Others

All listed activities Tips for local staff

Guide

Named tour leader, chosen for their experience and great customer feedback

Meals

All breakfasts, nine lunches and six dinners are included. The tap water in Peru is not safe to drink. Free drinking water will be provided in large containers; please bring a refillable bottle with you. Hotel breakfasts are normally simple buffet-style affairs, usually including bread/toast and jam, cereal, sometimes eggs or a cooked dish, sometimes fruit, tea/coffee and fruit juice. Regrettably, we cannot guarantee that wheat-/gluten-free products will be available for breakfast in all locations – if you have an intolerance you may wish to bring your own breakfast food from home. Where lunch and dinner are not included, we’ll visit a variety of local cafes and restaurants. Peruvian cuisine has developed a reputation for exceptional flavours and originality and it’s well worth trying a few of the local delicacies. Among these are ceviche (a spicy dish of seafood or fish marinated in lime juice), lomo saltado (a Peruvian take on a beef stir-fry) and various hearty soups such as the delicious quinoa soup. Other dishes include roasted cuy (guinea pig) and Alpaca steak. To drink, there’s pisco sour, the national beverage.

Transport

A variety of transport is used during this tour and vehicle types may vary depending on group size: travel is by train, boat, minibus/coach and internal flights. Airport transfers are by private car or minibus. The main road journeys are by private minibus or coach with heating/air-conditioning and may or may not have a toilet on board. We travel by train (with Peru Rail/Inca Rail) from Ollantaytambo to the start of the one-day Inca Trail in expedition/executive class and from Aguas Calientes (the town below Machu Picchu) back to Ollantaytambo in the 360-degree service. Seating is four seats to a table and the carriages have panoramic windows and there is air conditioning/heating. The boat on Lake Titicaca is private to our group, and there will be a local guide from one of the Lake Titicaca island communities. The boat is enclosed as it can get cold at this altitude but there are large windows on all sides and an outside deck to the rear. Life jackets are provided.

Accommodation

Unwind at the end of each day in our expertly curated, handpicked accommodation on this Premium Adventure. Each property has been chosen for its excellent location, comfort, style and unique characteristics befitting their unique setting, from deep canyon hot springs to wilds of the Amazon rainforest. Below is a selection of the accommodation typically used on this trip. Colca Valley: Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs (nights 3-4) Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs is an oasis of relaxation and natural beauty in the heart of the Colca Canyon. Four hot springs provide a rejuvenating retreat, allowing you to soak in the healing waters while admiring the Andean landscapes. With a focus on sustainable tourism and traditional Peruvian hospitality, the lodge blends comfort and tranquility. Puno: Casa Andina Premium Puno (nights 5-6) Sitting on the shore of Lake Titicaca, Casa Andina Premium Puno hotel has a range of amenities to ensure an enjoyable stay in Puno. The restaurant serves a great selection of local and international cuisine, while the convenient location allows for easy access to the main Puno attractions and tours on the lake. You can also indulge in the wellness centre and spa, which provides rejuvenating treatments and relaxation after a day of exploration. Aguas Calientes: Tierra Viva Hotel (night 9) Tierra Viva is situated in the quieter area of town, facing the Urubamba River and mountains. With artful touches throughout, the hotel offers a delicious Andean buffet breakfast, and a relaxing spa service. SUNO restaurant and bar serves a variety of drinks and dishes, from local specialties, such as quinoa and alpaca, to international cuisine. Cuzco: Xima Hotel (nights 11-12) Xima has modern rooms with an eye towards local art and a focus on environmental sustainability. There’s a spa, restaurant and bar to enjoy, plus it’s conveniently located near the main plaza and Korikancha Temple (Sun Temple), as well as the largest craft market in Cuzco. Puerto Maldonado: Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción (nights 13-14) Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción has a range of amenities to ensure memorable stay deep in the Tambopata National Reserve rainforest. Enjoy well-appointed and spacious rooms that blend traditional Peruvian design with modern comforts. There’s also a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine, a bar for refreshing drinks, and guided excursions to explore the rich biodiversity of the surrounding rainforest. Worth knowing The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes, which could (in rare circumstances) be at late notice.

Not included:

Flights

Flights are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Others

— Tip for the tour leader — Single accommodation (available on request) — Travel insurance — Visa or vaccinations

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Lima
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Lima

Welcome to Lima, the busy capital of Peru. There’s plenty of adventure on your trip, but today’s all about settling into the hotel. You will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the Miraflores district of Lima. There will be a notice board in the hotel reception with details of where and when the group welcome briefing will be held. Premium accommodation: Casa Andina Select Miraflores (four-star)
Day 2 Day 2: Morning Flight To Arequipa; Afternoon City Tour And Visit To Santa Catalina Convent (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Morning Flight To Arequipa; Afternoon City Tour And Visit To Santa Catalina Convent (Breakfast,Lunch)

We have an early start today for our flight to Arequipa, known as the White City due to the pale volcanic stone used to construct many of the fine colonial buildings. This picturesque city is surrounded by 19,685ft (6,000m) tall volcanoes, including the near-perfect cone of El Misti. Lunch will be at an Arequipa picanteria (a traditional lunchtime restaurant). Our afternoon tour has us exploring the historic city centre, including the Plaza de Armas (main square), and finishes at the colourful, serene Santa Catalina convent, which was built in 1580 and is still cared for by the nuns who reside within. Premium accommodation: Hotel Mint, Arequipa (four-star)
Day 3 Day 3: Visit The National Reserve Of Salinas Hoping To Spot Vicuñas; Transfer To The Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Visit The National Reserve Of Salinas Hoping To Spot Vicuñas; Transfer To The Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs (Breakfast,Dinner)

A spectacular drive over the Andean high plains, known as the Altiplano, brings us to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. On the way, we pass volcanoes and will almost certainly see vicuñas (relatives of the lama) in the highlands, before we cross the Patapampa Pass (16,110ft/4,910m), which marks the descent into the canyon itself. As we take the winding road to the town of Chivay for a short stop, the sight of the green, fertile canyon terraces is a contrast to the barren yet beautiful Altiplano landscapes. This is the first day we may feel the effects of altitude. We don’t linger at the top of the pass, but spend the night around 11,810ft (3,600m), so take it easy on arrival and enjoy the natural hot springs at Colca Lodge. Overlooking the Colca River, the Colca Lodge is a jaw-dropping location to spend the next two nights. Premium accommodation: Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs, Colca Valley (four-star)
Day 4 Day 4: Early Morning To Visit The Cruz Del Condor Viewpoint; Afternoon To Explore The Uyo Uyo Pre-Inca Ruins By Foot (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Early Morning To Visit The Cruz Del Condor Viewpoint; Afternoon To Explore The Uyo Uyo Pre-Inca Ruins By Foot (Breakfast,Dinner)

We spend a full day exploring the Colca Canyon, starting with a visit to the Cruz del Condor, the best place to see mighty Andean condors as they glide on the morning thermals. We also see ancient tombs that line the cliffs on one side of the canyon and make stops in the villages along the way, which house several interesting colonial churches. In the afternoon, we set off on foot from Colca Lodge to visit the nearby pre-Incan ruins of Uyo Uyo. After, we return for another rejuvenating soak in the natural thermal pools before dinner. Premium accommodation: Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs, Colca Valley (four-star)
Day 5 Day 5: Drive To Puno On The Shores Of Lake Titicaca (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Drive To Puno On The Shores Of Lake Titicaca (Breakfast,Lunch)

Today, we drive through the high mountain plains to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. En route, we can spot vicuña herds before making a short visit to the pre-Inca burial towers (chullpas) of Sillustani. Our hotel tonight is ideally situated on the Lake Titicaca shores – the perfect place to watch sunset over the lake. Premium accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Puno, Puno (four-star)
Day 6 Day 6: Full Day Exploring Lake Titicaca Visiting Both Uros And Taquile Islands (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Full Day Exploring Lake Titicaca Visiting Both Uros And Taquile Islands (Breakfast,Lunch)

Enjoy a full day on Lake Titicaca as we visit the floating islands of Uros and Taquile. First, we take a boat to Uros where the community has been living on rafts made of reeds for centuries; though many have now moved to the mainland, there are still a couple of thousand who remain on the islands anchored close to Puno. A reasonable amount of their income is now provided by strictly regulated tourism, but they still fish the lake and barter with mainland communities to obtain daily essentials. Afterwards, we visit Taquile, home to a community known for their male-only weavers and traditional lifestyle. The panoramic views of the lake from the island are incredible, and it is often possible to see the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real in the distance. Premium accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Puno, Puno (four-star)
Day 7 Day 7: To Cuzco; Afternoon City Walking Tour (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: To Cuzco; Afternoon City Walking Tour (Breakfast,Lunch)

In the morning, we take a relaxing journey across the stark yet beautiful Altiplano, which separates the Andes from the jungle. On the way to Cuzco, we make stops to stretch our legs, visit some of the most interesting sites and have lunch. We arrive in Cuzco this afternoon with time for an introductory walking tour of this historic city, which features both Inca and colonial architecture. Premium accommodation: Xima Hotel, Cuzco (four-star)
Day 8 Day 8: Morning City Tour Including The Cathedral, Qoricancha And Saqsayhuaman; Afternoon To Ollantaytambo (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Morning City Tour Including The Cathedral, Qoricancha And Saqsayhuaman; Afternoon To Ollantaytambo (Breakfast,Lunch)

This morning, we explore the heart of the Inca Empire, seeing the highlights of Cuzco both in and above the city. In the centre, Cuzco Cathedral and Qoricancha (Sun Temple of the Incas) feature arguably the finest example of Inca stone craft. On the hill overlooking Cuzco, we visit the monolithic stone fortress site of Sacsayhuaman, where the Incan armies made their last stand against the Conquistadores. As we head into the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo, we visit the immense Inca fortress and explore this unique village, where many streets and facades remain unchanged and continuously inhabited since Inca times. Premium accommodation: Del Pilar Ollantaytambo, Ollantaytambo (four-star)
Day 9 Day 9: One-Day Inca Trail Via Wiñay Wayna To Machu Picchu (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: One-Day Inca Trail Via Wiñay Wayna To Machu Picchu (Breakfast,Lunch)

We wake early for a scenic train journey through the Urubamba River Valley (approximately 1hr 20min) to the trail checkpoint at Km104, where we disembark and start our full-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. We begin by climbing 3600ft (1097m) to the beautiful ruins complex of Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young). We’ll take it nice and easy on this part of the trail, with plenty of stops to catch our breath and take in the spectacular views. At Wiñay Wayna we will relax and enjoy our box lunch. From there we head off along one of the most beautiful (and relatively flat) sections of the Inca Trail, winding past wild orchids to finally arrive at the famous Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where we get our first full sight of Machu Picchu. Our afternoon arrival offers great photo opportunities as we descend into the ruins complex for classic photos. With our full tour tomorrow, we exit the site and board the bus to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a well-earned meal, shower and a comfortable bed for the night in preparation for our early return to Machu Picchu. Premium accommodation: Tierra Viva Machu Picchu Hotel, Aguas Calientes (four-star)
Day 10 Day 10: Morning Visit Machu Picchu; Afternoon Return To Ollantaytambo (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Morning Visit Machu Picchu; Afternoon Return To Ollantaytambo (Breakfast,Dinner)

To beat the daytrippers from Cuzco and reach the ruins as early as possible, we book early morning buses and entry tickets to Machu Picchu. The Inca citadel is one of the architectural and engineering marvels of the ancient world, enhanced by a mountain backdrop of staggering immensity. The Spaniards never found it; the Incas left no records of it, and so Machu Picchu remained a great enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by American historian Hiram Bingham. After our tour, we catch our afternoon train to Ollantaytambo (1hr 30min) with a short drive to our hotel in the Sacred Valley to relax and celebrate our Machu Picchu adventure. Premium accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel & Villas, Ollantaytambo (five-star)
Day 11 Day 11: Sacred Valley Tour; Visit Chinchero Community For A Traditional ‘Pachamanca’ Lunch; Return To Cuzco (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Sacred Valley Tour; Visit Chinchero Community For A Traditional ‘Pachamanca’ Lunch; Return To Cuzco (Breakfast,Lunch)

This morning, we depart the scenic Sacred Valley as we head up to the traditional weaving community of Chincheros. Along with amazing views of the valley and Vilcabamba mountain range, Chincheros also offers the unique cultural opportunity to enjoy a traditional Andean pachamanca lunch, which is hosted by and supports the local community. This is a real culinary treat, in which the food is wrapped, then buried underground with hot stones to cook it slowly. After, we return to Cuzco with free time to explore solo. Premium accommodation: Xima Hotel, Cuzco (four-star)
Day 12 Day 12: Free Day In Cuzco For Optional Activities (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Free Day In Cuzco For Optional Activities (Breakfast)

Today has been left free for exploring Cuzco, one of the most beautiful cities in South America. The Plaza de Armas is a fantastic spot for people-watching. The Mercado San Pedro is the place to try local produce and there are many handicraft markets to shop for souvenirs such as alpaca jumpers and scarves. If you fancy something more active, there is an array of other optional activities available from Cuzco including paddleboarding on a lake, mountain biking, or a combination of via ferrata and zip-lining in the Sacred Valley. Premium accommodation: Xima Hotel, Cuzco (four-star)
Day 13 Day 13: Fly To Puerto Maldonado And Transfer To Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción, Our Base For Exploring The Peruvian Amazon (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Fly To Puerto Maldonado And Transfer To Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción, Our Base For Exploring The Peruvian Amazon (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

We leave Cuzco early today and take a short flight to Puerto Maldonado. Upon arrival, we transfer to the riverfront for a 25-minute boat ride along the Madre de Dios River to reach our jungle accommodation at the Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion lodge, next to the protected Tambopata National Reserve. The reserve is home to a vast number of animal species, plus a variety of plant life greater than almost anywhere in the world. After lunch, we have the option to hike into the rainforest with our expert guide, who will introduce us to the amazing variety of Amazonian flora and fauna. We continue the exploration and take a twilight river cruise, viewing nocturnal creatures as they wake. Premium accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción, Puerto Maldonado (four-star)
Day 14 Day 14: Exploring The Peruvian Amazon (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Exploring The Peruvian Amazon (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

The varied activities today will generally include a mixture of expertly guided walks along the forest trails, or time spent in canoes to explore Lake Sandoval. This serene lake is home to thousands of bird species, endangered giant river otters, red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, side-neck turtles and black caimans. We can also go high into the canopy for a completely different view of the forest via a network of canopy walkways. An evening walk is also offered to observe the wildlife and the rainforest by night. Premium accommodation: Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción, Puerto Maldonado (four-star)
Day 15 Day 15: Fly To Lima; Final Dinner With The Group (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Fly To Lima; Final Dinner With The Group (Breakfast,Dinner)

Enjoy your last morning waking to a cacophony of jungle sounds before we set off by boat from the lodge until you arrive at the airport in Puerto Maldonado to take your flight back to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, we transfer to our Miraflores hotel and the city bustle. Tonight, we have a special farewell dinner in Lima at a fantastic restaurant at the base of the pre-Incan site of Huaca Pucllana. Premium accommodation:Casa Andina Select Miraflores, Lima (four-star)
Day 16 Day 16: End Lima (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: End Lima (Breakfast)

The trip comes to an end today after breakfast and it’s time to bid Peru and the rest of the group goodbye. Transfers to Lima Airport are available for all flight inclusive clients in time for the group flight today.

+13

16 days tour

Best Of Peru - Premium Adventure

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Best Of Peru - Premium Adventure

Day 1: Start Lima

Day 2: Morning Flight To Arequipa; Afternoon City Tour And Visit To Santa Catalina Convent (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 3: Visit The National Reserve Of Salinas Hoping To Spot Vicuñas; Transfer To The Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 4: Early Morning To Visit The Cruz Del Condor Viewpoint; Afternoon To Explore The Uyo Uyo Pre-Inca Ruins By Foot (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 5: Drive To Puno On The Shores Of Lake Titicaca (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 6: Full Day Exploring Lake Titicaca Visiting Both Uros And Taquile Islands (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 7: To Cuzco; Afternoon City Walking Tour (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 8: Morning City Tour Including The Cathedral, Qoricancha And Saqsayhuaman; Afternoon To Ollantaytambo (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 9: One-Day Inca Trail Via Wiñay Wayna To Machu Picchu (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 10: Morning Visit Machu Picchu; Afternoon Return To Ollantaytambo (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 11: Sacred Valley Tour; Visit Chinchero Community For A Traditional ‘Pachamanca’ Lunch; Return To Cuzco (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 12: Free Day In Cuzco For Optional Activities (Breakfast)

Day 13: Fly To Puerto Maldonado And Transfer To Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción, Our Base For Exploring The Peruvian Amazon (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 14: Exploring The Peruvian Amazon (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 15: Fly To Lima; Final Dinner With The Group (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 16: End Lima (Breakfast)

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