Experience the rich culture and historic highlights of Peru on this 10 day tour which starts and ends in Peru's capital Lima. Discover Sacsayhuaman Fortress and the Sun Temple in Cusco and explore the spectacular Sacred Valley of the Incas. Marvel at Machu Picchu, one of the Wonders of the World and take a scenic boat trip on the world's highest navigable lake, Titicaca.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Cusco
Lima – Cusco. We take a short flight to Cusco, which will be our home for the next two days. Once the centre of the Inca Empire, Cusco is now a vibrant city, home to extraordinary craftmanship, with old Inca walls and bustling squares filled with ornate baroque colonial churches. Stroll around the cobbled streets of this enchanting city as the shoeshine boys and postcard sellers jostle for your attention, shop at the many handicraft stalls and grab a drink at one of the cafes.
The rest of the day is free to independently explore and in the evening experience the city's energy as people flock to the many restaurants, bars and cafés.
Overnight: Cusco | Breakfast
Cusco city tour & Sacsayhuaman
This morning we explore Cusco on a guided walking tour. We visit Q’oricancha, also known as the Sun Temple, this was the most significant temple in the Inca empire, a sacred ground dedicated to the Sun God. Following this, we explore the colossal zigzag walls of Sacsayhuaman fortress set on a hill side above Cusco. In 1536 this was the site of a bitter three-day battle was fought between the Spaniards and the Incas.
The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure. Stroll around the cobbled streets, explore Cusco's colourful, bustling markets and splendid churches. The air at this altitude can be thin and the streets are steep, so take your time.
Overnight: Cusco | Breakfast
Sacred Valley of the Incas
Cusco - Sacred Valley. Today we leave Cusco and drive over the high plains and down into the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas. The valley was densely populated in imperial times and the well-preserved ruins bear witness to the highly developed society that the Incas created. During our drive we pass many of the villages and temple fortress that are scattered throughout the valley.
We explore the Pisac complex, which is built on terraces carved into the steep hillside, rising like a staircase to the heavens. We also visit Pisac village before continuing our journey through this beautiful, patchwork valley to the temple of Ollantaytambo, with the magnificent Andes as a beautiful backdrop. Ollantaytambo fortress, the colonial grid plan and the Inca foundations are still intact and there are wonderful views down over the sloping hillsides and into the fertile valley. We spend tonight in this tranquil valley.
Overnight: Sacred Valley | Breakfast, Lunch
Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu. Our day begins with an incredibly scenic 2-hour train journey from Ollantaytambo to the iconic lost city of Machu Picchu. Situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River and surrounded by tropical forest, the Inca city enjoys a truly spectacular setting and it's one of the most fascinating ancient sites in the world. Following a guided tour of the ruins we spend the night in the spa village of Aguas Calientes, a couple of kilometres upstream.
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If you fancy hiking a section of the Inca Trail without disrupting your tour, we can arrange for you to undertake the one day Mini Inca Trail on the same day while still participating in the guided tour of the ruins and staying with the group in the evening.
Please note: You must pre-book the Mini Inca Trail as availability is limited, please ask us for more details.
Overnight: Machu Picchu | Breakfast
Cusco
Machu Picchu - Cusco. There is the optoin to revisit the ancient citadel to walk one of the many trails around the site. Hike up the steep path to Huayna Picchu for incredible views over Machu Picchu or trek to the Inca Bridge, carved into the steep cliff face. Alternatively, you can relax at the hotel before we return to Cusco by train this afternoon.
Please note: If you want to revisit the site or climb Huayna Picchu you will need to enquire with the office and pre-book as availability is limited.
Overnight: Cusco | Breakfast
Journey to Lake Titicaca
Cusco - Puno. After an early breakfast, we travel by private bus to Puno on the shore of Lake Titcaca. The journey is incredibly scenic and takes approximately 8 hours, climbing over 4,300m. The road is flanked by majestic snow-capped peaks, and we witness men and oxen toiling in fields surrounded by corn and potato crops. We reach the highest point of our journey, as we make our way across the plains of Altiplano, passing market towns where llamas and alpacas are herded by bowler-hatted women.
Overnight: Puno | Breakfast
Uros Islands and Sillustani
Sitting on the Peruvian-Bolivian border beautiful Lake Titicaca is vast, almost like an inland sea. Today's adventure begins with a motorboat journey across the lake to visit the fascinating Uros Islands. These unique floating islands are constructed entirely from the lake's tortora reeds – the same material used for the islanders' canoes, and you can feel the ground subtly shifting beneath your feet.
This afternoon a guided excursion takes us to the Chullpas at Sillustani, imposing stone tombs believed to be the final resting place of ancient Hatun Colla chiefs. These towers stand along the treeless shores of a remote highland lake, surrounded by captivating landscape.
Overnight: Puno | Breakfast
Back to Lima
Puno - Lima. This morning we take a flight back to Lima, a short 1 hour and 40 minutes journey. Upon arrival spend the rest of the day at leisure. There's time for an optional tour of the capital's historic centre, alternatively consider visiting one or two of the world-class museums. In the evening why not celebrate the last night of the tour on the cliff top in Miraflores or Barranco sipping a pisco sour cocktail and watching the sun set over the Pacific.
Overnight: Lima | Breakfast
Lima
After breakfast, our tour of Peru comes to an end. Transfer to the airport included.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room.
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Casa Andina Miraflores, Lima
With a contemporary exterior that shelters a collection of Peruvian artowork and colonial antiques, the classy Casa Andina Miraflores is the perfect blend of the old and new. The smart guestrooms are decorated in a neutral palette of colour in a contemporary design with the conveniences you would expect of a 4 star hotel, many with great city views. The restaurant boasts exquisite regional gourmet dishes whilst the heated swimming pool features a waterfall. The hotel is strategically located in the heart of Miraflores with Kennedy Park just two blocks away. It's a 45 minute drive to the airport.
Casa Andina Premium, Cusco
In a beautiful eighteenth century mansion, the Casa Andina Premium hotel invites guests to enjoy the majestic colonial architecture of Cusco. The traditional, courtyard-facing rooms feature wooden balconies and large beds with tea/coffee making facilities and a safe deposit box. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. The Alma Restaurant combines the best of Peruvian cuisine with international favourites and within the hotel is a 24 hour snack bar. This popular hotel is centrally located in Cusco overlooking Limacpampa Square and only a short walk from Plaza de Armas. The airport is a 10 minute drive away.
Hotel Pakaritampu, Sacred Valley
Hotel Pakaritampu is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, in the village of Ollantaytambo, just 50 yards from the train station which is on the mainline to Machu Pichu. This delightful property exudes Peruvian charm in an idyllic setting amidst attractive gardens, perfect for relaxing in after a busy day. The onsite restaurant offers a variety of both local Peruvian delicacies and international meals. Charmingly decorated rooms offer standard king size or twin beds, safety-deposit box, a TV with cable channels and Free WiFi access. The main square is only a ten-minute walk away. Here you'll find a selection of shops and restaurants, as well as remnants of Ollantaytambo’s magnificent Inca fortress. The hotel follows sustainable and eco-friendly practices and supports local communities.
Posada Del Inca - Lake Titicaca, Puno
Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca and only 5km from the centre of Puno, Posada Del Inca offers a uniquely breath-taking experience. The traditionally decorated en-suite rooms offers WiFi, soundproofed rooms and comfort for all guest allowing the shades of the surrounding Andean landscape reflected in the decor. There is a restaurant on-site serving Peruvian and International cuisine. Enjoy a drink by the crackling open fire at the onsite bar. Hotel Posada Del Inca provides a delightful stay for each guests.