Lima & Cuzco
Two of the most imposing cities in South America, just over an hours flight in between, and with so much to see, you could spend days perusing the colonial houses, gorgeous cathedrals and plazas of Lima and Cuzco. The city centre Plaza ' s are a great place to start, with Lima ' s being built in 1650, and Cuzco Plaza being the hub of the Inca Empire in its prime. Both cities have kept up with modern times however, brimming with innovative and worldclass restaurants, many cafés and an abundance of shopping opportunities. There ' s something mystical about wandering amongst these ancient cobblestone streets, sampling a fresh seafood ceviche and sipping on a refreshing Pisco Sour that will have you wanting more of these fascinating cities.
6 days / 5 nights Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Lima You will be picked up from the airport and provided with plenty of information about Lima and Cuzco on your arrival transfer. Brace yourself for a vibrant bustling city like you ' ve never seen before. Check in to your hotel for a two night stay. Enjoy an evening to meander the alleyways of Lima.
Day 2: Lima A full day in Lima awaits you! Lima is the heart of Peruvian history with its many museums such as the Larco and Gold Museum, the catacombs in Saint Francis Monastery and even the Pachacamac Ruins, an archaeological site on the outskirts of Lima which dates back to the 9th century. In between doses of history, save some appetite for the modern and traditional tastes of Lima where you are spoilt for choice.
Day 3: Lima – Cuzco Spend a morning in Lima before flying to Cuzco. Arrive in Cuzco and be welcomed by friendly and knowledgable guides, ready to show you this magical city. Spend three nights in Cuzco, sitting pretty at around 3400m above sea level. Cuzco is the perfect spot to acclimatise for a few nights if you plan to walk the mighty Inca Trail.
Days 4-5: Cuzco Two full days in Cuzco will be jammed with scintillating experiences that will leave a special mark in your travel memories. Spare some time to soak up the spiritual atmosphere of Cuzco, where the Quechua-speaking descendants of the Incas are still walking the cobblestone streets today.
Day 6: Cuzco At the appropriate time you will be transferred to Cuzco Airport for your onward arrangements. Cuzco is a gateway to other regions of Peru including the Sacred Valley, Puno and Lake Titicaca or Arequipa.
Highlights worth seeing along the way
The Gold Museum, Lima – This museum showcases the craftsmanship from several centuries of Peruvian history, mainly made from pre-Inca gold materials. The pieces on show were part of embellished mummies and ancient temples, also used for business trade and to represent wealth. This museum is definitely rich in a story or two.
Gastronomy in both cities – Let ' s start with the fact that Lima is home to two of the top 20 restaurants in the world. Some time focused on food tasting in Lima and Cuzco is going to be a gastronomic adventure; take it one step further and we can arrange a ' foodie ' guide to show you beyond the usual tourist eye. From buzzing food markets to traditional restaurants called ' chicherias '- then onward to those high flying degustation journeys, there really is something for all taste buds.
Mingling with the locals – We truly believe that the best way to learn about a country is to mix with the locals. Peru is famed for their friendly people, and today in Lima and Cuzco the traditional clothing is still worn with pride and bright colours by its people. As we ' ve said in our 6 Tips, learning a little bit of Spanish will bring a smile to the locals ' day.
Pachacamac Ruins & Sacsayhuaman – Peru is bursting with ruins, so don ' t stop at Machu Picchu. Visiting other ruins such as Pachacamac in the outskirts of Lima, and the Fortress of Sacsahuaman in Cuzco will help to piece together what happened in Peru all those thousands of years ago.
Coca for altitude – As Cuzco is sitting at high altitude, take it especially easy when you first arrive. Chewing coca leaves and sipping on coca tea, like the locals, will help to prevent altitude sickness as well as headaches and thirst symptoms. Furthermore, stay at the enchanting Belmond Hotel Monasterio where your rooms can be fitted with oxygen systems- not to mention making for a wonderful sleep!
Our favourite places to stay:
• Casa Andina Private Collection Miraflores, Lima
• El Pardo Doubletree Hotel Miraflores, Lima
• Casa Andina Cuzco Plaza, Cuzco
• El Mercado Tunqui Hotel, Cuzco
• Palacio del Inka Hotel, Cuzco
• Inkaterra La Casona Hotel, Cuzco
• Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Cuzco
Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Cuzco
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