Peru Travel Ideas

Itinerary:

Day 1. Lima

After your arrival into Lima airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel of choice.

As most flights arrive late in the evening tonight there are no activities planned.

Day 2. Lima

Lima was one of the fist cities established in South America by the conquistadors and holds many amazing colonial jewels to be discovered.

"The Checkerboard of Pizarro", founded by this conqueror in 1535. The city was organized until the beginning of this century as the center of life and economy. It was the Peruvian capital where the conquerors and the viceroy lived with people like "Perricholi". It was the City of the Kings. Witness of thousands of tales, The Historic Center occupies the oldest part of the city and is a cultural legacy of Peru.

It covers the original Spanish layout - known as Pizarro's Checkerboard, the old gardens and haciendas by the Rimac river and the Barrios Altos section. Its buildings reflect the wealth of Lima architecture through the centuries, combined with modern buildings and shopping areas. Walking its streets and observing her churches, mansions, fountains, monuments, walks, boulevards and homes, the visitor notes different styles existing side by side, and feels as though he has traveled briefly through time, each different from the other.

The balconies that Lima displays, singly or in long rows, are unique in Latin America and constitute one of the most picturesque aspects of the streets of old Lima. The architecture of French influence (18th century) enhanced the charm of houses and churches with the freshness given to them by the mestizo builders who gracefully used materials like clay and plaster.

The most important squares and parks got a face-lift and look attractive these days. The mayor of Lima "Andrade" recently has been reelected and will continue the good work. He and his staff designed an action plan to turn Lima in the tourist capital of Latin America.

New residential areas, San Isidro, Miraflores, Barranco, have grown up on the shore, sheltered by Lima's old spas. Through these streets with long and noisy strides there is commercial activity, banks, shows, art galleries. Surfing is practiced on its beaches. A new city is developing and growing among the gay bougainvillea of Miraflores, and the patriarchal olive trees of San Isidro. The city overlooks the sea, and a long rosary of beaches at Costa Verde, Chorrillos and La Herradura.

This half-day tour visits both the colonial and modern sections of Lima. Colonial sites include the lovely Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, San Francisco Church and the exquisite Torre Tagle Palace modern day seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In modern Lima, drive along the exclusive residential areas of Miraflores and San Isidro.

The Larco Museum, founded in 1926, displays remarkable chronological galleries providing an excellent overview on 3000 years of development of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. Located in a unique vice-royal mansion of the 18th century built over a 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The Larco Museum also features the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru and the famous erotic archaeological collection, one of the most visited Peruvian tourist attractions. B

Day 3. Lima - Cusco - Sacred Valley

Upon arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred down and into the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

A full day excursion to the Pisac Indian Market and the Ollantaytambo Fortress in the Heart of the Sacred Valley. With a early start we drive through the fertile countryside of the Urubamba Valley to the colonial village of Pisac where an Indian Market takes place Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Other days you will tour the religious nucleus and archaeological site of Pisac. During your visit to the bustling marketplace you will have the opportunity to bargain with the natives for many different types of Peruvian handicrafts and jewelry.

We then continue on down the valley to the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex. Conjectures suggests the Incas built it as a fort that included a temple, agricultural terraces, and an urban area. There are two distinct sectors: The religious and worship zone, and the residential area.

Ollantaytambo was an important administrative center with probable military functions if one considers the walls and towers. There are also traces of ancient roads and aqueducts. The town of Ollantaytambo is called a "Living Inca Town" since the inhabitants maintain ancient practices and customs with the town itself being a living museum of Inca construction, irrigation and housing.

Time to relax and acclimatize in the afternoon at your wonderful hotel next to the river before your hike. BL

Day 4. Inca Trail

After breakfast we are transported by vehicle to the end of the road (km 88) where we meet the support team of porters for the Inca trail.

The first section is ideal for acclimatization purposes as we hike along the sacred Urubamba river. We camp the night beyond the ruins of Llactapata (2, 288 m) ruins. Whilst walking all you need to carry is your daypack. Our support team of traditional porters carries all camping equipment and performs all camp chores; all food is prepared by the cook.

We believe in camping and trekking in style on this trip and whereas others sleep in comfortable tents on roll maps we are in large Bedouin style tents with beds, comfortbale chairs to recline in while you recount your days treks or are waiting for your complimentary massage! After you enjoy gourmet meals with your crystal glasses and silve ware - we told you this trip was LUXURY! BLD

Day 5. Inca Trail

We trek up the Cusichaca valley to the small hamlet of Huallyabamba, the last inhabited place on the trail. The path continues on up past humming birds and stunted cloud forest. Our camp is the beautiful grassy area at Llulluchupampa (3680 m). This has out-standing views down the valley. BLD

Day 6. Inca Trail

Possibly the hardest day of the trek, we rise early and head to the highest point of the trail - the impressive Warmiwanusca (Dead woman's pass 4200 m). We then descend into the Pacasmayo valley and then climb again passing the Inca ruins Rucuracay.

Our second pass of the day (3998 m) gives us spectacular views of the Vilcabamba range. Walking on incredibly well-preserved Inca pathway we pass Sayacmarca ruins with plenty of time for an in depth tour and explanation. We continue along the ridge, passing through tunnels and fantastic views and a slight ascent brings us to Phuyupatamarca ruins where we camp (3650 m) BLD

Day 7. Inca Trail - Machu Picchu

Our final days hiking brings us down into the Cloud forest on a seemingly endless Inca Stairway to Winay-winay (2,600 m), another impressive ruin full of orchids and swallows. And so to Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun, for our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. After treasuring the moment we pass through the ruins before taking an organised tour of the ruins themselves.

After soaking up what is arguably on eof the most famous set of ruins in the world we walk all of 20 meters from theruns to our hotel for the night - The Sanctuary Lodge - where we enjoy a shower then dinner in the evening shadows of Machu Picchu. BD

Day 8. Machu Picchu - Cusco

Returning first thing in the morning we have Machu Picchu virtually to ourselves for another chance to experience these magical ruins with time afterwards to climb Huayna Picchu or else just wander through the ruins, soaking up the amazing atmosphere. After lunch at the hotel we catch the afternoon train back to Ollyantaytambo and a private transfer from here back to Cusco and the Monasterio Hotel. BL

Day 9. Cusco

A full day excursion of and around Cusco.

Cusco, located in southern Peru, is a city with perhaps the most beautiful views in the world. It is surrounded by six mountains, some more than 6,000 meters high, as well as being the oldest city in the western hemisphere and the cradle of the ancient Inca civilization. And, of course, it is known all over the world for its proximity to the amazing archaeological ruins of Machu Picchu.

Often referred to as the 'Archaeological Capital of the Americas' Cusco is a beautiful city riddled with contrasts between the indigenous styles and the modern western world. It is these contrasts that have given Cusco its rare beauty.

Most visitors are keen to get to Machu Picchu, either by trekking for 4 days along the Inca Trail, or by 4 hours in the train, but Cusco itself has a lot to offer the visitor and most travellers usually end up seduced with this vibrant city and stay longer than first planned.

The first thing that hits the newly arrived visitor to Cusco are the Inca walls; enormous granite blocks carved to fit together perfectly without the aid of mortar beds. Many of the walls were simply built upon during the construction of a new Spanish city. Its a tribute to the Incas that their anti seismic design has survived the test of time while the Spanish colonial architecture has been rebuilt several times following a wave of earthquakes that have hit the city.

Located at an altitude of 3, 360m above sea level, Cusco was referred to as the 'Navel of the World'. Visitors are caught up in the excitement of touring the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, a delightful combination of Inca and colonial architecture. The tour visits important landmarks such us Cusco's Cathedral, Plaza de Armas and Koricancha "The Temple of the Sun".

This tour of the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere also includes the nearby ruins of Kenko, Puca-Pucara, Tambomachay as well as the Sacsayhuaman fortress, an imposing example of Inca military architecture. BL

Day 10. Cusco - Lima - onward travels

Today you are transferred back to Cusco airport to return to Lima and then connect with your onward journey. You will have access to the International departure VIP lounge at the airport in Lima. B

PRICES FROM:

Exchange rates differ from time to time. For the most up-to-date prices of this holiday idea please fill out our Latin America Travel Quote form.

NOTES:

• Peru international departure tax $30 USD
• Peru domestic departure tax $8 USD
• Local currency is Soles
• Time Zone: GMT/UTC -5
• Dialing Code: 51
• Electricity: 220V, 60Hz
• Weights & measures: Metric

HOTELS (ORIENT EXPRESS PROPERTIES):

LIMA
Miraflores Park Hotel (D)

SACRED VALLEY
Rio Sagrado in Sacred Valley (D)

MACHU PICCHU
Sanctuary Lodge (D)

CUSCO
Monasterio - (D)

DEPARTURE:

Departs daily

PRICE INCLUDES:

• VIP Travelers Kit
• All guides
• All accommodation in Deluxe Orient Express properties
• Guided Lima City Tour
• Larco Museum tour
• Visit to Ollantaytambo
• Visit to Pisaq Markets
• 4 day Inca Trail with VIP services
  
  • Massage Services
  • Extra Large Tents
  • Beds
  • Gourmet meals
  • Champagne
  • Silverware and Crystal glassware
  • Comfortable camp chairs
• Vista Dome train service from Machu Picchu
• Cusco City Tour and local Museum visit
• All transport - private services other than domestic flights
• Airport transfers
• Use of VIP lounge on departure day
• All meals as listed B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

NOT INCLUDED

• Domestic air Lima - Cusco - return
• Visa fees (if required)
• Passport & Visa Costs
• Vaccination Costs
• Personal Spending Money
• Meals where not listed
• Drinks
• International Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Airport departure taxes
• Border taxes or fees

Package Departures

Please call us to inquire about departure dates

8 - Our Antarctic adventure begins. Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands).
The flight takes a little under 2 hours. Upon arrival we will be able to tour around the area where the "Presidente Eduardo Frei M." Chilean Base and "Bellinghausen" Russian Base are located. We will gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation, by Zodiac boats, to M/V "Ocean Nova". BLD

9 - Our Antarctic adventure begins. Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands).
The flight takes a little under 2 hours. Upon arrival we will be able to tour around the area where the "Presidente Eduardo Frei M." Chilean Base and "Bellinghausen" Russian Base are located. We will gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation, by Zodiac boats, to M/V "Ocean Nova". BLD

10 - Our Antarctic adventure begins. Flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island (South Shetland Islands).
The flight takes a little under 2 hours. Upon arrival we will be able to tour around the area where the "Presidente Eduardo Frei M." Chilean Base and "Bellinghausen" Russian Base are located. We will gather at the beach on Fildes Bay for embarkation, by Zodiac boats, to M/V "Ocean Nova". BLD