Peru 2024/2025: Footsteps of the Inca Empire

Flight to Lima

We begin our adventure in Peru with passport and baggage check-in and a flight to Lima.

Lima

After breakfast, we begin our tour of the capital. We visit Plaza de Armas with its famous cathedral and the tomb of Pizarro, the Archbishop’s Palace with its characteristic wooden balconies, the Presidential Palace, the City Hall, and the church and monastery of the Franciscans.

Next, we visit the Trans-Andean Railway station and take a stroll through the modern district of Miraflores. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Lima.

Cusco

Today we have a morning flight to Cusco. We take a walk through the historic center, where the architecture of Spanish colonization is intertwined with ancient Inca stone temples.

We see the famous Cathedral, the Jesuit church, Plaza De Armas, the Temple of the Sun, and the artistic district of San Blas. We also visit a local market. Overnight stay in Cusco.

Pisac, Sacsayhuaman

Chinchero, Maras, Aguas Calientes

In the morning, we visit the picturesque town of Chinchero, which houses a colonial church from the 17th century, remnants of Inca ruins, and extensive agricultural terraces. We also learn the secrets of Andean textile production.

We then proceed to the town of Maras and the archaeological site of Moray. We take a stroll around the area and explore the extraordinary salt mines. Salineras de Maras are pools carved into a steep hillside, used for extracting salt from the water flowing into them from the mountains.

Next, we sample typical local delicacies in a restaurant by the Urubamba River. After lunch, we visit the Inca ruins in the town of Ollantaytambo. At the end of the day, we take a train ride to Aguas Calientes, just a step away from Machu Picchu.

Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.

Machu Picchu

After an early wake-up call, we embark on a tour of the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. We delve into the history of the Inca Empire, strolling along the stone paths amidst perfectly constructed buildings.

After exploring Machu Picchu, we ascend either Wayna Picchu or alternatively Huchuy Picchu – mountains known for their distinctive conical shapes that offer classic panoramic views of Machu Picchu.

In the afternoon, we return to Aguas Calientes. After lunch, we transfer back to Cusco. Here awaits us a local drink — chicha, during which we learn the secrets of producing this corn-based beverage. Overnight stay in Cusco.

Cusco,Vinicunca

We depart early this morning to reach the town of Cusipata before sunrise and begin a two-hour trek to a viewpoint, where we admire the first rays of sunlight on Rainbow Mountain.

Then we  make our way back to Cusco, stopping for a short break and meal. Free time, and for those interested, dinner provides another opportunity to sample the local cuisine.

Cusco, Lima

It’s time for a farewell stroll through the former Inca capital. We  head to the local mercado (market), where there is an opportunity to search for souvenirs from Peru.

We take a walk to Plaza de Armas and find a moment for memorable photos with little alpacas and llamas. Overnight stay in Lima.

Departure from Lima

Our adventure concludes at the airport after passport and baggage check-in. We invite you to explore other Rek Travel Adventure tours—perhaps consider China for your next destination.

Peru 2024: Footsteps of the Inca Empire