Peru: Best of Ancient Kingdoms (EA100)

Lima – Chiclayo – Trujillo – Cusco – Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu

Duration

9 Days / 8 Nights

Tour Details

Starting in Lima, this journey explores the archaeological wonders of Peru’s ancient Moche, Sicán and Chimú civilizations before continuing to the heart of the Inca Empire in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Highlights include the Lord of Sipán, Lady of Cao, Chan Chan, Huaca de la Luna, traditional Andean textile experiences and some of Peru’s most important cultural treasures.

Included / Not Included

Cost Includes

Airport transfers
Professional guides
All excursions described in the itinerary
Expedition train to Machu Picchu
Entrance fees
Accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels
Breakfasts
Lunches
Dinners as specified
Transportation during excursions

Cost Does Not Include

Flights Lima - Chiclayo
Flights Trujillo - Lima - Cusco
Flights Cusco - Lima
Airport taxes
Travel insurance
Meals not mentioned
Tips
Personal expenses

Trip Information

Season

Available throughout the year

Destination

Northern Peru and Cusco Region

Experience

Ancient Kingdoms, Archaeology and Inca Heritage

Cultures

Moche, Sicán, Chimú and Inca

Itinerary

Expand All

Lima

Arrival at Jorge Chávez International Airport, welcome and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, enjoy Lima’s renowned cuisine with dinner and a cultural dance show. (D)

Huaca Rajada (Sipán)

Flight to Chiclayo and visit Huaca Rajada (Sipán), site of the landmark 1987 discovery of elite Moche tombs (c. 400–750 AD). Drive through the Reque Valley to explore the site museum, showcasing Moche mastery in pottery, jewelry, and goldwork (~1,500 years ago).

Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum

Return to Chiclayo for a northern-style lunch, then visit the Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum.

Túcume

Continue to Túcume to see large adobe pyramids from the Sicán/Lambayeque period (c. 900–1350 AD) and enjoy panoramic views before returning to Chiclayo for overnight. (B, L)

El Brujo Archaeological Complex

Travel along the Pan-American Highway with coastal views. Visit the El Brujo Archaeological Complex (Moche c. 100–700 AD; later Wari c. 600–1000 AD and Inca c. 1400–1532), including the tomb of the Lady of Cao, a richly adorned Moche ruler with preserved tattoos. Explore the on-site museum.

Trujillo

Continue to Trujillo with lunch en route and transfer to the hotel. (B, L)

Huaca de la Luna

Morning visit to Huaca de la Luna (Temple of the Moon), a Moche pyramid (c. 100–750 AD) decorated with murals of the god Ai-Paec. Continue to the Huacas de Moche Museum.

Huanchaco

Visit the coastal town of Huanchaco to enjoy seafood and see traditional caballitos de totora boats.

Chan Chan

In the afternoon, explore Chan Chan, the Chimú capital (c. 900–1470 AD), the largest adobe city in the world, including the Tschudi palace with its courtyards, friezes, and ceremonial spaces. Return to the hotel. (B, L)

Trujillo - Lima - Cusco

Flight to Cusco via Lima. Arrival and transfer to the hotel with coca tea for acclimatization (3,400 m; Inca capital c. 13th–16th century).

Qoricancha

Afternoon visit to Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun (Inca period c. 1400–1533), later overbuilt by the Santo Domingo convent in the 16th century. If time allows you can have an optional dance show, if not you can enjoy an evening walk in Cusco’s historic center walking the Main Square and nearby narrow streets where there are many handicraft shops, jewelry and fine restaurants. (B)

Amaru Community

Transfer to the Amaru community in the Sacred Valley of the Incas for an immersive Andean textile experience, including traditional techniques, natural dyes, and hands-on wool processing.

Pisaq & Ollantaytambo

After a local lunch, visit Pisaq market and continue to Ollantaytambo, a major Inca site and living town (c. 15th century), before transfer to the hotel in Ollantaytambo. (B, L)

Machu Picchu

Early transfer to the train for a scenic journey along the Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, followed by a bus to Machu Picchu, the mysterious and spectacular Inca citadel (c. 15th century) beneath Huayna Picchu. Guided visit to explore its history and dramatic cloud forest setting.

Return to Cusco

Return to Aguas Calientes for lunch (on your own), then travel back to Cusco. Transfer to hotel. (B)

Cusco Archaeological Parks

In the morning we start our visit to the four archeological parks of Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Tambomachay and Pukapukara.

Chocolate Museum

Early lunch on your own in one of the many nice restaurants in downtown Cusco and transfer to the Chocolate Museum, at only 2 blocks from the Main Square, to take a course on how to make chocolate from scratch. (B)

Moray - Maras - Chinchero

Early visit to Moray, an Inca site (c. 15th century) with circular agricultural terraces, followed by the Maras salt mines, in use since Inca times. Brief stop at Chinchero market (pre-Inca and Inca origins).

Return to Lima

Return to Cusco for airport transfer and flight to Lima. (B)