Essential Peru

The Sonesta El Olivar is your own natural oasis in the heart of the city. For here you can stroll to ancient pyramids and glorious cathedrals or shop till you drop and dance the night away. Located in the attractive San Isidro district of Lima, the Sonesta El Olivar Lima offers easy access to all the charms of the city. The exclusive 134-room Sonesta El Olivar has the tranquillity of San Isidro's majestic 10-acre Olive Grove Wood, together with the comfort and services that only a five-star hotel can offer.

On a quiet street in the heart of Arequipa's historic district, the hotel is just steps from the entrance of the famed Santa Catalina Convent and only 3 blocks from the Plaza de Armas. In the midst of Arequipa's top restaurants, sights and shopping, the hotel is only 15 minutes by taxi from Arequipa's Rodriguez Ballon airport and 10 minutes from the bus station.

Restored to its original grandeur, this storied sillar (white volcanic stone) colonial mansion is one of the finest hotels in Arequipa's historic center - and is as much a living museum as it is hotel. The hotel features high vaulted ceilings, two ample colonial courtyards, and an elegant gourmet restaurant.

Your half day sightseeing of this beautiful city, placed on the World Cultural Heritage list by UNESCO, features Mixed Baroque churches and mansions from the colonial period like the Monastery of Santa Catalina. The Main Square is bordered by various arched walkways and the Cathedral, it showcase a beautiful bronze fountain of three plates crowned by the figure of a sixteenth century soldier. Around the square, you see three granite portals with brick and lime bases.
In the heart of the white city of Arequipa lies Peru's most important religious building. The Santa Catalina Convent is called "a city within a city", a Spanish city in miniature with stone streets, beautiful patios, and plaza, it is a masterpiece of colonial architecture, and houses some of the finest examples of Spanish American religious art. Since 1970 visitors have been able to stroll through the streets and cloisters that during colonial times were the refuge of female nobility who had decided to isolate from the world and dedicate entirely to prayer.

Driving out of Arequipa, you will enjoy spectacular views of the mountains surrounding the city before climbing high into the Andes and descending into the amazing Colca Canyon.

The Colca Canyon is one of the world's deepest canyons and is home to Condors and a fascinating local culture, totally different from any other place you will visit on this trip.

The private guide and minibus are at your disposal for the day. An early morning drive to Cruz del Condor is recommended in search of one of the world's largest birds, the condor, who nests in the cliffs of one of the world's deepest canyons (approximately 3400 metres deep).

You will enjoy a spectacular drive through the high Andes, passing beautiful lakes and huge vistas, as you travel on a newly asphalted road to Juliaca, and on to your destination of Puno. En route, you can pay a visit to the Silustani Ruins, whose fascinating circular burial chambers predate the Incas. The amazing stone work of this early civilization was obviously a strong influence on the famous Inca stone masons. In Puno, check into your hotel and explore this interesting town.

Perched at the water's edge and taking full advantage of its privileged location on the Puno area of Lake Titicaca, most of the hotel's 46 rooms boast unparalleled lake views 3,800m (12,500 ft) above sea level. Its gourmet restaurant is enclosed by a glass wall framing the lake and gardens, and a large, sunny terrace invites guests to contemplate Lake Titicaca's seemingly endless expanse. Unique among Puno hotels, oxygen is available in all rooms (a bonus for guests having difficulty adapting to the high altitude).

A full day trip visiting the Reed Islands with your own private guide and boat, ensuring you see all the sights in safety and style. You will visit either Amantani or Taquile Island. Both offer the same experience.

In the morning, the trip on a special bus to Cusco will allow you appreciate the nearby valleys wonderful landscapes. The route includes a stop at La Raya pass (4300 meters above sea level), natural boundary between Cusco and Puno from where you can have excellent photographic shots of the Andean snowcapped mountains. There will also be a stop at the Raqchi ruins, known as Temple of the God Wiracocha and Andahuaylillas village where there is a beautiful church from the XVII century that has an impressive organ decorated with angels and cherubs. You will have lunch at a local restaurant.

Casa Andina Premium Collection Cusco is a beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house, just 3 blocks from Cusco's Plaza de Armas, replete with authentic colonial character. It offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel but the comforts and services of a much larger property. Several rooms in the original structure of the hotel feature surviving colonial frescoes unearthed during renovation.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Today you visit the city of Cusco, known as the Imperial City, once the Incan Capital and a declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Start the tour at the iconic San Pedro market, a local market where you can explore the colors, flavors and traditions of modern Cusco as well as sights and sounds harking back to Incan times. The tour continues to Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace. Only discovered after an earthquake revealed the ruins below the Dominican church on top, the temple was the center for the worshipping of the Sun God, the central spiritual deity of the Incas. You then continue and climb out of the Cusco valley towards the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman - Sexy Woman as it is often referred to by travelers; an impressive example of Inca military architecture. Wonder at the masonry work remembering the Incas did not utilize the wheel, so these stones, some over 30 feet tall, where man handled precisely into place. Then you explore the Q'enqo archeological site, where important Inca ceremonies took place. Finally, you in the Plaza de Armas (main square) of Cusco, where you will visit the Cathedral, built on the foundations of a Inca temple and soak up the vibrant vibe, that the pulsating center of the city has on offer almost 24 /7.

A full day excursion to the Chincheros and Pisac Ruins and the Ollantaytambo Fortress in the heart of the Sacred Valley. With an early start, you drive through the fertile countryside of the Urubamba Valley to the colonial village of Chincheros. This traditional Andean town is known as 'the birthplace of the rainbow', and it has the full complement of photogenic attractions: Inca ruins, Andean village houses, an elaborate colonial church built on Inca foundations, and of course the lively weekly market. Please note: The main market day is Sunday. Other days the market is open but much smaller in scale. Then continue down the valley to visit colonial village of Pisac. Please note: The main market days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Other days the market is open but much smaller in scale. You then visit Pisac Ruins which lie atop a hill at the entrance to the valley. It features an irrigation system, an astronomical observatory, and a solar clock and calendar (Intiwatana). Continuing down the valley and ever so slightly lower in altitude you head to the impressive archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is a massive citadel located 50 kilometers from Machu Picchu. The citadel served as both a temple and a fortress and the only battle at which the Incas held off the Spanish. You will then be transferred to your hotel.

Casa Andina Private Collection Sacred Valley is a mountain chalet-styled retreat with panoramic Andes views from every room and every angle; it breathes an air of tranquillity and relaxation. Unique among Sacred Valley hotels, it contains a full-service spa, a domed planetarium and observatory, and gourmet restaurant and bar. The 85 inviting, spacious rooms overlook the property and extensive gardens, and feature either private balconies or sunny sitting areas. Located between Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, the hotel is perfectly positioned for easy access to the valley's abundant attractions and Machu Picchu.

If you are looking for an adventure on your way to Machu Picchu at an unbeatable price, on a train with all the onboard comforts you could ask for, the Expedition train has just what you need.

The train cars of the Expedition train is steeped in the designs of Incan culture, making them the perfect way to start your trip to the Machu Picchu citadel. The Expedition gives you the chance to take in the unbelievable scenery and take incredible panoramic pictures of a journey unlike any other.

You will be waited on by a highly-trained staff member for the duration of your trip. Additionally, you will be able to enjoy a Food and Beverage service for sale, where you will find a wide variety of top quality products.

Departures are scheduled daily, with a variety of times throughout the day.

Free WiFi is available for the use of passengers at Poroy, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu Station.

Entrances to Machu Picchu are now regulated and allow entrance ON THE HOUR. Entrance times are:

6, 7, 8, 9 10, 11, 12, 1PM and 2PM.

When booking you must request the hour of entrance you require or allow your destination expert to suggest a time based on your itinerary and available train times.
NOTE: You can arrive any time after your booked hour but cannot stay any longer than 4 hours from your pre-booked hour. You are not allowed in earlier than your pre-booked time.

Colored stamps are used on the ticket to determine and monitor your entry and exit time. Tickets can be checked at any time when in the ruins.

The ruins close at 5:30PM so any entrance so any entrance after 2:00PM will only allow a stay of no more than 3 and half hours!

You will be met by your guide you upon disembarking from your train, at the Aguas Calientes train station. If you are already in Aguas Calientes, your guide will meet you at your hotel reception at approximately 12 midday. He/she will then escort you to the nearby bus stop where buses transport travelers from the town of Aguas Calientes to the ruins of Machu Picchu (it's about a 20-min bus ride up to the idyllic mountain top location). On arrival at the ruins, you will begin your guided tour. You must exit the ruins by 5:00PM.

After the tour, you will exit with your guide. If you have chosen to stay at the Sanctuary Lodge, located right at the entrance of Machu Picchu, your guide will assist with your check in.

If you are returning to Cusco, at the shuttle bus terminal in Aguas Calientes, your guide will be waiting to assist with boarding your train for your return to Cusco (departures range from approx. 4:00PM to 5:30PM- schedules vary and subject to change without notice).
NOTE: You need to be at the Aguas Calientes train station 30 minutes before your trains departure time.

At the foot of the imposing mountains surrounding Machu Picchu, by the banks of the Vilcanota River, stands Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel. The only five-star hotel in Aguas Calientes is architecturally inspired by the enigmatic lost city of the Incas. The exquisite culinary creations of the hotel's restaurant are prepared with regional ingredients and its luxury suites await you for an enchanting trip to the historical past of the Andean culture.

Entrances to Machu Picchu are now regulated and allow entrance ON THE HOUR. Entrance times are:

6, 7, 8, 9 10, 11, 12, 1PM and 2PM.

When booking you must request the hour of entrance you require or allow your destination expert to suggest a time based on your itinerary and available train times.
NOTE: You can arrive any time after your booked hour but cannot stay any longer than 4 hours from your pre-booked hour. You are not allowed in earlier than your pre-booked time.

Colored stamps are used on the ticket to determine and monitor your entry and exit time. Tickets can be checked at any time when in the ruins.

The ruins close at 5:30PM so any entrance so any entrance after 2:00PM will only allow a stay of no more than 3 and half hours!

Today you will visit Machu Picchu (entrance and round-trip shuttle bus ticket included). As this visit is NOT GUIDED, you will be required to present your first visit ticket. (Guides are available for a extra cost. Please enquire)

Please make your way to the shuttle bus station at the south end of town near the bridge that crosses the river Vilcanota. Buses begin running from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu at 5:30AM. The ruins open at 6:00AM. No reservation for the bus is required. A guide will assist with boarding your bus in Aguas Calientes and if you're departing this day, will advise you of the time you must be back in Aguas Calientes to board your train back to Cusco.
NOTE: You need to be at the Aguas Calientes train station 30 minutes before your trains departure time.

After ascending the multi-switch-back dirt road, you will be dropped off at the entrance to Machu Picchu. Enjoy Machu Picchu at your pace or partake in one of the following walks below.

Climb Huayna Picchu (the famed peak in the ruins). This must be pre-booked at the time of your Machu Picchu reservation with Goway Travel. Time spent climbing the peak would be considered part of your allowed time in the ruins.

Climb Machu Picchu Mountain. This must be pre-booked at the time of your Machu Picchu reservation with Goway Travel. Time spent climbing the peak would be considered part of your morning entrance ticket.

Walk to the Incan bridge - no costs. Approx. time 90 minute round trip. Not allowing for time at the bridge. Time spent trekking to and from would be considered part of your morning entrance ticket.

Walk to the Sun gate - no cost. Approx. time 2.5 hours round trip. Not allowing for time spent at the Sun Gate. Time spent trekking to and from would be considered part of your morning entrance ticket.

After your time in the ruins, you will exit and board the first available bus down the hill to the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you are overnighting, you will continue to your chosen accommodation. If you are returning to Cusco, at the shuttle bus terminal in Aguas Calientes, your guide will be waiting to assist with boarding your train for your return to Cusco (departs approx. 4 pm - schedules vary and subject to change without notice).

Please note that unless a SUPPLEMENT has been included you will be touring the ruins on your own today.

If you are catching a train to Cusco or Ollantaytambo, check out of your hotel or collect your bags from your hotel if you have not already.

If you are looking for an adventure on your way to Machu Picchu at an unbeatable price, on a train with all the onboard comforts you could ask for, the Expedition train has just what you need.

The train cars of the Expedition train is steeped in the designs of Incan culture, making them the perfect way to start your trip to the Machu Picchu citadel. The Expedition gives you the chance to take in the unbelievable scenery and take incredible panoramic pictures of a journey unlike any other.

You will be waited on by a highly-trained staff member for the duration of your trip. Additionally, you will be able to enjoy a Food and Beverage service for sale, where you will find a wide variety of top quality products.

Departures are scheduled daily, with a variety of times throughout the day.

Free WiFi is available for the use of passengers at Poroy, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu Station.

Casa Andina Premium Collection Cusco is a beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house, just 3 blocks from Cusco's Plaza de Armas, replete with authentic colonial character. It offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel but the comforts and services of a much larger property. Several rooms in the original structure of the hotel feature surviving colonial frescoes unearthed during renovation.