Peru is home to some of the most iconic, well-preserved ruins and archeological sites in South America, as well as fascinating museums and a colonial legacy, too. This tour of Peru’s Ancient Past with Atelier goes from one spellbinding site to the next as you visit fortresses, temples, hidden mountain tombs, and discover the myths and legends that surround them along the way.
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Upon arrival at Lima International Airport you’ll be met by an Atelier concierge who will help with your bags, give you a snapshot of life in Lima, and assist with hotel check-in.
Your first full day in Peru’s capital city includes a guided tour of the Colonial Old Town and the peaceful ruins of Huaca Mateo Salado, before admiring the treasure of Lima’s Larco Museum. Later, enjoy dramatic coastal views from upmarket San Isidro and Miraflores Districts.
Day 3 of this tour through Peru’s past takes you to Chachapoyas, a beautiful town in the north known for its cobbled colonial squares and ancient Pre-Inca cliff tombs.
In Chachapoyas you can immerse yourself in history, nature, and both modern and ancient culture aplenty. On day 4, either hike to the gorgeous Gocta Waterfall for a picnic, or visit the Revash Mausoleum and Leimebamba Museum meet the people of Peru’s longtime past. The choice is yours!
What better way to marvel at Chachapoyas than from above? Today starts with a ride on the Luya Cable Car for fantastic panoramas, before exploring the stunning Kuelap archaeological complex, a magnificent hilltop settlement and fort that also throws up spectacular Utcubamba Valley views.
Next on this tour of Peru’s Ancient Past comes Cusco and the Sacred Valley, for some of the most iconic wonders in South America. You’ll fly to Cusco via Lima and check into your boutique hotel on arrival.
The ancient sites and highlights around Cusco are endless, and you’ll witness a mix of both iconic ruins and hidden gems during your time here. Begin with a tour of Tipon, a stunning ruin of ancient water channels and pools in the Southern Valley, before visiting the iconic sites of Qorikancha Temple and the Sacsayhuaman Complex. Finish the day in Downtown Cusco for pretty plazas, 16th-century churches, and plenty of fine dining restaurants.
Time to delve deeper into the Sacred Valley on day 8 of this tour, as you discover the preserved archaeological sites of Pisac, Moray and Ollantaytambo for a real trip back in time. From these marvels of Peru, continue to the town of Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu, courtesy of scenic train journey through the Sacred Valley.
Where else could a tour of Peru’s Ancient Past conclude, but Machu Picchu? Often voted the World’s Top Travel Destination, Machu Picchu has captured the imagination of countless visitors – and easy to see why. You’ll get to enjoy The Lost City on a private guided tour before having free time to explore on your own, taking in those Sacred Valley views all the while. Later, gourmet lunch with views of the Citadel before returning to Cusco by train.
As your trip draws to a close, you may have time for one final walk around Cusco before your onward flight to Lima and home, full of priceless memories of Peru.
Extend your tour by 1 day to include the Valley of Supe and the site of Caral, built over 5,000 years ago and home to the oldest civilization in the Americas.
See more of the Sacred Valley surrounding Machu Picchu by adding the Inca Trail or a lesser-known alternative to your tour.
Take two additional days for a coastal adventure to overflight the Nazca Lines, an ancient wonder of giant carvings in the desert floor only visible from the air.
