
Visiting Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and doing it the right way makes all the difference. To protect this World Heritage Site and improve visitor flow, access is organized through official Machu Picchu circuits, each designed to offer a specific route. Choosing the right circuit will help you enjoy the visit more and make the most of your time in Cusco.
If you want a stress-free experience, booking a Machu Picchu organized tour is the best way to explore this wonder comfortably and safely.
See informations from ministerio de cultura
The Machu Picchu circuits are clearly marked routes that guide visitors through the citadel in a specific order. Each circuit includes different archaeological sectors and has a set duration. Leaving the assigned route is not allowed, so choosing the right circuit when purchasing your ticket is essential.
By reserving a Machu Picchu tour package from Cusco, you secure access to the most suitable circuit for your travel style, along with transportation, a professional guide, and personalized assistance.
Circuit 1 runs through the upper part of Machu Picchu and is ideal for travelers looking for breathtaking panoramic views and the classic postcard photos of the citadel. It is a short, low-difficulty route, perfect for those with limited time.
This circuit is often included in panoramic Machu Picchu tours, ideal for visitors who want a visually stunning but relaxed experience.
Circuit 2 is the most recommended option, especially for first-time visitors. It combines panoramic viewpoints with access to Machu Picchu’s most important archaeological areas, such as the Sacred Plaza, the Temple of the Sun, and the Sacred Rock.
This route is part of many complete Machu Picchu tour packages, as it offers a deeper understanding of Inca history, architecture, and spiritual significance. If you are looking for a well-rounded and enriching experience, this is the best circuit to choose.
Circuit 3 focuses on the lower section of Machu Picchu and is often combined with trekking routes such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. It is designed for adventurous travelers with good physical condition.
Many adventure Machu Picchu packages include this circuit, combining history, nature, and challenging hikes.
When selecting the best Machu Picchu circuit, consider your available time, physical condition, and travel interests. Booking an all-inclusive Machu Picchu tour allows you to choose the right circuit without worrying about logistics.
Choosing a reliable tour operator is key to an unforgettable journey. With Sunrise Experience Cusco, you can book customized Machu Picchu tour packages, guided by professionals who offer personalized service and local expertise.
Book your Machu Picchu experience from Cusco today and discover this ancient wonder the best way possible.
Peru is not only home to Machu Picchu and breathtaking landscapes — it is also one of the world’s top culinary destinations. Peruvian cuisine blends ancient Inca ingredients with Spanish, African, Chinese, and Japanese influences, creating flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
If you’re planning a trip to Peru, tasting the local food is an essential part of the experience. Here are 10 traditional Peruvian dishes you simply can’t miss.
🍋 1. Ceviche
Peru’s national dish. Fresh raw fish is marinated in lime juice, mixed with red onions, chili, and cilantro. It’s refreshing, spicy, and full of flavor.
👉 Best enjoyed fresh at lunchtime.
🥩 2. Lomo Saltado
A delicious stir-fry combining beef, onions, tomatoes, soy sauce, and French fries, served with rice. A perfect example of Peru’s Chinese-influenced cuisine.
👉 Comfort food with a Peruvian twist.
🥔 3. Papa a la Huancaína
Boiled potatoes topped with a creamy, mildly spicy yellow chili cheese sauce. Often served as a starter.
👉 Simple, colorful, and full of flavor.
🍲 4. Ají de Gallina
Shredded chicken in a rich, creamy sauce made with yellow chili peppers, cheese, milk, and bread, served with rice and potatoes.
👉 A favorite homemade comfort dish.
🌽 5. Rocoto Relleno
A spicy red pepper stuffed with seasoned meat, vegetables, and cheese, baked to perfection. Originally from Arequipa.
👉 For travelers who love bold flavors.
🐟 6. Tiradito
Similar to ceviche but with a Japanese influence. Thin slices of raw fish served with a spicy citrus sauce.
👉 A beautiful fusion dish.
🍖 7. Anticuchos
Grilled skewers of marinated beef heart (or other meats), traditionally sold as street food. Smoky, tender, and surprisingly delicious.
👉 A must-try street food experience.
🍛 8. Arroz con Pollo
Chicken cooked with cilantro rice, vegetables, and Peruvian spices. A classic family dish found all over the country.
👉 Flavorful and comforting.
🥟 9. Causa Rellena
Layers of mashed yellow potatoes seasoned with lime and chili, filled with tuna, chicken, or seafood.
👉 Served cold and beautifully presented.
🍮 10. Picarones
A sweet Peruvian dessert similar to donuts, made with squash and sweet potato dough, served with syrup.
👉 The perfect treat after a day of exploring.
Food in Peru is more than just a meal — it’s part of the country’s culture and history. From traditional markets to fine dining restaurants, every dish tells a story.
At Sunrise Experience Cusco, we can help you discover authentic Peruvian flavors during your journey, whether through local restaurant recommendations or cultural experiences in Cusco.
📩 Ready to explore Peru through its food? Contact us and make your trip unforgettable.
Machu Picchu may be the most famous Inca site in the world, but deep in the Peruvian Andes lies a hidden archaeological treasure that few travelers ever reach. Known as the “sister city” of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is larger, more remote, and surrounded by breathtaking wilderness. For adventure lovers and history enthusiasts, this ancient Inca city offers an unforgettable experience far from the crowds.
In this guide, we’ll explore what makes Choquequirao so special and why it’s becoming one of Peru’s most exciting trekking destinations.
🌄 1. What Is Choquequirao?
Choquequirao (pronounced cho-kay-kee-RAO) means “Cradle of Gold” in Quechua. It is an ancient Inca city perched at 3,050 meters (10,000 ft) above sea level in the Vilcabamba mountain range.
The site is often compared to Machu Picchu because of its impressive stone architecture, agricultural terraces, and ceremonial spaces. However, Choquequirao is actually larger, with only about 30–40% of the complex excavated so far.
👉 A true hidden gem still being uncovered by archaeologists.
🥾 2. How Do You Get to Choquequirao?
Unlike Machu Picchu, there is no train or bus to Choquequirao. The only way to reach it is by trekking through dramatic Andean landscapes.
Most treks last 4 to 5 days, covering deep canyons, mountain passes, and remote valleys. The journey is physically demanding but incredibly rewarding, with panoramic views and a strong sense of adventure.
👉 Perfect for travelers looking for a real off-the-beaten-path experience.
🏔 3. Why Is Choquequirao Called the Sister City of Machu Picchu?
Historians believe Choquequirao played an important role in the final years of the Inca Empire. Like Machu Picchu, it features:
• Sophisticated stone constructions
• Agricultural terraces built into the mountainside
• Religious and ceremonial sectors
• Stunning natural surroundings
Because of these similarities, many researchers consider Choquequirao part of the same network of royal and sacred Inca sites.
👉 It offers the same magic as Machu Picchu — but with far fewer visitors.
🌿 4. What Makes Choquequirao So Special?
One of the most impressive features of Choquequirao is the series of white stone llama figures embedded into the terraces. These unique designs are rarely seen at other Inca sites.
The sense of isolation also makes the visit extraordinary. You might explore massive plazas and temples with only a handful of other hikers around — something impossible at Machu Picchu.
👉 Silence, nature, and history combine into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
🌞 5. When Is the Best Time to Visit Choquequirao?
The best time for the trek is during the dry season (May to September), when trails are safer and mountain views are clearer. The rainy season (November to March) can make the path muddy and more challenging.
Proper acclimatization in Cusco is essential before starting the trek due to altitude and long hiking days.
👉 Preparation is key for enjoying the experience safely.
🧭 6. Should You Visit Choquequirao with a Guided Tour?
Because of the difficulty of the route and the remoteness of the area, most travelers choose to visit Choquequirao with an organized trekking tour. Professional guides provide:
• Navigation and safety
• Camping equipment and meals
• Historical explanations about the Inca site
• Support animals to carry gear
👉 A guided trek allows you to focus on the adventure while experts handle the logistics.
At Sunrise Experience Cusco, we offer guided Choquequirao trekking adventures led by experienced local guides who know the mountains, culture, and history of the region. Our tours combine safety, comfort, and authentic Andean experiences for travelers seeking something truly extraordinary.
📩 Ready to explore the hidden sister city of Machu Picchu? Contact us today and start planning your Choquequirao adventure.
Machu Picchu is more than just an ancient ruin — it’s one of the most breathtaking destinations on Earth. Every year, thousands of travelers dream of walking through its stone temples, surrounded by misty green mountains and centuries of history. But before you go, there are important things you should know to make your visit smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
In this guide, you’ll find everything first-time visitors need to know about planning a trip to Machu Picchu.
🌎 1. Where Is Machu Picchu and Why Is It So Famous?
Machu Picchu is located high in the Peruvian Andes, about 80 km (50 miles) northwest of Cusco. Built in the 15th century by the Inca civilization, it remained hidden from the outside world until 1911.
Today, it’s recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its mystery, advanced stonework, and stunning mountain setting make it one of the most iconic travel experiences on the planet.
👉 Visiting Machu Picchu is like stepping into a living postcard of history and nature combined.
☀️ 2. Best Time of Year to Visit Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu can be visited all year round, but the experience changes with the seasons.
April and October are considered shoulder months — a great balance between good weather and fewer tourists.
👉 If you want the best mountain views, aim for early mornings in the dry season.
🚆 3. How to Get to Machu Picchu from Cusco
You can’t drive directly to Machu Picchu. The journey itself is part of the adventure.
Most travelers take a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of the ruins. From there, a short bus ride takes you up to the entrance.
For the more adventurous, there are trekking options like:
👉 Trains are the easiest option; trekking routes are ideal if you want a deeper Andean adventure.
🎟 4. Do You Need to Buy Tickets in Advance?
Yes — and this is one of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make.
Entry tickets to Machu Picchu have daily limits and often sell out weeks or even months in advance, especially during high season. There are also different circuits and optional hikes like Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain, which require separate permits.
👉 Booking in advance guarantees your spot and avoids last-minute stress.
🎒 5. What to Pack for Your Visit
The weather in the Andes can change quickly, even in the dry season.
Bring:
✔ Comfortable walking shoes
✔ Light rain jacket or poncho
✔ Sunscreen and hat
✔ Reusable water bottle
✔ Passport (required for entry)
Avoid bringing large backpacks, as there are size restrictions at the entrance.
👉 Dress in layers — mornings can be cool, afternoons warm.
🧭 6. Should You Visit with a Tour or On Your Own?
While it’s possible to visit independently, going with a guided tour offers a much richer experience. A professional guide explains the history, symbolism, and purpose of different areas within the citadel.
Tours also help coordinate train tickets, buses, and entry times — saving you time and hassle.
👉 A guided visit transforms Machu Picchu from “beautiful ruins” into a powerful historical journey.
✨ 7. Final Tips for an Unforgettable Experience
Machu Picchu is not just a destination — it’s an experience that stays with you for life.
🦙 Explore Machu Picchu with Local Experts
At Sunrise Experience Cusco, we offer carefully organized Machu Picchu tours with professional guides, comfortable transportation, and personalized service. We take care of every detail so you can focus on enjoying the journey.
📩 Ready to visit Machu Picchu? Contact us today and let’s plan your unforgettable adventure in Peru.
We’ll discover the magic of Ica and Paracas on an unforgettable trip: sailing across the waters of the Pacific Ocean towards the impressive Ballestas Islands, where the mystery of the Candelabra will surprise you from the very first moment. It’s also home to sea lions and penguins. Then, we’ll immerse ourselves in the adventure of the desert with an exciting buggy ride through the imposing dunes of Huacachina. We’ll also try sandboarding. An experience full of adrenaline, nature, and dreamlike landscapes that you can’t miss!
We arrive on the day of our dream trip when we pick you up from the agreed-upon point. 4:30 a.m. – 4:50 a.m. At the indicated time, our tour guide and the vehicle will depart for the Paracas Beach Resort (trip duration approximately 3 hours). We will make a stop in Chilca for a delicious breakfast of pork rinds and tamales. Upon arrival at the Paracas Beach Resort, you will head to Puerto El Chaco accompanied by your tour guide. From there, you will depart on modern speedboats where you can enjoy a wonderful tour to the Ballestas Islands, in addition to appreciating this natural wonder along with the area’s marine wildlife, such as sea lions, Humboldt penguins, black or guanay cormorants, flamingos, marigolds, and various seabirds. The sea lions, as well as the penguins, will likely approach the boat, and you will be able to appreciate nature’s gift. Thousands of seabirds fly between the islands, and their nests can be seen on the rocks. You will also admire the Candelabra; the guide will explain the different theories about its formation (approximately 1:40 a.m.). Departure for the city of Ica. The guide will take you to the Catador Winery, where the grape brandy known worldwide as Pisco is produced. It is a tourist winery for Pisco and Wine. After visiting the winery facilities, our visitors will be invited to taste and/or sample the main products produced at the winery: wines, Piscos, Pisco Creams, Macerated Wines, and Mistelas. The tour will be accompanied by dynamic phrases typical of Ica. Lunch is at the passenger’s expense. Arrival and excursion to the Oasis of La Huacachina, located just 5 km from the center of Ica. In this beautiful lagoon, you can enjoy the tranquility of the place and walk around in search of good photos. The guide will then give directions to board the famous sand cars, where you’ll experience an unforgettable moment of adrenaline-fueled adventure. You’ll zoom through the dunes at full speed. You’ll also have the opportunity to try sandboarding. Later, we’ll get ready to return to Lima after a day filled with adrenaline and beautiful memories.
What does the full-day Paracas and Ica tour include?
Included
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the impressive Cañón de los Perdidos, a hidden treasure in the Ica desert that will amaze you with its impressive geological formations and mystical landscape. The tour begins with an exciting drive through desert roads, where the vast horizon and the silence of the desert create a unique atmosphere. Upon arrival, you’ll marvel at the imposing rock walls sculpted by erosion over thousands of years, forming a natural labyrinth that hides marine fossils, witnesses to a past when this arid region was once covered by the ocean. As you descend its narrow paths, you’ll feel the ancestral energy of the place as you explore every corner, admiring its whimsical formations and letting your imagination soar amidst its surreal landscapes. End the experience with a moment of connection with nature, contemplating the endless blue sky that contrasts with the ochre tones of the canyon, taking with you unforgettable memories of this journey full of mystery and beauty.
The tour to the canyon of the lost starts in Ica, the pick up is from 06:00 to 06:30 heading to the desert on the way we will have a stop in Ocucaje to have breakfast and buy water and snacks since in the desert we will not find stores or places to eat it is important to carry our food after about 2 hours of car we arrive at the Canyon Viewpoint where the guide will give you an explanation about the geological formation of this magnificent place we will also observe fossils, flora and fauna, we will have a walk through the interior of the canyon a walk of 1 hour and a half later at 12 noon we prepare to return to the mobility and at approximately 1:00 p.m. we will have the stop for lunch and regain strength to later begin the trip back to Ica, our tour will end at approximately 3:30 p.m. in Ica.
¿Qué incluye el tour a AL CAÑON DE LOS PERDIDOS?
Incluido
• Trasporte turístico para el tour.
• Guía para el tour.
• Ingreso a lugares a visitar
No incluido
• Comidas
• Seguro de Viaje.
• Propinas.
• Gastos extras.
• Bebidas y snaks.
We begin the tour at Parque del Amor in Miraflores, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. We then visit Huaca Pucllana, an ancient temple of Lima culture, and El Olivar Park, a peaceful retreat in the heart of San Isidro. We continue to the Historic Center, where we’ll walk through its colonial streets and visit the Convent of San Francisco and its catacombs. Finally, we arrive at Plaza Mayor, surrounded by the Government Palace, the Municipal Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Lima Cathedral—icons of the city’s history.
Our adventure begins at 8:00 AM, where our guide will pick you up at your hotel to begin this fascinating tour of Lima. We begin our day at Parque del Amor, located in the vibrant Miraflores district, famous for its modern architecture and romantic atmosphere. Next, we head to Huaca Pucllana, an important archaeological site that was a ceremonial temple of the Lima culture. (Panoramic view) During the visit, you will learn about the history of this ancient civilization and its relationship with spiritual and ceremonial life in the region. We continue to El Olivar Park, a green oasis in the heart of San Isidro, one of the most traditional and exclusive districts of Lima. This park, famous for its centuries-old olive groves, is a place of peace and tranquility. Next, we head to the Historic Center of Lima, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You will see places like the Plaza Mayor, which was the heart of the city during the colonial era, and some of Lima’s most emblematic monuments. We’ll also visit the Convent of San Francisco de Asís, an important religious site in Lima, known for its catacombs, an ancient cemetery with thousands of human remains that reflect the city’s colonial history. Our tour concludes at approximately 1:00 PM.
WHAT DOES THE ONE-DAY TOUR INCLUDE?
Included
On this tour, visitors will enjoy a stunning spectacle of water, light, music, and images in Parque de la Reserva. The tour then continues with a panoramic tour of modern Lima, where they can admire its impressive buildings and exclusive residential areas. The tour concludes with a return to Miraflores, where they will be dropped off at their hotel.
At 6:00 pm, the guide will pick up participants from their hotel in the Miraflores area to begin the tour of Lima. The first stop will be the Magic Water Circuit, recognized as the largest complex of electronic fountains in the world, certified by the Guinness World Record. Visitors will enjoy an impressive spectacle of water, light, music, and images in Parque de la Reserva. The tour will then continue with a panoramic tour of modern Lima, where they can admire its impressive buildings and exclusive residential areas. The tour will conclude with a return to Miraflores, where they will be dropped off at their hotel.
WHAT DOES THE ONE-DAY TOUR INCLUDE?
Included
Things to Note
Embark on a unique experience in the Colca Valley, where every moment is designed to provide you with comfort and adventure. From pickup at your hotel in Arequipa to drop-off at the end of the day, our private transportation service guarantees a worry-free trip. Enjoy a delicious breakfast in the picturesque town of Chivay, witness the majestic flight of the condor at the Cruz del Cóndor, relax in the hot springs of Chacapi, and marvel at the viewpoints of Antahuilque and Choquetico, all accompanied by expert guides who will enrich your experience. This day tour offers you the best of Colca with the comfort you deserve.
We’ll begin our tour from Arequipa along the Yura Highway, heading to the picturesque town of Chivay, where we’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast. Afterward, we’ll head toward the Cruz del Cóndor, from where we can admire the majestic flight of the condor and appreciate one of the deepest canyons in the world. On the way back, we’ll stop at the Antahuilque and Choquetico viewpoints, which offer stunning views of the valley and its pre-Inca and Inca terraces. We’ll visit the charming towns of Pinchollo, Maca, and Yanque, known for their beautiful colonial churches. Afterward, we’ll relax in the Chacapi hot springs, soaking in the thermal waters. We’ll have lunch in Chivay, and on the return to Arequipa, we’ll stop at the Patapampa viewpoint (at 4,910 m), from where we can admire the Ampato, Sabancaya, and Hualca Hualca volcanoes. We will continue our journey past the Tocra wetlands, home to various species of wild birds, and through Pampa Cañahuas, where we will observe herds of alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas, South American camelids known for their fine fibers. We are expected to arrive in Arequipa around 5:00 PM.
¿QUÉ INCLUYE EL TOUR DE UN DIA?
Incluido
• Recojo y traslado de tu hotel.
• Desayuno
• Guía profesional -inglés y español.
No incluido
• Agua y snacks.
• Boleto turístico (Nacional S/20.00), (Latino s/.40.00), (Extranjero S/.70.00)
• Entrada a aguas termales s/.15.00
• Almuerzo s/. 40.000
Promotion valid for travel through December 31, 2025. • Tour start time: Between 3:00 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. (it is recommended to be ready at the pickup point 15 minutes in advance). • Passengers are required to adhere to the scheduled tour package schedule. Otherwise, they may be rebooked on the corresponding service at their own expense (transportation), and no refund will be issued for any missed service.
Enjoy the views from the Carmen Alto and Yanahuara viewpoints, and explore the Monastery of Santa Catalina with its historic architecture. We’ll tour Arequipa’s historic center, including the Main Square, the Jesuit Church, and the cloisters of the Company, a beautiful example of mestizo art. An unforgettable experience!
At approximately 8:00 am, our guide will pick you up from your hotel. We will enjoy spectacular views of the city from the Carmen and Alto Yanahuara viewpoints, which offer spectacular views of Arequipa. You can admire the entire city, surrounded by towering volcanoes, and learn about its history from this privileged vantage point. We will then head to the Monastery of Santa Catalina, one of the most fascinating monasteries in Peru. We will walk through its colorful halls, flower-filled cells, and peaceful spaces, which will make you feel like you have traveled back in time. A place where history and peace intertwine. At approximately 10:30 am, we will head to the Plaza de Armas to visit the Cathedral, a true icon of the city. Marvel at its architecture and history, which has witnessed the city’s most important moments. Next, we’ll visit the Jesuit Church, where you can appreciate the beauty and mestizo art of its colonial structures, combining indigenous and European elements. We’ll continue our tour to visit and explore the beautiful cloisters of the Society of Jesus, an outstanding example of Baroque and mestizo art. Its architectural details and serenity will captivate you as you discover the history behind every corner. Finally, we’ll delve into one of Arequipa’s most emblematic colonial mansions: La Casona de Tristán del Pozo. This elegant building will allow you to learn more about life in the city during the viceregal era and its influence on current architecture.
WHAT DOES THE ONE-DAY TOUR INCLUDE?
Included