Under the leadership of the iconic emperors Pachacuti Inka Yupanqui and his successor, Topa Inka Yupanqui, the Inka Empire dominated nearly one-third of South America. From their capital in Cuzco, this Quechua-speaking civilization established an extensive road network stretching 12,000 miles from central Chile to Ecuador. Surpassing even the Roman roads in scale, this meticulously crafted system, adorned with stone staircases and tunnels, facilitated efficient foot traffic. It stands today as a testament to the remarkable engineering prowess of the ancient Inka. Now recognized as the Qhapaq Ñan or the Andean Road System, it proudly holds a UNESCO World Heritage status.
Embark with Far Horizons on an 11-day Peru travel package tracing the path of this ancient empire from the royal heart of Cuzco through the Sacred Valley along the Urubamba River to the enigmatic city of Machu Picchu. In 1981, recognizing its unparalleled significance, the Peruvian government incorporated this trail within the expansive Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary. Shortly after, in 1983, UNESCO honored Machu Picchu as a World Heritage site.
If you choose to join the extension, we will gaze upon a fifth UNESCO World Heritage Site, the enigmatic Nazca Lines, pre-Columbian geoglyphs etched into the desert sands, their purpose still a subject of wonder and speculation.
This journey isn’t just about the enduring legacy of the Inkas; it encompasses the colonial charm of Cuzco, another UNESCO World Heritage City, the vibrant Sunday market at Chinchero, and the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Sacred Valley, visiting traditional Andean villages nestled in the verdant landscape where time seems to have stood still. Meet the indigenous people, known as Quechua, who have preserved their ancient traditions and customs for centuries. Won’t you join us on this voyage of discovery?
(If you have any questions about this tour itinerary, get in touch.)
Depart on a flight bound for Lima. Upon arrival, transfer to the Costa del Sol Airport Hotel just outside the international airport.
Transfer to the airport for our flight from Lima to Cuzco, and immediately drive down to the Urubamba Valley where we will have lunch.
In the afternoon, move on to the massive Inka fortress of Ollantaytambo, located at the western edge of the Sacred Valley and built to guard travelers on the road along the Urubamba River. Built on the side of an immense mountain, colossal terraces cascade down the slope with fortified gates and guardhouses further protecting the citadel. During the 1400s Inka Pachacuti used the area as his personal estate and ceremonial center, and it served as the last stronghold of Inka Manco Yupankqui, leader of the Inka resistance against the Spanish. Today, Ollantaytambo town still has residents living in houses built on Inka foundations. As we stroll, we will see immense stone entryways opening into wide courtyards that are the homes of local inhabitants. Don’t miss the complex system created by the Inka to bring water to the residents and agricultural fields.
Our hotel for tonight is the Hotel Pakaritampu in the outskirts of Ollantaytambo, where a series of bungalows are surrounded by original Inka agricultural terracing and with sweeping views over the gorgeous landscape. (B/L/D)
This morning, we board the train to Machu Picchu, the fabled lost city of the Inka. This beautiful mountaintop city might have been constructed as a royal palace complex for the emperor Pachacuti and his family in the early 15th century and appears to have been an important spiritual and ceremonial location. It was never found by the Spanish conquerors and was unknown to outsiders until 1911 when a local farmer showed the city to the explorer, Hiram Bingham.
Spend the afternoon exploring this magnificent site. Overnight at the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel in Aguas Calientes, set in the lush rainforest filled with blooming orchids and bromeliads and with delightful bungalows scattered along the Urubamba River. (B/L/D)
Sunrise through the jungle mist awaits as we return to Machu Picchu this morning. Hikers may choose to climb to the top of Huayna Picchu*, the towering granite peak that overlooks Machu Picchu for a spectacular view of the ruins. Near the top of the mountain, pass through ancient terraces so inaccessible and so narrow that they were probably not used for agricultural purposes, but instead were ornamental gardens to be admired from the city below. Or walk a portion of the Inka trail, Qhapaq Ñan, to the Sun Gate.
We return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and some explorations of the town before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo and returning to the Hotel Pakaritampu for two nights. (B/L/D) *At least six months notice is required to secure entrance for this hike.
Today we will visit some of the most fascinating sites in Peru. Begin at Maras where a series of pools cascades down a bluff creating saltpans that have existed since pre-Inca times and are still actively used. Our leader, who studied Maras, will give us an updated interpretation of this interesting site.
Next is Moray where impressively deep terracing creates what may be a pre-historic experimental farming station. Different levels of concentric terraces were carved into a huge earthen bowl here, and each layer has its own microclimate.
Located in a high valley, Chinchero is a graceful, traditional Andean village encircled by lush farming terraces. A massive stone wall with ten trapezoidal niches borders the main plaza and overlooking the square is an early 17th-century adobe church, Nuestra Senora de Montserrat, standing on the remains of an imperial Inka royal palace. Both the exterior and interior walls are emblazoned with charming floral and religious designs applied in the late 1600s, protected by an intricate Islamic-style Mudejar ceiling. The vestiges of edifices and the still-standing agricultural terraces (which are still in use) suggest that Chinchero was used by the Inka royalty as a country retreat. Chinchero’s markets are held in the shadow of the church within the central plaza and are one of the best places in the entire valley for Andean textiles. Spend time bartering for crafts before enjoying a private weaving demonstration before returning to Ollantaytambo. (B/L/D)
Drive across the Sacred Valley this morning to Yucay, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in the Andean World. During Inka times, Yucay was the residence of the emperors Huayna Cápac and Sayri Túpac. It remained important for the Spaniards during colonial times due to its strategic location and fertile lands.
In the afternoon we transfer to Cuzco, the capital of the Inka Empire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the first seat of power for the conquering Spaniards. Here we will spend four nights at the Novotel Hotel. The afternoon is free to explore the town and acclimate to the higher elevation (11,152 feet). (B/L/D)
Spend today exploring Cuzco. Begin at the Cathedral that was built on the site of the Inka palace of Virakocha and contains an altar of solid silver. See Santa Domingo Church, built on the walls of the Inka Temple of the Sun, and Qorikancha, the most magnificent complex in pre-conquest Cuzco. When first seen by the Spanish, the walls were covered in sheets of gold studded with emeralds and turquoise. The windows were constructed so that the sun would enter and cast a near-blinding reflection of golden light off the precious interior. In the afternoon we visit two of Cuzco’s newest and most stimulating museums. The Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, a branch of Lima’s Rafael Larco Museum, is housed within a 15th-century Inka palace that later became the mansion of the Spanish conqueror, Alonso Díaz. The collection contains 450 extraordinary artifacts dating from 1250 BC to 1532 AD. The nearby Casa Concha Museum contains artifacts designed to trace Peruvian history from pre-Inka civilizations and Inka culture, including the impact of the Conquest and colonial times on the native cultures. On view are ceramics, textiles, jewelry, mummies, architectural models, and an interesting collection – reputed to be the world’s largest – of Inka drinking vessels, or qeros, carved out of wood, many meticulously painted. We conclude the day at the Pisco Museum, dedicated to the production and history of pisco, a grape brandy that holds significant cultural and historical importance in Peru. During our tour, we will learn about the process of pisco production, from the cultivation of grapes to the distillation and aging of the spirit, and enjoy a tasting of different varieties. (B/L/D)
Today we explore two important Inka sites with the opportunity to meet archaeologists at each. Begin at the city of Pisaq, nestled amidst the breathtaking Urubamba River valley, where fine stone masonry buildings have stood the test of time and demonstrate the architectural prowess of the Inkas.
After lunch, we stop at Saksaywaman, a huge fortress constructed on an artificially leveled mountaintop overlooking Cuzco. It consists of three outer defenses of colossal walls, and according to early Spanish chroniclers, was said to be a Royal House of the Sun. If on site, Dr. Alexei Vranich will meet with the group to talk about his work here.
This evening we will enjoy a traditional dance performance at Centro Qosqo in Cuzco before dinner on our own. (B/L)
This morning we will first visit Tipon, where we see how the Inka managed water systems and created a sacred water culture. Continue to Pikillaqta, a pre-Inca urban center for the Wari culture in the 6th to 12th centuries. A hydraulic system of canals, reservoirs, and aqueducts has been excavated here, which provided water for irrigation for the cultivation of maize. Maize was important to the Wari and was painted on pottery along with deities and other supernaturals.
After lunch, we move on to the churches and fantastic murals of Huaro and Andahuaylillas. We end the day at Rumiqolqa to examine this quarry and the meaning of stone types that were used to unfree labor under the Inkas.
Return to Cuzco in the late afternoon in time to enjoy our farewell dinner at an elegant local restaurant. (B/L/D)
Transfer to the airport for our return flight to Lima. Upon arrival, venture to the city center for lunch at one of Lima’s exceptional restaurants, Huaca Pucllana, overlooking the excavations of an important ceremonial and administrative center dominated by an immense adobe and clay pyramid now encircled by Lima.
Our final stop is Lima’s Museo Oro del Perú, the renowned gold Museum, where rooms are overflowing with treasures from the many cultures that populated Peru for more than three thousand years. For Peru’s pre-Columbian societies, gold was the symbol of the Sun and Inti the sun god. As we examine the displays, we can easily visualize the opulence of these civilizations. From a cloak made of tiny fragments of the gleaming metal that was worn by a Lambayeque priest; to an intricate covering that once adorned an entire wall of Chan Chan, the capital of the Chimú; to precious metal sculptures; to the ear ornaments a Wari queen wore to her grave; to the celebrated golden Tumi, or ornamental knife that is the symbol of Peru; this massive collection is staggering.
Return to the airport in the late afternoon for international departures back home. Those continuing on the Nazca Lines post-trip extension will overnight at the Costa del Sol Airport Hotel. (B/L)
Arrive home.
Traveling south and paralleling the ocean along the Pacific Highway, we stop at the Regional Museum of Ica, housing an excellent collection of Paracas textiles and Nazca ceramics, as well as a miniature model of the Nazca lines. Also displayed are quipus, knotted strings used by the Inkas as a writing system, along with a large-scale model of the Nazca Lines.
Continue to Paracas and the Paracas Hacienda Hotel, our beachside home for the next two nights. (B/L/D)
This morning, we board a small plane to fly over the famous Nazca Lines. Visible best from the air, the huge images are of animals and enigmatic “lines”.
In the afternoon, we will tour Paracas National Reserve, where over 100 archaeological sites have been identified, many of them of the Paracas culture, who are known especially for their textile crafts.
Return to our resort this afternoon with free time to relax and enjoy the pool. (B/L/D)
In the morning, enjoy an optional boat tour to the Ballestas Islands, a wildlife haven home to marine creatures such as Humboldt penguins, Guanay cormorants, and sea lions.
Our final stop is the remarkable archaeological site of Tambo Colorado, a lovely Inka complex situated amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Andes. Here, rectangular buildings built of adobe enclose a large, trapezoidal plaza, and in the center sits the remains of an Ushnu, a wide throne platform common at Inka administrative centers. Within the mud walls, ornamented with painted bands of white, red, and yellow, can be seen elaborate latticework, niches, and corbeled arches.
Transfer back to Lima and to the airport for our flights home. (B/L)
Arrive home.
Price is based on double occupancy and includes:
Trip prices are based on a minimum number of participants. If this minimum number is not met, trip prices are subject to change. Should the prices need to change, Far Horizons will reach out to registered guests to discuss directly.
Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement must be charged.
As a tour company that benefits from the cultural and natural riches of our destinations, we have a policy of donating to the scientific and cultural sites and projects which we visit. This has created a bond between Far Horizons and the academic and local communities that has helped us establish an extensive list of lecturers and contacts in each of our destinations. We ask that each participant donate to the noteworthy project we designate. The donation amount is $150.00 per person. Note that the donation is required as part of your registration for the trip and that it is non-refundable.
Prices are based on currency exchange rates keeping below a projected level. While it is unlikely, if the exchange rates should change substantially, Far Horizons reserves the right to charge an additional amount to the trip cost.
A deposit of $1000 per person is required along with your registration & health forms, which will be linked in the email confirmation you receive once you pay your deposit on our booking platform. Final payment is due 120 days before departure. Prior to departure, you will be sent a reading list and a tour bulletin containing travel information.
We will let you know if you need a visa and provide details and instructions on where to obtain your visa. You are responsible for securing your own visa. If you would like to look into specific visa requirements based on where you live and where you would like to travel, we suggest visiting Sherpa to find out more about the latest visa and travel requirements.
Starting in 2025, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorization system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. These visitors have been granted visa-free access to the EU and Schengen member countries through virtue of their good track record on security issues and, thus, have not been deemed as a threat to EU security. ETIAS (which stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will check the security credentials and charge a fee to travelers visiting EU member countries for business, tourism, medical or transit purposes. Travelers who currently visit Europe visa-free are able to enter EU and Schengen Member countries cost-free and without any digital security screening prior to their arrival to Europe. ETIAS is not a visa, and is more accurately referred to as a visa-waiver. The ETIAS, like the ESTA, is a travel authorization for travelers not requiring a visa to visit Europe. Under the ETIAS, these visitors will undergo additional security checks prior to being permitted to enter the EU. The ETIAS will be mandatory for citizens of such countries as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. For more information, please visit the ETIAS website.
Cancellations received in writing at least 120 days before departure will receive a refund less a $500 per person administrative fee. Cancellations received less than 120 days before the departure date will not receive a refund. If, for any reason, you are unable to complete the trip, Far Horizons will not reimburse any fees. Upon registering for the tour, the purchase of travel protection with both trip cancellation and emergency evacuation is strongly advised. Links to recommended insurance policies will be included in the email you receive confirming receipt of your deposit.
International round-trip flights are not included in the cost of the trip. If Far Horizons must change the trip dates or cancel the trip for any reason, Far Horizons is not responsible for any air ticket you may have purchased. Please send your complete air schedule as soon as you have it. NOTE: Please contact Far Horizons if you would like us to handle your air ticketing. We offer a ticketing service for a small fee.
The private tours of archaeological sites and talks by specialists are scheduled in advance and include a donation to each. Specialists working at these sites are excited about showing their work to interested enthusiasts. However, please be aware that there may be times when the director or a member of the staff may not be on site when our groups arrive due to other commitments.
Far Horizons expects all participants to be physically active and able to walk and climb independently throughout the full touring days. This includes walking over uneven terrain (uphill and downhill) for 2 miles or more at each site. You should expect to be on your feet for much of each day, averaging as much as 5 miles of walking per day. As such, each participant should be able to walk unaided at a pace of 3 miles per hour for at least an hour at a time, and to stand unsupported for at least 60 minutes. Bearing this in mind, we suggest that, if you have not already done so, you begin walking several miles every day, ideally including stairs and hills. If you have questions about your ability to keep up with the group or the strenuous nature of this trip, please contact the Far Horizons staff.
This tour is designed for flexible, energetic people who like to be active, have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. We have designed this trip to be as comfortable as possible while also aiming to visit some remote or unique sites that other companies do not attempt to include in their itineraries. There may be days when we have very long drives, and the conditions of the roads may vary. Hotels and transportation in some remote areas may not be up to Western standards. There may be times when no bellhops are available; please pack with the understanding that you need to be able to handle your own luggage at times. Sometimes, we may be walking over uneven trails for a mile or more; hiking boots are strongly recommended. Not every meal will be haute cuisine, and several lunches may be picnics or box lunches. By maintaining a flexible attitude, we will soon be captivated by the beauty of the natural scenery, the hospitality of the local people, and the fascinating sites we will see. Your flexibility and patience will be appreciated.
Changes in our itinerary, accommodations, and transportation schedules may occur. While we are committed to keeping as close to the published details as possible, sometimes it is simply not possible. Weather events, government affairs, or other factors out of our control sometimes come into play. A good book to read, as well as patience, a flexible attitude, and a sense of humor are essential.