14 Day Peru Mistic Expeditions
Overview
This 14-day adventure takes you on a journey through some of the most spectacular and historic locations in Peru, from the vibrant city of Lima to the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Your journey will take you through bustling cities, sacred archaeological sites, and breathtaking natural landscapes, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the Andes.
Along the way, you’ll explore the Inca capital of Cuzco, visit the iconic Sacsayhuaman ruins, and tour the beautiful Sacred Valley, home to mystical sites like Chinchero, Moray, and Ollantaytambo. Experience a unique blend of ancient traditions with modern-day Peru, including a visit to a local artisan workshop and a farm dedicated to llamas.
The highlight of the tour is, of course, the visit to Machu Picchu, where you’ll experience the lost city of the Incas not once, but twice—during sunset and with an in-depth tour the following day. This immersive tour combines exploration, cultural ceremonies, and the opportunity to rest and relax in the scenic beauty of Peru.
Highlights:
- Pachacamac Ruins: Explore the pre-Inca site of Pachacamac, a sacred temple dedicated to the god Pachacamac, located just outside Lima.
- Nazca Lines: Visit the iconic Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs that continue to intrigue archaeologists and travelers alike.
- Machu Picchu: Discover the wonder of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, with two visits to explore the site at sunrise and sunset.
- Sacsayhuaman: Visit the impressive Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, known for its enormous stone walls and stunning views of Cusco.
- Ollantaytambo: Wander through the charming town of Ollantaytambo and its impressive Inca terraces and ruins.
- Sacred Valley: Explore the Sacred Valley, with visits to Chinchero, Maras, Moray, and the stunning salt mines of Maras.
- Andean Rituals: Participate in ancient Andean rituals, including a cleansing ceremony (Limpia) and a traditional Pachamanca feast prepared from scratch.
- Quillarumiyoc: Experience the mystical site of Quillarumiyoc, an Inca religious center surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.
- Hot Springs: Relax in natural hot springs, an ideal way to unwind after days of exploration.
- Tipon: Explore Tipon’s advanced agricultural terraces and irrigation systems, showcasing the Inca’s engineering genius.
Price per person:
$ – USD- Accommodation: Comfortable 3-4 star hotels throughout the tour. Accommodation will be in central locations for easy access to key attractions.
- Meals: Meals are included as specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). In some locations, you will have the opportunity to try traditional dishes, including a Pachamanca feast.
- Transport: Private transport will be provided for the entire duration of the tour, including buses, trains, and vans for airport transfers, as well as day-to-day exploration. Train journeys, such as those to Aguas Calientes, offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
- Flight Information: Domestic flights from Lima to Cusco are not included in the tour price but can be arranged upon request.
- Health & Safety: The tour involves a considerable amount of walking and some altitude. It is recommended to acclimatize in Cusco and take necessary precautions for altitude sickness. Bring any personal medications with you.
- Weather: The weather can vary depending on the season. It is advisable to bring clothing for both warm and cooler conditions. The dry season (May to October) is generally the best time to travel.
- Additional Costs: Optional activities like the Huayna Picchu hike and the flight over the Nazca Lines are available at an additional cost. These activities should be booked in advance to ensure availability.
At 10:00 AM, we will depart in our private transportation to visit the fascinating pre-Inca site of Pachacamac, one of the most important temples built to honor the god Pachacamac. This archaeological site, located near Lima, played a crucial role during the expansion of the Inca civilization.
Our guided tour of Pachacamac will take approximately 2 hours, during which we will explore its temples, plazas, and ancient roads while learning about its historical and spiritual significance.
At 1:00 PM, we will return to Hotel Costa del Sol, where you will have free time to rest, explore Lima, or prepare for the adventure ahead.
Overnight: Lima
Transport: Private vehicle
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
In the afternoon, we will board our private transport for a scenic journey to Pisco, which takes approximately 4.5 hours. Upon arrival, we will take some time to rest before having a briefing about the next day’s activities.
For the following day, we offer two tour options:
– A visit to the Ballestas Islands, a sanctuary for diverse marine wildlife.
– A tour of Paracas National Park, an alternative for those who may experience sea sickness.
Overnight: Pisco
Transport: Private transport
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
On the way to Nazca, we will pass through several farming areas. In the evening, there is an optional visit to the Nazca Planetarium, where you can learn more about the mysterious Nazca Lines and the region’s fascinating history.
Additionally, you can choose to enjoy an optional adventure activity such as sand-dune buggies and sand-boarding, for a thrilling experience on the desert dunes.
Overnight: Nazca
Transport: Private transport
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
In the late afternoon or evening, we will take our Private transportation back to Lima, a journey that takes approximately 10-11 hours.
For those interested, we offer an optional flight over the Nazca Lines (approx. 110.00 USD, depending on the season), giving you the opportunity to view these ancient geoglyphs from the sky – a truly unforgettable experience.
Overnight: Lima
Transport: private transportation
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Please note that flights to Cuzco are not included in the tour package.
Overnight: Cuzco
Transport: Airport transfer to the hotel; private transport available for meals and hotel pick-up
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, we will take a guided tour of the city, visiting the Cori Cancha (Temple of the Sun), an important Inca religious site, and the Catedral of Cuzco, a grand example of colonial architecture. We will also visit four Inca ruins located around the city: Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
Additionally, we will visit a local artisan factory where you can observe the traditional methods of crafting Andean textiles and other handmade goods. Finally, we will stop at a llama farm, where you can learn about these animals that are so important to Andean culture and agriculture.
In the afternoon, you may have free time to explore more of Cuzco at your leisure.
Overnight: Cuzco
Transport: Private transport
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Next, we visit the salt mines of Maras, an ancient salt-producing center dating back to pre-Inca times. Here, over 3000 salt pools are carved into the mountainside, creating a spectacular sight. We then head to Moray, known for its mysterious concentric circular terraces, which some scholars believe served as an agricultural research center for the Inca.
We will enjoy a delicious lunch in the Sacred Valley, where we’ll savor traditional dishes made with locally grown produce. After lunch, we continue our journey to Ollantaytambo, a historic town that was the site of a major battle between the Incas and the Spanish. After exploring Ollantaytambo, we will head to our hotel in the valley.
The rest of the day will be free for you to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of this famous valley.
Overnight: Sacred Valley
Transport: Private transport
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we will check in at your hotel. Afterward, we’ll take a 30-minute bus ride with CONSETUR up to Machu Picchu. Once at the site, we’ll embark on a 2.5-hour guided tour to explore the ruins and learn about the fascinating history of this ancient Inca city.
After the tour, we return to Aguas Calientes by bus, where you can enjoy lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore the town, visit the thermal baths, the butterfly station, or any of the local museums. The day is yours to relax and enjoy the beauty of Aguas Calientes.
In preparation for tomorrow, you can rest and get ready for your second visit to Machu Picchu the following day.
Overnight: Aguas Calientes
Transport: Private transport to Ollantaytambo; Train ride to Aguas Calientes; 30-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu
Meals: Breakfast
This second visit will allow you to experience more of the magic of Machu Picchu at your own pace, truly understanding its significance and beauty.
Optional Activity: For those who have purchased tickets in advance, you may also have the opportunity to hike Huayna Picchu after the tour. The hike takes approximately 1.5 hours to the summit, where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Machu Picchu complex and the surrounding landscapes. The descent takes about 1 hour. Please note that Huayna Picchu tickets are limited and must be booked in advance, so it’s highly recommended to reserve your spot early. This activity is optional and not included in the package price.
After our time at Machu Picchu, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Afterward, we will check out of the hotel and head to the train station to catch the train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our private transport will be waiting to take us to Cusco, where we will head to our hotel to rest after an incredible day.
Overnight: Cusco
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy this free day to experience Cusco at your own pace, rest, and recharge for the days ahead.
Overnight: Cusco
Meals: Breakfast
After exploring Tipon, we will visit Pikillacta, an ancient Wari site known for its expansive and well-preserved ruins. The Wari civilization predated the Incas and played a key role in shaping the region’s history.
Next, we will head to Andahuaylillas, a charming town famous for its beautiful colonial church, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” due to its stunning frescoes and artwork.
A group ceremony will be held at Tipon to honor the sacredness of the sites before we return to Cusco.
Overnight: Cusco
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
After exploring Raqchi and learning about its history, we will return to Cusco.
Overnight: Cusco
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
As part of the experience, we will participate in a special Ritual of Limpia, a cleansing ceremony led by our Andean priest. This ritual is an ancient practice in Andean culture meant to purify and balance the body, mind, and spirit. It involves the use of sacred herbs and offerings to Pachamama, the Earth Mother, to ask for blessings and protection. The ceremony is a profound connection to the spiritual traditions of the Inca civilization.
For lunch, we will indulge in a traditional Pachamanca, an ancient cooking method in which food is prepared by heating stones in an underground pit. You will be part of the process, from preparing the ingredients to witnessing the cooking technique, culminating in a delicious and authentic meal, showcasing the flavors of the Andean region.
After the tour and ritual, we will return to Cusco.
Overnight: Cusco
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch (Pachamanca)
Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Stay in 3-star hotels or other options based on your preference.
- Train Tickets: Roundtrip train tickets to and from Machu Picchu.
- Bus Tickets: Roundtrip bus tickets to and from Machu Picchu.
- Ground Transportation: Private ground transportation for the entire duration of the tour.
- Guided Tours: Professional guide services for the entire trip, providing insightful explanations at all key attractions.
- Sacred Valley Tourist Ticket: Includes the necessary tourist ticket to visit the Sacred Valley’s major attractions.
- Entrance Fees: All necessary entrance fees to the listed attractions and sites throughout the tour.
- Meals: Breakfast at all hotels included in the tour itinerary.
- Cultural Ceremonies: Participation in traditional Andean ceremonies, including rituals led by an Andean priest.
- Flights: International and domestic flights, including taxes, are not included in the tour price.
- Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is mandatory and not included in the tour cost.
- Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and other service staff are not included and are at your discretion.
- Optional Activities: Optional activities, such as the Huayna Picchu hike or flight over the Nazca Lines, are not included.
- Clothing:
– Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime
– Warm layers for cooler evenings and higher altitudes
– Waterproof jacket or poncho
– Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
– Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
– Swimsuit (for hot springs or hotel pools) - Essential Items:
– Passport and photocopies of your passport
– Personal identification and travel insurance information
– Camera or smartphone with extra memory cards
– Reusable water bottle
– Small backpack or daypack for daily excursions
– Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
– Personal medications and a small first-aid kit - Toiletries & Personal Items:
– Toothbrush, toothpaste, and other personal hygiene products
– Tissues or wet wipes
– Hand sanitizer
– Mosquito repellent (if traveling during rainy season)
– Travel-size laundry detergent for washing clothes in hotel rooms - Optional Items:
– Travel pillow for long bus/train rides
– Insect repellent (for jungle regions or low-altitude areas)
– Extra memory cards for your camera
– Small snacks or energy bars for hikes
Note: Keep in mind that the weather can vary throughout the tour, so be prepared for both warm and cool conditions, especially when visiting high-altitude areas.
Location for: 14 Day Peru Mistic Expeditions
- 1. Is it necessary to book flights from Lima to Cusco in advance?
No, domestic flights from Lima to Cusco are not included in the tour price, but we can assist you in booking flights in advance if needed. - 2. Are there any activities that require additional costs?
Yes, some optional activities such as the Huayna Picchu hike, the flight over the Nazca Lines, and some entrance fees are not included in the tour price. These can be booked separately in advance. - 3. What type of transportation will be used during the tour?
We will provide private transport throughout the entire tour, including buses, trains, and vans. This will ensure comfort and flexibility for all participants. - 4. Is the tour suitable for people who have never been to high altitudes?
While the tour is accessible, it’s important to consider that some locations, like Cusco and Machu Picchu, are at high altitudes. It’s recommended to take time to acclimatize in Cusco before engaging in any strenuous activity. - 5. Will we have free time to explore on our own during the tour?
Yes, there will be free time during the tour for personal exploration, relaxation, and optional activities. You can also explore Aguas Calientes, visit hot springs, or go sightseeing during your leisure time. - 6. Is the Pachamanca lunch included in the tour?
Yes, the Pachamanca lunch, a traditional Andean meal, is included as part of the tour. It’s an unforgettable experience, where you’ll help prepare the meal from start to finish. - 7. Are there any health precautions I should take before the tour?
The tour involves walking at high altitudes. If you have any pre-existing health conditions, particularly related to altitude sickness, it’s advisable to consult with your doctor before the trip. Ensure you bring necessary medications and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.