From ancient civilizations to breathtaking mountain landscapes, this journey invites you to slow down, reconnect, and immerse yourself in a world where history, culture, ancestral traditions, and nature flow together in harmony.

PERU welcomes you with a vibrant mosaic of experiences — mystical archaeological sites, living Andean traditions, world-renowned cuisine, and landscapes that awaken wonder with every sunrise 🏔️🌟

Experience the Sacred Festival of the Sun! 🌞🌞

Be part of INTI RAYMI, Peru’s most iconic spiritual and cultural celebration. Held in Cusco on June 24, this ancient festival honors Inti, the Inca Sun God, through ceremonial processions, radiant costumes, traditional music, and ritual offerings performed at Cusco’s most sacred historical sites. This is a rare and powerful moment when the spiritual heart of the Inca world comes alive — and you are invited to witness it.

Retreat-style Comfort & Immersion 🌿

Every element of this journey is thoughtfully curated to support connection, ease, and presence.
Enjoy a seamless blend of:

• privately guided experiences (local english-speaking guides and tour-leader)

• premium boutique-style hotels along the way

• upgraded-category train tickets for your comfort

• VIP seating for the Inti Raymi Festival (note: tickets sell out fast!)

• and meaningful encounters with local culture

A harmonious balance of comfort, depth, and inspiration — so you can experience Peru not just as a destination, but as a transformative journey! 🙏

Inti Raymi is one of Peru’s most spectacular and meaningful celebrations — a winter solstice festival that brings the spirit of the Inca Empire vividly to life.

Held every June 24 in Cusco, it honors Inti, the Sun God, through colorful processions, ritual performances, and traditional music.

Each ceremony reflects gratitude for past harvests, hope for future abundance, and deep respect for nature and ancestors.

Inti Raymi was banned in the 16th century and later revived in 1944 using historical accounts.

This festivity is celebrated in 3 different scenes: Qorikancha (Golden Temple),, Plaza de Armas (the Warrior Square), and the impressive archeological center Saqsaywaman

Watch the video about this amazing event: https://youtu.be/4OShU3lQaGs

During our time in the Sacred Valley, we will have a chance to immerse ourselves in some of the deep cultural or spiritual practices, guided by Andean masters and local artisans. Each experience opens a window into the living traditions of the indigenous Quechua world and the mystical heart of the Andes.

🔮 Coca Leaf Reading — an ancient divination ritual performed by Q'ero (Andean shamans, the last decendants of Inka lineage) to receive guidance and blessings and ancestral story-telling

🌺 Despacho Ceremony to Pachamama — a heartfelt offering to Mother Earth, a ritual where a shaman builds a mandala of flowers, grains, sweets, and coca to offer gratitude or intentions, inviting for new beginnings, travel protection, healing, and blessings

🔥 Sunset ritual & Fire ceremony - ancient Andean ritual of spiritual cleansing, used to release old energies and invite new beginnings

🪉 Andean sound healing — a meditative experience with ancestral music instruments, echoing through sacred landscapes

🧶 Textile Weaving Workshop — learning ancestral techniques of natural dyes and the secret symbolist of weaving patterns. This is sustainable and deeply cultural experience

🏺 Ceramic or Pottery Creation hands-on experience, a traditional workshop in the Sacred Valley

🌟 Lima — The Culinary & Cultural Capital

Stroll through the historic center, enjoy panoramic walks along the Miraflores waterfront, and savor Lima’s world-renowned gastronomy with dishes crafted from the freshest seafood.

🌟 Cusco. Inti Raymi Festival

Wander through cobblestone streets, colonial plazas, and ancient temples in one of South America's most atmospheric cities. Travel back in time, watching one of the most iconic festivals in South America!

🌟 The Sacred Valley — History, Landscapes & Living Culture

Explore Inca history through the terraces of Ollantaytambo, the dazzling Maras salt ponds, and the enigmatic circular ruins of Moray — believed to be an ancient agricultural laboratory.

🦙 Alpaca Encounters

Soft, photogenic, and irresistibly charming — your perfect Peruvian selfie companions.

🥾 The Inca Trail ( Express-version, full-day moderate hike)

Hike the final stretch of the legendary trail and enter Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku) — a breathtaking arrival few travelers experience.

🌟 Machu Picchu

Uncover the mysteries of the Lost City for sweeping panoramic views of the ruins and surrounding valleys.

🚂 Scenic Machu Picchu Train Journey Through the Andes

Return from Machu Picchu aboard a panoramic train with live Andean music, traditional dance, snacks, and spectacular mountain scenery.

🌈 Rainbow Mountain (Mountain of 7 colors) - optional tour extension

Marvel at one of National Geographic’s “Top 100 Places to Visit” — a surreal landscape painted in seven natural colors.

🌟 Lake Titicaca , the cradle of Inca Civilization - optional tour extension

Visit the floating Uros islands, meet the Aymara people, and discover life on the world’s highest navigable lake.

Altitudes:

This trip allows 3 days of acclimitising to the altitude in Cusco before heading to Titicaca

Lima - 0m (sea level)

Cusco – 3400m/ 11152’

Urubamba (Sacred Valley of Incas) – 3000m/ 9842’

Inca Trail &  Machu Picchu – 2430m/ 7972’ 

Aguas Calientes – 2040 m/ 6700’ 

Optionals:

Puno & Titicaca region - 3800m / 12500'

Rainbow Mountain - 4300-5020m /14000-16000'

Expected Weather:

June to October is the best time for travel and hiking activities to Peru

Layered clothing is your best friend. Temperatures can shift quickly: warm during the day and quite chilly in the evenings. Be sure to pack a light down jacket (700+ fill) to keep you comfortable and warm in any conditions.

Cusco, Sacred Valley, & Titicaca: 15-21C day; 2-5C night

Machu Picchu: 22-25C day; 5-10C night

Lima: 16-20C day,  13-15C night

If you cancel your trip due to your own personal or medical reasons, the following cancellation terms will be applied:

- Registration deposit is non-refundable after the trip is confirmed and the booking process has started

- Cancellation 90 to 45 days before departure - up to 50% of the trip cost is non-refundable

- Cancellation 44  to 0 calendar days before departure – up to 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable

Safarika Travel Inc. has successfully undergone a compliance review with the California Business & Professions Code conducted by the State of California in 2024

Safarika Travel Inc. is registered with the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund (TCRF) 

That means, that under specific circumstances, California residents may recover funds up to USD 5000 paid for travel services if not provided by a registered travel seller.

California Seller of Travel Registration: 2112795-40 

Travel Consumer Restitution Fund (TCRF) registration ID #709454 

Arrive on the early morning flight from United States.

A perfect introduction to Lima — where ancient civilizations, colonial splendor, and modern life come together in one unforgettable experience.

Your journey begins in Lima’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where grand colonial architecture surrounds the elegant Main Square. Here you’ll see the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and the Archbishop’s Palace — timeless icons of the City of Kings.

Continue to the San Francisco Monastery, famous for its atmospheric catacombs. These underground chambers, once Lima’s early cemetery, reveal a fascinating glimpse into colonial life and ancient burial traditions.

Next, explore the extraordinary Gold Museum, home to one of Peru’s most impressive private collections of pre-Columbian treasures. Gold masks, ceremonial objects, textiles, and rare artifacts illuminate thousands of years of Andean artistry.

Your tour concludes in Miraflores, Lima’s modern, seaside district. Enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean from the clifftop parks and feel the vibrant, contemporary energy of the city.

Lima is a gastronomic paradise where you can savor world-renowned cuisine! You will explore the Miraflores neighborhood for top-notch seafood. And you won't miss the chance to pair exquisite dishes with amazing ocean views over the Pacific, creating a dining experience that's as unforgettable as the flavors. 

Overnight in Lima

Take a flight to Cusco around noon.

A 15-minute ride takes you to the Old Town Cusco. After check-in at hotel, enjoy free time in the city. Don't forget to drink a plenty of water and coca tea for better acclimating to the altitude. Overnight in a hotel located within the walking distance from the Plaza de Armas, the main square of Cusco.

The altitude of Cusco  is 11200" /3400m

Explore Cusco and nearby ruins.  Explore Old Town with a local guide, visit Cusco Cathedral, Qorikancha temple, Saksayuaman fortress, and other Inca ruins, and enjoy panoramic city views from iconic viewpoints.

Visit the alpaca farm, feed them, and take selfies with friendly domestic animals.

After lunch experience a chocolate-making workshop in one of the galleries.

Rest of the day free for strolling the streets and souvenirs shopping.

Overnight in Cusco.

Experience the power of Inti Raymi, Cusco’s most important festival, with an itinerary designed to guide you through the main stages of this ancient Inca celebration.

7:00 a.m. Qoricancha – Opening Ceremony

Hotel pickup and transfer to Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun, to witness the Inca’s ceremonial greeting to Inti, accompanied by his royal entourage.

8:30 a.m. Main Square – Second Staging

Walk to Cusco’s Main Square for the “Meeting of Times,” where the Inca and the Coya arrive on ceremonial litters surrounded by music, dance, and representatives of the four suyos.

10:30 a.m. Sacsayhuamán – Main Ceremony

Transfer to Sacsayhuamán for the grand finale. From your reserved seat (green sector), enjoy the three-hour central ceremony featuring dances, chants, and offerings honoring the Sun God.

4:00 p.m.| Return to Hotel

After the ceremony, transfer back to your hotel — a memorable end to a day filled with Inca history, culture, and tradition.

After having a slow breakfast, drive down the Sacred valley of Incas

Visit Ollantaytambo ruins and ancient towns with cobblestone streets and vibrant markets.

Ollantaytambo is known for its well-preserved Inca ruins, which include a massive fortress and temple complex surrounded by stunning Andean mountain peaks.

Ollantaytambo was an important administrative and religious center during the time of the Inca Empire. The ruins found there are believed to have been both a fortress and a ceremonial site.

The rest of the evening is free to enjoy the amenities of your nice hotel.

Overnight in Urubamba

Today, visit Maras and Moray, the two remarkable archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. 

Maras is known for its salt mines, where salt is harvested from terraced pools. The panoramic view of Maras is unique and impressive. 

Moray features concentric agricultural terraces that allowed the Incas to experiment with different crops and microclimates. Both sites showcase the ingenuity of the Inca civilization and their deep connection with the land. Visiting Maras and Moray provides a unique glimpse into ancient Inca practices and their remarkable achievements.

Watch the weaving process at Chinchero village with the possibility to dress up like locals and take amazing pictures wearing ponchos and traditional Peruvian sombreros.

Overnight in Urubamba

Woke up early today.

Pickup from the hotel around 5:30-6AM. 

To get to the trailhead, you take a short train ride first. 

The hike starts at a relatively low elevation of 2,000m /6500ft, the starting point of your day trek. 

Then you will set off to visit our first Inca site, and then along the trail, we will have tremendous views of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba River, and other surrounding Inca Sites.

After 3 hours of hiking, we’ll reach the most beautiful Incan site on the Inca Trail, Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) at 2,600 m/8,500 ft. Opportunity to see the elaborate water fountains, temples, and agricultural terraces, and learn about the history of the Incas. 

Homemade fresh lunch will be served at our private campsite by our crew Chef. You’ll also be offered to refill your water bottles and get a little rest.

From Wiñay Wayna, we’ll walk to the Inti Punku - The Sun Gate of Machu Picchu!

This is where we’ll see the picturesque landscape of the famous Machu Picchu. After taking in the once-in-a-lifetime views, we’ll begin our descent to Machu Picchu.

One of the many advantages of this trek is that by the time you reach Machu Picchu, the day travelers will have left. This leaves you with the whole area to explore with no interruptions. 

After taking photos and exploring the area, we will head to the town of Aguas Calientes.

We recommend going to bed early to make the most of the next day.

Stay at the hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Walking distance of the day:  Inca Trail – Sun Gate – Machu Picchu (15 km / 9 mi)

Elevation gain: 600m/ 1900ft up and drop

Elevation of the trailhead (start): 2000m / 6500ft

The highest point of the trail: 2600m / 8500 ft

Elevation of Aguas Calientes (finish): 2040m / 6700ft

Today we will be among the first visitors to Machu Picchu!

Take one of the first shuttle buses to Machu Picchu (25-minute ride). 9:00 AM - a guided 3-hour tour around the archaeological site awaits.

Return to Aguas Calientes. After lunch in town, proceed to the railway station and take an afternoon train back to Cusco, where you will be met on arrival by our representatives and returned to your hotel.

Overnight in Cusco, and take a flight back to Lima on the next day, connecting to your flight back home, or stay an additional day in Cusco and take a hike to Rainbow Mountain.

Machu Picchu altitude: 2400 m/7900 ft

As the official part of our itinerary comes to an end today, say goodbye to Peru, a land of mountains, mysteries, and unforgettable celebrations and take your flight back to Lima at your preferred time.

But! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can extend your stay for a few extra days — hike the spectacular Rainbow Mountain (allow 1 full day & 1 extra night in Cusco) or enjoy a cultural journey to Lake Titicaca (allow 3 full days & 2 extra nights in Puno).

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Optional extension: Rainbow Mountain Day-hike from Cusco:

Early pick-up from the hotel. Take a 3-hour drive to the trailhead, where you start the gradual uphill hike to the colorful Vinicunca Mountain (aka Rainbow Mountain). 

Don't forget warm clothes; the mornings are cold, and it can be windy on a trek.

Spectacular views of the Ausangate mountain massif and Cordillera Vilcanota will impress you on the way.  After being well-acclimatized in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, this trek won't be too difficult for you. The route is a gradual incline, not steep. But if you feel like renting a horse, that's possible to do from locals.

Back in Cusco around 3PM.

Overnight in Cusco

Total walking distance: 8 km  / 5 miles

Trailhead altitude (starting point): 4326m/14189"

Rainbow Mt altitude (highest point): 5020m/16466'

Jun 30 : Cusco → Puno

Begin your scenic journey to Puno, gateway to Lake Titicaca. The 6–7 hour drive includes stunning Andean views — high plains, snowcapped peaks, traditional villages, La Raya Pass (4,335 m), llama and alpaca pastures, and the tranquil Vilcanota River.

Jul 1 – Lake Titicaca: Uros & Taquile Islands

Early departure by boat to the floating Uros Islands for an introduction to their unique culture. Continue to Taquile Island, famous for its master weavers. Visit the main square, meet a local family, and enjoy a traditional home-cooked lunch. Return to Puno in the afternoon.

Jul 2 – Sillustani → Juliaca → Lima → Home

Transfer to Juliaca Airport, stopping at Sillustani Chullpas (time permitting), an ancient pre-Inca and Inca burial site overlooking Lake Umayo.

Fly to Lima in the afternoon, connect to your flight back home. Arrive in United Stated on the next day Jul 3.

With full hearts and vivid memories, we say goodbye to Peru — its ancient spirit, vibrant festivals, and breathtaking landscapes. May its magic stay with you long after you leave.