Peru Travel Ideas

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrive Lima

For flights arriving early morning there is an option for an afternoon city tour of Lima (not included in the trip price). For flights arriving into Lima late at night, on your arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

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

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 travelled 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.

New residential areas, San Isidro, Miraflores, Barranco, have grown up on the shore, sheltered by Lima's old spas. 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.

Day 2. Lima - Arequipa

An early morning spectacular flight along the Peruvian coast brings us to the "White City" of Arequipa, the ideal place to start acclimatizing to the rarefied air of the Andes and a beautiful city to explore.

Arequipa boasts a magnificent marble Plaza de Armas, quaint old town streets, the picturesque Santa Catalina Monastery and Juanita the Ice maiden museum. Alpaca wool is Arequipa's finest export and there are plenty of opportunities for treating yourself to some stunning textiles here.B

Days 3. Arequipa - Colca Canyon

Driving out of Arequipa we enjoy spectacular views of the mountains surrounding the city before climbing high into the Andes and descending into the amazing Colca canyon.

The Colca canyon is one of the World's deepest canyons and is home to Condors and a fascinating local culture, totally different from any other place you will visit on this trip. We over night in the charming Colca lodge. Soaking in the World class hot-springs is the prime activity here, closely followed by exploring the lodge's restaurant, bar or games room. BLD

Days 4. Colca Canyon - Cruz del Condor - Colca Canyon

The guide and minibus are at your disposal for the day. An early morning drive to Cruz del Condor is recommended in search of one of the world's largest birds, the condor, who nests in the cliffs of one of the world's deepest canyons (approx. 3, 400 m deep). Hiking to near by ruins and a tour of the unique native culture and weaving's in the area are also available activities. On your return to the lodge plenty of time is left for just relaxing in the hot springs. BLD

Day 5. Colca Canyon - Puno

A spectacular drive through the high Andes, passing beautiful lakes and huge vistas as we travel on a newly asphalted road to Juliaca and on to our destination of Puno.

En route we can take a visit to Silustani ruins, whose fascinating circular burial chambers pre-date the Incas. The amazing stone work of this early civilization was obviously a strong influence on the famous Inca stone masons. In Puno we check into our hotel and can explore this interesting town and barter for locally hand-knitted woollen goods. BPL

Day 6. Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is a photographer's dream, its clear sapphire water and the astounding blue skies are mesmerizing. A full day's boat trip with your own private guide and boat ensure you see all the sights in safety and style.

The famous floating reed islands of Uros and the ancient traditions and weavings of Taquile Island are explained and viewed at your leisure. We return to our Puno hotel for the night. BL

Day 7. Lake Titicaca - Cusco

Today we board the luxury all day train from Puno to Cusco* (Please note: the train only operates on certain days a week, there is a bus alternative on the other days - see below). This classic Andean Explorer train journey, recently voted "one of the top ten railway journeys of the world" cuts across the formidable Peruvian Altiplano, whose high plains are rich with llama herds, green Ibises and mountain villages where life is harsh but the resilient locals maintain their communities with pride and good humour.

On arrival at Cusco train station we transfer to your hotel. This evening we stretch our legs around the spectacular Plaza de Armas.BL

Day 8. Cusco

A free day to explore Cusco. From the Plaza de Armas, we suggest a visit to the sun temple, Qoricancha, a walk up to the San Blas district and for the energetic a visit to Sacsayhuaman fort overlooking the city. For those looking to relax there are countless excellent bars and cafes overlooking the Plaza de Armas and plenty of bargain hunting to do in the artisan markets. We meet in the evening for a briefing on the Inca Trail. B

Day 9. Cusco - Sacred Valley

We pick you up early in the morning, driving out of Cusco, passing en route, the fascinating archaeological ruins of Sacsayhuaman where a decisive battle between Inca rebels and Spanish rebels was fought.

A vital Inca road once snaked its way up the canyon that enters the Urubamba Valley at Pisac. The citadel, at the entrance to this gorge, now in ruins, controlled a route which connected the Inca Empire with Paucartambo, on the border of the eastern jungles.

Set high above a valley floor patch worked by patterned fields and rimmed by vast terracing, the stonework and panoramas at Pisac's Inca citadel are magnificent. Terraces, water ducts and steps have been cut out of solid rock, and in the upper sector of the ruins, the main Sun Temple is equal of anything at Machu Picchu. Above the temple lie still more ruins, mostly unexcavated, and among the higher crevices and rocky overhangs several ancient burial sites are hidden.

Modern Pisac is a picturesque Andean Village, typical except for the huge, spreading pisonary tree that dominates the central square. The village is best known for its Sunday market, which draws hundreds of tourists each week.

In spite of its popularity the market retains much of its local charm, at least in the part where villagers from miles around gather to barter and sell their produce. In the tourist section of the market you can buy a wide variety of handicrafts - mostly the same things you see in Cusco.

Pisac is a good place to buy the local ceramics including a huge and varied collection of hand-painted multi-colored beads. There are smaller markets in Pisac on Tuesdays and Thursdays. BL

Day 10. Chincheros with weaving demonstration & Ollantaytambo

A full day excursion to Chincheros and the Ollantaytambo Fortress in the Heart of the Sacred Valley.

We then continue on down the valley to the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex. Conjecture 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.

Lunch is at a beautiful country estate on the shores of the Urubamba River. BL

Day 11. Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu

We continue our journey down the Urubamba valley by early morning train to the fabled "Lost City of the Incas - Machu Picchu". A short bus ride takes you direct to the ruins. Once there your guide gives you an extensive walking tour of the ruin and explains the fascinating history of the Incas to you. If time permits you may wish to explore further to the Inca Bridge, walk back up the Inca Trail to the sun gate or try the strenuous climb to the top of Huayna Picchu for an awe-inspiring Condor's eye view of Machu Picchu. Some may prefer to just relax and take in the awesome location. B

Day 12. Machu Picchu - Cusco

First thing in the morning we return to Machu Picchu where we will meet up with those who chose to trek the Inca Trail and have the ruins virtually to ourselves for a full guided tour, with time afterwards to climb Huayna Picchu, walk out to the Inca Bridge or else just wander through the ruins soaking up the amazing atmosphere. We have a late lunch in Aguas Calientes before boarding the afternoon train back to Poroy. Here our waiting bus speeds us back to our Cusco Hotel. If you have the energy we can then explore Cusco's excellent nightlife. BL

Day 13. Cusco - Lima - Onward Travel

Today you are transferred to Cusco airport for your return flight to Lima. There is an option for a evening Unique Dining Experience. If you choose this option on arrival into Lima your luggage is stored, before enjoying dinner at one of Limas most famous restaurants. After dinner you collect your luggage and are transferred to the airport to connect with your international flight. B

PRICES FROM:

For the most up-to-date prices for this holiday idea please fill out our Latin America Travel Quote form.

NOTES:

NOTE: The trip to and trek up both Amantani and Taquile Island is considered challenging. The combination of high altitudes and many steps to the top where the villages sit, may prove difficult to some travelers. If this is of concern this portion of the visit can be omitted and longer time spent in and around the Uros (Reed) Islands.

• *Please note: the train only operates on certain days a week, there is a bus alternative on the other days.
• The Small Group Set departures start and finish in Lima with touring included on the last day in Lima and include internal air within Peru.
• All other departures finish in Cusco on day 13 and DO NOT INCLUDE internal air within Peru.
• 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 USED:

MODERATE

Casa Andina Classic	Lima
Casa Andina Classic Arequipa	Arequipa
Casa Andina Classic	Colca
Casa Andina Classic Puno Plaza	Puno
Casa Andina Classic	Cusco
Sonesta Yucay	Sacred Valley
Hatuchay	Machu Picchu

FIRST CLASS

Sonesta El Olivar	Lima
Casa Andina Private	Arequipa
Colca Lodge	Colca
Casa Andina Private	Puno
Casa Andina Private	Cusco
Casa Andina Private	Sacred Valley
Sumaq	Machu Picchu

DELUXE CLASS HOTELS

Miraflores Park	Lima
Libertador Arequipa	Arequipa
Las Casitas del Colca	Colca
Libertador Isla Esteves	Puno
Cason Inkaterra	Cusco
Tambo del Inka Luxury Collection, Sacred Valley	Sacred Valley
Sanctuary Lodge	Machu Picchu

DEPARTURE - with TRAIN FROM PUNO TO CUSCO:

Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays
The Andean Explorer - Orient Express Train - is a 10 hour journey between Cusco and Puno (or v.v.) and is considered one of the top 10 train journeys in the world. Traversing the Altiplano - high plains - it is a tranquil and picturesque journey through some of southern Peru's most beautiful and stunning scenery. Five star service, dining and amenities make this a trip not soon forgotten.

DEPARTURE - with BUS FROM PUNO TO CUSCO:

Daily

SMALL GROUP SET DEPARTURES*

There are also set departure dates designed for small groups which offer savings of up to $500 per person. These departures are based on our 1st class accommodation choices.

All hotels are based on availability and equal replacements may be used in certain instances.

PRICE INCLUDES:

• All airport transfers
• Return flight Cusco to Lima (SMALL GROUP SET DEPARTURES ONLY)
• Bus tickets
• All transport
• Private local guides
• All Accommodation
• Guided tour in Machu Picchu
• Entrance to Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo ruins
• Bus transfers to and from the ruins
• Colca entrance, Tambopata entrance
• All meals as listed B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

NOT INCLUDED

• 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

See a map of this itinerary.

Package Information

Casa Andina Classic Arequipa, Arequipa, Peru (hotel)

Colca Lodge, Colca Canyon, Peru (hotel)

Terra Andina, Cusco, Peru (hotel)

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