Peru: Lima, Aguas Calientes, Cusco & Machu Picchu
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Peru, immersing yourself in its rich history, vibrant culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Begin in the bustling capital city of Lima, a fusion of modernity and tradition. Explore the Historic Center, studded with colonial-era buildings, ornate churches, and plazas to learn about the fascinating pre-Columbian cultures that shaped the nation's identity.
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Embark on an unforgettable journey through Peru, immersing yourself in its rich history, vibrant culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Begin in the bustling capital city of Lima, a fusion of modernity and tradition. Explore the Historic Center, studded with colonial-era buildings, ornate churches, and plazas to learn about the fascinating pre-Columbian cultures that shaped the nation's identity. In Aguas Calientes, the picturesque town nestled at the base of the majestic Andes Mountains, relax in natural hot springs and prepare for the awe-inspiring experience that awaits, with the crown jewel of the trip - the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu. Explore the enigmatic Inca ruins, perched on a mountaintop, terraces, temples, and observatories that allow you to unveil the site's history, spiritual significance, and architectural marvels. Lastly, explore Cusco, the Ancient Capital of the Inca Empire. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets, marvel at Inca-built walls, and explore Spanish colonial architecture. Visit the Qorikancha Temple, where Inca and Spanish cultures intersect. Waterviews strives to offer accommodation options within walking distance of water and/or in an area of touristic interest. Our prices include taxes (but excludes local tourist taxes). Customize your trip to your personal preferences with optional activities (hit the “Add Activities’’) or change hotels, etc. Contact us for customization at no extra cost at: Service@waterviewstravel.com
Destinations
- Lima
- Aguas Calientes
- Cusco
Itinerary
Lima
Peru’s capital and largest city, Lima, is a bustling metropolis that blends its colonial heritage with a modern and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can explore the city’s world-class museums, marvel at the stunning architecture and charming plazas of its historic centre, discover the pre-Incan ruins of Huaca Pucllana and sample Peru’s varied cuisine in one of its world-class restaurants before enjoying its lively nightlife scene. Lima cannot be missed on any visit to Peru, and makes the perfect starting point for itineraries of the country.
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Peru’s capital and largest city, Lima, is a bustling metropolis that blends its colonial heritage with a modern and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can explore the city’s world-class museums, marvel at the stunning architecture and charming plazas of its historic centre, discover the pre-Incan ruins of Huaca Pucllana and sample Peru’s varied cuisine in one of its world-class restaurants before enjoying its lively nightlife scene. Lima cannot be missed on any visit to Peru, and makes the perfect starting point for itineraries of the country.
Additional Information
Lima is a metropolis of almost 8.5 million people. Many of these people have migrated from the Andes mountains to find work in Lima, without success. For this reason, there is widespread poverty in the city center and in the peripheral areas.
Lima's pre-Hispanic and colonial architecture is beautiful and the city has several museums (such as the Museo Larco) that tells the story of a country with a long history that produced a large number of coastal and Andean civilizations (such as the Moche, Chavin, and the Incas) and many local cultures. There are several archaeological sites in and around the city (locally known as huaca).
The city is built on a valley surrounded by an extremely arid desert. In the summer, the weather is usually beautiful, very warm and sunny, with limited rain. In the winter, the city is often overcast and rainy for days at a time. The soft winter rain (llovizna) doesn't fall hard, but it gets everything damp. Temperatures also fall to around 11-19 C⁰ (45-55⁰ F), which seems chillier when combined with the general dampness. Air pollution in the streets of Lima can be very bad due to a combination of weather and older poorly-maintained vehicles.
© Sourced from Wikivoyage
Aguas Calientes
Aguas Calientes (now officially Machu Picchu Pueblo) is a small town at the bottom of the valley next to Machu Picchu, and the principal access point to the site. All visitors to Machu Picchu pass through Aguas Calientes, and unless you're on a daytrip from Cusco, some versions of the Inca Trail, or you plan to spend a fortune and stay at the sole lodge at the Machu Picchu site, you will have to spend at least one night here.
The town is perched on the bank of the Urubamba river. Across the river are sheer cliffs, and a creek flows down from the jungle into the river, bisecting the town. Several small bridges cross the creek. Virtually all of the streets are pedestrian-only walking streets, making it very easy to get around.
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Aguas Calientes (now officially Machu Picchu Pueblo) is a small town at the bottom of the valley next to Machu Picchu, and the principal access point to the site. All visitors to Machu Picchu pass through Aguas Calientes, and unless you're on a daytrip from Cusco, some versions of the Inca Trail, or you plan to spend a fortune and stay at the sole lodge at the Machu Picchu site, you will have to spend at least one night here.
The town is perched on the bank of the Urubamba river. Across the river are sheer cliffs, and a creek flows down from the jungle into the river, bisecting the town. Several small bridges cross the creek. Virtually all of the streets are pedestrian-only walking streets, making it very easy to get around.
Cusco
A destination in its own right due to its historical importance in South America, beguiling blend of cobblestone streets, colonial period architecture and that unmistakable Peruvian street spirit, Cusco’s designation as the gateway to the beautiful Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu simply further underscores its enduring popularity.
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A destination in its own right due to its historical importance in South America, beguiling blend of cobblestone streets, colonial period architecture and that unmistakable Peruvian street spirit, Cusco’s designation as the gateway to the beautiful Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu simply further underscores its enduring popularity.
