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Director's Pick: Archeological Adventure

From $2549 USD / 11 Days
Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lima, Chiclayo & Trujillo
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Director's Pick: Archeological Adventure

From $2549 USD 11 Days

Machu Picchu, Cusco, Lima, Chiclayo & Trujillo

Peru is a treasure-trove of historic and modern monuments. During this custom trip, gain insights about the ancient civilizations and country's modern present.

Designed by Kim MacQuarrey, 4-time Emmy Winner and our Travel Specialist
Overview

Many of Peru’s ancient discoveries – such as the Royal Tombs of Sipán, the Lady of Cao mummy, and World Wonder Machu Picchu – have graced the cover of National Geographic several times. This Director’s Pick journey takes you to all these sites and more.

Designed by Kim MacQuarrey, 4-time Emmy Winner
and our Travel Specialist

Route

Day 1 : Arrival in Lima
Day 2 : Lima City Tour & Larco Museum Tour
Day 3 : Arrival in Trujillo, City Tour & Sun and Moon Temple Tour
Day 4 : Chan Chan Tour & Visit to Huanchaco
Day 5 : Arrival in Chiclayo & Royal Tombs Museum
Day 6 : Valley of the Pyramids & Sipan Huaca Rajada Tour
Day 7 : Arrival in Cusco & Cusco City Tour
Day 8 : Sacred Valley Tour
Day 9 : Machu Picchu Private Tour
Day 10 : Machu Picchu
Day 11 : Departure from Cusco

Our tours are Fully Customizable and leave 365 days a year! Our travel experts are happy to help.

Meet the team

Adam Laughter

I’m a proud North Carolinian who was raised in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains...

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DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS

Machu Picchu
Main square, Cusco
Chan Chan ruins, Trujillo
Sacred Valley landscape
Peruvian woman, Cusco streets

Cusco
Hundreds of years of history are on display in the outdoor museum that is Cusco.

Sacred Valley
The spiritual homeland of the Inca and the setting for spectacular ruins.

Machu Picchu
Shrouded in clouds of mist, is a paramount of Inca architectural ingenuity.

Trujillo
This bustling coastal city beholds fascinating ruins of the ancient Moche and Chimu cultures.

Chiclayo
This friendly city to the north of Peru is the passageway to the Royal Tombs of Sipan .

Cusco Main Square
Machu Picchu surroundings
Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum
Itinerary


  • You will be picked up at the airport by our representative and taken to your confirmed Lima hotel.
  • Have the remainder of the day to rest and start exploring Lima on your own.
  • Today you’ll enjoy a fascinating private Lima City and Museum tour.
  • After breakfast at your hotel, your English-speaking guide will take you to Lima’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will admire the Plaza Mayor (the central square), which is surrounded by five important buildings: the Government Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Municipal Palace, and the Palace of Lima. You’ll then travel a few blocks to the San Francisco Monastery, famous for its catacombs where over 250,000 bones rest.
  • Later you will visit one of Peru’s finest museums, the Larco Museum. Located in the cultural and historical district of Pueblo Libre, the museum boasts the world’s largest collection of gold and silver items from ancient Peru. It also holds a famous collection of erotic artifacts from the Moche civilization, including masterpieces of Pre-Columbian art that have been showcased around the world.
  • After the tour, you’ll return to your hotel in Lima and have the remainder of the day to spend at your leisure. We recommend a stroll through the scenic Parque del Amor (Park of Love) which overlooks Lima's coastline.
  • After breakfast at your hotel, you will meet your transfer to the airport for your flight from Lima to Trujillo.
  • Upon arrival in Trujillo, a Peru For Less representative will meet you at the airport and accompany you to your confirmed Trujillo hotel.
  • Once you have settled in, you will start your Trujillo adventures. First you will tour the main colonial, governmental, and religious sites in this beautiful city. You will see the Muralla de Trujillo or Wall of Trujillo, which was built in the 17th century and protected the city from attacks by pirates, as well as the Plazuela El Recreo, and the Caja de Agua, a water delivery system used in the Colonial period. The tour will also visit the well-known Palacio Iturregui, as well as several other mansions and important buildings. This part of the tour will end with a visit Archeological Museum in Trujillo.
  • In the afternoon, you will tour the incredible Moche Temples of the Sun & Moon, located right outside of the city. First, the Temple of the Sun, which is believed to have been built with more than 100 million adobe bricks and is over 140 feet (45 meters) tall. Next, the Huaca de la Luna or Temple of the Moon, which consists of several adobe structures. Between these two sites lies the buried Moche city, which archeologists are slowly and patiently excavating. Some homes and streets are gradually being revealed, allowing researchers to learn more about this unique culture. You will also visit the new Huacas de Moche Museum.
  • In the late afternoon you will return to your Trujillo hotel and have time to relax and explore at your leisure.
  • This morning your adventures continue with a visit to another remarkable archeological site: the ancient adobe city of Chan Chan. This is the largest adobe city in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was constructed by the Chimu culture around 1,300 AD. The city is spread out across over 10 square miles (18 kilometers).
  • You will see the Huaca El Dragon (the Dragon Temple), also known as the Rainbow Temple. This is a large religious monument surrounded by walls that are nearly 20 feet (6 meters) tall. You will also explore the Chan Chan Museum, learning more about the architectural styles of the Moche and Chimu cultures.
  • Your final visit within the city of Chan Chan is the Palacio Tschudi, one of the best preserved structures in the archeological complex. Here you will see adobe walls decorated with a variety of figures, as well as ceremonial plazas, agricultural storage areas and more.
  • The tour will end with a visit to the nearby beach town of Huanchaco, a fishing village, where you will see the traditional totora (reed) boats used by fishermen to this day.
  • You will return to your hotel for time to rest and relax or continue exploring more of Trujillo at your leisure.
  • After breakfast, meet your private transfer for your trip to Chiclayo. The drive will take approximately 3 hours and upon arrival you will be taken to your Chiclayo hotel for check-in.
  • After settling in, you’ll meet your guide for a private tour of the Museum of the Royal Tombs of Sipán, which exhibits some of the treasures found in the tomb of the Lord of Sipán in 1987. Sipán was a large ceremonial and burial complex built by the Moche culture in approximately 250 AD. The complex is especially valuable thanks to its excellent state of preservation and protection from grave robbers and looters.
  • The impressive three-story museum is shaped like a pyramid and is similar to the tomb where the Lord of Sipán was discovered with his ancient treasures. The Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum is the largest museum dedicated to just one archeological discovery and it also includes the most ample intact collection of gold relics in the Americas.
  • In the late afternoon you’ll return to your Chiclayo hotel and have the evening to relax and explore the city at your leisure.
  • After breakfast at your hotel, you’re Archeological Adventures will continue to Túcume, the Valley of the Pyramids and to the Sipan Huaca Rajada complex.
  • In Túcume, you’ll visit an archeological complex built by the Sican in 1,000 AD. The vast brick pyramids were an important regional center for successive civilizations, and today are considered to be deeply spiritual, even fearsome places among local people. There are a total of 25 pyramids in the area, and you will see the Huaca Las Estacas, Mirador, and Huaca Larga, among others – as well as the on-site museum.
  • At the Huaca Rajada, a fully intact tomb of an elite member of the Moche culture was found. Here you will also visit the on-site museum and learn about on-going archeological excavations.
  • In the evening, stroll around the city and enjoy your last day along the Peruvian coast before heading inland to Cusco.
  • You’ll wake up early for your transfer to the airport and flight from Chiclayo to Cusco via Lima.
  • Upon arrival at the Cusco airport, our representative will meet you for the drive to the historic center. On the way to your hotel, you will see examples of Spanish colonial architecture constructed upon the remains of ancient Inca palaces and temples.
  • After arriving at your hotel, we recommend that you rest for a while to help yourself adjust to the altitude.
  • Your exploration of this remarkable city starts in the early afternoon with a guided tour of Cusco. You will visit Cusco’s most important historical and archeological sites, including the Cusco Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas (the main square) and the Temple of the Sun or Qoricancha, as well as the ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Q’enko.
  • You will return to your Cusco hotel in the late afternoon and can spend the evening at your leisure. Once you have adjusted to the altitude, Cusco has many options for casual and fine dining.
  • Overnight in Cusco.
  • Explore the beautiful Peruvian countryside with a full-day private tour of the magical Sacred Valley. First, you will visit the town of Pisac, famous for its bustling market and beautiful Incan ruins that loom over the city. In the market you will have the opportunity to browse the beautiful handicrafts and Andean garments displayed for sale as well as local fruits, vegetables, and other natural products. While at the Pisac ruins you will be able to see ceremonial and cementery areas, as well as amazing views of Pisac and the surrounding valley from above.
  • Following your visit to Pisac, you will stop for lunch (not included), before continuing to explore the Sacred Valley.
  • The tour also includes a visit to the impressive fortress of Ollantaytambo, one of the few places where the Incas were able to defeat the Spanish in battle. These magnificent ruins provide a great vantage point to look out over the valley. Originally the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti during the Inca Empire, this site later served as a stronghold for Manco Inca Yupanqui in the final resistance effort against the Spanish.
  • Tonight you will stay at a peaceful hotel in the tranquil Sacred Valley of the Incas.
  • After breakfast at your Sacred Valley hotel, you will take a train to Machu Picchu, the hidden Inca citadel. The train ride is an attraction in itself. Much of the path winds along the rushing river and snakes past steep mountain faces, offering passengers dramatic views of the Andes landscape as it descends from high altitude plains to cloud forest. The foliage dramatically changes as the train approaches the meeting point of the Andes and the Amazon rainforest, providing visitors with a real sense of Peru’s diverse geography.
  • Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, the town near Machu Picchu, you will be met at the train station and accompanied to the bus station for a 20-minute ride up to the secluded citadel.
  • Next, meet your expert English-speaking guide for a tour of the most important sites in Machu Picchu, including the Intihuatana (Sun Stone), the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of 3 Windows. You will be able to appreciate the intricate stonework and awe-inspiring setting of this amazing site.
  • In the afternoon, you’ll return by bus to Aguas Calientes to spend the night at your comfortable hotel.
  • Today you can spend the day at your leisure, relaxing at your hotel in Aguas Calientes or returning to Machu Picchu.
  • Your Travel Advisor can provide information about costs for additional entrance tickets to Machu Picchu for today. If you choose to return to the ruins, you can climb up to the Sun Gate, the entrance to Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail; cross the Inca bridge; or just tour this grand site again. If you are up for an adventure, you can choose to hike the majestic Huayna Picchu Mountain that forms the iconic backdrop to Machu Picchu, or challenge yourself with a climb up Machu Picchu Mountain.
  • If you visit the ruins today, you will return to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon for your train back to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be met at the train station and transferred to your Cusco hotel where you can enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
  • After breakfast at your hotel, one of our representatives will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport for your flight to Lima and journey home or on to your next destination.
  • Alternatively, choose one of our other exciting Cusco tours or Sacred Valley activities, or browse our full range of Peru travel destinations to see how you can extend your Peru vacation.


In one word - supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! The trip exceeded expectations in all respects, and I can safely say that this was one of the best trips we have ever had - and not in the least because of the perfection, efficiency and courtesy shown by all your partners and colleagues.

Arun Krishnamoorthy
India
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Pre-Inca structure and wall designs caved into the walls of Chan Chan
Pre-Inca structure and wall designs caved into the walls of Chan Chan
Pre-Inca structure and wall designs caved into the walls of Chan Chan
Pre-Inca structure and wall designs caved into the walls of Chan Chan
Pre-Inca structure and wall designs caved into the walls of Chan Chan
Pre-Inca structure and wall designs caved into the walls of Chan Chan
Pre-Inca structure and wall designs caved into the walls of Chan Chan
Pre-Inca structure and wall designs caved into the walls of Chan Chan
Pre-Inca structure and wall designs caved into the walls of Chan Chan
Pre-Inca structure and wall designs caved into the walls of Chan Chan

Prices per person

Use one of our Preferred Payments methods to get fun travel perks!

Double/Triple Occupancy
3 Star 4 Star 5 Star
$ 2549 $ 2899 $ 3459
Single Occupancy
3 Star 4 Star 5 Star
$ 4039 $ 4719 $ 5879
Meet Our Team.
Adam Laughter
Travel Advisor

I’m a proud North Carolinian who was raised in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains...

Read More About Adam
Our tours are Fully Customizable and leave 365 days a year! Our travel experts are happy to help.

Included:

  • 3 nights in Lima, 1 night in Paracas, 1 night in Arequipa, 1 night in the Colca Canyon, 2 nights in Puno, 3 nights in Cusco, 1 night in the Sacred Valley, 3 nights in the Amazon in Peru hotels based on US standards
  • All tours stated in the itinerary with English-speaking guides
  • Ground transportation and entrance fees
  • Breakfast at all hotels
  • Bus: Lima – Paracas – Lima
  • Flight over Nazca Lines
  • Bus: Puno – Cusco
  • All meals at the Amazon lodge
  • Trains: Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu – Cusco (Vistadome Train for 4-star and 5-star packages / Expedition Train for 3-star packages)
  • Budget tours are designed to offer the best value and comfort possible, and have some variations compared to our 3, 4, and 5-star packages. Speak with your Travel Advisor to learn more about our Budget tours.

Not Included:

  • Airfare (unless otherwise specified)
  • Lunches or dinners (unless otherwise specified)
  • Airport taxes
  • Tips

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Additional Services
Customize this itinerary by adding extra days to any location. Please contact one of our expert travel advisors for pricing.

Additional Services in Cusco/ Sacred Valley
Sacred Valley Ceramic Class

Muña Restaurant in the lovely Sacred Valley provides the venue for this 2-hour 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 process from preparing clay to learning traditional painting methods and techniques so you can make your own unique piece of Andean art.

Price available upon request. Please contact a Travel Advisor.

Tipon, Piquillajta and Andahuaylillas Tour

Experience the “Southern Valley” of Cusco with a 4-hour expert guided tour of Tipon, Piquillajta and Andahuaylillas. At Tipon, you will discover an extensive Inca site famous for beautiful gardens and sophisticated irrigation systems. In Piquillacta you’ll explore this administrative capital of the southern portion of the pre-Inca Wari Empire. Next, meet Andahuaylillas, home to a dazzling 17th-century church, known as the “Andean Sistine Chapel.”

Price available upon request. Please contact a Travel Advisor.

Stand Up Paddleboarding

Experience the incredible landscapes of Cusco and the Sacred Valley from a different perspective – by water! With this unique tour you will paddle Lake Piuray, enjoying the peace and snow capped mountains in the distance. You will have a safety briefing with an expert instructor to get used to the board and practice different techniques before setting out to explore.

Price available upon request. Please contact a Travel Advisor.

Sacred Valley Mountain Biking Tour

This exhilarating 6 hour biking tour will take you to prized sites in the Sacred Valley. From the starting point, you will bike to the Moray archeological site, the oldest known horticultural experimental center in the world. Next, you will continue biking to the community of Maras, where you will explore the vast Maras salt mines that predate the Inca and are active to this day.

Price available upon request. Please contact a Travel Advisor.

Sacred Valley Full Day River Rafting

Raft on the Urubamba River with category 2 currents. This rafting tour is suitable for everyone, with no previous rafting experience required. Before hitting the rapids, you will learn the basics, and then have two hours on the river to paddle and take in the beautiful Andean valley. An expert expert guide will be on board to explain the interesting history of the region.

Price available upon request. Please contact a Travel Advisor.

Ziplining and Mountain Climbing

If you aren’t afraid of heights and crave an adrenaline-filled adventure, this tour is for you. Begin with mountain climbing the rock formations that make up the hillsides of the Sacred Valley. 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. Professional equipment and expert guide throughout.

Price available upon request. Please contact a Travel Advisor.

Maras and Moray Tour

Head 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, known for its circular terraces that served as horticultural experimentation centers. Next, Maras is the site of pre-Inca salineras (salt ponds). The stunning Maras salt mines are still active today and maintained cooperatively by the Maras community.

Price available upon request. Please contact a Travel Advisor.

Dinner and Folk Show in Cusco

Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner with both Peruvian and international foods and watch professional Peruvian dancers and musicians perform to traditional Andean music. The buffet includes appetizers, main dishes and desserts. You can accompany your meal with a complimentary Pisco Sour or non-alcoholic beverage. Dinner is available starting at 7:30 p.m. and the folk show starts around 8 p.m. Vegetarian options available.

Price available upon request. Please contact a Travel Advisor.

Lima Gastronomic Tour

Lima is one of the food capitals of the world. Taste the best of Peru during this 5-hour gastronomic tour. You’ll start with a visit to a traditional Peruvian market, continue on to one of Lima’s exclusive restaurants where an expert chef will teach you how to prepare the perfect Pisco sour and ceviche, and conclude with a classic lunch featuring typical Peruvian dishes.

Price available upon request. Please contact a Travel Advisor.

Lima Colonial Homes & History

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.

Price available upon request. Please contact a Travel Advisor.

Half-Day Museum Tour

On this tour you will visit the Larco Herrera Archaeology Museum and the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History. The Larco Museum boasts the world’s largest collection of gold and silver from ancient Peru and its famous erotic artifacts collection. The largest museum in Peru, the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology and History, has carved stone pieces dating back to 1000 B.C.

Price available upon request. Please contact a Travel Advisor.

Pachacamac Ruins Tours

This half-day tour will take you to the impressive archeological site of Pachacamac. 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. You will be able to see the administrative structures and several pyramids – the largest of which is known as the Temple of Sun.

Price available upon request. Please contact a Travel Advisor.

Additional Services in Lima
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Meet our staff


Since 1998, the Peru for Less team has been composed of a diverse group of expert travelers and professionals hailing from cities across Peru and from countries around the world. Despite our different backgrounds, we share two things in common: a passion for exploring and a belief that responsive and caring customer service is the surest path to creating an excellent and comfortable vacation experience.


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