Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Peru with the "Southern Art & Culture" tour. Begin in Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where colonial architecture meets the Pacific Ocean. Explore the vibrant Palomino Islands and the urban art project at Callao Monumental. Fly to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, and discover the Sacred Valley's Living Museum of Yucay, Moray's archaeological site, and the salt mines of Maras. Experience the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, the 'Lost City of the Incas,' and delve into Cusco's rich history with visits to Sacsayhuamán fortress and a chocolate workshop. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL LIMA
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Upon landing in Lima, you will be met by a tour representative at the scheduled time who will guide you to the transfer to your hotel. The Peruvian capital is a modern metropolis filled with history that is currently undergoing several cultural and economic changes. In the afternoon, after checking in at the hotel, set out on a little tour to start getting to know the city. Your journey begins at the Magical Water Circuit of Lima, a modern system of fountains certified as the largest in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records. Located in the Exposition Park, the Magical Water Circuit attracts crowds all year round, being one of travellers’ new favourite attractions in Lima. After your visit, head to a restaurant to enjoy a fantastic dinner show, after which you will be transferred back to the hotel to spend the night.
Overnight in Lima
Day 2 : LIMA: PALOMINO ISLANDS AND CALLAO MONUMENTAL
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, after breakfast, discover the richness of the coast of Lima with a walking tour of the Palomino Islands, only 9 kilometres from the shore. These islands are home to hundreds of animals, including several species of birds and sea lions. After the tour, disembark at the dock and visit Callao Monumental, an urban art project that seeks to encourage cultural development as a way to bring the community together and improve the life quality of the residents of the area, while also promoting local artists. As a result of this initiative, the area has been given a new life, and artists contribute by teaching their techniques to children and young people from nearby neighbourhoods, encouraging them to develop their talents and thus opening the door to future job opportunities. After these two interesting tours, you will have free time to explore the art galleries and bohemian restaurants that have become a new fashionable attraction in the city. At the end of the day, a transfer will take you back to your hotel, where you can get ready for your flight to Cusco the next day.
Overnight in Lima
Day 3 : LIMA – CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY (90 min by flight; not included / 75 Km – 2 hrs by land)
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: AVA Spots or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, a transfer will pick you up from reception to take you to the airport, where you’ll catch your flight to Cusco (flight not included). The flight should land in Cusco at no later than 10:30 in the morning, noon arrivals being too late for the day’s tours to be carried out as planned. Once you’ve landed in the Imperial City, you will be transferred to your hotel in Sacred Valley. On the way, visit Living Museum of Yucay, a center of Andean traditions interpretations, where demonstrations of the elaboration of textile work, adobe, pottery and silverware are carried out in the same way in which they used to in antiquity; an original recreation of Inca traditions. In addition, residents of the museum include llamas, sheep and alpacas, and they can be fed. Return then to Sacred Valley for dinner
Overnight in Sacred Valley
Day 4 : SACRED VALLEY – MORAY - MARAS - OLLANTAYTAMBO (70 km - 2 hrs by land)
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: AVA Spots or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, breakfast at the hotel is followed by a trip through the Sacred Valley all the way to the archaeological site of Moray. Like many Inca sites, its exact original function remains a mystery, although its design in the form of ever-widening concentric circular terraces means that each level had a different microclimate. This led archaeologists to speculate that perhaps it was used as an agricultural research facility. Continue then to the salt lagoons of Maras, a truly dazzling scene. Thousands of small ponds provide jobs and help feed many local families in this area. In times of the Incas, the salt deposits were an important economic hub and of great value for the imperial economy. Lastly, start your journey to the town of Ollantaytambo, where you can practically breathe in the Andean essence that permeates the place. Walk through its streets that maintain its original Inca urban planning to this day. Then climb up to the iconic fortress, built on the ledge of a mountain. After the walk, sit down to lunch while you enjoy an entertaining horse show. When you then return to your hotel you will feel imbued with the Inca spirit.
Overnight in Sacred Valley.
Day 5 : SACRED VALLEY
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: AVA Spots or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This day, we will see the Paso Horse up close, a Peruvian symbol of singular stride, that earns them a spot in the traditional Peruvian marinera dance. After a brief training session, and putting on our Peruvian hats or horse riding helmets, we will get on the horse’s back to saunter across the enticing trails of the Sacred Valley, during a three-hour ride, where we will enjoy the views that surround the Hotel.
Overnight in Sacred Valley
Day 6 : SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES (75 km - 2 hrs)
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: Ferré Machu Picchu or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast at the hotel, a transportation service will pick you up and transfer you to Ollanta Station where you’ll board a train to Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu. Following a scenic journey through dramatic Andean landscapes, you’ll arrive at the station in Aguas Calientes. Once there, you will be guided to the bus that takes you to Machu Picchu. The ‘Lost City of the Incas’ is believed to have been erected in the 1450s by Inca emperor Pachacuti as a holiday retreat, yet within a century the city would be abandoned following the Spanish conquest. The Spaniards never found it, so it was spared the destruction they wrought on other Inca sites. Instead, it was slowly swallowed up by the jungle and hidden from harm. A guided tour will teach you everything about the origins of this awe-inspiring citadel, presenting its most prominent landmarks such as the monumental Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Circular Towers, the Sacred Sun Dial, and the Burial Grounds. Then return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes
Day 7 : AGUAS CALIENTES – OLLANTA STATION – CUSCO (1.5 hr by train / 75 km - 2 hrs by land)
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva Cusco or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Recharge your batteries with breakfast at the hotel, then board the train back to Ollanta Station, from where a transfer will pick you up to drive you all the way back to your hotel in Cusco. After making yourself at home and enjoying a well-deserved rest, you will be picked up from the hotel and taken to discover the local planetarium, where you will live a truly memorable experience. Begin by listening to an interesting introductory talk that will help you better understand the connection between the Incas and the stars. Then walk into the breath-taking dome and observe the constellations as the ancient Incas used to back in their day and age. You can also use telescopes to explore the gorgeous Cuzco sky. This activity allows you to tap into the Andean cosmovision and learn about the relationship between the ancient inhabitants of the area and the universe. A unique opportunity for introspection as you stare at distant stars in an infinite sky.
Overnight in Cusco
Day 8 : CUSCO: CITY TOUR
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva Cusco or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kickstart your morning at leisure with breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your free time by strolling through the streets, visiting shops or simply resting. In the afternoon, you will be able to enjoy a guided tour of this charming city, once the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour begins with a visit to the Santo Domingo Convent, which was built on the remains of the Inca temple of Coricancha, one of the most important enclosures dedicated to the cult of the sun. The ancient chronicles say that its walls were covered with gold leaf and full of golden representations of nature. Later, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument on the city’s main square. Then head towards the Cusco hills where the fortress of Sacsayhuaman is located; its imposing walls offer an impressive panoramic view of Cusco. In the afternoon, a special treat awaits; join a chocolate preparation workshop where you will learn all about this delicious product’s origin and production process while you confection your own chocolate creation.
Overnight in Cusco
Day 9 : DEPARTURE CUSCO
Location: Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
After one last breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up at the agreed time by a transfer that will take you to the airport. Bid farewell to beautiful Peru and board the flight to your following destination.
What's Included
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Tour Guide
Operated with English and Spanish speaking local guide on shared basis.
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Accommodation
8 night's accommodation in various hotel categories.
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Meals
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches on days 4, 5, 6, and 1 buffet dinner on day 1.
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Transport
Private transfers from and to the airport, shared transfers from and to the train stations, roundtrip train to Machu Picchu, and bus Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes.
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Entrance Fees and Activities
All visits mentioned in the itinerary including Magic water circuit, Palomino Islands, Living Museum of Yucay, archaeological sites, Machu Picchu, Planetarium in Cusco, Coricancha, Sacsayhuaman, and Chocomuseum.
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Other
Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) and Meet & Greet on day 1.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses, drinks, and meals not explicitly mentioned in the programme.
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Tips
Tips for driver and guide.
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International Flights
International flights to Peru.
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Domestic Flights
Domestic flights (it is advised to book the first flights in the morning).
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Airport Taxes
Domestic and foreign airport taxes.
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for visiting the coastal areas of Peru, while for the high Andean area the use of warm clothing is recommended. It is not recommended that visitors wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or short clothes when visiting religious temples or official buildings. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay
Carry the same document that you presented to the agency, given that the train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu will be issued with the same information
In all train services to Machu Picchu, the passenger can carry only hand luggage (backpack, bag or briefcase) weighing no more than 5kg / 11lb on the train to / from Machu Picchu. You will find your luggage at the chosen hotel. Allowed size: 62 linear inches 157cm (height + length + width)
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Please Note
Rates do not apply to Peruvians or residents with more than 60 days of stay. If passengers are Peruvians or exceed 60 days of stay, sale taxes (18%) will be collected by our local operator
Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive not later than 10:30hrs. Noon arrivals are too late.
Please note that Check In in most hotels begins at 13:00 hrs. Clients will be subject to the availability of the room if they arrive before, waiting in the hotel lobby
If your trip includes the visit to high altitude cities such as Cusco and Puno located at more than 3400 meters (11 200 feet above sea level), do not forget to take precautions in order to avoid altitude sickness. Passengers who have heart problems or high blood pressure should check with their doctor before travelling
Upon arrival is recommended to rest for few hours, drink coca tea and eat lightly. As a reference Machu Picchu is located at 2400 meters (8 000 feet above sea level)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW ENTRANCE REGULATIONS TO MACHU PICCHU
The current restrictions on visits to Machu Picchu allow a maximum stay of 4 hours in the citadel accompanied by a guide during the first entry. If the visitor tours an alternate route (Mountain Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu) the passenger will have 3 hours to for this purpose, additional to the 4 hours in the citadel. If the passenger wishes to enter the citadel again during the afternoon shift or the next day, he must acquire previously an additional ticket to enter in the new shift. There is no ticket sale in the archaeological zone.
Following objects are forbidden: professional cameras that require lights and tripods, or with telephoto lenses with a weigh higher than 2 kilos (in order to use them, special authorization is needed, as well as the payment of an additional fee), drones, selfie sticks, sprays, high heels, walking sticks without rubber tip, banners and posters, sharp objects and backpacks bigger than 40cm x 35 cm x 20 cm.
NEW PLASTIC REGULATION:
After the prohibition of the access of single use plastic items to 76 natural areas including Machu Picchu, it is important to use reusable bottles.
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Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 2 Lima:
- Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Jose Antonio Deluxe or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Pullman Lima Miraflores or similar 5*
Day 3, 4, 5 Sacred Valley:
- Standard Hotel Category = AVA Spots or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba or similar 5*
Day 6 Aguas Calientes:
- Standard Hotel Category = Ferré Machu Picchu or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = El Mapi Inkaterra or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo or similar 5*
Day 7, 8 Cusco:
- Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*
OPTIONAL EXTRA:
Pre-night in Lima:
- Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = José Antonio Deluxe or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Pullman Lima Miraflores or similar 5*
Post-night in Cusco:
- Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with private airport transfers, shared train station transfers, and roundtrip train services to Machu Picchu, including Expedition, Voyager, Vistadome, and 360° services, along with bus transfers in Aguas Calientes.
Accommodation
Enjoy 8 nights of accommodation with options ranging from 3-star to 5-star hotels in Lima, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, and Cusco, ensuring comfort and luxury throughout your journey.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1, 2 Lima:
- Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Jose Antonio Deluxe or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Pullman Lima Miraflores or similar 5*
Day 3, 4, 5 Sacred Valley:
- Standard Hotel Category = AVA Spots or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba or similar 5*
Day 6 Aguas Calientes:
- Standard Hotel Category = Ferré Machu Picchu or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = El Mapi Inkaterra or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo or similar 5*
Day 7, 8 Cusco:
- Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*
OPTIONAL EXTRA:
Pre-night in Lima:
- Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = José Antonio Deluxe or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Pullman Lima Miraflores or similar 5*
Post-night in Cusco:
- Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of guide will be provided during the tour?
The tour will be operated with an English and Spanish speaking local guide on a shared basis.
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What types of accommodation are available during the tour?
Accommodation options vary by location and category. In Lima, you can choose from Tierra Viva (3*), Jose Antonio Deluxe (4*), or Pullman Lima Miraflores (5*). In Sacred Valley, options include AVA Spots (3*), Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley (4*), or Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba (5*). In Aguas Calientes, you can stay at Ferré Machu Picchu (3*), El Mapi Inkaterra (4*), or Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo (5*). In Cusco, options are Tierra Viva Cusco (3*), Hilton Garden Inn (4*), or Aranwa Cusco Boutique (5*). ...more ...less
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches on days 4, 5, and 6, and 1 buffet dinner on day 1.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes private transfers from and to the airport, shared transfers from and to the train stations, roundtrip train to Machu Picchu in Expedition Service (PeruRail) or Voyager (IncaRail) for Standard and Superior categories, and Vistadome Service (Perú Rail) or 360° (Inca Rail) for Deluxe category. Additionally, a bus service is provided between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. ...more ...less
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What activities and entrance fees are included in the tour?
All visits mentioned in the itinerary are included, such as the Magic Water Circuit, Palomino Islands, Callao Monumental, Living Museum of Yucay, archaeological complex of Moray, salt mines of Maras, archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Planetarium in Cusco, Coricancha, Sacsayhuaman, and Chocomuseum. The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) and a meet & greet on day 1 are also included. ...more ...less
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Are there any optional extras available?
Yes, optional extras include a pre-night in Lima and a post-night in Cusco. Accommodation options for these extras are the same as those provided during the tour.
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What should I pack for the tour?
Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for visiting coastal areas, while warm clothing is advised for high Andean areas. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful. It is also recommended to carry the same document presented to the agency for train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu. Note that only hand luggage weighing no more than 5kg/11lb is allowed on the train to/from Machu Picchu.
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Are there any specific regulations for visiting Machu Picchu?
Yes, the current restrictions allow a maximum stay of 4 hours in the citadel accompanied by a guide. If you tour an alternate route like Mountain Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu, you will have 3 additional hours. If you wish to enter the citadel again, you must acquire an additional ticket in advance. Certain items like professional cameras, drones, selfie sticks, sprays, high heels, walking sticks without rubber tips, banners, posters, sharp objects, and large backpacks are forbidden.
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What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
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Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
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Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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Low Deposit
Lima Tours requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 89 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of lima tours charges.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 8 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Southern Art & Culture
9 Days Starting in Lima, Peru and ending in Cusco, Peru
Visiting: Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco
Tour operator:
Tour code:
246186
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
10-99
