Machete Tours Luxury Peru itinerary packs in many of Peru’s magnificent landscapes and classic experiences into an action packed but luxurious 10 days in this endlessly diverse and fascinating Andean Kingdom. Prepare to be surprised, enlightened and spoiled on this holiday of a lifetime! This tour is a for clients looking for that little bit extra – stay at some of the finest hotels in Peru, located to give wonderful views and easy access to the fascinating areas that we are exploring in our itinerary. This is also a tour for those who appreciate the very finest in Peruvian and international cuisine. Perfect for those looking for a relaxing but constantly entertaining getaway, an anniversary or perhaps even a honeymoon!  Explore the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, home to the Uros, the floating islands and indigenous people from both the Quechua and Aymara cultures. The great glacial mountains in the vicinity of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, gods to the Incas and to the local people are additional reminders of the great forces that have sculpted not only this landscape but also its people and its cultures. From Indigenous cultures arriving in South America thousands of years ago grew the power of the Incas. Machu Picchu, the remarkable UNESCO world heritage site and ‘lost city’ was discovered 106 years ago by Hiram Bingham and remains a unique example of an ‘untouched’ Inca city. Cusco, our base in this part of Peru is a remarkable, cosmopolitan city than provides ample demonstration both of its position of Inca capital and colonial stronghold. It was here that two of world’s great cultures collided. Historical, natural and cultural our Luxury Peru Program will inspire all visitors to this truly remarkable and enchanting country. 

This Machu Picchu to Galapagos Tour combines three of South America’s major highlights. The magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu World Heritage Site, considered one the ‘new’ 7 wonders of the world, perched in a spectacular location amongst the misty peaks of the Vilcabamba mountain range. Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire is now a vibrant city, combining beautiful examples of both Inca and Colonial architecture. Last but not least is our 6 day first-class cruise in the natural wonderland of Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, an unforgettable adventure in the volcanic realm that led Charles Darwin to develop his theory of evolution.  Although not as well known internationally, Ecuador’s capital of Quito, perched high in the Ecuadorian Andes, combined with market town of Otavalo is an additional treat. Quito has perhaps the best preserved colonial centre of all the Andean capitals and has recently been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status. Throughout your Machu Picchu to Galapagos Tour in the Andean region you will not only see remarkable Andean scenery and world class archaeological sites, but you will also experience a thriving indigenous community that maintains culture and traditions from times long before Pizarro and his Spanish Conquistadors set foot upon these magnificent lands. Welcome to the New World! 

A journey of epic proportions across the South American Continent, Machete Tours Guided South American Tour journey takes in 5 beautiful Countries in a smorgasbord of South American wonders, from the Andean Mountains to Rio de Janeiro. Beginning in the Lima, Peru’s bustling colonial capital, the ‘city of kings’ we leave the Pacific Ocean behind and take a step back in time, flying high into the Mighty Andes to visit Cusco, once the capital of the great Inca Empire. We travel by train to the magnificent ‘lost city of the Incas’, Machu Picchu only rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 – surely one of most magnificent sights of the Americas. Travelling across the stark high altitude plains of the Andes we reach the world’s highest navigable lake, Titicaca. Home to unique Uros people who inhabit ‘floating’ reed islands on its waters. Bolivia, and the world’s highest capital city, La Paz. At nearly 4000m above sea level, views from the strange and fascinating city take in vistas of vast snow clad Andean peaks.  Using 4 x 4 vehicles we visit the strange lunar landscapes of the Salar de Uyuni, the World’s largest salt pan, a strange and otherworldly place. From the edge of this Salt Desert great volcanoes rise from its edges, and strangely coloured high altitude lakes, including the red ‘Laguna Colorada’ offer homes to populations of Andean Flamingos. From Atacama lonely high altitude wilderness we fly to Santiago de Chile, the modern Chilean capital.  Argentina’s El Calafate is home to spectacular Glaciers and amazing Ice Lakes – a magical sight.  From Patagonia we fly to spectacular waterfalls, the vast and beautiful cascades of Iguazu, wrapped in lush sub-tropical forests on the Brazil-Argentina Frontier. Exploring both sides of this magnificent sight we conclude our journey in that most legendary of South American Tour cities, home of the carnival and Ipenema beach, Rio de Janeiro. A spectacular end to an epic journey!

A journey of epic proportions across the South American Continent, Machete Tours Guided South American Tour journey takes in 5 beautiful Countries in a smorgasbord of South American wonders, from the Andean Mountains to Rio de Janeiro. Beginning in the Lima, Peru’s bustling colonial capital, the ‘city of kings’ we leave the Pacific Ocean behind and take a step back in time, flying high into the Mighty Andes to visit Cusco, once the capital of the great Inca Empire. We travel by train to the magnificent ‘lost city of the Incas’, Machu Picchu only rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911 – surely one of most magnificent sights of the Americas. Travelling across the stark high altitude plains of the Andes we reach the world’s highest navigable lake, Titicaca. Home to unique Uros people who inhabit ‘floating’ reed islands on its waters. Bolivia, and the world’s highest capital city, La Paz. At nearly 4000m above sea level, views from the strange and fascinating city take in vistas of vast snow clad Andean peaks.  From Patagonia we fly to spectacular waterfalls, the vast and beautiful cascades of Iguazu, wrapped in lush sub-tropical forests on the Brazil-Argentina Frontier. Exploring both sides of this magnificent sight we conclude our journey in that most legendary of South American Tour cities, home of the carnival and Ipenema beach, Rio de Janeiro. A spectacular end to an epic journey!

Enjoying only a fraction of the fame and publicity of its neighbour Machu Picchu the Inca city of Choquequirao is nevertheless equally impressive. Covering an area twice the size of Machu Picchu this spectacular site overlooks the magnificent Apurimac River Canyon in an area often visited by Condors and other distinctive Andean Wildlife. The region is also crisscrossed by thousands of kilometres of ancient Inca Trails, some of which we will use in the course of our Choquequirao Trekking Tour. The local Quechua communities here go about their agricultural way of life in this harsh environment, surrounded by spectacular glacier capped ‘apus’ or mountain gods, in ways that have changed little for hundreds of years. Come and join us on our trek to this little Inca known gem!   

The fabulous ruins of the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu set amongst the outstanding forested peaks of the Peruvian Andes have achieved almost legendary ‘must see’ status with visitors to Peru. Machu Picchu was recently voted one the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’ and has long held UNESCO World Heritage Status – a unique Inca settlement never raided by the Spanish conquistadors and unknown to the outside world until rediscovered by explore and Yale University Hiram Bingham in 1911.  As impressive as Machu Picchu itself is the beautiful Inca Trail to Machu Picchu that winds through the stunning scenery of the Urubamba Valley, passing stunning vistas of snow clad peaks and numerous Inca archaeological sites that are fascinating in their own right. To arrive at Machu Picchu and look down at this world renowned vista after hiking part of the Inca trail to Machu Picchu is a very special experience. For those who may not have the time to complete the full 4 day Inca Trail hike but still want to get out on the trail we offer this 2 day itinerary, consisting of a day on the trail, followed by an in depth exploration of Machu Picchu World Heritage Site. Enjoy!