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 one internal flight. 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 Aguas Calientes (the town below Machu Picchu) and back in expedition/executive Class. 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 is 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

The properties selected for this Peru exploration are a blend of three-star quality and comfort, often within easy walking distance of the local attractions. Our Lima hotel is a welcome escape from the city bustle, while our Cuzco hotel is centrally located in the historic centre. A highlight of this tour is our ’live like a local’ Amantani island homestay, which allows us to experience Andean warmth and hospitality. Below are some of the standout places we stay: Lima: El Tambo 1 (night 1) El Tambo 1 (uno) is our three-star Lima hotel in the lively tourist district of Miraflores. It has a restaurant and lovely small bar near the courtyard garden, plus easy access to local sites, such as Kennedy Park, the Larcomar Shopping Center and the Miraflores clifftop promenade where you can enjoy great views of the Pacific Ocean. Ica: Hotel Villa Jazmin (night 2) Surrounded by dunes and pisco distilleries, Hotel Villa Jazmin is an oasis of comfort in Ica. After a day of touring in the desert sun, Villa Jazmin invites you to relax by the pool and enjoy a cold drink from the bar (we recommend a pisco sour made with locally produced pisco). Amantani island: Homestay (night 10) Our trip includes an unforgettable homestay with a local family on Amantani island. This wonderful community project has guests staying with multiple families; the hosts share in the proceeds, which benefits both the Amantani community and the visitors who enjoy and learn from this unique cultural experience. Colca Canyon: Hotel Pozo del Cielo (night 12) Experience the charm of Hotel Pozo del Cielo as we visit Colca Canyon and the surrounding communities. With an inviting ambiance, panoramic views and warm hospitality, it has cosy rooms, a relaxing bar and a restaurant serving Peruvian delicacies. Worth knowing On our way from Nazca to Cuzco, we overnight in Abancay. Our Hotel de Turistas Abancay hotel is basic, yet functional for a restful overnight stay. Amantani homestay: The rooms are basic but clean and the beds have sheets and plenty of blankets to keep you warm. Toilets and washbasins are located outside. Single rooms can be booked for single supplement, subject to availability at the time of booking. This supplement covers single rooms throughout the trip, except for the homestay on Amantani island.

Others

Arrival and departure transfers

Guide

Tour leader throughout

Meals

All breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner (at the homestay) are included. The tap water in Peru is not safe to drink. Free drinking water will be provided in large containers, so 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- or 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 is loved for its flavours and originality; it’s well worth digging into the local delicacies. Among these are ceviche (seafood or fish marinated in lime juice), lomo saltado (a Peruvian take on a beef stir-fry), and various hearty soups including the delicious quinoa soup. Other dishes include roasted cuy (guinea pig), alpaca steak. To drink, there’s pisco sour, the national beverage.

Not included:

Insurance

Others

— Travel Insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas 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. Accommodation: Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar)
Day 2 Day 2: Drive South To Paracas And Tour The Ballestas Islands; To Ica (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Drive South To Paracas And Tour The Ballestas Islands; To Ica (Breakfast)

We set off early this morning (around 5.30am) and drive south from Lima until we reach the port of Paracas (a four to five-hour drive). The Ballestas Islands lie a short distance off the coast here and are home to one of the highest concentrations of seabirds in the world – we visit them by boat. On the outward journey, we pass the curious pre-Inca Candelabra geoglyph, a huge (more than 490ft/150m high) three-pronged trident shape etched into the sandy hillside, the origin and purpose of which remains unknown (although there are many theories). Upon reaching the islands we explore the caves and rock archways by boat and observe the sea lion and fur seal colonies as well as humboldt penguins and an array of birds such as cormorants, pelicans, tendrils, and Peruvian blue-footed boobies. We take open-top motorised boats, which are shared with members of the public (occasionally the sea is too rough and the boats can’t operate). Take heed of seabirds above – it is advisable to wear a hat. The boat trip lasts around two hours. Back on dry land, we drive for an hour or so to Ica, the heart of the Peruvian wine-growing region, where we spend the night. Accommodation: Hotel Villa Jazmin (or similar)
Day 3 Day 3: On To Nazca; See The Nazca Lines; Optional Scenic Flight (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: On To Nazca; See The Nazca Lines; Optional Scenic Flight (Breakfast)

We drive towards Nazca, stopping to visit the viewing platforms overlooking the Nazca Lines. These are one of the great archaeological mysteries, consisting of enormous drawings and patterns etched in the desert sand. In the afternoon, there is usually time to take a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines (additional cost), weather permitting. Due to the small planes used, this is not suitable for those with a fear of flying or who suffer from travel sickness. As an alternative, your leader can help arrange optional visits to the nearby burial grounds, Antonini Museum or the planetarium. Accommodation: Casa Andina Hotel/Alegria (or similar)
Day 4 Day 4: Turn Inland From Coastal Desert, Climbing High Into The Andes (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Turn Inland From Coastal Desert, Climbing High Into The Andes (Breakfast)

We turn inland from the coastal desert today, climbing high into the Andes on a long (around 12 to 13 hours) but spectacular drive. We’ll pass through the largest vicuña reserve in the country, so look out for these smaller wild relatives of the llama. This region has only recently become easily accessible to tourists due to an upgrade of the Abancay/Chalhuanca road. The altitude here can make physical exertion difficult; the highest point we reach today is Negro Mayu, a pass at 15,092ft (4,600m) above sea level. We recommended that you rest in the evening. Tonight, we stay in Abancay on the road to Cuzco. Accommodation: Hotel de Turistas Abancay (or similar)
Day 5 Day 5: Drive To Cuzco, Visiting Inca Sites On The Way (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Drive To Cuzco, Visiting Inca Sites On The Way (Breakfast)

We set off towards Cuzco this morning, stopping to visit the Inca Saywite stone and Tarawasi ruins. The glaciated summits of the Vilcabamba mountain range and the descent into the Apurimac River valley demonstrate the dramatic contrasts of the Andes; expect stunning scenery throughout today’s roughly seven to eight-hour drive. It is recommended to take it easy upon arrival into Cuzco and to drink plenty of water to allow your body time to acclimatise to the altitude (11,155ft/3,400m). Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Standard Catedral (or similar)
Day 6 Day 6: Free Day To Explore Cuzco (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Free Day To Explore Cuzco (Breakfast)

To help you acclimatise, we embark on a relaxed walking tour this morning, which takes in the historic buildings and winding streets of Cuzco. The rest of the day has been left free for exploring on your own. The Plaza de Armas is a fantastic spot for people watching, and the Koricancha Sun Temple in the Santo Domingo Church and monastery is worth a visit. 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. Outside the town are more Inca ruins, notably the fortress of Sacsayhuaman where the Inca armies made their last stand against the conquistadors. A combined entrance fee (tourist ticket) for these sites and many others is recommended – please see the Optional Excursions section below for prices. Sightseeing excursions to places outside Cuzco, including the Sacred Valley of the Incas, are also available. Please ask your tour leader. Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Standard Catedral (or similar)
Day 7 Day 7: Train To Aguas Calientes; Tour Of Machu Picchu (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Train To Aguas Calientes; Tour Of Machu Picchu (Breakfast)

For most people, the highlight of the trip is the visit by train to one of the greatest ruins in the world, the lost city of Machu Picchu. This is one of the architectural and engineering marvels of the ancient world, in a mountain setting of staggering immensity. The Spaniards never found it; the Incas left no records of it, so Machu Picchu remains a great enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. We transfer (approximately two hours) to Ollantaytambo railway station to catch a train to Aguas Calientes (the town below Machu Picchu). The railway line follows a beautiful route through the Urubamba River valley. In the afternoon, we take a short bus ride up the winding road to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the ruins. Visiting in the afternoon tends to be quieter than the mornings and the mist that shrouds the ruins at dawn has usually dispersed. Please note that exploring the ruins involves a reasonable amount of walking, including up and down steep and uneven stone steps. Accommodation: Terraza de Luna (or similar)
Day 8 Day 8: Free Morning Or Optional Second Visit To Machu Picchu; Afternoon Return To Cuzco By Train And By Road. (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Free Morning Or Optional Second Visit To Machu Picchu; Afternoon Return To Cuzco By Train And By Road. (Breakfast)

We have a free morning to sleep in, relax and enjoy the buzz of this little town in the jungle below the ruins. Should you wish to visit Machu Picchu again this morning, you need to purchase a second entrance ticket in advance. This will allow you further time to explore the Lost City on your own – for the second visit it is not mandatory to have a guide. Please contact your sales representative for details. In the afternoon, we board the train back to Ollantaytambo and then continue by minibus to Cuzco, arriving in the late evening. Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Standard Catedral (or similar)
Day 9 Day 9: Free Day For Optional Excursions (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Free Day For Optional Excursions (Breakfast)

We have a final chance to enjoy the sights and shopping of this beautiful city. If you would like something more active, there is an array of optional activities available from Cuzco that your leader can organise. These include paddleboarding on a lake, mountain biking, or a combination of via ferrata and zip-lining in the Sacred Valley. Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Standard Catedral (or similar)
Day 10 Day 10: Drive To Lake Titicaca, With Stops En Route; Boat To Amantani Island For Homestay (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Drive To Lake Titicaca, With Stops En Route; Boat To Amantani Island For Homestay (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Today we travel for eight to 10 hours along the Vilcanota River and onto the altiplano, the high plains separating the Andes from the jungle. Although it is quite a long drive, the views are often spectacular. There are scheduled stops at interesting sites to help break up the day and we will get to appreciate the immensity of the Andean landscapes. This afternoon, we arrive at the shores of Lake Titicaca (12,467ft/3,800m above sea level) and board a boat for our trip to Amantani Island. A hike around the island offers great views across the lake, while the night spent with a local family is a fantastic cultural insight into lives very different to our own. A packed lunch is included today. Accommodation: Amantani Island homestay (basic)
Day 11 Day 11: Explore The Island; Afternoon Boat To Puno Visiting The Floating Reed Islands (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Explore The Island; Afternoon Boat To Puno Visiting The Floating Reed Islands (Breakfast)

We explore the island in the morning before boarding our boat for the three-hour journey to Puno on the lakeshore. On the way, we visit Uros Island. The Uros have been living on reed rafts for centuries, and although many have now moved to the mainland there are still a couple of thousand who remain on the islands. A reasonable amount of their income is now provided by strictly regulated tourism, but they also still fish the lake and barter with mainland communities for daily essentials. Accommodation: Casona Plaza Hotel (or similar)
Day 12 Day 12: Drive Across The Altiplano To Colca Canyon (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Drive Across The Altiplano To Colca Canyon (Breakfast)

Today we head across the altiplano again. This time we cross to the southwest, heading back towards the coast to the high Colca Canyon (a five to six-hour drive). En route, we see vicuñas and possibly flamingos, crossing the Patapampa Pass (15,781ft/4,810m) before descending into what is considered the second-deepest canyon in the Americas (the deepest, the Cotahuasi Canyon, is also in Peru). There is time in the evening for an optional visit to the hot springs near the main town of Chivay (11,926ft/3,635m) – a warming pleasure after the chill of Lake Titicaca. Accommodation: Hotel Pozo del Cielo (or similar)
Day 13 Day 13: Morning Condor Viewing; Afternoon Drive Past Huge Volcanoes To The White City Of Arequipa (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Morning Condor Viewing; Afternoon Drive Past Huge Volcanoes To The White City Of Arequipa (Breakfast)

Rise early to view condors soaring on the morning drafts rising out of the canyon. We then ascend out of the canyon and cross Patapampa Pass on our way to Arequipa, which is known as the White City due to the pale volcanic stone used to construct many of its colonial buildings. The picturesque city has a year-round pleasant climate and is surrounded by towering volcanoes, including the near-perfect cone of El Misti. Accommodation: Su Majestad Hotel (or similar)
Day 14 Day 14: Morning Visit Santa Catalina Convent; Afternoon Fly To Lima (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Morning Visit Santa Catalina Convent; Afternoon Fly To Lima (Breakfast)

In the morning we visit the huge, serene convent of Santa Catalina. Built in 1580 and only opened to the outside world in the 1970s, it offers a rare insight into the lives led by the nuns and has changed little through the centuries. There are still around 20 nuns living in the northern corner of the complex. In the afternoon or evening we fly to Lima where we will transfer to our hotel in Miraflores. Accommodation: Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar)
Day 15 Day 15: End Lima (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: End Lima (Breakfast)

Today we start our return journey home, although there may be time for optional tours of Lima, including visits to the Gold Museum and tours of the historic downtown. You could also join our optional trip extension to the Amazon rainforest, where you explore lakes, rivers and jungle trails in search of incredible wildlife.

+12

15 days tour

Essential Peru

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Essential Peru

Day 1: Start Lima

Day 2: Drive South To Paracas And Tour The Ballestas Islands; To Ica (Breakfast)

Day 3: On To Nazca; See The Nazca Lines; Optional Scenic Flight (Breakfast)

Day 4: Turn Inland From Coastal Desert, Climbing High Into The Andes (Breakfast)

Day 5: Drive To Cuzco, Visiting Inca Sites On The Way (Breakfast)

Day 6: Free Day To Explore Cuzco (Breakfast)

Day 7: Train To Aguas Calientes; Tour Of Machu Picchu (Breakfast)

Day 8: Free Morning Or Optional Second Visit To Machu Picchu; Afternoon Return To Cuzco By Train And By Road. (Breakfast)

Day 9: Free Day For Optional Excursions (Breakfast)

Day 10: Drive To Lake Titicaca, With Stops En Route; Boat To Amantani Island For Homestay (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

Day 11: Explore The Island; Afternoon Boat To Puno Visiting The Floating Reed Islands (Breakfast)

Day 12: Drive Across The Altiplano To Colca Canyon (Breakfast)

Day 13: Morning Condor Viewing; Afternoon Drive Past Huge Volcanoes To The White City Of Arequipa (Breakfast)

Day 14: Morning Visit Santa Catalina Convent; Afternoon Fly To Lima (Breakfast)

Day 15: End Lima (Breakfast)

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