Adventures in Lima & Peru's Sacred Valley - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Lima, Explore the Peruvian Capital

Welcome to Peru! Your flight lands in the capital city of Lima, a vibrant metropolis and one of Peru's largest cities. Located at the site of a pre-Columbian Indigenous settlement, it was conquered by the Inca Empire in the 15th century and later by the Spanish conquistadors. Today you'll still find echoes of its fascinating history and a diverse mix of cultures, including Amerindian, European, Afro-Peruvian, and Asian influences. Your driver will collect you from the airport and transport you to your hotel. Settle in, then head out to explore. 

Lima's breezy location on the Pacific Ocean makes it a perfect city for exploring on foot. Head downtown to mingle with locals and grab a bite to eat in one of many award-winning restaurants. Or take in views over the ocean from the clifftop paths of El Malecón de Miraflores. This is also home to the eclectic Parque del Amor (Love Park), which includes beautiful mosaic walls, and Huaca Pucllana, a large clay pyramid built around 500 CE, with seven staggered levels. Make your way to the uppermost section for great views of the city.

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle, Parque Kennedy offers a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere. You can stroll through the park and admire the beautiful flowers and trees or sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of the central fountain. This is also a great place to shop for souvenirs, as local vendors set up daily to sell handmade crafts. End the day in the bohemian district of Barranco—a popular oceanside neighborhood for artists, tourists, and locals alike—for a relaxed evening drinking pisco sours, eating ceviche, and sampling Peruvian desserts.

Day 2: Tour Lima's Historic Center & Museo Larco

Get out and explore Lima today on a guided tour. First, you'll head to the historic center and Plaza de Armas, a UNESCO-listed site packed with fascinating Spanish architecture. You'll visit impressive colonial landmarks here, including the Convent of Santo Domingo. Built in the 16th century by the Dominican Order of Friars, it's located near the plaza and is famous for its magnificent Baroque architecture and the underground Catacombs. Other notable sights include the Government Palace, where Lima's president resides, and the colonial mansion of Casa Aliaga—owned by the same family since 1535. 

Next, head to the Museo Larco for a spellbinding introduction to Peru's ancient cultures, which are presented wonderfully and told through intriguing ceramics and artifacts. Located inside a mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid, it's the best place in the city to view ancient gold and silver artifacts and is home to one of South America's best ceramics collections. You'll want to stay for lunch in the museum's café. Continue to chic Miraflores or slightly more party-hardy Barranco for amazing dinner, dancing, and nightlife.

Day 3: Fly to Cusco & the Sacred Valley, Transfer to Urubamba via Llama Sanctuary 

You'll be transferred to the airport this morning to catch your one-hour flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, transfer to the Sacred Valley, about 1.5 hours away. The elevation in the Sacred Valley is, on average, 9,416 ft (2,870 m), and it's full of scenic Andean landscapes and remarkable archaeological sites from the times of the Incas. The valley was important for the Inca Empire as an agricultural, spiritual, and political center.

You'll spend the next four nights in the small town of Urubamba in the center of the valley, but first, you'll stop at the delightful Awanakancha Llama Sanctuary, where you can meet the adorable llamas and alpacas. You'll also get a chance to watch a weaving demonstration using wool obtained from the alpacas. Afterward, browse the shop to select a piece of your own to bring home—each one is a handmade treasure.

Then, your driver will take you to your hotel. Enjoy lunch or dinner on the river banks of the Río Urubamba at Tunupa, the best restaurant in the Sacred Valley. The grounds are beautiful, and it's the perfect place to relax. 

Day 4: Moray & Maras ATV Tour, Lunch at Mountainview

After breakfast this morning, prepare for a day of activity as you're picked up and transferred to Cruzpata, the base from which your ATV/quad bike tour to Moray and Maras begins. Get instructions on using your offroad vehicle before setting off across rolling green farmland for the first of the two major sights on this adventure, Moray. This is an utterly distinctive complex of stone amphitheaters developed by the Inca, with the exact reason for their construction unknown. However, historians believe the Inca built Moray to experiment with crop production in different micro-climates. 

Your tour will continue to the salt mines of Maras, a few miles from Moray. The Inca developed this striking patchwork of stone pools and paths to harvest salt. Having seen Maras, return by quad bike to Cruzpata for your transfer back to the Sacred Valley. Afterward, reward yourself with lunch at the memorable Mountainview, where the local llamas are sure to be a hit as you enjoy a feast and gaze straight out to the Andes. 

Day 7: Sacred Valley Via Ferrata & Zipline, Transfer to Cusco

After a leisurely breakfast with a view of the Andes, transfer from your hotel in Urubamba to Pachar. After a brief safety and equipment talk, the rock climbing begins! Start by climbing 1,312 feet (400 m) up the side of the cliff on a via ferrata—a series of metal steps built into the wall. This system allows even those who have never tried rock climbing to experience the thrill of climbing. Enjoy a box lunch at the top while enjoying the beautiful views of the Sacred Valley. Then, descend into the valley on a series of exhilarating zipline rides.

You'll return to Cusco for the evening, where you can explore at your own pace. History lovers should consider checking out the Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun). First built by the Inca, it became the basis for the construction of the Santo Domingo Convent after the Spanish conquest. Artistic types might want to explore San Blas, an old bohemian quarter famous for its white walls, blue doors, and creative artisan community. Don't forget to pick up some snacks and souvenirs at the legendary Mercado Central de San Pedro.