Explore the wonders of the archaeology of Peru! From key pre-Incan sites to the majestic mountaintop citadel of Machu Picchu, you'll uncover the rich history of pre-Columbian and Incan cultures in Peru.

See the most opulent tomb discovered in the Americas in Sipan, and walk in Thor Heyerdahl's footsteps as you investigate the pyramids of Tucume. Near colonial Trujillo, visit the Moche Temples of the Sun and Moon, and the giant palace complex of Chan Chan. Immerse yourself in the world of the Incas as you travel through the Sacred Valley and to Machu Picchu, the culmination of your historical journey through the legacies of the ancient peoples of Peru.

Day 1 – Lima
Upon arrival in Lima, we meet you at the airport and take you to your selected hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 2 – Lima to Chiclayo
In the morning, we return to the airport for the flight to Chiclayo for a private tour. Once there, we'll visit Sipan, where the tomb of the Lord of Sipan was discovered. The Lord ruled around 200 AD over the Moche culture, and his gold-laden tomb is considered to be the richest in the Americas. We will travel to the town of Lambayeque to visit the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum where many of these riches are displayed.

After lunch, we'll visit the 26 pre-Columbian pyramids of Tucume. These pyramids were excavated by Thor Heyerdahl (of Kon-tiki fame), who discovered burial sites, textiles, Incan figurines and depictions of reed boats. This, together with goods from far-flung corners of the South America, allowed Heyerdahl to prove that the ancient people of Tucume were experienced voyagers and traders. We'll return to Chiclayo for the night at the Gran Hotel and stay in a Junior Suite. B, L

Day 3 – Chiclayo to Trujillo
In the morning, we'll travel by private bus to Trujillo, which was founded in 1534 on the orders of Francisco Pizarro. Despite being the third largest city in Peru, Trujillo retains its colonial, small-town feel. In Trujillo you will have a private tour.

In the afternoon, we'll head south of town to visit the Temples of the Sun and Moon, built by the Moche Culture in around 500 AD. These 130-foot-tall pyramids are thought to be the largest adobe structures in the Americas. We return to Trujillo to spend the night at the Libertador Hotel. B

Day 4 – Trujillo to Lima
Take a short tour of Trujillo in the morning, including the Casa del Mayorazgo, Casa Orbegozo, Casa de la Emancipacion, and La Merced Church. You'll stroll along the grand central plaza and the streets lined with colonial mansions. We'll then visit the royal palace complex of Chan Chan, built by the Chimu culture in pre-Inca times. This enormous complex, the largest in pre-Columbian America, is divided into nine separate citadels.

We'll travel to the charming seaside town of nearby Huanchaco for lunch, before returning to the airport for a late afternoon flight to Lima, where we'll spend the night. B, L

Day 5 – Private Tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas
In the morning, we return to the airport for the one-hour flight to Cusco. Once there, we'll drive to the Urubamba Valley, known as the sacred valley to the Incas. Here you will have a private tour of the sacred valley. An important agricultural zone, this area was once the heart of the Inca Empire, revered for its fertile soil and rich corn fields. Visit the colorful market in Pisac, famous for it multi-colored beads, and browse the displays of jewelry, sweaters, and other local crafts.

After lunch at Huayoccari Hacienda Restaurant, we'll visit the ruins at Ollantaytambo. This sprawling Incan temple complex towers over the small town from the surrounding mountains. You'll explore the ruins and get spectacular views across the town and the valley beyond. We'll spend the night at the charming Pakaritampu Hotel in Ollantaytambo.

Nestled high above the Sacred Valley, Huayoccari Hacienda Restaurant is one of the best places to grab a bite to eat and relax. The cooking is completely organic and based on the hacienda's original recipes. The menu includes homemade soups, fresh cheeses, steamed river trout and mouthwatering chicken. Save room for dessert, as the sweets are as delectable as the main meals. Though a bit out of the way, this place is definitely worth the trek. B, L

Day 6 – Machu Picchu
Early in the morning, catch the train from Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes, and continue with a 30 minute bus ride to the mountaintop citadel of Machu Picchu. Spend the morning exploring the wonders of Machu Picchu with a guided group. If you like, you can hike up to the top of Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu's close neighbor, for an exhilarating view of the ruins complex below. In the late afternoon return to the town of Aguas Calientes, in the valley below Machu Picchu on the Urubamba River, to spend the night at Hatuchay Towers. B, L

Day 7 – Machu Picchu to Cusco
You'll have a second opportunity to explore the wonders of Machu Picchu and to better understand the harmonious mixture of architecture and topography so typical of Incan city planning. Early risers who catch the first bus to the mountaintop will be rewarded with an ancient city almost free of other visitors. In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train back to Cusco. You will stay in the Casa Andina Private Collection. The hotel has been built from a colonial large house from the 16th century. B

Day 8 – Cusco
In the morning, explore Cusco on foot with a private guide. The central plaza's site has not changed since the city was the capital of the Inca empire. You can visit fine examples of both Incan and Spanish colonial architecture at Koricancha, the Incan Temple of the Sun, and at the main Cathedral in the central plaza.

After lunch, visit Inca sites on the outskirts of Cusco, such as the Sacsayhuaman fortress, whose giant boulders are placed to resemble a jaguar with an open mouth, the temple and amphitheater of Qenko with its underground stone altar, and the water shrine of Tambo Machay. Tonight you will stay again in the Casa Andina Private Collection. B

Day 9 – Cusco to Lima
Return to Lima in the morning. In the afternoon, tour the city that was once the capital of the Spanish empire in South America. You'll get to know this bustling metropolis and its rugged, Pacific coastline, and see key sites and beautiful colonial architecture. You'll have day use of a hotel room, and in the evening transfer to the Lima airport for your international flight. B

Chiclayo, Trujillo and Machu Picchu
Trip length	9 days/8 nights
Departs	Sun, Wed, Fri
Per person cost	$2129.00
Single supplement	On request
Prices based on two people sharing in 3-star accommodations. Four and 5-star accommodations available on request. International and domestic airfare not included. Pricing and itinerary are subject to change until booking is confirmed.