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Essence of Lima and Cusco

Lima & Cusco, Peru 5 days / 4 nights
Essential

This itinerary is designed to offer a complete overview of Peru's two most renowned destinations. The experience begins in Lima, the gastronomic capital of the Americas, where you will explore its contrasts, from pre-Inca ceremonial centers to elegant colonial neighborhoods. Then, a flight will take you to the heart of the Inca Empire, Cusco, a city that breathes history in every cobblestone street. The journey culminates with a full-day visit to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, an experience that connects the traveler with the nature and engineering of a legendary civilization.

Highlights

Visit to the historic center of Lima, a World Heritage Site.
Exploration of the Santo Domingo Convent in Lima.
Tour of the Temple of the Sun (Koricancha) in Cusco.
Visit to the Sacsayhuamán Archaeological Park.
Full day at the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Train journey through the landscapes of the Urubamba Valley.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day1

Day 1: Arrival in Lima

Reception at Jorge Chávez International Airport and transfer to the selected hotel.

Day2

Day 2: Lima: Colonial and Modern History

A tour of Lima's most representative places. It begins with a panoramic view of the Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca ceremonial center. Then, you will explore the historic center, visiting the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, and the Cathedral. The tour ends at the Santo Domingo Convent, a jewel of colonial architecture that houses the remains of Peruvian saints.

Day3

Day 3: Flight to Cusco and Archaeological City Tour

Transfer to Lima airport to take the flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, assistance and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, a city tour will begin at the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun. It will continue to the Plaza de Armas to visit the Cathedral and then head to the nearby archaeological sites: the fortress of Sacsayhuamán, the shrine of Kenko, the watchtower of Puka Pukará, and the water temple of Tambomachay.

Day4

Day 4: Machu Picchu, the Lost Citadel

Transfer to the station to board the train that will take you through Andean valleys to the town of Aguas Calientes. From there, a bus will ascend a winding road to the citadel of Machu Picchu. A guided tour will take you through its passages, squares, and temples. After the visit, you will descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch. In the afternoon, you will take the train back and, upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Day5

Day 5: Departure from Cusco

At the coordinated time, transfer from the hotel to the airport for your departure flight.

Suggested hotels

Tierra Viva Miraflores Centro
Standard
Miraflores

Functional, modern, and with a strategic location in the heart of Miraflores, ideal for exploring the district.

Buffet breakfast 24h hot drinks in the lobby 24/7 business centre Shuttle service Free WiFi Free parking
Parque Kennedy (1 block) Mercado Indio (steps away) Larcomar (1.6 km) Huaca Pucllana (1.3 km)
Jose Antonio Deluxe
Superior
Miraflores

Superior category hotel with a rooftop pool, good restaurant, and comfortable rooms. A solid choice in Miraflores.

Outdoor pool Gym Restaurant Bar Poolside bar Valet parking
Parque Kennedy (350 m) Larcomar (10-min walk) Malecón de Miraflores (10-min walk) Parque Kennedy
AC Hotel Lima Miraflores
Luxury
Miraflores

Contemporary design, Pacific Ocean views from its rooftop bar, and a prime location opposite the Larcomar shopping center.

Rooftop restaurant Gym with ocean views Business center Meeting rooms Parking Room service
Larcomar (next to the hotel) Malecón de la Reserva (in front of the hotel) Costa Verde (in front of the hotel) Parque Kennedy (10-min walk)
Tierra Viva Cusco Centro
Standard
Centro Histórico

Excellent value for money, central and functional location for exploring the city on foot.

Buffet breakfast Terrace 24-hour front desk Concierge Laundry service Free WiFi
Plaza de Armas (3 blocks) Plaza San Francisco (1 block) Mercado San Pedro (2 blocks) Plaza de Armas
Costa del Sol Wyndham Cusco
Superior
Centro Histórico

A 17th-century historic building with a colonial courtyard, combining modern comfort with period charm.

Paprika restaurant Walak bar Inner courtyard Wine cellar Gym Room service
Plaza de Armas (a short walk away) Qoricancha (a short walk away) Sacsayhuamán (a short drive away) Plaza de Armas
Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Luxury
Centro Histórico

Located opposite the Koricancha, this luxury hotel occupies a 500-year-old historic mansion. Impeccable service and sumptuous decor.

Andes Spirit Spa Thermal circuit (pools, sauna, steam room) 2 restaurants Bar Laundry service Room service
Qoricancha (across from the hotel) Plaza de Armas (a few blocks on foot) Mercado San Pedro (a short distance away) Qoricancha
Essential, Premium and Luxury categories available. Final accommodation is confirmed by date and availability.

What's included

Included: 2 nights of accommodation in Lima with breakfast.
Included: Arrival and departure transfers, private service.
Included: Lima city tour, semi-private service.
Included: 2 nights of accommodation in Cusco with breakfast.
Included: Arrival and departure transfers, private service.
Included: Cusco city and Archaeological Park tour, semi-private service.
Included: Machu Picchu visit with lunch, semi-private service.
Included: Round-trip train tickets (Expedition or Voyager category).
Included: Bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
Included: Entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary.

What's not included

Not included: International and domestic flights.
Not included: Unspecified meals and drinks.
Not included: Gratuities.
Not included: Optional services or those not mentioned in the itinerary.

Optional services

Optional, at extra cost: Gastronomic Experience in Lima (Evening) — Enjoy dinner at one of Lima's world-renowned restaurants. The service includes transfers for an immersion in high-end Peruvian cuisine, recognized as one of the best in the world.
Optional, at extra cost: Excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas — An alternative for day 4. Instead of returning to Cusco after Machu Picchu, spend the night in Aguas Calientes and dedicate the next day to exploring the Sacred Valley (Pisac and Ollantaytambo) before returning to Cusco. (Requires itinerary adjustment and an extra night).

Booking & policies

Are the prices shown net or retail?

Rates are net (wholesale) and reserved for travel agencies and tour operators, who sign in to see them and add their own margin. Public visitors see an indicative retail “from” price; the net rate is never shown outside the agency portal.

How is a booking confirmed?

Most bookings are confirmed immediately and the voucher is emailed within minutes. When a service shows “In process”, RUMBO LIBRE is confirming final availability with the receptive operator at destination — usually within 24 to 48 business hours.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations follow Clause 7 of the Terms: more than 30 days before the service, no penalty and a full refund; 15 to 30 days, 25%; 8 to 14 days, 50%; 3 to 7 days, 75%; less than 72 hours before commencement or a no-show, 100%. Certain destinations — Patagonia, the Amazon region and high-demand dates in peak season — apply stricter terms, stated in the quotation. The schedule above is indicative: the conditions that apply to each booking are those confirmed in the quotation, and may be stricter in high season, on public holidays or where a supplier applies its own policy.

Can dates or passenger names be changed after confirmation?

Amendment requests must reach RUMBO LIBRE at least 72 business hours before the service begins. Changes are managed with the receptive operator subject to availability, and any resulting rate difference applies. For private services, a name change may require re-issuing the booking at the current rate.