Perú | Empire of Senses

Welcome to Lima, City of Kings and the Larco Museum of Cultures. Arrival to the city of Lima, assistance, and transfer to the hotel. An exclusive and intense tour of the Historical Center of Lima will take us to know and admire the architectonic relics that are part of the old Lima, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Convent of Santo Domingo is the beginning of this magnificent experience. It was built during the foundation of Lima. The Universidad Mayor de San Marcos (University of San Marcos) was founded on this site, the oldest in America. Inside, the choir with the oldest stalls in the country; and the library, with 25,000 books, some printed in the XV century, has an invaluable historical value. The mortal remains of San Martín de Porres, San Juan Masías and Santa Rosa de Lima lie inside. Crossing the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace and the Municipality, going into the Cathedral, a jewel in the history of Lima, with artworks that will make us feel closer to colonial Lima. Leaving downtown Lima and heading to the Larco Museum, where we will get a clear vision of the cultures that inhabited ancient Peru. We shall admire the gold pieces, textiles and erotic ceramics that are part of the collection which will introduce us to the cosmovision of the ancient Peru. The warehouse of this museum will be open during our visit to appreciate the expressions of art that were reflected in their ceramics.

Destinations, Empire of the SensesFree day to choose activities that will make our senses connect with our spirit. Select and reserve one of the specially designed activities: Caral, Ancient City with 5,000 years of history. Short trip to the Valley of Supe, at 200 km to the north of Lima, to get acquainted with the most ancient civilization of America; Caral, declared a Historical World Heritage Site. Appreciate its magnificent structures, like the amphitheater, the burners for offerings in a round design, central plazas, residential areas and religious centers. After our visit, a lunch will follow in a typical restaurant of the area. At the coordinated time, return to Lima. Paracas, Huacachina Oasis, Dune Buggies (Areneros) and Pisco.  A day full of intense emotions awaits us. Very early start in the morning in order to arrive in Paracas at 8 am and go on a nautical trip to the Ballestas islands. Refuge for marine life. We will continue towards the Huacachina Oasis in Ica, where we will have a shot of adrenaline from the experience riding on board the dune buggies that will take us around the dunes. We will also have a tasting of piscos and time for lunch before returning to Lima at the end of the afternoon. Islands of Lima and Monumental Callao. As few cities in the world do, Lima has a refuge for marine life in front of the coast of the Port of Callao. In these islands live seals, penguins and marine birds. The San Lorenzo Island, the biggest of them all, has traces of ancient pre-Inca burials. In the past this island was connected to land until the earthquake of 1746 sunk the land and converted it to an island, nowadays we can appreciate the area known as the Camotal where lies submerged the remains of a village of 10,000 inhabitants. The pages of the history of these islands and of the Port of Callao are written by pirates, corsairs and combats for liberty. The Spanish fortress of Real Felipe is still standing looking into the cargo ships setting sail. Paracas and the Nasca Lines. For those who do not have enough time, but still want to see the maximum possible this is a singular opportunity to become familiar with one of the wonders that Peru offers. Very early in the morning, we will leave to go to the bay of Paracas to board a boat and go to the marine refuge of the Ballestas islands. On the way, the Candelabro (Candelabra) will guide us. Later we will go to the airport of Pisco to fly over the enigmatic Nasca lines (operates only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays). Marine lunch in a restaurant of the area. Return to Lima.

Cusco, Capital of the Empire: Arrival to the city of Cusco, assistance, and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, exclusive stroll in the city that starts with a visit to the Plaza de San Cristóbal (San Cristobal Square) to enjoy a panoramic overview of the city. Afterwards, we will visit the San Pedro Market, where we will absorb the local flavors and learn more about the products of the area in this market that has it all and supplies the entire city. Later, the Qorikancha Temple will welcome us with all its splendor and magnificence, with walls that used to be covered in gold. From San Blas, the artisans’ neighborhood, we will walk down the street Hatun Rumiyoc finding in our way the palace Inca Roca, today´s Archbishops Palace, and we will have time to admire the world famous Twelve Angled Stone. We will continue to the Plaza de Armas to visit The Cathedral that houses colonial works of incredible value.

Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman. In the morning, we will leave behind the crowds in order to visit Sacsayhuaman, an impressive citadel full of colossal constructions surrounded by beautiful landscape in total communion with the environment. Afterwards, we continue to the Inca adoratory of Q’enqo, with its surprising altar for sacrifices embedded in the internal part of its rocky formation. Finally, we arrive at the Puca Pucará lookout and Tambomachay, a monument of notable architectonic excellence which is considered one of the pillars of the Andean cosmovision. Free afternoon to enjoy the city. Free afternoon for additional activities, or to cruise around the streets of Cusco. The passport of admissions that is included in this trip gives you access to other points of interest that are not visited.

Inca Village of Chinchero, Terraces of Moray and the Inca Village of Ollantaytambo. This day we shall visit the most outstanding places in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will depart towards the Village of Chinchero, the most typical and colorful of the Sacred Valley. This village is famous for its weaving women. Short stop in a textiles center to appreciate the old Inca techniques for the dyeing and spinning using alpaca wool. After visiting the Inca plaza with its beautiful colonial church, we will continue towards Moray, a beautiful Inca archaeological site made up of concentric agricultural terraces that served as a lab to recreate microclimates. Lunch. Later visit to the last living village of the Incas, Ollantaytambo. Also, a visit to the Temple of the ten windows, the bath of the princess, and the Sun Temple. The postcard pictures that we will take from the heights of Ollantaytambo will close this magical day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Lodging in the area.

Cusco at your Pace. Free day. Cusco offers many cultural, archaeological and adventure-oriented activities. Reserve the activities with anticipation. We recommend: Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain. Located at 5000 m.a.s.l. in the heights of the Valley of the Vilcanota River in the mountain range of the Ausangate snowcapped mountain, this beautiful mountain has become one of the main attractions and great wonders of Cusco. Kayak in the Huaypo Lake. One day of contact with our inner being, paddling in a kayak on the Huaypo Lake with the snowcapped mountains as the backdrop. A moment to relax and let the silence invade and renew our energy. Lunch on the lake banks.