New Year’s in Peru: Peru & Machu Picchu Adventure

Itinerary

• Day 1: Flight to Lima

  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 + Welcome Dinner

  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.

  In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner of local cuisine and drinks with fellow travelers at an authentic local spot. Afterwards, you’re free to take the party elsewhere!

• 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. Check in at your hotel then head out on today’s guided sightseeing tour, where 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 4: Sacred Valley of the Incas + Included Dinner

  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 visit several local market towns, including Pisac in addition to exploring the longest man-made, pre-Columbian canal ever built. After this, continue on to the town of Ollantaytambo, where you’ll stay for the night. Marvel at the enormous fortress before you, and imagine what it must have felt like for the Incas as they braced for the arrival of Spanish invaders. Dinner is included on this evening.

• Day 5: Experience Machu Picchu

  Today, take a train ride from Ollantaytambo 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 6: Travel to Cuzco

  This afternoon, take a train ride back to Cuzco. Before hand, have the chance to enjoy Machu Picchu one more time with an optional sunrise visit.

  Sunrise Return to Machu Picchu (extra cost)

  Return for a second visit if you can’t get enough Machu Picchu (we don’t blame you). Beat the crowds bright and early, and enjoy the quiet, unobstructed beauty of the ruins at sunrise from the top of Huayna Picchu.
  
  This excursion is pre-book only; if your trip is less than sixty days away, please call 800-766-2645 to purchase.

• Day 7: Free Day in Cuzco

  The day is yours! And after New Year’s Eve maybe you could use it. Pour yourself some chicha (corn beer) and spend your day playing pub games with the locals. One favorite involves tossing metal disks as close to a frog statue as possible. Alternatively, fill up on ceviche and brainstorm some New Year’s resolutions (tip: hitting the gym can wait until you get home!)

• Day 8: Free Day + Pisco Sour Workshop

  Spend a free day in Cuzco exploring on your own, or join the group for an optional excursion to taste some local Pisco.

  Farewell Dinner
  Say your goodbyes over one last dinner with your group.

  Pisco Sour Workshop (extra cost)

  Your new fav drink, pisco, is a Peruvian brandy made from wine or fruit juice. Learn how this magical elixir is made, sample three different styles, and try making your own cocktail. Wrap things up by sampling snacks and tapas.
  
  Why wait? Save money by booking this optional excursion before your trip departs.

• Day 9: Travel to Lima and Fly Home

  Head back to Lima for the afternoon. Depending on your itinerary, you'll either fly out tonight or early tomorrow morning.

• Day 10: Arrive Home

  Arrive home in the late morning or afternoon from your overnight flight.

  –OR–

  EXTEND YOUR TRIP 2 WAYS

  1. Double the fun
  A lot of our trips line up back to back! Give us a call—we can help you add another and save big while you're at it.

  2. Go ahead or stay behind
  Extending your trip is easy! During checkout, you'll have the option to fly to (or from) the gateway of your choice for an additional fee. We'll adjust your flights accordingly, but you'll be responsible to take care of your transportation, hotels, and other logistics outside of tour.

  Note: Depending on your desired gateways, additional fees may apply.