Waqra Pukara & Machu Picchu
from 2750 USD
PE-008
9Days
From USD2,750
Customize this Trip for Me
Experience a side of Peru unknown to most travelers without skipping the must-see destination of Machu Picchu. On this journey, you will get to make a positive impact in the lives of locals while checking some amazing destinations off your bucket list. Visit the colorful gastronomic scene of Lima and taste some delicious organic coffee supporting local micro farmers. To deepen your understanding of the importance of agriculture in Peru, visit the impressive potato park where you will learn all about the country's 2000 varieties of potatoes. Meet the local communities involved in the project and learn about their traditional way of life, while they prepare you a tasting of a few different potato varieties cooked in a traditional Peruvian earth oven. For those who enjoy off-the-beaten-track destinations, a hike to the breathtaking archaeological site of Waqra Pukara is an absolute must. Share some fruit with the community of Santa Lucia on your way to the trailhead and take in the impressive views of the Apurimac Canyon. Enjoy the serenity and peacefulness from Waqra Pukara, surrounded by nothing but the awe-inspiring landscape of the Andes. Finally, your inspiring adventure to Peru is not complete without discovering Machu Picchu with an expert guide on a private tour.

Highlights

  • Taste some of the culinary highlights in Lima on a gastronomic tour
  • Learn about the impressive variety of Peru's potatoes at the potato park from the communities that guard their preservation
  • Travel with comfort aboard the Vistadome Train to Machu Picchu
  • Explore Machu Picchu your own way with your own private tour guide
  • Witness the must-see hidden gem of the Andes - Waqra Pukara - on a refreshing hike
  • Round off your journey with a gourmet meal at the female-run Somos Ana restaurant in Lima
Welcome to Lima, ‘The City of the Kings’! You will be met at the airport and privately escorted to your hotel.
Stimulate your taste buds with a gastronomic tour exploring Lima´s food, flavors, and colors. You begin in Surquillo market and have the opportunity to learn about Peru’s diversity. You then head into the bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, which features the ‘Bridge of Sighs' as well as the legendary ‘La Ermita’ chapel. You will make a quick stop at Felicia & Domingo, a charming café and artisanal coffee shop supporting the fair trade, where you can enjoy and buy exceptional organic coffees sourced from Peruvian farmers. Next, you will visit the new concept food court in Miraflores, called ‘Mercado 28’, where you can sample the delectable traditional Peruvian seafood dish, ceviche, before enjoying an artisanal ice cream made from the local fruits at ‘Blu’. You will then end your tour at ‘Huaca Pucllana’ – an archaeological site dating back to the 5th century, which is a great adobe and clay pyramid located in the heart of the modern Miraflores district.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Huaca Pucllana. This restaurant is set in the archaeological complex Huaca Pucllana. The main dining room, featuring a mix of rustic colonial and minimalist décor, is a cozy place to dine. Still, the best spot for superb views of the pyramid is surely the covered terrace.

Afternoon at leisure.
At the proper time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cusco.

Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.
Peru has currently more than 2,000 varieties of potato. But it is only in the Andean highlands, where it was domesticated, that a wide variety of species are still cultivated.

Your visit today to the Potato Park, a 30-min drive from Pisaq, will provide you with an insight into the initiative of five communities to protect the potato diversity, the traditional Andean landscapes and indigenous knowledge. Take the chance to see where the villagers, in a joint effort with scientists cultivate almost forgotten varieties of potato in all kinds of shapes and colors. After a short explanation you´ll be invited to taste some of these yourself, freshly prepared in a “Huatia”, a traditional Peruvian earth oven.

Next, you will be taken to Chahuaytire weaving community about 40 minutes away to witness the culinary creativity in the Potato Park by trying a typical lunch in a local restaurant. Before being dropped off at your hotel you make a stop at the community of Sacaca where you will have the chance to purchase various local herbs and teas with excellent curative properties.
This morning you will be picked up and transferred to Ollanta. The train ride takes you through the Sacred Valley of the Incas up to Machu Picchu.

Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes you will enjoy a lunch at Café Inkaterra, one of the restaurants of Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo and the one for visitors not staying at the hotel. The restaurant, located next to the Machu Picchu train station, blends Andean food with contemporary cuisine. Cafe Inkaterra is situated under a traditional Amazonian palm-thatched roof and is decorated with local crafts. The decoration transmits the fusion of the two elements given in this place: Andean, Inca architecture legacy in the cloud forest.

After lunch, you will be greeted by your guide who will assist you onto the shuttle bus to the entrance of the citadel. During your guided tour you will experience the uniqueness of the location and the genius that went into its construction. The duration of your magical trip to one of the seven new wonders of the world will be 2.5 hours, after which you will make your way back out of the citadel with your guide. Return by train to Poroy where you will be picked up and brought to your hotel in Cusco.
Exploring on foot is the best way to experience the magical flair and cultural richness of what was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Your walk begins with the San Pedro market, where you will immerse yourself among the locals and witness their everyday life. You will see beautiful colonial houses on Plazoleta Regocijo and in Café Carbel you will learn the story of a pioneer who collected the finest coffee beans and was one of the first to install a roaster in Cusco, a tradition full of passion that has lasted for over 50 years. Enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee from the region! Time to visit one of the gems at the main square of Cusco, the Jesuit church La Compañia de Jesús, one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in the Americas. The choir balcony on the second floor offers a great view over the Plaza de Armas. Then you walk along Hatunrumiyoc Street named after the 12-angled stone clearly visible in the remaining walls of what used to be Inca Roca’s Palace. You make a last stop in San Blas artisan quarter with its steeped cobblestone alleys and spectacular views of the city.
Journey off the-beaten-path on a hike to Waqra Pukara (horned fortress), a hidden gem of the Andes. The trailhead lies approximately 150 km from Cusco and approximately 350 km from Puno. Many paths lead to Waqra Pukara but our insider tip is to start your hike from the charming village of Santa Lucia. Be welcomed by the friendly locals, share some fruit we brought along with the community and visit their village built with dried mud bricks before starting your hike. The 1-hour trail to Waqra Pukara (2 km or 1,2 miles) is mostly flat with some zig-zags, ending in a short uphill hike to the fascinating archaeological Inca site at 4,140 meters above sea level (13,580 feet). Once at the top, you will be met with breathtaking views and a sense of tranquility. Waqra Pukara was only declared a natural heritage site in 2017 and is therefore still unknown to most tourists. The towering rock is covered in ancient Incan ruins and is surrounded by dramatic cliffs with unparalleled views of the Apurimac River canyon. The canyon around Waqra Pukara is so deep, it is impossible to see the bottom – an impressive sight to any visitor. Experience the true magic and mystique of this bucket list site, originally built as a religious center with astronomical observatories. Before descending, take some time to disconnect and soak in the peaceful silence with breathtaking views as you enjoy your organic packed lunch.

Distance to hike: 4 km or 2,4 miles (round trip)
Walking time: approx. 2 hours (round trip)
Max. altitude: 4,140 m (13582 ft)
Level of difficulty: easy to moderate

IMPORTANT:
A good physical condition, as well as previous acclimatization in a place of at least 3000 m, is required for this hike. We recommend comfortable hiking shoes and, depending on the weather, a waterproof rain jacket or raincoat. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and some light snacks are also recommended.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima

Upon arrival in Lima you will be transferred to your hotel.

This afternoon, your sightseeing tour explores Miraflores and San Isidro, the modern districts of Lima as well as its historic center, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassic movements also reached Peru and a handful of well-preserved buildings offer a glimpse of the blend of past and present that characterizes the capital. One of the best examples included in your tour is the cathedral (16th century) containing the remains of the Spanish conqueror Pizarro. Another stop will be at the Santo Domingo Monastery, where the San Marcos University, the first in South America, was founded in 1551. In addition to its notable Baroque architecture and art pieces the monastery offers a 360 degree city view from its 46-meter bell tower.

Afterward, head to 'Somos Ana' for a delicious meal. Featuring a comfortable patio, this women-run restaurant offers a diverse organic menu and a wide array of unique cocktails all created by women. While celebrating female empowerment, Somos Ana focuses on circular economy in their cuisine, aiming to reduce their waste and reuse where possible. Their cocktails are named after stories of inspirational women, such as Tereshkova, the first woman to ever go to space.
At proper time, you will be transferred to the airport in Lima for your international flight.
Welcome to Lima, ‘The City of the Kings’! You will be met at the airport and privately escorted to your hotel.
Stimulate your taste buds with a gastronomic tour exploring Lima´s food, flavors, and colors. You begin in Surquillo market and have the opportunity to learn about Peru’s diversity. You then head into the bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, which features the ‘Bridge of Sighs' as well as the legendary ‘La Ermita’ chapel. You will make a quick stop at Felicia & Domingo, a charming café and artisanal coffee shop supporting the fair trade, where you can enjoy and buy exceptional organic coffees sourced from Peruvian farmers. Next, you will visit the new concept food court in Miraflores, called ‘Mercado 28’, where you can sample the delectable traditional Peruvian seafood dish, ceviche, before enjoying an artisanal ice cream made from the local fruits at ‘Blu’. You will then end your tour at ‘Huaca Pucllana’ – an archaeological site dating back to the 5th century, which is a great adobe and clay pyramid located in the heart of the modern Miraflores district.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Huaca Pucllana. This restaurant is set in the archaeological complex Huaca Pucllana. The main dining room, featuring a mix of rustic colonial and minimalist décor, is a cozy place to dine. Still, the best spot for superb views of the pyramid is surely the covered terrace.

Afternoon at leisure.
At the proper time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cusco.

Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.
Peru has currently more than 2,000 varieties of potato. But it is only in the Andean highlands, where it was domesticated, that a wide variety of species are still cultivated.

Your visit today to the Potato Park, a 30-min drive from Pisaq, will provide you with an insight into the initiative of five communities to protect the potato diversity, the traditional Andean landscapes and indigenous knowledge. Take the chance to see where the villagers, in a joint effort with scientists cultivate almost forgotten varieties of potato in all kinds of shapes and colors. After a short explanation you´ll be invited to taste some of these yourself, freshly prepared in a “Huatia”, a traditional Peruvian earth oven.

Next, you will be taken to Chahuaytire weaving community about 40 minutes away to witness the culinary creativity in the Potato Park by trying a typical lunch in a local restaurant. Before being dropped off at your hotel you make a stop at the community of Sacaca where you will have the chance to purchase various local herbs and teas with excellent curative properties.
This morning you will be picked up and transferred to Ollanta. The train ride takes you through the Sacred Valley of the Incas up to Machu Picchu.

Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes you will enjoy a lunch at Café Inkaterra, one of the restaurants of Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo and the one for visitors not staying at the hotel. The restaurant, located next to the Machu Picchu train station, blends Andean food with contemporary cuisine. Cafe Inkaterra is situated under a traditional Amazonian palm-thatched roof and is decorated with local crafts. The decoration transmits the fusion of the two elements given in this place: Andean, Inca architecture legacy in the cloud forest.

After lunch, you will be greeted by your guide who will assist you onto the shuttle bus to the entrance of the citadel. During your guided tour you will experience the uniqueness of the location and the genius that went into its construction. The duration of your magical trip to one of the seven new wonders of the world will be 2.5 hours, after which you will make your way back out of the citadel with your guide. Return by train to Poroy where you will be picked up and brought to your hotel in Cusco.
Exploring on foot is the best way to experience the magical flair and cultural richness of what was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Your walk begins with the San Pedro market, where you will immerse yourself among the locals and witness their everyday life. You will see beautiful colonial houses on Plazoleta Regocijo and in Café Carbel you will learn the story of a pioneer who collected the finest coffee beans and was one of the first to install a roaster in Cusco, a tradition full of passion that has lasted for over 50 years. Enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee from the region! Time to visit one of the gems at the main square of Cusco, the Jesuit church La Compañia de Jesús, one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in the Americas. The choir balcony on the second floor offers a great view over the Plaza de Armas. Then you walk along Hatunrumiyoc Street named after the 12-angled stone clearly visible in the remaining walls of what used to be Inca Roca’s Palace. You make a last stop in San Blas artisan quarter with its steeped cobblestone alleys and spectacular views of the city.
Journey off the-beaten-path on a hike to Waqra Pukara (horned fortress), a hidden gem of the Andes. The trailhead lies approximately 150 km from Cusco and approximately 350 km from Puno. Many paths lead to Waqra Pukara but our insider tip is to start your hike from the charming village of Santa Lucia. Be welcomed by the friendly locals, share some fruit we brought along with the community and visit their village built with dried mud bricks before starting your hike. The 1-hour trail to Waqra Pukara (2 km or 1,2 miles) is mostly flat with some zig-zags, ending in a short uphill hike to the fascinating archaeological Inca site at 4,140 meters above sea level (13,580 feet). Once at the top, you will be met with breathtaking views and a sense of tranquility. Waqra Pukara was only declared a natural heritage site in 2017 and is therefore still unknown to most tourists. The towering rock is covered in ancient Incan ruins and is surrounded by dramatic cliffs with unparalleled views of the Apurimac River canyon. The canyon around Waqra Pukara is so deep, it is impossible to see the bottom – an impressive sight to any visitor. Experience the true magic and mystique of this bucket list site, originally built as a religious center with astronomical observatories. Before descending, take some time to disconnect and soak in the peaceful silence with breathtaking views as you enjoy your organic packed lunch.

Distance to hike: 4 km or 2,4 miles (round trip)
Walking time: approx. 2 hours (round trip)
Max. altitude: 4,140 m (13582 ft)
Level of difficulty: easy to moderate

IMPORTANT:
A good physical condition, as well as previous acclimatization in a place of at least 3000 m, is required for this hike. We recommend comfortable hiking shoes and, depending on the weather, a waterproof rain jacket or raincoat. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and some light snacks are also recommended.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima

Upon arrival in Lima you will be transferred to your hotel.

This afternoon, your sightseeing tour explores Miraflores and San Isidro, the modern districts of Lima as well as its historic center, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassic movements also reached Peru and a handful of well-preserved buildings offer a glimpse of the blend of past and present that characterizes the capital. One of the best examples included in your tour is the cathedral (16th century) containing the remains of the Spanish conqueror Pizarro. Another stop will be at the Santo Domingo Monastery, where the San Marcos University, the first in South America, was founded in 1551. In addition to its notable Baroque architecture and art pieces the monastery offers a 360 degree city view from its 46-meter bell tower.

Afterward, head to 'Somos Ana' for a delicious meal. Featuring a comfortable patio, this women-run restaurant offers a diverse organic menu and a wide array of unique cocktails all created by women. While celebrating female empowerment, Somos Ana focuses on circular economy in their cuisine, aiming to reduce their waste and reuse where possible. Their cocktails are named after stories of inspirational women, such as Tereshkova, the first woman to ever go to space.
At proper time, you will be transferred to the airport in Lima for your international flight.

Based on two people sharing TWIN or double room (excluding international & domestic flights)

Alternative 1  USD 2,750 per person
Arawi Prime Miraflores, La Casona de Yucay, Antigua Casona San Blas

Alternative 2  USD 3,770 per person
Villa Barranco, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, La Casona Inkaterra

  • Transfers from/to the airport, bus, or train station
  • Accommodation based on TWIN in the selected hotel category
  • Private services with local English-speaking guides
  • Train ticket Ollanta – Machu Picchu – Poroy in Vistadome Class (Superior Class).
  • Entrance fees to the sites noted in the itinerary (important: the chronological order of visits in the itinerary may change to ensure the best operation)
  • Meals as noted (B: breakfast, BoxedL: boxed lunch, L: lunch, D: dinner)
  • Permanent assistance by our Guest Experience Department
Ceviche taste in Lima
Artisan ice cream in Lima
Waqra Pukara horns
Trail to Waqra Pukara
Potato Park
Tasting - Potato Park
Potato Park
Pumacocha Lagoon - Potato Park
Potato Park
Kimsacocha Lagoon - Potato Park
Potato Park
Machu Picchu
Hatunrumiyoc Street Walking Tour
La Compania Church in Cusco
Ana Cocina de Cambio - Lima
Ana Cocina de Cambio - Lima

Meet our specialists

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