Director’s Pick: Archeological Adventure

Only 12km from Chiclayo is Lambayeque, a lovely colonial town where you will visit the world renowned National Archaeological and Anthropological Museum “Heinrich Brüning”. The museum’s four stories house a collection of gold, silver and copper objects from the several cultures that flourished in the region over the past 4,000 years. After the museum you will visit local colonial houses, the longest balcony in Peru at the Logia House, the San Pedro Cathedral, and the main plaza.

50km to the east of Chiclayo is Batan Grande, nicknamed the “Pantry of Gold.” It served as the religious center and funeral grounds for the Sican culture. In 1937, sensational discoveries were made, such as the decorated Golden Tumis (ceremonial knives) and many other pieces. Many of these ancient Peruvian pieces have attracted international attention. Situated in the Milk River Valley, Batan Grande is located within what is now the Pomac Forest Historical Sanctuary and includes around 30 dispersed pyramids. There is also a small onsite museum. Within the forest is a huge mesquite tree, locally known as the Millennium Tree. Across the Milk River, the Japanese archaeologist Izumi Shimada uncovered two tombs in the Parrot Pyramid filled with numerous gold pieces.

Muña Restaurant in the lovely Sacred Valley provides the venue for this ceramic class. Participants will learn the basics of Peruvian pottery-making and craft a personal piece to take home. A prestigious Peruvian ceramic artist will walk you through the entire process from preparing raw clay to learning traditional painting designs and methods. You will then use the techniques you just learned to create a one of a kind work of art. This two hour class is a great introduction to Peruvian pottery-making techniques and an ideal way to learn about the current and traditional art scenes in Peru.

Included: Ceramic teacher and instruction, all materials, transportation.

Not included: Bottled water, food, tips.

Note that each piece will need to be fired in the kiln and will be ready for delivery in Cusco after two days.

Experience the “Southern Valley” of Cusco with an expert guided tour of Tipon, Piquillajta and Andahuaylillas. At Tipon, you will discover a remarkable and extensive Inca site famous for beautiful gardens irrigated with fresh, cool water that runs through an intricate system of fountains.

Piquillajta, “the City of Fleas,” is an impressive and ancient Wari ruin built in the first century. Here you’ll explore this administrative capital of the southern portion of the Wari Empire which dates back to pre-Inca times.

You will also visit the small village of Andahuaylillas, home to a dazzling 17th-century church, known as the “Andean Sistine Chapel.” Built upon the site of an old Inca temple, the church’s altar is gilded in 24-carat gold leaf and adorned with both Christian and Quechua symbols.

Please note that lunch is not included in this tour. Meal options can be limited in this area of Cusco, so we recommend bringing snacks or a boxed lunch, if you would like to eat during the tour. The tour will end in the early afternoon at your Cusco hotel. The tour will last approximately 4 hours.

Included: Transfer to/from Cusco, expert English-speaking guide and entrace tickets to Tipon, Piquillajta and Andahuaylillas sites.

Not included: Bottled water, food, tips.

*Note: Prices are per person and based on private tour with a minimum of two travelers. For single traveler pricing, please consult with a Travel Advisor.

Enjoy a horseback riding adventure across the Sacred Valley to the Moray agricultural terraces. The tour starts with a pickup from your Cusco hotel and a transfer to the Sacred Valley, about 1-hour from Cusco by car. Here you will start your exploration on horseback.

From the Valley, you will head uphill until you reach K’asa, the highest point on the tour. From here you will be able to take in views of Pitusiray, Chicon and Veronica, the snow-capped peaks that surround the Sacred Valley. You will continue riding across the high plains until you reach Moray, home to circular agricultural terraces and believed to be a horticultural experimentation center. Each terrace level represents a different altitude and climate zone, allowing the Incas to develop crops that could be grown in a variety of locations. You will explore Moray with your guide before preparing to return to Cusco.

The experience will last around 4 hours, with approximately 2 hours of riding time.

Included: Transfers to/from Cusco, English-speaking guide, and entrance tickets to Moray.

Not Included: Bottled water, extra snacks, tips.

*Note: Prices are per person and based on a private tour with two travelers. For single traveler options, please consult with a Travel Advisor.

Experience the incredible landscapes of Cusco and the Sacred Valley from a different perspective – by water! With this unique tour you will explore Lake Piuray, located approximately 45-minutes outside of Cusco, on a Stand Up Paddleboard.

The adventure starts with a pickup from your Cusco hotel and a transfer to the lake. Here you will receive a full safety briefing and instructions on paddleboarding. Once you are out on the water, you will have time to get used to the board and practice different techniques before setting out to explore the lake. Lake Piuray offers a great paddleboarding setting, as there is normally little wind, and no strong currents or waves.

After exploring the lake by paddleboard you will return to dry land for a box lunch and time to enjoy the scenery of the area, before setting off for the return trip to Cusco by car.

The experience lasts approximately 6 hours total, with around 2 hours spent exploring the lake on the Stand Up Paddleboard, following the safety briefing and instruction time.

Included:

• Transfers to/from Cusco
• English-speaking guide
• Safety briefing and training on paddleboard techniques
• Box lunch
• All necessary equipment

Not Included:

• Bottled water
• Extra snacks
• Tips

*Note: Prices are per person and based on a minimum of two travelers. For single travelers or additional pricing options, please consult with a Travel Advisor.

Explore the Sacred Valley by mountain bike. This biking tour will take you to the sites of Maras and Moray as you experience first-hand the incredible landscape of the Cusco region.

The tour starts with a pick up from your Cusco hotel and a transfer to the starting point near the Sacred Valley, located about 1-hour by car from Cusco. From the starting point, you will bike to the Moray archeological site, the oldest known horticultural experimental center in the world. Here each terraced level has a different micro-climate in which different crops can be grown. The circular terraces descend 492 feet (150 meters) and the temperature difference between the upper and lower terraces is up to 59F (15C). You will stop for a break at the Moray site and enjoy a tour with your guide.

Next you will continue biking to the community of Maras, where you will explore the Maras salt mines. Here you will see pre-Inca salineras (salt ponds). Each terraced pond is polygonal in shape; salty water flows from an underground spring into the ponds, and evaporates in the sun. The Maras salt mines are still active today and maintained cooperatively by the Maras community. Here you will tour the site and learn more about how the salt is processed before meeting up with your transfer back to Cusco. The entire experience will last between 6 and 7 hours.

Included: Equipment, bicycle, helmets, gloves, first-aid kit, English-speaking guide, picnic lunch and entrances to Maras and Moray sites.

Not included: Bottled water, extra snacks, tips.

*Note: Pricing is per person and based on a private tour with two travelers. For single traveler pricing or group tour options, please consult with a Travel Advisor.

Raft on the Urubamba River with category 2 currents. This rafting tour is suitable for everyone, with no previous rafting experience required. During the experience you will learn the basics about rafting, as well as have the opportunity to take pictures and take in the stunning landscape. Along the way, your expert guide will provide details about the interesting history of the region.

The tour will take place in the Sacred Valley, located about 1 hour and 30 minutes outside of Cusco by car. You will spend approximately 2 hours on the river, and will be able to see the beautiful Sacred Valley from a different perspective. After the tour, you will have lunch before returning to Cusco by car. The entire experience will last between 5 and 6 hours.

*Note: This tour is only available from late April through early December each year due to weather conditions and water levels on the river.

Included: First-aid kit, bilingual guide service, canoeing kit, life-jackets, oars, waterproof pants, and transportation to and from Sacred Valley.

Not included: Bottled water, additional snacks, tips.

*Note: Prices are per person and based on a private tour with a minimum of two travelers. For single travelers or group tour options, please consult with a Travel Advisor.

If you aren’t afraid of heights and are looking for a unique adrenaline-filled adventure, this Zip Line and Mountain Climbing tour is for you!

You’ll start with a transfer from your Cusco hotel to the Sacred Valley, approximately 2-hours by car. Next, the adventure begins with mountain climbing up the rock formations that make up the hillsides of the Sacred Valley. Here you will use a helmet, harness and permanent cable system to safely climb with your expert guide. During this portion of the tour you will ascend nearly 1,000 feet (300 meters) and enjoy amazing views as you climb.

Once you reach the highest point of the climb, you will start to descend into the valley – this time on a series of zip lines. There are a total of 6 zip lines, each ranging between 300 and 1500 feet (100 to 500 meters) in length. Expert guides and all necessary safety equipment will ensure your security and fun during this adventure.

The entire experience will last between 7 and 8 hours, with approximately 4 hours spent on the Zip line and Mountain Climbing. Please note that this tour can be physically demanding and travelers should be in good physical condition, particularly for the climbing portion of the tour. This is not recommended for travelers who are uncomfortable with or have a fear of heights.

Included: Transfers to/from Cusco, English-speaking guides, a snack and all necessary safety equipment, including a helmet, harness and gloves.

Not included: Bottled water, additional food, tips.

*Note: Prices are per person and based on a group tour. For additional information about private tour options, please consult with your Travel Advisor.

Head off the beaten path to two unique sites located between Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Maras and Moray. The first stop is Moray, which is the oldest inca archaeological site in the world known for itrs horticultural experimental center. Each terraced level has a different micro-climate in which different crops can be grown. The circular terraces descend to 492 feet (150 meters) and the temperature difference between the upper and lower terraces is up to 59F (15C). For those up for a little effort, you can climb down to the lowest level to get a true sense of the magnitude of the site – just be prepared for the hike back up!

Next, Maras is located about 4 km from Moray, and is the site of pre-Inca salineras (salt ponds). Each terraced pond is polygonal in shape; salty water emerges from an underground spring, flows into the ponds, and evaporates with the sun. The Maras salt mines are still active today and maintained cooperatively by the Maras community. The white salt ponds contrast with the green hills and mountains that surround the mines and the views of the Sacred Valley from here are amazing.

The tour starts with a pickup from your Cusco hotel, and the entire experience lasts around 5 hours. You will return to your Cusco hotel by early afternoon.

Included: Transfer to/from Cusco, expert English-speaking guide and entrance tickets to Maras and Moray sites.

Not Included: Bottled water, food, tips.

*Note: Prices are per person and based on a minimum of two travelers in a private tour. For single traveler pricing, please consult with a Travel Advisor.

This horseback riding tour will take you to the beautiful countryside around the city of Cusco. Start the day with a pickup from your hotel and a short 20-minute drive to the starting point in the hills above Cusco.

During your horseback ride you will pass by traditional adobe homes and small Andean villages. You will ride up to Chacan, where you can enjoy a small waterfall and unique rock formations before continuing on to the ruins at the Cusilluchayoc Temple. From here you will visit the Temple of the Moon and an area known as the Zona X. Along the way the beautiful and varied landscape will impress as you catch glimpses of the city of Cusco from above. At the end of the tour, you will meet your vehicle for your transfer back to Cusco.

The entire experience lasts approximately 4 hours, with 2 to 3 hours of riding time.

Included: Transportation to/from Cusco hotel, English-speaking guide, and snack.

Not Included: Bottled water, extra food, tips.

*Note: Prices are based on a private tour with a minimum of two travelers. For single traveler options, please consult with a Travel Advisor.

Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner with both Peruvian and international foods and watch professional Peruvian dancers and musicians perform to traditional Andean music. Dinner is available starting at 7:30 pm and the folk show starts around 8 pm.

Included:

• A Pisco Sour (or non-alcoholic beverage)
• As well as a buffet of appetizers, main dishes, and desserts.
• Vegetarian options are available.

Not Included:

• Other beverages
• Tips
• Transportation to/from restaurant – however, the restaurant is located within walking distance of most hotels in Cusco.

This exclusive tour around the historical center will transport you back in time to Lima’s glorious colonial era, when the city was the administrative seat of Spain’s vast South American empire. You’ll visit two impressive colonial homes, learn about the underground network of tunnels connecting elite properties, see fascinating artworks, and experience the delight of a traditional Pisco Sour.

Enjoy a full traditional Peruvian dinner, along with entertainment and music by some of the country´s best dancers. The romantic rhythms of cajones, guitars, and costumed dancers are not to be missed.

Lima has the most comprehensive collection of museums in the country. On this tour you will visit the Larco Herrera Archaeology Museum and the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History.

Located in the cultural and historical district of Pueblo Libre, the Larco Museum boasts the world’s largest collection of gold and silver from ancient Peru and its famous erotic artifacts collection. These masterpieces of Pre-Columbian art have been showcased around the world.

The largest museum in Peru, the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History, has on display carved stone pieces dating all the way back to the Formative Period of about 1000 B.C. Additionally, the museum includes the most extensive textile collection, from the pre-ceramic period through the Inca Empire, and a grand assortment of ancient Peruvian metals.

With its internationally acclaimed cuisine, Peru is fast becoming a favorite foodie destination. Taste the best Peru has to offer during this 5-hour Lima gastronomic tour and learn how to make some of the country’s classic dishes.

You’ll start with a visit to a traditional Peruvian market where you’ll sample local produce and see how the locals shop. Continue on to one of Lima’s exclusive restaurants where an expert chef will teach you how to prepare the perfect Pisco sour (the national drink of Peru) and ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice). Your tour will conclude with a classic lunch featuring typical Peruvian dishes.

The Historic Center of Lima has been the seat of the Colonial and Republican-era governments since the Spanish foundation of the city in 1535, and for centuries before that, the area was an urban center for various indigenous groups. Until the 1940s it was also the residential area for the country’s most influential families. This lovely section of town is full of historic buildings boasting the architectural charm and grandeur of past eras.

This 2-hour walking tour passes all the important and lesser known official buildings, churches, and houses, with attention paid to the different architectural styles and typical balconies. More than 30 buildings are appreciated in detail, including the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo, the Church of San Agustin, the Church of San Pedro, Casa Osambela, and Casa Riva Agüero.

During the presidencies of Augusto Leguía (1919-1930) and José Manuel Odría (1948-1956), the Historic Center of Lima felt the breath of modernization. Leguía celebrated the first 100 years of independence with the construction of Plaza San Martin, and a true financial center for Lima was erected. Under Odría, the avenues Abancay and Tacna were widened, and ministries moved to contemporary tower blocks.

This 3-hour walking tour begins and ends at Plaza San Martin. You will first explore all the buildings around this lovely square, which formed the center of Peruvian nightlife until the 1970s. Visitors will then walk along the Parque Universitario to busy Avenida Abancay and explore the financial district around the streets Azangaro, Lampa and Ucayali, before turning back through Jiron de la Union to Plaza San Martin.

Around 30 buildings are appreciated in detail, including the head offices of banks and insurance companies and two hotels, Bolivar and Maury. Both of these hotels claim to have invented Peru’s national drink, the delicious Pisco Sour. Lima Walks has been granted exclusive access to the roof of one of the buildings on Plaza San Martin, as well as a visit inside another historic building.

This arts and artists 2-hour walking tour explores the charming historic district of Barranco. Currently, Barranco is one of the districts that has best perserved its unique heritage, and is was and continues to be the favorite area to live and work for many artists and designers.

Barranco started as a sea-side resort in the 19th century, to allow Lima residents an escape from city life in the center of Lima, and continues to retain that unique charm to this day. During the walking tour you will observe typical ranchos decorated in every color combination imaginable, as well as the homes and sculptors, writers, from both the past and the present. Many of these beautiful and historic homes have amazing ocean views. You will also enjoy an exclusive visit to the home of one of the most important contemporary Peruvian sculptors, Victor Delfin.

This half day tour will take you to the impressive archeological site of Pachacamac, located about 30 kilometers south of Lima. After breakfast at your hotel, you will meet your guide for the drive to Pachacamac where you will enjoy a guided tour of the fascinating ruins.

Often referred to as the Machu Picchu of the pre-Colombian coastal civilizations, this incredible site was a hub of culture, pilgrimage and trade for many ancient civilizations of Peru, including the Incas, who all appreciated its central location. Founded in the first century AD, the site boasts remnants from various cultures such as the Huari, the Ichma, and the Inca.

You will be able to see the administrative structures used by these ancient cultures, as well as several pyramids which have been uncovered. The largest one is known as the Temple of Sun and made of adobe bricks. The site also features a cemetery and beautiful multicolored fresco. After the tour, you will have some time to explore the site on your own before your transfer back to your hotel in Lima.

The tour leaves Trujillo on the Pan-American Highway and travels north towards the Chicama Valley, where you will see extensive sugar cane plantations. This is where the majority of Peru’s sugar production takes place, with the two principal factories being Cartavio and Casa Grande. Before arriving to Chocope, you will turn west towards “El Brujo” (the Witch) where there is an archaeological complex formed by 3 pyramids: Cao, Partida, and Prieta. In the Prieta pyramid, the researcher Junnius Bird found evidence of human occupation dating to over 5,000 years ago. In the Cao pyramid, polychromatic paintings have been found on several levels representing prisoners, dancers, fishing scenes, war scenes and depictions of Moche mythology. In 2006, archaeologists found a tattooed mummy dubbed the Lady of Cao and carbon-dated to 450 A.D. The Lady of Cao, thought to have been an important warrior or even an important Moche leader, challenges assumptions that the Moche society was exclusively male-dominant.