Epic Ancient Peru
Trip Highlights
- Explore Peru's cosmopolitan capital, Lima
- Learn about ancient temples and ruins around northern Peru
- Spot abundant wildlife in the Ballestas Islands
- Marvel at the beauty of Machu Picchu
- Explore the cultural heritage of Cusco
- Conquer the lengthy but rewarding trek to Choquequirao
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
- Days 1–3 Lima
- Days 3–6 Trujillo and Chiclayo
- Days 6–8 Chachapoyas
- Days 8–9 Lima
- Days 9–12 Paracas and Nazca
- Days 12–14 The Sacred Valley
- Days 14–15 Machu Picchu
- Days 15–17 Cusco
- Days 17–20 Choquequirao
- Days 1–3 Lima
- Days 3–6 Trujillo and Chiclayo
- Days 6–8 Chachapoyas
- Days 8–9 Lima
- Days 9–12 Paracas and Nazca
- Days 12–14 The Sacred Valley
- Days 14–15 Machu Picchu
- Days 15–17 Cusco
- Days 17–20 Choquequirao
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Two nights in Lima
Start your journey with an exploration of Peru’s coastal capital. Gazing out onto the Pacific ocean, Lima’s urban metropolis is a fascinating mix of cultures and atmospheres. Dive into Barranco’s vibrant street art or wander the parks and gardens in Miraflores. Living up to its name as the culinary capital of South America, your time in Lima is sure to be punctuated by exceptional dining and gastronomic experiences.
Where you could stay
Lima
Highlights
- 82 guestrooms
- Observatory Restaurant
- Bar
- Spa
- Rooftop pool
- Gym
- Concierge service
Overview
This luxury hotel in Lima is a great place to relax before or after your visit to Machu Picchu and other destinations in Peru.
The hotel is set on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and adjacent to one of the most exclusive residential areas and commercial districts of Lima. Miraflores Park prides itself in offering outstanding personalised service and a home away from home atmosphere.
With 82 rooms, the amenities include three massage rooms, a rooftop heated pool, state of the art gym and a special observatory restaurant with sea views while dining.
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Lima
Highlights
- 20 spacious, contemporary rooms adorned with art
- Large pieces of artwork can be found throughout the hotel
- Indulge in Peruvian delicacies and international fusion cuisine
- Gaze out across Barranco from the rooftop terrace
- A great central location for more artistic experiences
Overview
Combining intimate, modern hospitality with stylish, historical elegance, Hotel B offers a polished and decidedly local stay for your time in Lima. Located in the city’s bohemian district of Barranco and housed in a historical Belle Époque mansion – once the palatial, ocean-view residence of the Peruvian president Augusto Leguia – this Relais & Châteaux property captures Peru’s past in 21st-century luxury.
The 20 spacious and charming rooms are spread between the historic ‘casona’ and the adjoining modern extension. All feature large pieces of artwork in-fitting with the general arts theme of the hotel. There are more than 250 works of art dotted around the hotel, all Latin American but mainly Peruvian, including a throw on wall in the library that dates back to 500 BC.
The rooms, which range from the cosy ‘Alcoba’ size to the grand ‘Atelier’ rooms, all display chic furnishings and modern amenities, with contemporary style and smart design blended together in a very refreshing and unique way.
For dining, make your way to the 1920s-themed bar. With a focus on Peruvian delicacies, the menu promotes local and seasonal produce. Within the peaceful library you can also enjoy afternoon tea, or perhaps opt for a drink as the sun sets on the rooftop terrace.
With six galleries on the same street as the property, Hotel B is the ideal stay for those who love art, culture and history.
→ Find out moreCaral Pyramids full day tour
Following a four hour journey to Northern Lima, you’ll arrive in Caral, the civilisation responsible for the oldest urban complex (of the same name) in America. The city redefined the history of societies when it was discovered that it is 5,000 years old, as old as China, Egypt, India and Mesopotamia. Discover the huge pyramids, squares, atriums and altars where numerous sacred ceremonies and offerings to deities took place millennia ago.
Ancient discoveries in Trujillo
This area in the north of Peru is home to some of the country’s most important and interesting pre-Columbian archaeological sites. During your stay here you can explore the ruins around the Moche Valley with an expert private guide, including temples, pyramids and tombs. These cultures and empires, separate from those further south in the Andes, truly show the wealth of Peru’s ancient cultures.
Where you could stay
Trujillo and Chiclayo
Overview
The best hotel in the area, the Costa del Sol Trujillo Centro sits on the main square of the city surrounded by impressive colonial architecture. The hotel is set itself in a converted building and has pleasant courtyards and a pool area. Rooms are comfortable and decorated in keeping with the Colonial heritage of the building.
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Huacas del Sol y de la Luna
Trujillo city
Chan Chan
Chan Chan
Huacas del Sol and de la Luna tour
Gain an insight into the history of the Moche river valley, one of northern Peru’s most fascinating rural areas. Archaeologists believe the capital of the Moche kingdom was built here over 2,000 years ago. One of the most impressive cultures of pre-Incan Peru, the Moches are known for their high level of mastery in pottery and decorative iconography of their monuments. The Huacas del Sol y de la Luna (Temples of the Sun and Moon) are beautifully decorated temples symbolising the spiritual center of the Moche culture.
Trujillo city and colonial quarter
Known as the “City of Eternal Spring”, your tour of Trujillo begins at the Plaza de Armas, where you will find the monument of La Libertad, a baroque sculpture built of marble. The cathedral, which dates from 1647, has rococo altars painted in white and gold, and baroque paintings by the Cusco and Quito schools. Among other stops, enjoy a visit to the Urquiaga or Calonge neoclassical mansions, in whose interiors you’ll find the desk of Simon Bolivar.
Chan Chan private tour
Enjoy a comprehensive guided tour of the pre-Colombian archaeological complex of Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in America and also the largest of the Chimu culture, covering an area of around 20 square kilometres. Constructed by the Chimor people around AD 850, this ancient and imperial adobe city, reported to be where 30,000 inhabitants once lived, lasted until the fall of the Incan Empire in AD 1470.
More Inspiration
El Brujo and Cao
Tucume Private Tour
Royal Tombs of Sipan
Royal Tombs of Sipan
El Brujo and Cao Museum
Discover more about the Moche people with a trip to the temples of El Brujo, built between AD 1 and 600. The main temple, Huaca Cao Viejo, houses the famous mummy of the Lady of Cao, the only female Moche governor from this era. This fascinating museum showcases a variety of artefacts from the Moche era, and offers a detailed insight into their lives.
Tucume Private Tour
Your guide will drive you to the famous Túcume archaeological complex, also known as Peru’s ‘Valley of the Pyramids’. With over 200 hectares, this complex is home to twenty-six major pyramids and other monuments, all reflecting ancient Lambayeque’s sophisticated growth system and complex social structure. Your guide will brief you on the history and help bring to life what was once one of Peru’s most impressive cities built over 1000 years ago.
Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum
Visit the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum, one of Latin America’s most modern and impressive archaeological museums. Boasting a collection of amazing Moche artwork found in the tomb of the Lord of Sipan, at the Huaca Rajada site, see silver and gold jewellery, fine weaving, emblems of religious and military power, and great quantities of ceremonial utensils.
Two nights in Chachapoyas
High up in the Andes, Chachapoyas is a laidback retreat regarded as the best base to explore the surrounding archaeological treasures that date back to the ancient Peruvian civilisation of the Chachapoyas, or the ‘Warriors of the Clouds’ as they were once known. Living in high altitude cloud forests, this Andean society built the extensive and fascinating Kuelap fortress and were known for their unique circular architecture, which you can explore with your private guide.
Where you could stay
Chachapoyas
Overview
Whether you’re waking in your room, enjoying breakfast or swimming a lap of the gorgeous pool, you’ll be greeted with a staggering view of the rushing Gocta waterfalls at this simple and cosy retreat.
Found 45 minutes from Chachapoyas, in the little village of Cocachimba, Gocta Lodge is the perfect base for exploring the region’s stunning nature and historically important pre-Incan ruins.
You can then rest your weary limbs after a day of scenic hiking with the comfortable amenities here, from the spectacularly set pool which makes you feel you are swimming off into the falls, the suite’s private whirlpools and room’s personal balconies and hearty Andean dishes served on the dining terrace.
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Revash museum
Leymebamba museum
Kuelap Fortress
Kuelap Fortress
Revash museum private tour and hike
Your guide will collect you on a private transfer to the town of Leymebamba. During the drive you will stop off at the Revash mausoleum and take a four hour hike (round trip) to the archaeological site, a wonderfully colourful structure found on a platform high up on a cliff. The cliff walls in the shelf area are adorned with geometric designs representing animal figures.
Leymebamba museum private tour
Enjoy a visit to the Leymebamba Museum, one of Peru’s most fascinating museums. Take a look at the collection of over 200 Inca-Chachapoyas mummies which are in an excellent state of preservation and the country’s largest collection of Kipus. You will then be privately driven back to your hotel.
Kuelap Fortress private tour
A two-hour drive will bring you to Kuelap Fortress, a striking building which sits on a cliff edge. Surrounded by an impressive wall almost 2,000 feet long, this archaeological research point may have been a significant religious centre dedicated to the Chachapoyas gods. Kuelap’s gates or main entrances are built as narrow walled passageways that continue to narrow as they reach upwards into the fortress, so the complex would remain restricted. Enjoy lunch in the small town of María before returning to your hotel.
A stopover in Lima
Enjoy a stopover in Lima on your way to your next destination, using this time to relax along the seafront, or visit anything you may have missed during your initial stay.
Where you could stay
Lima
Highlights
- 82 guestrooms
- Observatory Restaurant
- Bar
- Spa
- Rooftop pool
- Gym
- Concierge service
Overview
This luxury hotel in Lima is a great place to relax before or after your visit to Machu Picchu and other destinations in Peru.
The hotel is set on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and adjacent to one of the most exclusive residential areas and commercial districts of Lima. Miraflores Park prides itself in offering outstanding personalised service and a home away from home atmosphere.
With 82 rooms, the amenities include three massage rooms, a rooftop heated pool, state of the art gym and a special observatory restaurant with sea views while dining.
→ Find out more
Lima
Highlights
- 20 spacious, contemporary rooms adorned with art
- Large pieces of artwork can be found throughout the hotel
- Indulge in Peruvian delicacies and international fusion cuisine
- Gaze out across Barranco from the rooftop terrace
- A great central location for more artistic experiences
Overview
Combining intimate, modern hospitality with stylish, historical elegance, Hotel B offers a polished and decidedly local stay for your time in Lima. Located in the city’s bohemian district of Barranco and housed in a historical Belle Époque mansion – once the palatial, ocean-view residence of the Peruvian president Augusto Leguia – this Relais & Châteaux property captures Peru’s past in 21st-century luxury.
The 20 spacious and charming rooms are spread between the historic ‘casona’ and the adjoining modern extension. All feature large pieces of artwork in-fitting with the general arts theme of the hotel. There are more than 250 works of art dotted around the hotel, all Latin American but mainly Peruvian, including a throw on wall in the library that dates back to 500 BC.
The rooms, which range from the cosy ‘Alcoba’ size to the grand ‘Atelier’ rooms, all display chic furnishings and modern amenities, with contemporary style and smart design blended together in a very refreshing and unique way.
For dining, make your way to the 1920s-themed bar. With a focus on Peruvian delicacies, the menu promotes local and seasonal produce. Within the peaceful library you can also enjoy afternoon tea, or perhaps opt for a drink as the sun sets on the rooftop terrace.
With six galleries on the same street as the property, Hotel B is the ideal stay for those who love art, culture and history.
→ Find out moreNature and history in Paracas and Nazca
Enjoy exploring this fascinating stretch of coastline to the south of Lima. The Nazca lines are one of the most beguiling mysteries left by the ancient civilisations of Peru, while the Ballestas islands are Peru’s answer to the Galápagos, a protected area rich with bird and marine life.
Where you could stay
Paracas and Nazca
Highlights
- Unwind in elegantly designed rooms and suites, each boasting a private terrace with breathtaking views of the sea or lush gardens
- Explore Paracas National Reserve, located directly across the hotel
- Enjoy access to a private dock, ideal for leisurely boat trips
- Experience rejuvenating treatments at the AQUA spa
- Young guests can enjoy a range of creative and engaging activities at their Koni Camp
Overview
Located three hours south of Lima, Hotel Paracas is a serene haven on the Peruvian coast. Overlooking Paracas National Reserve and set along the shores of Raspon Beach, the resort offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty and adventure. The resort’s 120 rooms and suites reflect a perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. Each accommodation features a private terrace, offering stunning views of the sea or the enchanting gardens.
Nature lovers and adventurers will find boundless opportunities to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Paracas. Paracas National Reserve is an extension of the Atacama Desert, offering dramatic sand dunes and breathtaking sunsets. Set off on thrilling excursions such as sand biking, dune driving and serene walks through this otherworldly environment. For those drawn to the sea, kayaking, catamaran sailing and windsurfing are among the water-based experiences that capture the vibrancy of Paracas.
The resort’s culinary offerings combine local traditions with international flair. For a casual yet exquisite experience, Chalana Restaurant serves sustainably sourced seafood directly from local fishermen in a picturesque waterfront setting. Unwind at Zarcillo Bar, where expertly crafted cocktails are served in a cosy ambiance, or at the Bar Lounge, which offers sweeping views of the pool and ocean.
Wellness is a central focus at Hotel Paracas, embodied by their AQUA Spa, an oasis of relaxation inspired by the natural beauty of Paracas National Reserve. The spa’s design seamlessly blends elements of the surrounding environment, while its treatments feature natural ingredients sourced from the local region. For young guests, their Koni Camp Program offers a variety of engaging and exciting activities.
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Ballestas Islands
Nazca Lines
Private tour of the Ballestas Islands
Start your tour toward the Paracas pier and sail to the Ballestas Islands. Peru’s answer to the Galápagos, these rocky islands are an important sanctuary for a variety of marine wildlife, including seals and sea lions, blue footed boobies, and Humboldt penguins.
Light aircraft flight over the Nazca Lines
The famous Nazca Lines are confounding geoglyphs left by the Nazca culture between 300BC-700AD. More than seventy giant animal and plant figures are etched into the sand of the pampas, some reaching 1,000 feet in dimension, however not a lot is known about their origin. The best way to see the Nazca Lines is from light aircraft – try to decipher the mystery yourself as you soar above these giant carvings.
The secrets of the Sacred Valley
Northwest of Cusco, the Sacred Valley is one of the most historically important parts of Peru. It was one of the bases of Inca civilisation, as the river that winds its way through was believed to be aligned with the cosmos. Several of the Inca’s finest works were built in this region, and you’ll spend the next few days unlocking their secrets on private guided tours and visits.
Where you could stay
Sacred Valley
Highlights
- 43 casitas
- Relais & Chateaux Restaurant
- Adjoining ranch and stables
- Birdwatching
- Cooking classes
- Andean weaving
- Pottery workshops
- Mountain bike tours and trekking
- Visits to sites around the Sacred Valley
- Kayaking
Overview
Set among beautiful gardens in the magnificent location of the Sacred Valley, Sol y Luna is a charming and comfortable hotel with wonderfully relaxing amenities. Your bungalow, or ‘casita’, is designed with Andean touches and stylish interiors and boasts gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape. Spend your days exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas where you can partake in exciting activities such as horse riding, bird watching and para-gliding.
Back at Sol y Luna the indulgent spa, sauna and pool is a peaceful place for you to unwind, while the dining consists of a number of Relais & Chateaux member restaurants: Killa Wasi, where Peruvian and European cuisine is served and Wayra, a separate restaurant set in the hotel’s Wayra ranch where Andean cuisine pays homage to the wealth of natural ingredients cultivated in the Sacred Valley since the time of the Incas. There is also a bar, Chicha Wasi, where you can enjoy authentic pisco sours.
The hotel is also recognised for its community initiatives, particularly in education. After 10 years of working with different schools and programs, Sol y Luna opened the Sol y Luna Intercultural School, providing educational services to a number of local students. The hotel recently started another initiative, Sol y Luna Home, which provides a safe home for children without a family or who are victims of violence.
→ Find out moreSacred Valley
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in Peruvian tradition with the rustic village styling
- Scenic natural location close by the Urubamba river and Ollantaytambo fortress
- Boutique size, with just 23 rooms, suites and villas
- Onsite spa offers relaxing treatments and natural, locally-sourced products
- Experience a traditional Pachamanca dinner at the restaurant
Overview
Without a doubt one of the most uniquely luxurious places to stay in the Scared Valley, Rio Sagrado is built to resemble a rural Peruvian village, placing it, and you, in perfect harmony with its natural surroundings and nearby historic monuments. Set in a scenic spot by the Urubamba river, the hotel is close to the Incan fortress of Ollantaytambo, and is at a comfortable altitude for acclimatising on your way to Cusco.
The 23 rooms, suites and villas feature wooden interiors and locally woven furnishings, creating a traditional Andean aesthetic for a truly immersive experience that doesn’t compromise on luxury. The serenity of the surrounding trees creates a gentle atmosphere that promotes wellbeing and reflection, aided by locally sourced natural products and treatments in the onsite Mayu Willka spa.
The exquisite restaurant, El Huerto, serves traditional Andean cuisine, with ingredients plucked fresh from the hotel garden wherever possible. Dine in the garden, where the bubbling of the nearby river creates an experience for all the senses, or try a traditional Pachamanca lunch, cooked over hot stones in a hole in the ground.
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Ollantaytambo
Maras and Moray
Ollantaytambo
Visit the Inca fortress town of Ollantaytambo. The site was built just as the Spaniards arrived and is one of the most important vestiges of how the Incas inhabited and functioned in their cities, making it a fascinating place to explore. The fortress at the top of the hill is particularly interesting to investigate for the techniques the Incas used in its construction.
Maras and Moray
Your guide will bring you to the fascinating (and beautiful) sites of Maras and Moray. Maras is an open system of terraces that has been used for centuries to harvest salt from a stream of mineral rich water that comes from within the mountain. Moray is an ancient system of Inca terraces which were used to acclimatise new plants to the high altitude environment.
Machu Picchu
One of the most famous historical cities, not just in Peru but perhaps in the whole world, no trip to Peru would be complete without a visit to this lost civilisation. Built atop a mountain ridge, 2,400 metres above sea level, you’ll have the chance to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site at your leisure.
Where you could stay
Machu Picchu
Overview
An excellent option in the Machu Picchu area, the Sumaq is located outside of the town of Aguas Calientes on a stretch of the Urubamba river.
60 rooms and suites are decorated to a clean modern finish with flourishes and details inspired by the Inca citadel, with views of the river and mountains.
One of the real highlights here is the restaurant, by our reckoning one of the best in the Machu Picchu area.
Aside from visiting the famous citadel above, you can partake in Peruvian cooking classes, witness traditional ceremonies and shamanic rituals, and head out on hikes through the lush valley in search of unique species of flora and fauna.
→ Find out moreMachu Picchu
Highlights
- Restaurant, bar & cafe
- Visit the Machu Picchu Citadel
- Nature walks
- Tea plantation
- Bird watching
- Hiking
Overview
The hotel consists of several whitewashed cottages in an Andean village located in the heart of Aguas Calientes, part of the historical Machu Picchu attraction.
Tea time and evening nature shows are offered each day, and the hotel has a spa and yoga facility. The spacious rooms all have a fireplace and thick, handmade alpaca wool blankets cover each bed making it a perfect place for simple relaxing before and after your Machu Picchu excursion.
Inkaterra is a leader in ecotourism and sustainable development in Peru. They have a commitment to research, and sharing knowledge about biodiversity and culture with the world through authentic travel experiences. Because of this, they have been granted the First International Certificate in Sustainable Tourism given by Control Union Green Choice and the Sustainable Tourism Standard Conservation Award. They are also Rainforest Alliance verified and there is no single-use plastic at the property. It does not stop there, as of 2021 Inkaterra has been acknowledged by the United Nations as the World’s First Climate-Positive Hotel Brand
→ Find out moreThe impact of your stay:
- Recognised as the world’s first Climate Positive hotel brand by Green Initiative, endorsed by the United Nations, Inkaterra collaborated with AJE Group, Machu Picchu Town Hall, and the National Park Service to make Machu Picchu the first carbon-neutral international destination. This commitment aims to cut carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, aligning with the United Nations Paris Agreement goals.
- Funded by tourism, the hotel actively restores a 4-hectare area damaged by livestock, nurturing native flora and encouraging the return of fauna. Partnering with Cornell University, the hotel monitors bird inventories, recording 294 species, including the Andean cock-of-the-rock, Andean motmot, Golden-headed quetzal, and 18 hummingbird species. Additionally, they’ve identified 372 orchid species, discovering 26 new orchid species previously unknown to science.
- Through their non-profit Inkaterra Association, the hotel conducts practical conservation workshops for school children. These engaging sessions, blending knowledge with fun through games, exhibitions, crafts, and experiments, serve as a crucial tool to raise environmental awareness among children. The aim is to foster their role as environmental ambassadors within their homes.
Machu Picchu
Highlights
- 31 rooms
- Two restaurants & afternoon tea
- Massage
- Privately guided tours of Machu Picchu
Overview
The only accommodation located inside of Machu Picchu, The Sanctuary Lodge offers stunning views from many of the rooms and the hotel is within walking distance of the Incan ruins. The gorgeous garden is a wonderful place to have breakfast or a cocktail in the evening while relishing in the peace of the surroundings. Given the location, space is at an economy so the standard rooms are not overly spacious. However, this is a small price to pay for such a stunning location. All meals are included in the cost.
→ Find out moreTrain to Machu Picchu
Take in the spellbinding scenery on one of the world’s most iconic train journeys. While the Inca Trail is one way to reach Machu Picchu, this is how to do it in style. Board the Hiram Bingham train or the Vistadome and settle into your luxurious carriage, gazing out at the increasingly beautiful views that lead to your once-in-a-lifetime destination.
Locomotive luxury
Luxury train journeys in Peru
Highlights
- Dining and bar car
- Observation car
- Multiple carriages to relax
- Brunch and dinner served
- Relax and be transported
Overview
Named after the first American to discover the Incan hilltop citadel in 1911 and owned by Orient Express, the Hiram Bingham is a world-class luxury train. Travellers on the train are driven to Poroy station just outside Cusco to board the exclusive blue and gold painted carriages and for just over three hours you are resplendently transported to Aguacalientes, the town beneath the ruins.
Aboard, the 1920s Pullman carriages reflect the opulence of the locomotive era bedecked in polished brass, wood panels and rich, comfy seating. There is also a period observation car at the rear.
Brunch on the outward journey and dinner on your return are included. These are taken in the elegant dining car replete with white-linen tablecloths, clinking crystal, and you are looked after by the smartest team of waiters. Whilst feasting on fine Peruvian cuisine the steamy forest scenery unfolds right in front of you and there’s a great bar car that often has live music on the return leg, or you can just simply relax into a snug armchair in one of the carriages.
Escorted to the Lost City of the Incas there is a small-group guided tour included, but for those who would like a more exclusive visit we can easily arrange a private one for you.
→ Find out moreLuxury train journeys in Peru
Highlights
- Sit back and take in the views
- Toilet facilities
- Comfortable leather seats
- Snack service
Overview
The Vistadome train takes you to the magnificent ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu in superb modern comfort.
As per its name, the train has wide glass windows built into the roof and sides of the carriages so you really do get to see the rich Peruvian countryside rushing by. Large leather seats, air conditioning, heating, and good service reflects all the contemporary efficiency and standards of Peru Rail too.
If you’re looking immerse in the surroundings this is a unique way to connect with the scenery en-route to Machu Picchu.
Traditional snack food is provided on board made using local ingredients for an experience of the Andean cuisine. On the return trip you can also watch live traditional dance performances, inspired from the ancient cultures of this region.
→ Find out morePrivate tour of Machu Picchu
Your private guide will take you on a comprehensive tour of the Machu Picchu citadel, bringing it to life by detailing the history, significance and myths surrounding it as well as taking you to the hidden corners and the best viewpoints. After your tour, you’ll descend to Aguas Calientes for a delicious lunch at the rustically elegant Inkaterra hotel, before an afternoon at leisure. You can explore the areas around Machu Picchu or carry on exploring the ruins.
Three days in Cusco
Enjoy this beautiful city and UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll have our list of recommendations as well as private guides on hand to enjoy the best of the former Incan capital. Explore its colourful alleyways and decorative squares, discovering the indigenous Andean culture that characterises the city.
Where you could stay
Cusco
Highlights
- Prime location just steps away from Plaza de las Nazarenas’ streets
- Wake up to stunning views of the Andes
- Rejuvenate with bespoke treatments in the Yacu Therapy Room
- Savour Inkaterra’s internationally acclaimed organic black tea during a tea ceremony
Overview
Inkaterra La Casona, Cusco‘s first five-star boutique hotel, is an exquisite fusion of history and culture. Tucked into the storied Plaza de las Nazarenas, this 16th-century manor house is framed by cobblestone streets and breathtaking Andean scenery. Once the training grounds for an elite Inca army, the property has been meticulously restored to preserve its original architecture whilst offering modern sophistication. Step through its grand entrance into a central patio surrounded by 11 suites. Ancient Andean textiles and original murals evoke the rich cultural heritage of the region, whilst modern amenities provide serene comfort.
At the heart of Inkaterra La Casona lies the Yacu Therapy Room, a tranquil retreat where rejuvenating treatments blend ancient traditions with locally sourced spa products. Here, the harmony of mind and body is nurtured in a serene setting.
The culinary journey at Inkaterra La Casona is equally enchanting. In the intimate dining room, the authentic flavours of Peruvian cuisine are elevated by fresh ingredients from the Andean region. Guests are also invited to a distinctive Tea Time experience, where Inkaterra’s award-winning organic black tea takes centre stage, offering a moment of pure indulgence.
Venture beyond the manor’s historic stone walls to explore the cultural tapestry of Cusco and wander the city streets, where echoes of centuries-old traditions mingle with the lively spirit of the city.
→ Find out moreCusco
Highlights
- Ideal location just a stone’s throw from the Plaza de Armas and key landmarks
- Steeped in interesting features and historic character
- Oxygen enriched rooms for easy acclimatisation
- Two restaurants serving locally sourced ingredients and traditional cuisine
- Experience a delicious dinner accompanied by an operatic performance
- Journey through time with a guided tour of the hotel’s art collection
Overview
A boutique hotel in Cusco, Hotel Monasterio is a beautifully restored monastery in the heart of town just steps away from the Plaza de Armas, finest restaurants, best museums and Incan ruins. Cusco’s most famous and prestigious hotel, it’s built around Incan foundations and adorned with antique Spanish design. It’s an important historical landmark and is protected by the National Institute of Culture.
It embodies the signature opulence you’d expect from Belmond, while still retaining the spiritual energy and sense of peace that would have characterised its monastic past. The haunting sounds of woodwind instruments echo down the gilded corridors as skilled weavers coax colourful threads into traditional cloth in the courtyard. The 126 unique rooms offer a blend of elegance and comfort, ranging from cosy quarters to expansive suites. The hotel also goes the extra mile in terms of guests’ comfort with the provision of some oxygen enriched bedrooms to help acclimatise to the high altitude.
There are two restaurants – OQRE in the cloisters, which opens out over the leafy courtyard, where you’ll find delicious breakfasts and light lunches and brunches, and El Tupay which serves fine international cuisine created from local ingredients, often accompanied by opera. The relaxed lobby bar is the place to sip pisco sours after a day exploring.
→ Find out moreCusco
Highlights
- 55 oxygen-enriched suites with Cusquenian art and furniture
- Cloistered gardens with tranquil fountains and pretty patios
- A restaurant with a menu of signature dishes and Peruvian flavours
Overview
Palacio Nazarenas, a meticulously restored palace and convent, offers a harmonious blend of modern luxury and Cusco’s rich history. This exclusive boutique in Cusco is an urban sanctuary which features just 55 suites, each enriched with oxygen and equipped with a private bar stocked with fresh, locally sourced ingredients for crafting personalised drinks.
The charm of Palacio Nazarenas is revealed in its exquisite details. Once a nunnery, the property showcases floral accents and Cusquenian hand-crafted artistry throughout. The hotel also boasts an outdoor heated pool, nestled amidst cloistered gardens, Incan stone walls, tranquil fountains, and picturesque patios.
Experience the flavors of the Andes at Mauka, the vibrant restaurant led by renowned chef Pía León, celebrated as one of Peru’s brightest culinary talents. Her innovative approach highlights the local biodiversity of Cusco while honoring the cultural heritage of the Peruvian Andes. Mauka’s menu reintegrates ancestral crops, seeds and traditions into gourmet dining, offering a captivating journey through Peru’s historic ecosystems. In a relaxed yet refined setting, savor signature dishes crafted with care, creativity, and irresistible flavours.
The hotel is located within easy distance of city highlights like Plaza de Armas and Sacsayhuamán, and is ideally situated for exploring Cusco.
→ Find out moreTour of Cusco and nearby ruins
Your local expert guide will collect you from your hotel for a tour of the city, starting out at the Santo Domingo convent monastery. This former colonial monastery was previously the Coricancha Temple. One of the most important temples devoted to the worship of the sun, it was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. After touring the most interesting city sites, drive to the countryside to visit some of the remarkable Inca ruins such as Sacsayhuaman, the temple and amphitheatre of Kenko, and the Red Fortress of Puca Pucara.
Four days of Choquequirao trekking
Meaning ‘Cradle of Gold’ in Quechuan, Choquequirao is considered to be Machu Picchu’s lesser known sister, hidden in the spurs of the Salkantay Mountain Ridge. Reached only by a 20-mile hike, the site sits at 3,050 metres above sea level and was discovered in the early 18th century but excavation did not begin until the 1970s, meaning there is still much more to discover. Its remoteness means you have a good chance of sharing the site with just the resident Andean Condors and the expert guides and chef who’ll accompany your journey.
Your Choquequirao trek
Day One
Day Two
Day Three
Day Four
Day Three
Day Four
Day One
You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco in the early morning and taken to the Cachora town, the starting point of the trek to Choquequirao. After enjoying lunch at a local house, start hiking amidst the wild flora until you reach Chiquisca, the location of your camp. Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea followed by dinner.
Day Two
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at daybreak before starting the hike to Marampata. After lunch you will start the last section of the route to Choquequirao through a subtropical jungle road, where wildlife includes condors, taruca deer, vizcacha rodents, foxes, skunks, pumas, hummingbirds, bears and the Andean cock-of-the-rock, Peru’s national bird. You will arrive late afternoon and watch the sunset at the citadel.
Day Three
After breakfast you will explore the citadel on a guided tour. It is believed that Choquequirao was the last refuge of the Incas after the Spaniards conquered Cusco and the neighboring towns between 1532 and 1533. Located on the foothill of the snow-capped Salkantay mountain, in the La Convención province, the Choquequirao urban complex was built among huge mountains and it is considered Machu Picchu’s ‘sacred sister’, due to their structural similarities.
The complex houses numerous administrative and religious buildings, a ceremonial platform, warehouses, agricultural terraces, squares and houses, and some scholars believe it is a huge unfinished project.
Day Four
Wake up early and start the trek to Cachora town, where you will enjoy lunch before transferring to Cusco to begin your journey back home via Lima.
The moment we contacted Jacada and talked with the representative I knew this company was differential. We took time to work through the agenda, accommodations and expectations. Before the trip we were contacted about making dinner reservations as well as going over the itinerary to make sure we were all set. We were also given ideas on books to read…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised Design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic Experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.