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The Heart of the Empire, Private Tour

The Heart of the Empire, Private Tour

Cusco

Cusco, Peru

Day 1

Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley, Peru

Day 2

Sacred Valley of the Incas

Sacred Valley, Peru

Day 2

Sacred Valley, Peru

Sacred Valley, Peru

Day 2

Cusco

Cusco, Peru

Day 4

35 Views

6 Days From

~~$1267~~

$1086

The Heart of the Empire, Private Tour

6 Days Starting and ending in Cusco, Peru

Visiting: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes

Tour operator:

Lima Tours

Tour code:

119991

Group Type:

Private

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

EASY

Age range:

10-99

Tour operated in:

English , French , Spanish

From: $1267 $1086 (USD) Operator discount: -$127 Travel Club discount: -$54 -14%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on "The Heart of the Empire, Private Tour" and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Peru. This exclusive journey begins in Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, where you'll explore the impressive Coricancha and the majestic Gothic-Renaissance Cathedral. Discover the Sacred Valley's hidden gems, including the vibrant town of Chinchero and the Living Museum of Yucay. Marvel at the grandeur of the Inca fortress Sacsayhuamán and the iconic Machu Picchu, the "lost city of the Incas." With private transfers, guided tours in English, Spanish, or French, and luxurious accommodation options, this tour offers an unforgettable experience of Peru's historical and cultural heritage.

Highlights

Coricancha: Impressive sample of the convergence of the Inca universe with the colonial one
Cusco: The ancient Inca capital is a mixture of pre-Columbian ruins and Spanish colonial architecture
Cathedral: Unmistakable Gothic-Renaissance construction in the Plaza de Armas
Sacsayhuamán: An immense Inca fortress erected in the fifteenth century on top of a hill above Cusco
Machu Picchu: The "lost city of the Incas" is the reason why thousands of people arrive in Peru
Chinchero: A small high-altitude town offering beautiful views of the valley and traditional Andean culture
Ollantaytambo: Explore the streets and climb the iconic fortress built into the mountainside
Qenqo: An archaeological site where it is believed the Incas carried out religious rituals

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival Cusco – Sacred Valley (50Km – 1.5 Hours)

Location: Cusco

Accommodation Name: AVA Spots or similar 3, Casa Andina Private Valle Sagrado or similar 4, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba or similar 5*

Arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport in Cusco. Upon arrival, a guide will be waiting to greet you at the airport and the transportation service will transfer you to your Sacred Valley hotel. En route to the hotel, following the road to Pisac, you will make a stop at the Inkariy Museum where you will learn about the pre-Columbian history and traditions of Peru. This museum features a chronological circuit of exhibits that will not only give you an insight into the impressive Inca Empire, but will also introduce you to the lesser-known peoples of Peru, including the Caral, Chavín, Paracas, Moche, Nasca, Wari, Malbayeque and Chimú cultures. Upon arrival at your hotel, check in to your room and enjoy some free time to make use of the hotel facilities or to relax and re-charge your batteries ready for the trip ahead. Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive not later than 10:30hrs. Noon arrivals are too late.

Overnight in Sacred Valley.

Day 2 : Sacred Valley – Chinchero – Ollantaytambo (85Km - 2 Hrs)

Location: Sacred Valley

Accommodation Name: AVA Spots or similar 3, Casa Andina Private Valle Sagrado or similar 4, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today breakfast at the hotel is followed by visit to the town of Chinchero, a small high-altitude town offering beautiful views of the valley and the chance to witness traditional clothing, customs and local handicrafts. Visit archaeological remains and a beautiful seventeenth-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. You will then be transferred to the Yucay Museum of Living Culture, where you can see textiles, adobe pottery and silverware being crafted using techniques dating back to the Incas. This centre not only gives you an insight into local Andean traditions, but you also have the opportunity to feed the llamas, sheep and alpacas! Feel the true spirit of the Sacred Valley as you sample a lunch of local cuisine in a cosy restaurant in Ollantaytambo. After eating, explore the streets of Ollantaytambo, inhabited uninterruptedly since Inca times, and climb the iconic fortress built into the mountainside. At the end of the day, return to your hotel to rest full of the spirit of the Incas.

*On Sundays, you may also visit the local market.

Overnight in Sacred Valley.

Day 3 : Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes (75Km – 1.5 Hrs)

Location: Aguas Calientes

Accommodation Name: Ferré Machu Picchu or similar 3, El Mapi by Inkaterra or similar 4, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel then transfer to the Ollanta station to begin your trip to Machu Picchu. Enjoy the approximately two-hour scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, also known as ‘Machu Picchu Pueblo’, the last stop before entering the most important archaeological site in Peru. It is believed that Machu Picchu was built for the Inca emperor Pachacútec around 1450 as a holiday residence. The citadel was abandoned just over 100 years later, probably as a result of the Spanish Conquest, although historians have never uncovered why it was abandoned or how it escaped the destruction that other Inca settlements faced. Instead, the jungle slowly engulfed its stone construction, covering it in a thick vegetation that kept it hidden and protected until the ‘lost city of the Incas’ was brought to international attention in 1911. Your tour will introduce you to the origins of this impressive citadel and guide you around some of its most iconic monuments. At the end of the tour, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and free time in the afternoon.Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Day 4 : Machu Picchu - Cusco (115Km - 4 Hours)

Location: Cusco

Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva or similar 3, Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4, Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before spending a relaxing morning at your leisure in Aguas Calientes, where you will find restaurants, bars, shops, and a craft market. Alternatively, you may return to Machu Picchu to further explore this spectacular ancient city. In the afternoon, board the train back to Ollanta station where you will be met by the transportation service who will transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.Overnight in Cusco.

Day 5 : Cusco: City Tour & Nearby Archaeological Site

Location: Cusco

Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva or similar 3, Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4, Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, take advantage of your free morning in Cusco to rest at the hotel or to explore its cobblestone streets and shop for local handicrafts. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour begins at the Santo Domingo Convent, a building constructed on the site of Coricancha, one of the most important Incan complexes dedicated to sun worship. According to historical records, the original temple walls depicted scenes of nature and were covered in gold leaf. After Coricancha, visit the imposing cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, then head to the Cusco hills, where you’ll find the fortress of Sacsayhuamán and panoramic views of Cusco. Continue on to Qenqo, an archaeological site where it is believed the Incas carried out religious rituals. Your tour ends in Puka Pukara, meaning 'strong red' in Quechua. Puka Pukara is an ancient military site comprising numerous rooms, courtyards, baths, aqueducts and towers. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight in Cusco.

Day 6 : Departure Cusco

Location: Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast

After finishing your breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to the airport. Although this is the last day of your journey we hope that your memories of this remarkable region, bursting with both culture and history, will last a lifetime.

Breakfast included.

What's Included

TOUR GUIDE:

Operated with English, Spanish, Portuguese or French speaking local guide on a private basis

ACCOMMODATION:

5 nights of accommodation.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-2 Sacred Valley:

Standard Hotel Category = AVA Spots or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba or similar 5*

Day 3 Aguas Calientes:

Standard Hotel Category = Hatun Inti Classic Standard or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = El Mapi by Inkaterra or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo or similar 5*

Day 4-5 Cusco:

Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

OPTIONAL EXTRA

Pre- and Post - night stay in Cusco:

Standard Hotel Category = San Agustin Internacional or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

MEALS:

5 Breakfast.
2 Lunches on days 2, 3

TRANSPORT:

Private transfers from and to the airport
Private transfers from and to the train stations
Roundtrip train to Machu Picchu in Expedition Service (PeruRail) or Voyager (IncaRail) for Standard and Superior category, and Vistadome Service (Perú Rail) or 360° (Inca Rai) for Deluxe category

ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:

Admission to all major monuments and sightseeing attractions mentioned in the above itinerary: Living Museum of Yucay, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero archaeological complexes in Sacred Valley; Machu Picchu on day 3; Coricancha, Cathedral, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay and Puca Pucara in Cusco; Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC ticket) included.

What's Not Included

Personal Expenses

Expenses of a personal nature, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during meals, and meals not stated in the programme.
Tips

Tips for driver and guide.
Additional Visits

Additional optional visits.
International Flights

International flights to Peru.
Domestic Flights

Domestic flights (advised to book the first flights in the morning before 11:00hrs).
Airport Taxes

International and domestic airport departure taxes.

Requirements

Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for visiting the coastal areas of Peru, while for the high Andean area the use of warm clothing is recommended. It is not recommended that visitors wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or short clothes when visiting religious temples or official buildings. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.

Please Note

Rates do not apply to Peruvians or residents with more than 60 days of stay. If passengers are Peruvians or exceed 60 days of stay, sale taxes (18%) will be collected by our local operator.
Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive no later than 10:30hrs. Noon arrivals are too late.
Please note that Check In in most hotels begins at 13:00 hrs. Clients will be subject to the availability of the room if they arrive before, waiting in the hotel lobby.
If your trip includes a visit to high altitude cities such as Cusco and Puno located at more than 3400 meters (11 200 feet above sea level), do not forget to take precautions in order to avoid altitude sickness. Passengers who have heart problems or high blood pressure should check with their doctor before travelling.
We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW ENTRANCE REGULATIONS TO MACHU PICCHU

The current restrictions on visits to Machu Picchu allow a maximum stay of 4 hours in the citadel (2 hours and a half accompanied by a guide). If the visitor tours an alternate route (Mountain Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu) the passenger will have 3 hours for this purpose, additional to the 4 hours in the citadel. If the passenger wishes to enter the citadel again during the afternoon shift or the next day, he must acquire previously an additional ticket to enter the new shift. There is no ticket sale in the archaeological zone.
To help preserve the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary and maintain its World Heritage status, the Ministry of Culture has designated various visitor circuits. The specific circuit and schedule will be assigned based on availability at the time your reservation is confirmed.
The following objects are forbidden: professional cameras that require lights and tripods, or with telephoto lenses with a weight higher than 2 kilos (in order to use them, special authorization is needed, as well as the payment of an additional fee), drones, selfie sticks, sprays, high heels, walking sticks without rubber tip, banners and posters, sharp objects and backpacks bigger than 40cm x 35 cm x 20 cm.

NEW PLASTIC REGULATION:

After prohibiting the access of single use plastic items to 76 natural areas including Machu Picchu, it is important to use reusable bottles.

INSTRUCTIONS

Carry the same document that you presented to the agency, given that the train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu will be issued with the same information.
In all train services to Machu Picchu, the passenger can carry only hand luggage (backpack, bag or briefcase) weighing no more than 5kg / 11lb on the train to/from Machu Picchu. You will find your luggage at the chosen hotel. Allowed size: 62 linear inches 157cm (height + length + width)

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-2 Sacred Valley:

Standard Hotel Category = AVA Spots or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Casa Andina Private Valle Sagrado or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba or similar 5*

Day 3 Aguas Calientes:

Standard Hotel Category = Ferré Machu Picchu or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = El Mapi by Inkaterra or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo or similar 5*

Day 4-5 Cusco:

Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

OPTIONAL EXTRA

Pre- and Post - night stay in Cusco:

Standard Hotel Category = San Agustin Internacional or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

Mode of Transport

Private transfers from and to the airport and train stations. Roundtrip train to Machu Picchu in Expedition Service or Vistadome Service, depending on the hotel category.

Accommodation

Enjoy 5 nights of accommodation with options ranging from 3-star to 5-star hotels. Stay in Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, and Cusco, with choices like AVA Spots, Ferré Machu Picchu, and Aranwa Cusco Boutique.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-2 Sacred Valley:

Standard Hotel Category = AVA Spots or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba or similar 5*

Day 3 Aguas Calientes:

Standard Hotel Category = Hatun Inti Classic Standard or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = El Mapi by Inkaterra or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo or similar 5*

Day 4-5 Cusco:

Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

OPTIONAL EXTRA

Pre- and Post - night stay in Cusco:

Standard Hotel Category = San Agustin Internacional or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

Check out our Q&As

What languages are available for the tour guide?

The tour guide is available in English, Spanish, or French.
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

The tour includes 5 nights of accommodation with options ranging from standard to deluxe categories. Specific hotels include AVA Spots, Casa Andina Private Valle Sagrado, and Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba in the Sacred Valley; Ferré Machu Picchu, El Mapi by Inkaterra, and Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo in Aguas Calientes; and Tierra Viva, Hilton Garden Inn, and Aranwa Cusco Boutique in Cusco.
Are meals included in the tour package?

Yes, the tour package includes 5 breakfasts and 2 lunches on days 2 and 3.
What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

The tour includes private transfers from and to the airport, private transfers from and to the train stations, and roundtrip train tickets to Machu Picchu. The train service varies by accommodation category, with Expedition Service or Voyager for Standard and Superior categories, and Vistadome Service or 360° for Deluxe category.
What are the main attractions included in the tour?

The tour includes visits to major monuments and sightseeing attractions such as the Living Museum of Yucay, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero archaeological complexes in the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Coricancha, Cathedral, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Tambomachay, and Puca Pucara in Cusco.

Is there any free time during the tour?

Yes, there is free time on the first day after checking into the hotel, in the afternoon of the third day in Aguas Calientes, and in the morning of the fifth day in Cusco.
What should I bring for the tour?

Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for coastal areas, while warm clothing is recommended for high Andean areas. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful. It is also advised not to wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or short clothes when visiting religious temples or official buildings.
Are there any restrictions for visiting Machu Picchu?

Yes, the current restrictions allow a maximum stay of 4 hours in the citadel accompanied by a guide. If you tour an alternate route like Mountain Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu, you have 3 additional hours. Re-entry requires an additional ticket. Certain items like professional cameras, drones, selfie sticks, sprays, high heels, walking sticks without rubber tips, banners, posters, sharp objects, and large backpacks are prohibited.
What does the price include?

What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are Visa fees included in the price?

No, visa fees are not included
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
Do you offer any travel insurance?

We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Is there any option for solo traveller?

Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
Are flights included in the tour?

No, they are not included

Reviews of this operator

Jose G.

Muy preparados y respetuosos, gracias LIma Tours

15-Feb-2023

El personal muy atento, preparados, respetuosos

Cesar

Excelente empresa

22-Feb-2023

Me gusto la atención y la formalidad de la agencia.

Marcela

Todo excelente la atención de team de Lima Tours muy buena

16-Feb-2023

Todo excelente la atención de team de Lima Tours muy buena

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~~$1267~~ $1086 (USD)