7-Day Peru Deep Dive: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu Tour

Set out on a captivating 7-day journey through the heart of Peru, uncovering the rich cultural tapestry and awe-inspiring landscapes that have enchanted travelers for centuries. From the colonial charm of Lima to the ancient wonder of Cusco, the Sacred Valley’s breathtaking ruins, and the iconic Machu Picchu, this immersive tour promises an unforgettable experience. Explore Peru’s heritage, savor its vibrant flavors, and learn about the rhythms of a land steeped in history. With a carefully curated itinerary and expert guidance, this deep dive into the country’s most captivating destinations is sure to leave you with a profound appreciation for the remarkable wonders that await.

Key Points

• Immersive 7-day tour exploring Peru’s cultural highlights, including Lima’s colonial architecture, the Sacred Valley, and the iconic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
• Guided excursions to key sites like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Moray, offering insights into Inca heritage and culture.
• Acclimatization day in Cusco to prevent altitude sickness, ensuring a comfortable experience throughout the tour.
• Private airport transfers and selected hotel accommodations, simplifying logistics and providing a hassle-free journey.
• Comprehensive coverage of international and domestic airfare, as well as travel insurance for peace of mind.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This 7-day Peru Deep Dive tour offers an immersive experience, exploring the vibrant capital of Lima, the ancient city of Cusco, and the breathtaking Sacred Valley, culminating in a visit to the renowned Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travelers will experience modern Lima, explore the colonial architecture of the historic center, and discover the sophisticated districts of San Isidro and Miraflores.

The tour then transitions to Cusco for acclimatization before venturing to the Moray Agricultural Site and Maras Salt Mines.

Highlights include a guided tour of the Sacred Valley, including the ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, and a comprehensive visit to the iconic Machu Picchu.

Itinerary Details

The tour’s itinerary kicks off with travelers arriving in Lima, where they’ll be transferred to their hotel in the upscale Miraflores district.

The next day, they’ll embark on a city tour, exploring the colonial architecture in Centro Histórico and the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores.

On the third day, they’ll fly to Cusco for an acclimatization day with leisure time.

The tour then takes them to:

• The Moray Agricultural Site
• The Maras Salt Mines
• The Pisac and Ollantaytambo ruins in the Sacred Valley
• Machu Picchu, the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site

The tour culminates with a departure from Cusco and a transfer to the airport on the seventh day.

Arrival in Lima

Travelers’ arrival in Peru’s capital, Lima, marks the start of this immersive 7-day journey. After disembarking their flights, they’re greeted by their private transfer and whisked away to their hotel in the upscale Miraflores district.

With time to rest and refresh, guests can explore this vibrant coastal city on their own, strolling along the seaside promenade or browsing the lively markets.

The tour kicks off the next day with a comprehensive city tour, delving into Lima’s colonial history and admiring its striking architecture, from the ornate Plaza de Armas to the modern high-rises of San Isidro.

This introduction to Peru’s dynamic capital sets the stage for the culture to come.

Exploring Lima

On the second day, the tour group embarks on a comprehensive Lima city tour, seeing the city’s rich colonial heritage and vibrant modern districts.

The tour explores the Centro Historico, home to stunning colonial architecture and the Plaza Mayor, the heart of the historic city. The group then ventures to the upscale neighborhoods of San Isidro and Miraflores, marveling at their contemporary flair, high-end shopping, and seaside promenades.

The tour highlights include:

• Visiting the Cathedral of Lima and its ornate interiors
• Strolling through the charming Paseo de las Aguas
• Admiring the modern art installations at Parque del Amor
• Exploring the vibrant Mercado de Surquillo, a lively local market
• Stopping at the Huaca Pucllana, an impressive pre-Inca archaeological site.

Acclimatization in Cusco

Transitioning from the vibrant capital of Lima, the tour group now shifts its focus to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital situated high in the Andes. With an average elevation of 11,000 feet, Cusco requires careful acclimation to avoid altitude sickness. The tour itinerary designates Day 3 as an acclimatization day, allowing travelers to rest and explore the city at a leisurely pace.

Tips for Acclimatization	Symptoms of Altitude Sickness	Remedies for Altitude Sickness
Drink plenty of water	Headache	Drink coca tea
Take it easy, avoid strenuous activity	Nausea	Use altitude sickness medication
Avoid alcohol and caffeine	Fatigue	Slow down, rest, and hydrate
Eat light, high-carb meals	Dizziness	Seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Get plenty of rest	Shortness of breath

This acclimation period prepares the group for the upcoming excursions, ensuring they can fully appreciate the cultural and historical richness of Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

Sacred Valley Excursion

After acclimatizing to the high elevation of Cusco, the tour group embarks on an immersive exploration of the Sacred Valley.

The day-long excursion features visits to:

• Pisac, an ancient Inca town known for its colorful markets and well-preserved ruins
• Ollantaytambo, a majestic Inca fortress with impressive terraced hillsides
• Moray, an Inca site featuring circular terraced depressions believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation
• Maras, a traditional salt-mining town where salt has been extracted from natural springs for centuries
• Urubamba, the heart of the Sacred Valley, offering scenic vistas and a glimpse into traditional Andean culture.

The guided tour provides an in-depth understanding of the Inca heritage and the region’s enduring cultural significance.

Discover Machu Picchu

The Discover Machu Picchu culminates with the highly anticipated visit to Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After a scenic train ride, guests embark on a guided tour of the ancient ruins, marveling at the remarkably preserved stonework and breathtaking vistas. Highlights include the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana Stone, and the iconic Main Plaza.

With ample time to explore on their own, travelers can enjoy the spiritual essence of this mystical site, gaining a deeper understanding of the Inca Empire’s engineering feats and cultural heritage.

The Machu Picchu visit provides the perfect capstone to an enriching journey through Peru’s most captivating landmarks.

Departure and Inclusions

Concluding the remarkable 7-day Peru Deep Dive tour, travelers depart from Cusco with an array of unforgettable experiences and insights into the country’s captivating history and vibrant culture.

The tour includes:

• Private transportation to and from the airport, ensuring a seamless arrival and departure
• Accommodations at carefully selected hotels, providing comfort and convenience throughout the journey
• Guided excursions to iconic sites like Machu Picchu, offering in-depth exploration and expert commentary
• International and domestic airfare, simplifying the logistics for a stress-free experience
• Travel insurance, providing peace of mind during the adventure

With a 100% traveler recommendation and an average rating of 5.0, this tour offers an exceptional value for the discerning explorer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s group size is not explicitly stated in the information provided. However, it does not mention any maximum group size, suggesting the tour is likely flexible and can accommodate a range of group sizes.

Are Airport Transfers Included for Departure as Well?

The tour includes airport transfers for both arrival and departure. Specifically, private transportation is provided to transfer travelers between the hotel and the airport at the beginning and end of the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Stay in Peru?

Yes, the tour operator offers the option to extend your stay in Peru. Travelers can add extra nights in Lima, Cusco, or other destinations to explore more of the country at an additional cost.

Can I Bring My Own Hiking Gear for Machu Picchu?

Yes, travelers can bring their own hiking gear for the Machu Picchu portion of the tour. The tour operator recommends sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing, and other personal gear to ensure comfort and preparedness during the visit to this iconic site.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors on This Tour?

The tour company offers a 10% discount for children under 12 and senior travelers aged 65 and above. However, all children must be accompanied by an adult on the tour.

Recap

This captivating 7-day Peru Deep Dive tour promises an unforgettable journey through the country’s vibrant culture and rich history. Enjoy the colonial charm of Lima, the ancient wonders of Cusco, the breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley, and the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. Prepare to create memories that’ll last a lifetime as you discover the true essence of Peru’s heritage.