Lima to Machu Picchu: A Comprehensive Tour Package Guide
When you choose Alpaca Expeditions for your journey from Lima to Machu Picchu, you’re picking the #1 tour operator in Peru. Our Lima Machu Picchu tour package is famous for providing unique and unforgettable travel experiences. This 7 Days / 7 Nights tour takes you through the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes of Peru.
You will start your adventure in Lima, exploring its historical sites and lively neighborhoods. From Lima, you’ll fly to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Here, you’ll see amazing ruins and learn about Inca history. The tour continues with a visit to the Sacred Valley, and then you’ll ride the train to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.
The highlight of the tour is Machu Picchu itself, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. With guided tours and plenty of time to explore on your own, you’ll experience the magic of this ancient site. Our Lima Machu Picchu tour package is designed to give you a deep and enjoyable understanding of Peru’s incredible heritage.
Tour Highlights
Lima Machu Picchu Tour Package: Discover Peru’s Rich Heritage
The Lima Machu Picchu tour package offers a captivating journey through Peru’s most iconic locations, culminating at the breathtaking Machu Picchu, one of the 7 Wonders of the World. This tour is crafted to take you on an unforgettable adventure, exploring the historical and cultural richness of Peru.
Tour Location:
Your adventure begins in Lima, the vibrant capital of Peru, where you’ll get a taste of the city’s blend of modern and historical influences. From there, you’ll travel to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. The journey continues through the Sacred Valley and culminates at Machu Picchu, the highlight of your trip. This historical site, perched high in the Andes, offers stunning views and deep insight into Inca civilization.
Tour Type: The Lima Machu Picchu tour package is designed for those who wish to explore Peru’s highlights in a relaxed manner. Unlike some other tours that may involve strenuous hikes, this package focuses on leisurely exploration. You’ll experience the beauty and grandeur of the Inca Empire while enjoying comfortable transportation and accommodations.
Good For: This tour is perfect for history buffs and anyone interested in learning about the fascinating Inca civilization. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to Peru, this package provides a comprehensive and accessible way to uncover the mysteries of the Incas.
Difficulty: The tour involves a fair amount of walking but avoids strenuous hiking. It’s designed to be accessible for most travelers, including those who may not be used to more demanding physical activities. The walking you do will be through some of Peru’s most beautiful and historically significant sites, so you’ll be surrounded by incredible scenery and rich history every step of the way.
Places Visited: Throughout the tour, you’ll visit several key locations. Start in Lima, where you’ll explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. In Cusco, you’ll walk through ancient streets and visit important Inca sites. The Sacred Valley offers insights into traditional Peruvian life, and the final destination, Machu Picchu, will leave you in awe with its stunning beauty and historical significance.
The Lima Machu Picchu tour package is a perfect choice for those seeking a balanced and immersive experience of Peru’s incredible heritage.
Detailed Itinerary
Night 1: Arrival in Peru
Welcome to Peru! As part of your Lima Machu Picchu tour package, your adventure begins the moment you land at Lima airport. A friendly representative from Alpaca Expeditions will be waiting to greet you. They will help you with your luggage and take you to your hotel, Casa Andina Standard, located in the vibrant Miraflores district.
This 3-star hotel offers a comfortable place to relax after your journey. You’ll have the rest of the night to unwind and prepare for the exciting days ahead.
Miraflores is a lively neighbourhood with beautiful parks, shops, and restaurants, so if you feel like exploring a bit, you’re in the perfect spot. This is the start of your unforgettable experience in Peru, and we’re here to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep, as tomorrow marks the beginning of your Lima Machu Picchu tour package, filled with amazing sights and cultural wonders.
Day 1: Lima City Tour
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you’ll have some free time to explore Lima on your own. Around 2:00 p.m., you will join our guided city tour of “The City of Kings,” which is an exciting part of our Lima Machu Picchu tour package.
This tour will take you through Lima’s rich history, from its ancient pre-Hispanic origins to its colonial past and modern-day vibrancy. You will visit key historical landmarks that tell the story of Lima’s evolution. You’ll explore sites like the impressive Plaza de Armas, where the Spanish influence is most visible, and vibrant markets where you can experience local culture firsthand.
Our guide will share fascinating stories about Lima’s past and present, helping you understand how this city fits into the larger story of Peru. This tour offers a perfect introduction to the city and prepares you for the next exciting leg of your journey to Machu Picchu.
Day 2: Journey to Cusco
On the second day of our Lima Machu Picchu tour package, you’ll leave Lima and fly to Cusco, a city high in the Andes Mountains. Upon arrival, a friendly team member from Alpaca Expeditions will be there to greet you. We will then take you to your hotel, Rumi Punku, where you can rest and get settled in.
Cusco is a beautiful city with a lot of history and charm. After checking in at the hotel, you have the afternoon free to explore. This time is also important for acclimating to the high altitude. Walking around the city will help your body adjust. You can visit local shops, enjoy some traditional Peruvian food, or simply take in the sights and sounds of this ancient city.
Cusco is the former capital of the Inca Empire, so there are many interesting places to see. You might want to visit the central square, Plaza de Armas, where you can find the Cusco Cathedral and other historical buildings.
Strolling through the streets of Cusco gives you a sense of its rich culture and heritage. This relaxed day is a perfect way to start your journey in the Lima Machu Picchu tour package.
Day 3 – Cusco Walking Tour & Inca Ruins
On the third day of your Lima Machu Picchu tour package, you’ll start with a guided walking tour of Cusco. Your day begins in San Blas, the oldest neighborhood in Cusco, known for its narrow streets and charming atmosphere. Next, you’ll visit the famous 12-angle stone, a perfect example of Inca stonework.
Afterward, you’ll head to the majestic Cusco Cathedral, a stunning example of colonial architecture that houses many valuable artifacts. Then, you’ll visit the Qoricancha, also known as the Temple of the Sun. This site was once the most important temple in the Inca Empire, and you’ll learn about its history and significance.
Following lunch, the adventure continues with visits to the Inca ruins surrounding Cusco. First, explore Sacsayhuaman, an impressive fortress with massive stone walls. Then, you’ll see Quenqo, a ceremonial site dedicated to Mother Earth. Next, visit Puca Pucara, a military watchtower, and finally, explore Tambomachay, known for its water features and spiritual significance.
By the end of the day, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the rich history and culture of the Inca civilization. This day is a highlight of the Lima Machu Picchu tour package, offering a mix of historical insight and breathtaking scenery.
Day 4: Sacred Valley & Train to Aguas Calientes
On the fourth day of our Lima Machu Picchu tour package, you’ll embark on an exciting full-day tour of the Sacred Valley. Our journey starts with a visit to Awanacancha, a fascinating alpaca farm and weaving center where you can learn about traditional weaving techniques and meet friendly alpacas.
Next, we head to the Pisaq Ruins, where you’ll explore ancient Inca terraces and marvel at the stunning views of the valley.
After visiting the ruins, we’ll stop at the lively Pisaq Market. Here, you can browse colorful stalls filled with local crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. It’s a great place to pick up unique gifts and experience the local culture.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Ollantaytambo, a well-preserved Inca town with impressive stone fortresses and narrow streets that transport you back in time. After exploring Ollantaytambo, you’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you’ll check into either La Cabaña or Taipicala Hotel for a comfortable night’s rest. This day is a highlight of the Lima Machu Picchu tour package, offering a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Day 5: Machu Picchu
On Day 5 of your Lima Machu Picchu tour package, you will wake up early to visit the breathtaking Machu Picchu. After a quick breakfast, you will take a 25-minute bus ride to the entrance of the ancient ruins. Here, you will meet your tour guide who will lead you on a two-hour tour of this incredible site. Your guide will explain the fascinating history of the Incas and the unique architecture of Machu Picchu.
After the guided tour, you have the option to explore more on your own. If you’re up for an adventure, you can climb Huayna Picchu, the mountain next to Machu Picchu. This climb takes about 45 minutes and offers amazing views of the ruins and surrounding landscape. Remember, you need to book this climb in advance as it is very popular.
When you are ready to leave, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch. This charming town at the foot of Machu Picchu has many restaurants and shops to explore. In the afternoon, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo, where you will spend the night. This day is a highlight of your Lima Machu Picchu tour package, offering unforgettable experiences and stunning views.
Day 6: Maras & Moray
On Day 6 of our Lima Machu Picchu tour package, you will visit two fascinating sites: Maras and Moray.
First, we’ll pick you up from your hotel at 8 a.m. and head to the Salineras of Maras. This ancient salt mine has been in use since pre-colonial times. You’ll see more than 3,000 salt pools where salt is still harvested today. It’s an amazing sight and a great place to learn about traditional salt-making methods.
Next, we’ll visit the Moray Inca ruins. These ruins are known for their unique circular terraces. The Incas used them for agricultural research, creating different micro-climates to grow various crops. It’s like a giant, ancient laboratory!
After Moray, we’ll go to Chincheros. This town is famous for its beautiful textiles. You’ll see how local people weave alpaca and llama wool into colorful fabrics. They use traditional methods passed down through generations. You’ll also explore some Inca farming ruins and a Catholic church built on top of an Inca palace.
After this full day of exploring, we will return to Cusco in the evening. This day is a wonderful part of our Lima Machu Picchu tour package, showing you more of Peru’s rich history and culture.
Day 7: Departure
After enjoying your breakfast, you will be getting ready for the last part of your amazing lima machu picchu tour package. Our team will transfer you to the Cusco airport for your flight back to Lima. It’s very important to give us your flight details in advance to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Once you arrive at the airport, our friendly staff will help you with your luggage and check-in process. They will make sure you know where to go and answer any last-minute questions you might have.
As you fly back to Lima, take a moment to reflect on the wonderful memories you made during your lima machu picchu tour package. From exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to walking through the vibrant streets of Cusco, this trip has been filled with unforgettable experiences.
Remember, if you need any extra nights or additional activities, let us know, and we can help arrange them. Thank you for choosing Alpaca Expeditions for your lima machu picchu tour package. We hope to see you again on another adventure!
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included:
- Professional Guides: Expert guides with deep knowledge of Peruvian heritage.
- Hotels: Comfortable accommodations in Lima, Cusco, and Aguas Calientes.
- Transportation: Comprehensive transport coverage throughout the tour.
Not Included:
- Huayna Picchu: Optional climb with a $75 fee and advance booking required.
- Flights: Flight arrangements to and from Cusco are not included.
- Gratuities: Tips are appreciated based on your satisfaction.
- Travel Insurance: Recommended but not mandatory.
Our Lima to Machu Picchu tour is designed to offer an immersive and hassle-free experience. With Alpaca Expeditions, you can relax and enjoy the journey as we take care of all the details. Contact us today to book your adventure and start your Peruvian journey with the best in the business!
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Alpaca Expeditions Recognitions
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
In the pursuit to stand out from the rest, Alpaca Expeditions has obtained four ISOs plus our carbon footprint certificate to date. These achievements result from our efforts to implement the internationally-recognized integrated management system. They also represent our commitment to all of our clients and staff of operating sustainability and responsibility in every way possible.