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12 Days / 11 Nights

Beyond the Lost Citadel

Lima / Cusco / Capuliyoc / Chiquisca / Playa Rosalina / Santa Rosa / Marampata / Choquequirao / Valle Sagrado / Machu Picchu / Cusco

From USD $500.00

Description

Beyond the Lost Citadel is a 12-day expedition through Peru that blends luxury travel with raw adventure, cultural depth, and spiritual immersion. The journey starts in Lima with museum visits and fine dining, then flies to Cusco before descending into one of the world's deepest canyons — the Apurímac — on a multi-day trek to Choquequirao, the remote and crowd-free "sister citadel" of Machu Picchu. After returning from the trail, the route transitions into the Sacred Valley for community ceremonies, artisan workshops, and archaeological exploration, culminating in the iconic Machu Picchu. This is a premium expedition product — combining high-end camping, private guiding, and gourmet meals on the mountain with luxury hotels, spiritual experiences, and signature dining off it. Designed for the discerning traveler who craves both physical challenge and refined comfort, far beyond the beaten path.

Itinerary

What you will do: Forget the haste of the outside world; your journey to the source begins with an absolute transition to calm the moment you cross the gates of the Lima airport. A private host will exclusively greet you to guide you to a premium vehicle designed for your rest. While traveling to your hotel, you will receive your first inspiring insights about the route. The afternoon is yours to claim—tune into the local rhythm and awaken your senses in the comfort of your hotel sanctuary.

Where you will sleep: Lima (Miraflores, San Isidro, or Barranco).

What is included: Private Airport → Hotel transfer, dedicated assistance from a host, and a private briefing session. Meals: No meals included.

What you will do: Your intellect and sense of aesthetics will be delighted by a private tour of the Amano Museum, admiring the genius, fine threads, and textures of pre-Hispanic textiles from the Chancay, Nazca, and Mochica cultures. At noon, your palate will travel back in time with a traditional, history-filled lunch at the legendary Taberna Queirolo in Pueblo Libre. In the afternoon, discover the mystical beauty of the Larco Museum and its pre-Columbian art collections, wandering through colonial halls surrounded by beautiful gardens that invite contemplation and peace of mind.

Where you will sleep: Lima.

What is included: Exclusive private transportation for the circuit, official admission tickets, and specialized private guiding at both museums. Meals: Breakfast at the hotel and traditional lunch at Taberna Queirolo.

What you will do: Conquer a brand-new territory as you fly to Cusco. In the afternoon, your eyes will register the grandeur of the Inca Empire while contemplating the megalithic walls of Sacsayhuamán. You will begin a charming walking descent through the bohemian alleyways of San Blas, discovering the historic Sapantiana Aqueduct and the most photogenic corners of the imperial city. Enjoy a free afternoon to let yourself be captivated by Cusco at your own pace, before crowning the evening with a memorable private welcome gourmet dinner.

Where you will sleep: Cusco.

What is included: Private entry and exit logistical transfers, domestic flight ticket Lima – Cusco, private transportation for the afternoon tour, Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTG), private signature guiding, and a premium gala dinner. Meals: Breakfast at the Lima hotel and a gourmet Welcome Dinner.

⚠️ Important Note on Altitude: Today you will land in Cusco, situated at approximately 3,400 meters in altitude. To fully ensure your well-being, the urban tour is designed to be entirely downhill, gentle, relaxed, and very slow. We suggest dressing in layers, drinking plenty of water or hot Andean infusions, and taking advantage of the evening to rest peacefully while your body adapts to the pure mountain air.

What you will do: Awaken your spirit of adventure with a scenic drive to the Capuliyoc Viewpoint, where your eyes will capture for the first time the imposing immensity of the Apurímac Canyon. Begin a challenging and exhilarating descent into the depths of the earth, crossing Chiquisca as the Andean climate shifts to tropical. Feel the raw power of nature as you approach the roaring river at Rosalina Beach, where your private team will have set up a high-end campsite for you to rest under one of the purest starry skies on the planet.

Where you will sleep: Luxury camp at Rosalina Beach.

What is included: Private transport Cusco – Capuliyoc, certified high-mountain guide service, muleteers, support horses for logistics, professional trekking poles, and premium camping equipment (tents, cots, and high-mountain sleeping bags). Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included on the mountain route.

What you will do: Prepare your mind for a day of self-achievement and absolute reward. Cross the suspension bridge over the sacred river to begin the steep vertical ascent up the canyon toward Santa Rosa. Every step brings you closer to landscapes of untamed beauty. Upon reaching the Andean plateau of Marampata, enjoy a comforting lunch paired with breathtaking panoramic views. Finally, your eyes will behold the first agricultural terraces of Choquequirao—the last Inca refuge—as you settle into an exclusive campsite completely free from mass crowds.

Where you will sleep: Luxury camp in the vicinity of the Choquequirao archaeological site.

What is included: Private high-mountain guide service, premium camp logistics on-site, and official entrance tickets to the Choquequirao archaeological park. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

⚠️ Important Note on Altitude: During this day, you will ascend from the canyon floor to camp near Choquequirao at approximately 3,035 meters in altitude. The geography of the Apurímac involves steep vertical climbs. Your expert guide will regulate the pace with strategic breaks. We recommend using the provided professional poles for stability, hydrating constantly with small sips of water, and enjoying the hike at your own rhythm.

What you will do: Experience a day of absolute archaeological exclusivity, becoming one of the few travelers in the world to explore this hidden gem. Your mind will register the magic of the Main Plaza, the royal enclosures, and the famous terraces of the “Llamas of the Sun”—spectacular stone mosaics that challenge the abyss. Guided privately and without haste, you will decipher the mysteries of this fortress of Inca resistance surrounded by clouds and snow-capped peaks. It will be a day of deep historical connection and peace of mind in a monumental setting all to yourself.

Where you will sleep: Luxury camp in Choquequirao.

What is included: Private signature guiding within the Choquequirao archaeological site, official entry passes, and dedicated premium camp service. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

What you will do: Bid farewell to the majestic Inca citadel, beginning a smooth return descent toward the heart of the canyon. Cross the Apurímac River once more, feeling the energy of the valley, before undertaking the final Andean climb up toward Chiquisca and the Capuliyoc Viewpoint. Upon crowning the route, you will feel the deep satisfaction of having conquered one of the most challenging and pure trails in the Peruvian Andes, contemplating the abyss you overcame before boarding your private transport to the Sacred Valley for a well-deserved luxury rest.

Where you will sleep: Urubamba (Sacred Valley).

What is included: Mountain guiding, final private transport Capuliyoc – Urubamba, and transfer to your selected hotel. Meals: Breakfast, lunch on the trail, and dinner at the Sacred Valley hotel.

What you will do: Your spirit will reconnect with the essential as you ascend to the Andean community of Cuper Pucamarca. Feel the warmth of a musical Andean welcome and walk unhurriedly, leading the way alongside beautiful native alpacas bordering a mirror-like lagoon of infinite peace. Experience a profound mystical immersion by participating in an intimate Pago a la Pachamama (Payment to Mother Earth) ceremony guided by an authentic Q’eros sage. Savor an ancestral Pachamanca lunch cooked underground, and in the afternoon, shape your own aesthetic sense during a private pottery class at the “Cerámicas Seminario” workshop in Urubamba.

Where you will sleep: Urubamba (Sacred Valley).

What is included: Exclusive private transportation for the circuit, private guiding, Andean spiritual rituals, interactive workshops, and materials at the Cerámicas Seminario workshop. Meals: Breakfast at the hotel and a traditional Pachamanca lunch in the community.

⚠️ Important Note on Altitude: The beautiful slopes of the Cuper community sit above 3,500 meters in altitude. There is no need to worry: after your days of expedition in the canyon, your body will be fully acclimated. The walk with the alpacas and the spiritual ceremonies are conducted at an extremely peaceful and slow pace, ensuring you connect with the spiritual surroundings in total comfort.

What you will do: Your senses will marvel at the imposing archaeological terraces of Písac, suspended almost celestially on the flanks of the mountain. Walk among its ancient temples and defensive towers, guided exclusively by your signature expert. Afterward, descend to the town’s picturesque traditional market. Close this magnificent day by delighting your palate in Cusco with an exclusive premium lunch featuring fine cuts of meat and a select wine pairing in a prestigious restaurant in the historic center.

Where you will sleep: Cusco.

What is included: Premium private transport Urubamba – Písac – Cusco, General Tourist Ticket (BTG), specific admission tickets, private bilingual guiding, and a Premium Meat Cuts Menu lunch (includes a selected glass of wine and Andean infusions). Meals: Breakfast at the hotel and a premium meat cuts lunch.

What you will do: Explore the mystical cobblestone streets of Ollantaytambo, the last living Inca town, admiring the symmetry of its ancient urban planning. In the afternoon, feel the pulse of anticipation as you board the premium category train that borders the Urubamba River toward the high jungle. Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, settle into the comfort of your premium hotel, surrounded by lush gardens and the soothing murmur of nature, preparing your senses for the grand day ahead.

Where you will sleep: Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).

What is included: Private transport Cusco – Ollantaytambo, premium category train tickets (Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes), official entrance fees, and private guiding. Meals: Breakfast at the hotel (Lunch is open and on the passenger’s account).

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