Compare Peru & Machu Picchu Adventure by EF College Break (EF Ultimate Break) vs Lights of Peru, The Inca Empire by Say Hueque
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
3 | Average
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 10 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 2,129 | $ 1,925 |
| Price Per Day | $ 213 | $ 241 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included |
Breakfast Daily |
N/A |
| Description |
Up the altitude and dive into jungles, cities and ancient ruins on this adventure through the heart of Peru. After living like a local in Lima, you’ll journey to Cuzco and Machu Picchu, where you can learn about its mysterious past, watch the sunrise and, most importantly, pet a llama. |
Spend 8 days discovering the most enchanting destinations Peru has to offer! The adventure will start with a guided tour through Lima, Peru’s capital city, which is brimming with historic architecture, fascinating museums, and stunning coastal views from Miraflores. Your adventure will continue in Cusco, where you will spend the day strolling through Pisac’s famed craft market and exploring the Inca archaeological site of Ollantaytambo. Afterwards, you will venture to the Sacred Valley and spend two days marveling at the masterpiece of Machu Picchu, the famed 15th century Inca citadel that also happens to be one of the most significant and spectacular sites in the world. Finally, your journey will end in Cusco, where you will have the opportunity to explore incredible landmarks of the lost Inca civilization including Qoricacha temple, the Plaza de Armas, and the Sacsayhuaman and Puka Pukara fortresses. We are committed to creating one-of-a-kind experiences for each type of traveler. That’s why our trips are 100% tailor-made! That means that A) You can choose the exact travel experience you’ve always dreamed of, and B) Our services (excursions and transfers) can be private or semi-private, or a mix of both! If you’d prefer to have a car and a tour guide at your disposal, we can make it happen, and if you don’t care about sharing your transportation and/or your tour, we can put together some experiences where you’ll be able to meet other travelers from around the world. Keep in mind that even our semi-private tours are an intimate group size, so you’ll never be lost in a sea of other tourists. |
Day 1: Flight
Board your flight, and arrive in Lima late tonight. After you get through customs, your Tour Director will be there to take you to the hotel.
Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Lima
Today, a local guide will lead you on a tour of both the modern and colonial quarters of Lima. Lima was once the center of “the New World,” and is now a bustling metropolis. The city is home to many of South America’s best museums, swankiest shops and tastiest restaurants. You’ll see the city’s cathedral, Plaza de Armas and Church of San Francisco, which houses a museum of religious art and some creepy 16th-century catacombs.
Welcome Mixer
Get to know your fellow travelers over a drink or two.
Day 3: Travel to Cuzco
Wake up and head to Lima’s airport for a flight to Cuzco, the center of Incan culture and a beautiful Spanish colonial city. The entire city is located about 11,200 feet above sea level, and boasts some amazing local food and shopping. This afternoon, check in at your hotel and do some exploring on your own.
Day 4: Sightseeing tour of Cuzco
On today’s guided sightseeing tour, you’ll stop by the old Spanish cathedral, La Merced Church, and the extravagant Koricancha Temple, which was once fully covered in gold and serves as a testament to the wealth and power of the Incas. Later, venture off to three separate Incan archaeological sites, including the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the location of a historic battle that forever changed Peruvian life. The Spanish defeated the Incas here in 1536.
Day 5: Sacred Valley of the Incas
A local guide leads you on a full-day sightseeing tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, nestled between Cuzco, Machu Picchu and the surrounding Andes Mountains. The valley is rich in ruins and traditional, native villages and is in some ways even more historically important than Machu Picchu. You’ll see the famous ruins of Ollantaytambo, and visit several local market towns, including Pisac in addition to exploring the longest man-made, pre-Columbian canal ever built.
After your tour, you'll head to your accommodation in Ollantaytambo, home to massive Inca ruins, and a common starting point for travelers to Macchu Pichu.
Day 6: Experience Machu Picchu
Today, take a train ride through the lush valleys that lead to Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” You will be staying the night at the foot of the mountain in the town of Aguas Calientes. Machu Picchu is completely hidden from the valley floor and is truly one of the world’s most incredible sights. Cross a big one off your bucket list. Explore the perfect stonework of the Temple of the Sun, the fountains of the Royal Sector, and the views from the Temple of the Three Windows.
Day 7
Excursion:
Sunrise Return to Machu Picchu Extra Cost
If you didn't get enough Machu Picchu yesterday (we don't blame you), you'll have a chance to go back today. Get up bright and early to beat the crowds, and enjoy the quiet, unobstructed beauty of the ruins.
Travel to Cuzco
This afternoon, take a train ride back to Cuzco.
Day 8: Free Day
Spend a free day in Cuzco exploring on your own.
Farewell Dinner
Say your goodbyes over one last dinner with your group.
Day 9: Travel to Lima and Fly Home
Head back to Lima for the afternoon, then board your flight home.
Day 10 (Travel Day)
Arrive Home
Arrive home in the late morning or afternoon from your overnight flight.
Day 1: Welcome to Your 8-Day Trip to Perú - Lima
Transfer from the airport to your hotel – Day at leisure
Upon your arrival in Lima, we’ll be waiting to drive you from the airport to your hotel. Enjoy your leisure time in Lima!
Lima is the capital of Peru; the jumping-off point for nearly all trips to the country. In the Colonial Era, it housed the viceroyalty, making it the most powerful city-hub of South America.
Today, its native and foreign heritage coexist; its well-preserved, amazing colonial churches and archeological sites (heading south to Caral Sacred City) exist in harmony with Peru’s beautiful beaches overlooking the Pacific Ocean and its delicious seafood.
Day 2: City Tour in Lima
Today we’ll pick you up at your hotel to explore Lima’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with fascinating historic buildings.
We’ll start with a scenic tour in the colonial downtown, which expands from the Main Square, where you can appreciate the grandiose architecture of the Spanish Empire, like that of the Cathedral, which was built up in the 16th century and finished after 80 years of hard work!
Our next stop will be to Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion that was granted in 1535 by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to Jerónimo de Aliaga, one of his captains.
The last part of this historical day tour in Lima will be dedicated to the Larco Museum. Located in the traditional Pueblo Libre district, this meticulously maintained museum is housed in a beautifully restored viceroyal mansion. Its exhibits boast the most complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver artifacts, as well as pieces of ancient erotic art.
Since we’re on the topic of love encounters, we’ll finish the day at the “Love Park” built in 1993 to celebrate love in all its forms. Nestled in the upscale coastal district of Miraflores, you can admire the cliffs from its colorful mosaic benches and take in the most beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.
After enjoying this romantic place and meeting the famous sculpture which immortalized the tender kiss of two passionate lovers, we’ll drive you back to your hotel.
Day 3: Continue Your Perú Travel Itinerary - Cuzco
Transfer from your hotel to Lima airport
Today we’ll pick you up at your hotel and take you to Lima airport to continue your 8-day trip in Perú. Take an hour’s flight to Cuzco, maybe the most international destination of Peru, since (but not only because…) Machu Picchu, the world-renowned Inca fortress, is located only 4 hours away!
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Cuzco
Upon your arrival in Cuzco, we’ll drive you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the evening exploring the city at your own pace.
Day 4: Pisac and Ollantaytambo Fortress - Cuzco
Full-day tour to Pisac and Ollantaytambo Fortress
Continue exploring the Sacred Valley, and visit Pisac, famous for its craft market where you’ll find the most exquisite pieces of jewelry, ceramic, and textile craftwork. We’ll continue our trip by visiting the archeological site of Pisac to admire the stone terraces built by the Incas, and last, we’ll head to Ollantaytambo to visit its stunning fortress. Admire the remaining towers and walls that used to keep the citadel safe and the royal guests it used to host. You will sleep in Cuzco tonight, at the end of the day, a transfer will drop you at your hotel.
Day 5: Travel to Machu Picchu - Return to Cuzco
Tour to Machu Picchu, discover the legendary city!
Your tour to Machu Picchu begins with a 4-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes (literally, hot water). This town is also known as “Machu Picchu Pueblo” and is the last stop before entering the remains of the most important archaeological site in Peru. Machu Picchu means “Old Mountain” and is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
You’ll finally reach Machu Picchu (the ancient sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacutec) after a short transfer by bus through the mountains.
Here, when we arrive at the exact destination that is the highlight of your trip, we will have special moments which will most certainly be cherished forever. Enjoy your first impressions of this jaw-dropping place, and breathe the magic in the air.
At the end of the tour, you will take a bus back to Aguas Calientes and the train back to Cuzco where a transfer will drive you to your hotel.
Day 6: City Tour in Cuzco
City tour in Cuzco and archeological sites
Today we’ll pick you up at your hotel to start your Cuzco tour with a visit to the Coricancha, also known as the “Temple of the Sun” the construction of which was ordered by Inca Pachacútec (1438-1471).
This is where the Sun (Inti, in Quechua) was worshipped during the reign of the Inca Empire, and during that time its walls were fully covered with gold sheets and its courtyards were adorned with golden corn and life-sized sculptures of llamas.
We’ll continue on to visit the Cathedral, the most important building in the Main Square (whose construction lasted almost a century) and one of the most splendid Spanish colonial churches in America.
Our next stop will be the Sacsayhuamán fortress, an emblematic Incan piece of work, which protected the Holy City. The Sacsayhuamán complex was constructed with giant megalithic blocks, the transportation and construction of which continue to be a mystery.
This day will end with a visit to some archeological main attractions. You’ll visit Qenqo, located just over 2 miles away from Cuzco City, an archaeological complex mainly used for religious purposes, and where it is believed that agricultural rituals took place.
You will finally visit the vestiges of Puka Pukara, located 4.5 miles away from Cuzco. Puka Pukara, which means “red fortress”, was an architectural complex presumably used for military purposes.
At the end of this full historical and natural immersion in Cuzco’s heritage, we’ll drive you back to your hotel.
Day 7 Hike to Humantay Lagoon - Cuzco
Hike to Humantay Lagoon
You will leave Cuzco early in the morning heading to Soraypampa. On the way, pass by the city of Limatambo, an important entrance to Cuzco during the Inca Empire, and see the archaeological site of Tarawasi. Make a quick breakfast stop in a local restaurant before reaching Soraypampa and begin a mountain hike to Humantay Lagoon. Enjoy the stunning scenery of this wonderful place and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. Heading back to Cuzco, take lunch at a restaurant along the route.
Day 8 The End of Your 8-Day Travel Itinerary to Peru
This is the end of your 8-day travel itinerary to Peru…at least for now! At the appropriate time, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and head to the Cuzco airport to take your flight.
Keep on exploring other amazing destinations in Perú. Fire up your wanderlust with our featured trips to Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Peru.
