maras, with its impressive terraces of 3000+ salt ponds, and the nearby community of Misminay, where you’ll witness daily rural Andean life.

Day 12: Machu Picchu

After a memorable train ride through the Sacred Valley, you’ll get your first glimpse of breathtaking Machu Picchu. Wander the ruins before returning down to Machu Picchu Pueblo for the night.

Day 13: Machu Picchu to Cusco

Rise early to be one of the first visitors at Machu Picchu this morning. On your second visit to explore this impressive site, you’ll get a panoramic view of the ancient citadel on a guided hike to the top of Huayna Picchu. Then, return by scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo and transfer on to Cusco.

Day 14: Cusco

Meet your guide and driver to explore just outside the city at the magnificent ruins of Sacsayhuaman, followed by Qenqo. Back in Cusco, see the Coricancha sun temple of the Inca and beautiful Inca-built streets, walls, and structures still in use today. Tonight, stroll the lively San Blas, a bohemian artisanal neighborhood.

Day 15: Cusco and Departures home from Lima

This morning, get off the beaten path with a visit to the sprawling Inca ruins of Tipón - a beautiful city embedded in the side of the mountain. After your morning discoveries, it’s time to fly back to Lima to connect with homebound flights.

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Lodging

Wyndham Costa del Sol - Lima

The Wyndham Costa del Sol at Jorge Chavez Lima International Airport is a comfortable 130-room property located inside the airport, offering an extremely convenient place for a quick overnight. Each guestroom features complimentary wireless internet access, TV with cable, marble bathroom with tub and shower, individual climate control, mini-bar, in-room safe and hairdryer. Breakfast is included in your stay.

La Casona de Chachapoyas

La Casona de Chachapoyas is a hosteria that offers all the conveniences a traveler could want while still preserving its historical charm. The house, which has been in the family for four generations, and during the 1970’s, was a residence for the monks of San Jose Obrero.

Gocta Andes Lodge

Gocta Andes Lodge is designed to enjoy the view of the gocta falls. All rooms, which have either a balcony or a terrace, are oriented towards the falls. The same as the gardens, the pool and its surrounding terraces.

AC Hotel Lima Miraflores

Perfectly located in the upscale Miraflores neighborhood within walking distance of the famous Larcomar and other inviting public spaces in Lima, the new AC Marriott makes for an ideal stay while exploring this historic and yet modern city. Offering spacious guest rooms, eye-catching architecture and design, and impeccable service, this is easily one of the top hotels in Miraflores.

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba

Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is a contemporary hacienda-style hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in-between Cusco and Machu Picchu. Immersed in the countryside in a gorgeous area, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba spans approximately 100 acres surrounded by imposing green mountains. All rooms in the Casa Hacienda and stand-alone luxury casitas feature breathtaking views of the valley, immersing guests in open space, serenity and relaxing solitude. Architecture and interiors are inspired by the area’s cultural history, with colonial furniture, authentic Inca masks and handcrafted woodwork that add to the hacienda’s local charm. This is, without a doubt, one of the best places to stay in all of Peru!

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is located in the town below Machu Picchu and blends in quite seamlessly to its surroundings. It consists of cozy, whitewashed guest cottages, all built with local materials and connected by stone pathways - making you feel as if you yourself are in an ancient Inca village!

Belmond Hotel Monasterio Cusco

The Belmond Hotel Monasterio was a former monastery, built in 1592 on top of the Inca Palace of Quala. Transformed into its current incarnation as recently as 1995, the atmosphere is stunning and still provides a true sense of a time gone by. The architecture and much of the artwork are original pieces from the time of the Spanish conquest.The hotel is just two blocks from the main square in Cusco and perfectly located for explorations of the city and ‘people watching’ from above. Recently voted by Travel & Leisure to be the ‘Best Hotel in South America’, we are quite sure you will enjoy your stay at the Monasterio!