The Ancient Kingdoms of Peru Cultural Tour | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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The Ancient Kingdoms of Peru Cultural Tour

PRIVATE TOUR - 12 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 6444

Private Tour Highlights

  • Receive pottery classes by Pablo Seminario, a master craftsman who has studied for many years the techniques and designs of pre-Columbian pottery.
  • Encountering the richest tomb in the Americas: the tomb of the Lord of Sipan.
  • Touring Trujillo, the largest clay city in the Americas and once the capital of the Chimu Empire.
  • Witnessing 360 archaeological pieces from Machu Picchu at the recently renovated Concha museum.
  • Watching as locals fish in traditional reed boats that date back to pre-Incan times.
  • Interacting with local women who weave exquisite textiles using the Incas’ centuries-old techniques.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

On this Peru cultural tour we will visit Lima, Cusco, and spend a night in Machu Picchu. Then we will travel north. You will see first-hand how rich Peru’s northern cities are in cultural history that began long before the Incas. At the confluence of the Moche River and the Pacific Ocean is Trujillo, the third-largest city in Peru. Close by are the ruins of Chan Chan (imperial capital and home to 30,000 people before being conquered by the Incas). In Chiclayo we will visit El Brujo, a major religious center of the Moche civilization between the first and seventh centuries A.D., Huaca Rajada, and Tucume.

Recently, following UNESCO recommendations, Peruvian authorities have placed restrictions on the visitation of Machu Picchu, the lost Incan ruins. Currently, no more than 2,500 people daily will be allowed to visit the ruins. While these new restrictions are great for the preservation of the ruins, they may cause some difficulties in your ability to visit them, so we recommend booking with plenty of notice.

This trip can be customized to fit your individual travel dates and any specific requests you may have. Your travel consultant will prepare a personalized itinerary for you. We offer a choice of 3, 4, 5-star, or deluxe hotels. The deluxe option is with the Orient Express hotels: the Sanctuary Lodge in Machu Picchu, Monasterio in Cusco, and the Park Plaza in Lima. Trujillo best available accommodation is 5-star; Chiclayo best available is 4-star. You may also choose to upgrade to the luxury Hiram Bingham train from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

Inclusions
Prices include round-trip airfare from Lima to Cusco; one-way airfare from Lima to Trujillo; one-way airfare from Chiclayo to Lima; all hotel accommodations including daily continental or buffet breakfast; all transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling; guided tours in English including all entrance fees; and meals where specified.

Note:
*Cost includes Vistadome train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. Vistadome is ideal for travelers who want a personalized immersion of Andean culture with traditional dances and music along the way. This train features panoramic windows, leather seats, new table design as well as heating and air conditioning.

*Deluxe service Hiram Bingham train features an observation wagon with a bar and two dining cars. In addition, this train includes a gourmet brunch on board, exclusive bus return to Machu Picchu, entrance to Machu Picchu as well as a guided tour. Afternoon tea in the Sanctuary Lodge, pre-dinner cocktails and a 4-course, a la carte dinner is also included. The train does not operate on Sundays. Upgrades available from Vistadome to Hiram Bingham Deluxe; please ask your Yampu Tour Consultant for the cost of the upgrade.

*Our tours are guided not escorted. You will be part of a medium-sized group for day excursions, not necessarily the same group for your entire itinerary. Transfers between airports and hotels (and visa versa) are usually offered on a private basis. The price quote includes standard rooms in all hotels unless otherwise specified. Upgrades to Superior rooms or Suites and private tours are available at an additional cost.
Exclusions

Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included.

Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 6444

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Flight to Lima

Upon arrival to Lima, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel.

Upon arrival to Lima, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel.

Day
2

Private Half Day City and Larco Museum Tour

This afternoon, enjoy a private city tour of Lima, one of the most important cities in South America since its founding in 1535. As you journey through the historic center of the city, admire the beauty of San Martin and its major squares, the Cathedral, and the Government Palace. Visit San Francisco Convent, a religious building from the late 16th century, and its catacombs. This tour also includes a drive through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. Please note that the Cathedral is open Monday through Saturday.

During your tour you will also visit the Museo Larco. Founded in 1926, the Museo Larco chronologically showcases the past 3,000 years of Peruvian history and culture, including its pre-Colombian history. The museum is located in a beautiful 18th century vice-royal mansion built atop a 7th century pre-Colombian tomb. After exploring the Museo Larco, enjoy complimentary cocktails and appetizers at the onsite Larco Cafe overlooking the beautiful, surrounding gardens.
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Museo_Larco_Lima_Peru
Day
3

Lima - Cusco

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to the airport for your flight to Cusco

Upon arrival to Cusco, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Cusco is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins of the old Inca city became the foundation for the Spanish architecture you see today, and many of the stone walls that line the streets were built by the Incas.

This afternoon is at your leisure to acclimate. Cusco's elevation is approximately 3,400 meters (11,200 feet), so we highly recommend resting as soon as you arrive for a few hours and taking in some coca tea.

If you are feeling up to it later, Cusco is a great walking city with sidewalk cafes, street art and local shops to explore! We highly recommend the chocolate factory and shop.
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Day
4

Private Half Day Cusco City Walking Tour

This morning, enjoy a private walking tour of Cusco where you will visit the Korikancha Temple, or Temple of the Sun, and the Cathedral and its Art Museum. During your tour today you have the option to visit the Casa Concha museum or the San Pedro Market. The Casa Concha museum was recently renovated and houses over 360 archaeological pieces from Machu Picchu, recently returned by Yale University. San Pedro Market is a lively, local market where you will receive a briefing about the local Andean ingredients and have an opportunity to purchase them. This market visit is a great opportunity to interact with the locals either selling or purchasing items from the market.

This afternoon there will be time for lunch (lunch not included) before continuing to the nearby water shrine of Tambomachay (the Inca Fountains), Puca Pucara (the Red Fortress), the amphitheater of Kenko and finally the Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Later in the afternoon, return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Note: For more adventurous travelers, Yampu suggests an optional sunset horseback riding tour through the Sacsayhuaman Ruins. Please ask a Yampu Travel Consultant for more information.
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Cusco_Market_Fruit_Peru
Day
5

Private Full Day Chinchero and Huilloc with Pottery Class by Pablo Seminario

Our first stop, 40 minutes on a paved road to the north takes us to Chinchero, a traditional Cusco urban center located at an elevated point with a beautiful view of the valley. The inhabitants of this area preserve the artisan traditions and the inherited knowledge of the Incas and display them in their clothes and customs. Then, you will be transferred to the rural community of Huilloc, located in the province of Urubamba, to perform a traditional Inca practice called Kusi Runa, in which you will participate in a day of Chakra (agriculture).

A local interpreter will welcome you and guide you to the house of the owner of the Chakra, who will invite you a muna fusion. Symbolically be an integral part of the community, and as a community member you will be dressed with typical clothes of Huilloc (ponchos for men and blankets for women) and use traditional tools. Males will do farming while the women cook for them with local organic products, ending in a spiritual ritual with local music and dance. Therefore, you will have an excellent opportunity to live and experience the everyday way of seeing and acting of the Andean Runa (male).

Receive pottery classes by Pablo Seminario, a master craftsman who has studied for many years the techniques and designs of pre-Columbian pottery, incorporating them into his own art, creating unique pieces. The workshop includes tools and materials for you to develop a small piece, besides witnessing a theoretical and practical class that will help discover your artistic side.

The family will teach you some of the techniques of the Incas to produce this famous pottery, giving you a good chance to participate and to share unforgettable times. We will then have lunch. After lunch, we will drive one more hour to the Village of Willoq, located at 3675 meters above sea level where the most skilled weavers of the region live. These weavers produce the highest quality of textiles in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
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Day
6

Machu Picchu

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the train station for the Vistadome Train ride to Machu.

The train will take you through the Sacred Valley of the Incas up to the town of Aguas Calientes. From here, you will board a bus to Machu Picchu and then have a private guided tour of the ruins. Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, was a flourishing ceremonial and agricultural site, probably the gateway to the jungle marshes of the Inca Empire. The central buildings were erected with the polished stone works of the Cusco Imperial style, though the site was probably occupied well before the Incas started their expansion. It was associated with the earth cult revolving around the coca leaf, which was a privilege of the Inca royal family and priests. Enjoy lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, at the entrance of the ruins, before returning to your hotel at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy a wonderful dinner at the hotel or in the town of Aguas Calientes.
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Day
7

Morning at Leisure at Machu Picchu Vistadome Train to Ollantaytambo

Enjoy today at your leisure. You may choose to return to Machu Picchu, hike Huayna Picchu or relax in the village of Aguas Calientes and its hot springs. In the afternoon, we will board the train to return to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be met at the train station and transfer to your Cusco hotel.

Note: Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu on this day are not included. If you decide to return to Machu Picchu, new regulations require you to be accompanied by a guide at all times. Please contact your Yampu travel consultant if you think you would like to go back to the ruins or hike the Huayna Picchu at time of booking (subject to availability).
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Day
8

Lima- Trujillo

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Trujillio

Upon arrival to Trujillo, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel.

At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Trujillio

Upon arrival to Trujillo, you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel.

Trujillo_ChanChan_Peru
Day
9

Temple of the Sun and Moon

Morning read more...

Morning private excursion of the Temple of the Sun and Moon. These enormous adobe constructions were built by Mochicas in the 5th century. The Temple of the Sun is considered the largest adobe pyramid in Peru. The Temple of the Moon houses an extensive burial ground and some fine polychrome murals in which their deity is often printed. It is believed that one was administrative and the other was religious.

Drive to Huanchaco Beach, well frequented by beach-goers and surfers. During lunch one can observe the local fisherman surfing the waves in their traditional Caballitos de Totora, little reed boats used for fishing since pre-Inca times. Lunch is included in Huanchaco. In the afternoon, visit the largest mud archaeological complex of pre-Hispanic America, Chan Chan. This was once the capital of the Chimu Empire in the 13th century. Next visit the Temple of Arco Iris, the site museum, and the Tshudi Palace. At the end of the day, return to the hotel in Trujillo.
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Chan_chan_ruins_Trujillo_Peru
Day
10

Trujillo and Chiclayo

Drive north for a private tour of the archaeological complex of El Brujo (the Shaman) with a 30-meter adobe pyramid. This contains three large buildings constructed in different eras: Huaca Prieta, the oldest construction on the Peruvian coast; Huaca El Brujo, a pyramid from the Mochica culture, and Huaca Cao Viejo with an old Christian Church. In the afternoon, private transfer to Chiclayo.

Drive north for a private tour of the archaeological complex of El Brujo (the Shaman) with a 30-meter adobe pyramid. This contains three large buildings constructed in different eras: Huaca Prieta, the oldest construction on the Peruvian coast; Huaca El Brujo, a pyramid from the Mochica culture, and Huaca Cao Viejo with an old Christian Church. In the afternoon, private transfer to Chiclayo.

Trujillo - El Brujo_Peru
Day
11

Private Full Day Lord of Sipan Museum and Tucume Museum with Lunch

Today, enjoy a private tour of the impressive Necropolis of Huaca Rajada, a Mochica culture funeral center. Here, a great number of tombs have been discovered. The tombs of the Old Lord of Sipan (3rd century), and the Lord of Sipan (5th century) are famous for their objects in gold and precious stones unearthed in the 1980s. Drive north to visit the archaeological complex of Tucume, or Valley of the Pyramid, excavated by Thor Heyerdahl. This is an important archaeological complex of the Lambayeque culture (1,000 B.C. - 1,350 A.D.). ...read less

sipan_Peru
Day
12

Flight Home

Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, connect with a flight back home or overlap with an add-on of choice.

Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, connect with a flight back home or overlap with an add-on of choice.

Cusco, Peru

Lima, Peru

Sacred Valley, Calca Province, Cusco, Peru

Machupicchu, Cusco, Peru

Trujillo, La Libertad, Peru

Chiclayo, Peru

Places You'll See

  • Peru_Cusco_city

    Cusco

    Once a powerful Incan city, Cusco is filled to the brim with relics of its grand history. Visit the ruins of the ancient Incan Koricancha Temple, where the Church of Santo Domingo now stands atop. Behold the many beautiful, colonial buildings in the Main Square, including the Cathedral and Church of La Compania de Jesus (Society of Christ).

  • Peru_Lima_city

    Lima

    Bursting with architectural history and culture, Lima has an eclectic array of attractions. Visit the Santo Domingo Convent, a religious and artistic staple of the city’s historic center. Take a walk along the cliffs of the Miraflores district, showcasing the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, and after, enjoy some shopping at the Larcomar Mall.

  • Sacred-Valley

    Sacred Valley

    Situated in the Andes, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, also known as the Urubamba Valley, has become a popular destination. With shopping in its many markets, several hiking routes, and ambitious activities such as rock climbing and river rafting, it appeals to all. Survey significant archeological dig sites, or simply explore the multitude of attractions in leisure.

  • Machu Picchu

    Recently, following UNESCO recommendations, Peruvian authorities have placed restrictions on the visitation of Machu Picchu, the lost Incan ruins. Currently, no more than 2,500 people daily will be allowed to visit the ruins. While these new restrictions are great for the preservation of the ruins, they may cause some difficulties in your ability to visit them, so we recommend booking with plenty of notice.

  • Trujillo_Peru

    Trujillo

    Located near two important archeological sites is the populous city of Trujillo. The nearby Ruins includes Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the ancient world. One can also visit the Temples of the Sun and Moon, adobe Brick temples built by the Moche Civilization. In the city one can enjoy many aspects of culture with the many museums and cultural activities such as Peruvian Paso horse dancing marinera.

  • Chiclayo-Ruin

    Chiclayo

    Established near an important prehistoric archeological site, Chiclayo is the fourth largest city in the country of Peru. While visiting, make sure to make stops at the important heritage and historical site such as the Lord of Sipan Tomb and the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum.

Hotel Options

Featured Accommodation

Casa Andina Select, Chiclayo

Casa Andina Select Chiclayo offers guests an outstanding location, just minutes away from downtown Chiclayo and the airport. It is a modern and convenient hotel, with spacious common areas, a terrace, a pool, areas where events can be held in, and La Plaza Bar & Grill restaurant where guests can enjoy a great culinary proposal with local ingredients. It has 130 100% non-smoking rooms on seven floors, an internet center, Wi-Fi internet access, an ATM and complimentary guest parking.

 

 

Chiclayo ,

4 Star Properties

Cusco : El Mercado

Cusco : Palacio Manco Capac 

Sacred Valley : Casa Andina Premium, Valle Sagrado

Sacred Valley : Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness

Machu Picchu : El MaPi

Machu Picchu : Casa del Sol

Trujillo : Casa Andina Standard, Trujillo

Chiclayo : Casa Andina Select, Chiclayo

5 Star Properties

Cusco : Inkaterra La Casona

Cusco : Palacio del Inka by Libertador, Cusco

Sacred Valley : Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba (Superior Suite)

Sacred Valley : Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa

Machu Picchu : Sumaq Hotel

Machu Picchu : Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo

Trujillo : El Gran Marques Hotel & Spa

Chiclayo : Los Portales (Suite)

Luxury Properties

Cusco : Belmond Palacio Nazarenas

Cusco : Belmond Hotel Monasterio

Sacred Valley : Rio Sagrado

Sacred Valley : Tambo Del Inka Resort & Spa Valle Sagrado

Machu Picchu : Sanctuary Lodge (standard Room)

Machu Picchu : Sanctuary Lodge (Mountain View With Terrace)

Trujillo : Costa Del Sol Wyndham Trujillo

Chiclayo : Casa Andina Select (junior suite), Chiclayo

Testimonials

Tina R.

Traveled September, 2014

Had the Most unbelievable time.

Had the Most unbelievable time. The trek was just awesome. Really hard in parts, but mostly just breathtaking. My worst nightmare was realized when I was introduced to the group of trekkers- 4, 20 something marathon runners. There was only 5 of us in the trek so there was nowhere to hide. Having said that, I didn’t hold them up too much. We were always first into camp, and Hector our guide did have to slow us down at times to let the porters set up tents etc. Everything was just great the food, knowledge of our guide, and we had 11 porters for the 5 of us. So thank you for your expertise in organizing this for me. The rest of south-america was equally as amazing, and will be going back next year with the Family, so will be in contact. Thanks to my Transfer guide who was just amazing, and helped me re-book the flights and get me to Cusco on time. All the transfers were just perfect, and so relieving to have things work smoothly, when you don’t speak the language. Thanks again for all your help. Everything worked like clock work.

Traveled To

Ralph

Traveled February, 2015

Going with my son was pretty special because we enjoyed so much together and wanted to see all we could.

A father son trip to Peru. On Cusco: It was fascinating to see the spinning, coloring and weaving process which is a lot more than a person realizes. I bought a baby Alpaca sweater which means it was made from the first shearing which is the softest Alpaca wool and it was extremely reasonable and definitely the real deal. On Machu Picchu: we were shocked of how big this place was It’s truly a mystical place and we had beautiful weather in this rainy season. On the hike to Montana WaynaPicchu: We started climbing at 7:00. The fog was so thick we didn’t know if it would clear. We wandered through several of the lower dwellings overlooking the river and the valley. . . we could imagine what it would have been like to wake up looking out those windows. It’s no wonder this is one of the new 7 wonders of the world.We felt special knowing that only 200 people a day get to see this view and we had perfect weather. We had to crawl through a tunnel and up a wood ladder and then we were on the very top of the mountain scattered with big boulders. It’s a sight we will never forget. After enjoying the view of a lifetime we headed down and it was quite a feat to come down the steep stairways without tripping. That climb will always be one of the highlights for us to remember. Going with my son was pretty special because we enjoyed so much together and wanted to see all we could. I believe we will be going back to Peru in the future.

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Debra

Traveled November, 2008

I had a great time and would definitely recommend this trip

The Inca Trail and Amazon were awesome! The Inca trail was definitely the highlight. In terms of feedback, overall, the way the schedule worked out, a little too much time in Lima (the shopping tour with Kuzi was great-felt like I was hanging out with one of my girlfriends). I was also done with the hike, Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu by lunch, so I had plenty of time to explore Agua Calientes that same day. I had a great time and would definitely recommend this trip. Thx!

Traveled To

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