Peru Highlights
From Sacred Valley to Lake Titicaca
11 Days | Year Round
Starting At $CUSTOM
Discover the ancient Inca civilization with this fantastic adventure in Peru. Explore Lima, the gastronomic capital, and get to know its colonial past. Journey through the mythical Sacred Valley and catch the train to Machu Picchu, to uncover a true wonder of the modern world. Fall for the charms of Cuzco and head to Puno to unearth the secrets of Lake Titicaca and enjoy the breath-taking views.
Highlights
Price Includes:
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Tour Highlights:
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Itinerary
Day 1: Travel to Peru
Start your journey to Peru, As there is a time difference, you may lose a day during the outward journey, but this will be recouped on your return trip back home.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy an informative and interesting city tour of Lima, including its Historic Centre and the Santo Domingo Convent. Start by exploring the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro before heading to the Historic Center. Visit the impressive Convent of Santo Domingo and walk to the Plaza de Armas to admire the exquisite colonial architecture that surrounds it. Stop in the Parque del Amor, from where you can take beautiful photos of the Peruvian coastline. Overnight stay in Lima.
*Optional visit to the Larco Museum: visit this private museum of pre-Columbian art to explore the history and culture of Peru through an array of outstanding collections of art pieces.
**Optional dinner at Huaca Pucllana: a famous establishment in Lima ideal to enjoy the best of Peruvian gastronomy in a one-of-a-kind setting that includes views of a pre-Inca pyramid.
Day 4: Lima – Cuzco – Sacred Valley
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off towards Cuzco, with the opportunity to enjoy optional Sacred Valley excursions along the way, to experience the best of the region.* Arrive in Cuzco and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, enjoying the lively plazas at night. Overnight stay in Cuzco.
* Optional Essence of the Sacred Valley Excursion: Discover the millenary history and vibrant culture of the Sacred Valley. Begin in Chinchero, visiting theParwa Cultural Center to learn about traditional textiles and their symbolism. Observe the artisans in action, from the extraction of natural dyes to the weaving techniques passed down through generations. Explore the archaeological complex of Chinchero, an ancient agricultural and livestock center of the Tahuantinsuyo, and admire the Nuestra Señora de Monserrat church, an example of the fusion between Andean and Spanish cultures. Then, visit Moray, a fascinating archaeological site with concentric terraces that functioned as an Incan agricultural laboratory. Enjoy a local lunch before heading to Ollantaytambo, an ancient military, religious, and agricultural center. Tour its impressive stone fortress and main temple while enjoying unparalleled views of the town, which still retains its original Incan urban design. Stroll through its stone streets, visit the market, and immerse yourself in the authentic spirit of the Andes.
Day 7: Cuzco
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a fascinating half-day tour of Cuzco. Begin in the iconic Plaza de Armas, and visit the Cathedral. From here, walk to the Koricancha Temple, an impressive ancient Inca palace, in honour of the Sun God. Today, a Dominican church stands on the site. Finally, visit the lively San Blas neighbourhood, known for its artists, shops and artisan workshops. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking up the atmosphere of the city and perhaps sampling the local cuisine.* Overnight stay in Cuzco.
*Optional Dinner Show in Cusco: A perfect occasion to enjoy a wonderful dinner in the heart of Cusco, and a lively and colorful show with live music and traditional dances.
Day 8: Cuzco – Puno
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Cuzco bus station to catch the bus to Puno. Leave the station and start your journey on the bus to Puno and enjoy the marvellous landscapes of the South Valley of Cuzco. Discover Andahuaylas, a beautiful 17th-century church, featuring an impressive organ decorated with angels and cherubs. Continue on the road and visit the ruins of Racqui, also known as the ´Temple of the God Wiracocha. After lunch, discover La Raya, the highest point on the highway between Cuzco and Puno for amazing views of the landscape. Visit the historic town of Pucara, once an important centre of the Inca civilisation. Arrive in Puno, home of Lake Titicaca, and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Puno.
Day 9: Puno
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on an unforgettable excursion to the islands of Lake Titicaca. Depart by boat to Taquile island, which dates back to pre-Inca times. The Islanders are famous for their beautiful clothing, their incredible knits, and textile industry. Next, visit the community of Huayllano, on the same island, where the locals show their traditional crafts and agriculture. Enjoy a traditional lunch. Afterwards, visit the island of Uros situated in the middle of the national reserve of Lake Titicaca. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Puno.
Day 10: Puno – Lima
Breakfast at the hotel. Say goodbye to the Andean highlands as you transfer to Juliaca airport for a flight back to Lima. Arrive in Lime and spend your last evening in Peru soaking up the ambience of the city’s plazas and the cool sea breeze of its picturesque coastline. Overnight stay in Lima.
Day 10: Depart for Home
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight* back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip.
* If you choose an early morning return flight, you’ll enjoy your stay at the hotel until the indicated time of transfer to the airport. The airport transfer will take place the night before the date indicated on the ticket for return flights that depart between midnight and 4 a.m.