Days
17
Price from
Inca cities, floating islands, mysterious desert inscriptions – Peru's natural and ancient wonders delight
Discover a country of modern cities and ancient worlds, wandering wildlife and welcoming locals. Explore the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, climb up high up to the mystical blue waters of Lake Titicaca, spot wildlife in the Ballestas Islands, feel energy of past generations in Cusco and the pulse of the modern world in Lima. This trip will show you the best that Peru has to offer.
- Start
- Lima, Peru
- Finish
- Cusco, Peru
- Destination
- Peru
- Style
- Peregrine
- Code
- PSLC
- Physical rating
- Trip rating
- 8 reviews
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 12
Peregrine trips are now operated by Intrepid Travel
Why you'll love this trip
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Peru is a world-class culinary destination. Visit an area unknown to tourists and try a variety of street food and authentic Peruvian desserts
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Visit the magnificent Colca Canyon, deeper than the Grand Canyon and dotted with ancient Indian villages. Scan the skies for the mighty Andean Condor, one of the world's largest flying birds
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The floating reed islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca are a marvel of concept, construction and history. Take a boat tour on the world's highest navigable lake, then spend a couple of nights on a private Island overlooking Lake Titicaca. Watch the sun go down at the highest point of the island while enjoying a truly memorable picnic and drinks
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Enjoy a two-night Feature Stay at the private island of Suasi on the Lake Titicaca.
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Appreciate the engineering feats of the Inca as you take a guided tour of the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.
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Join a specialist historian guide on one of you included visits to an archaeological site around Cusco who will provide interesting insight and knowledge about Peru's history and culture.
Is this trip right for you?
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Due to the high altitude of many of places we visit some people can suffer altitude sickness, regardless of age, gender or fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary! Please see the ‘Medical and Health Information’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
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There are a couple of long journeys on this trip, in particular from Nazca to Arequipa, which is a 10-hour drive in a private van. Although this may be tiring, it's a great chance to sit back and enjoy the passing scenery and chat to your fellow travellers. Plus, the beautiful city of Arequipa will make it all worthwhile.
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Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. There are a number of days when you’ll spend time walking around sites or on tours.
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Visitors are not permitted to explore Machu Picchu without a Machu Picchu guide (not our trip leaders) and must follow set routes within the site. This trip includes two guided visits of Machu Picchu and each visit is approximately 1.5 - 2 hours long. Once your guided visits conclude, you will need to leave the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted. Your leader will provide more information to ensure you get the most out of your visits to this incredible site.
Gallery
Itinerary
Welcome to Peru! On arrival into Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport you will be transferred to your hotel. Meet your leader and fellow travellers for a pre-trip briefing, usually held at 2 pm. Please check the noticeboard near the hotel reception for confirmation of the location of the meeting. After the meeting your leader will take you on a brief orientation tour of the Miraflores area – your in-depth city tour will take place tomorrow morning. Lima has some of the best cuisine in South America and is especially renowned for its seafood. Perhaps sample Peru's national dish of ceviche – raw fish cured in lime juice and often served with hot peppers.
Accommodation
- Hotel Antigua Miraflores or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Complimentary airport arrival transfer
- Lima - Leader led orientation walk of Miraflores
Optional Activities
- Lima - Gold Museum - PEN35
- Lima - Museo de la Nacion - PEN10
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.Special Information
If you wish to take part in any optional activities today, you will need to arrive earlier and book additional accommodation prior to the tour start date as there won't be any spare time on Day 1 once the tour has commenced.Due to the high altitude of many of places we visit some people can suffer altitude sickness, regardless of age, gender or fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary! Please see the ‘Medical and Health Information’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
This morning at approximately 8 am your leader will take you on a walking tour of downtown Lima, including the city's historical centre. Flanked by streets of ornate mansions, palaces and churches, Plaza Mayor is the best place to start any exploration of Lima. Take a walk through the old streets to get a feel for colonial life. On one side of the plaza is the Cathedral of Lima, which houses the remains of Lima's founder, Francisco Pizarro. You have an included visit to the nearby San Francisco Monastery, with its catacombs containing some 70,000 human remains. Continue on to the Central Market where you'll take a walking tour. The market has a huge variety of fresh produce on offer, including fruits, vegetables and even guinea pigs. You'll also have the opportunity to try some local Peruvian fruits and street food. Next, head away from the tourist trail and visit Alameda de Chabuca Granda, an area really only known to locals. It's a place where people go as a treat to enjoy a variety of local street food and authentic Peruvian desserts such as ‘mazamorra morada’, a sweet porridge made from purple corn, or ‘picarones’, Peruvian donuts made from local squash called macre and sweet potatoes served with a sweet syrup – both are a must to try while in Peru! Later in the afternoon, travel by minivan for approximately 4 hours to Paracas, arriving in the early evening.
Accommodation
- Hotel San Agustin Paracas or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Lima - Guided tour, including San Francisco Monastery, the Catacombs and Central Market
- Lima - Alameda Chabuca Granda tour and tastings
Meals Included
- Breakfast
This morning, rise early for an excursion to the Ballestas Islands. We will depart the hotel at approximately 7.30 am. Make your way to Paracas port to board a boat at approximately 8 am. The Ballestas Islands are home to an abundance of wildlife, including pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingos, sea lions and even penguins. You'll have the opportunity to see wildlife up close on a boat tour of the islands (approximately 1.5–2 hours). Afterwards, drive to Nazca (approximately 3 hours) with a possible stop at Huacanchina – a small lakeside village – on the way, if your group chooses. On arrival in Nazca, visit the viewing platform to see the famous Nazca Lines. Etched into the landscape some 22 kilometres north of Nazca, these mysterious wonders are an assortment of perfectly straight lines, trapezoidal zones, and strange symbols of birds and beasts on a giant scale. For another perspective on the Nazca Lines, opt for an aerial tour this afternoon. The plane ride lasts for around 30 minutes and covers the 26 figures scattered throughout the desert. Although bumpy at times, the experience is unforgettable.
Accommodation
- Hotel Majoro or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Ballestas Island - Excursion
- Nazca Lines - Viewing tower
Optional Activities
- Nazca - Scenic flight over the Nazca Lines - USD100
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Between June and September, the Paracas port may be closed due to adverse weather conditions. If this is the case, an alternative land tour of the Paracas National Reserve will be arranged.On occasion Nazca lines flights may be cancelled due to poor weather conditions. Should this happen on the day you have booked this activity, it will be rescheduled to the following morning (Day 4 of this trip). The flight can be bumpy and is only recommended for those with a strong stomach. Your Peregrine leader will suggest certain operators that have been risk assessed and comply with company policy. Your tour leaders are prohibited from recommending or booking through any other operators.
Early this morning, make the 10–12 hour journey (depending on traffic and stops) to Arequipa by private van. The trip may be long, but it's well worth the effort. There will be toilet and lunch stops along the way. Arequipa is a beautiful Spanish colonial city. Known as La Ciudad Blanca (The White City), the buildings have been built almost exclusively from a white volcanic material called sillar. The city lies in a valley at the foot of the El Misti volcano – a perfectly shaped cone.
Accommodation
- Casa Andina Arequipa or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
As mentioned on Day 3, on occasion we may need to schedule Nazca Lines flights for this morning. Should this happen, we will have an early lunch in Nazca before boarding the bus for Arequipa. In this case there will be toilet stops, however the next meal break will be in the evening for dinner.
Enjoy a walking tour of Arequipa at around 9 am with a local guide. Explore the main square, the Santa Catalina Monastery, the San Ignacio Chapel with its colonial mural paintings and the suburb of Yanahuara. The tour will finish at approximately 1 pm, just in time to cosy up at one of the plaza's cafes. Another option is a visit to the museum that houses 'Mummy Juanita' – the well-preserved body of a young Inca girl who died sometime between 1450 and 1480.
Accommodation
- Casa Andina Arequipa or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Arequipa - Walking tour
- Arequipa - San Ignacio Chapel
- Arequipa - Santa Catalina Monastery
- Arequipa - Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa
Optional Activities
- Arequipa - Juanita Museum - PEN20
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Take a free day to further explore the laidback city of Arequipa. Pick up an Alpaca jumper and meet the llamas and alpacas of Mundo Alpaca, stroll to the pretty, peaceful neighbourhood of Yanahuara or take part in any optional active adventures in the surrounding hills and rivers.
Accommodation
- Casa Andina Arequipa or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
This morning will begin at approximately 8 or 9 am, depending on what the group decides. Drive through the Altiplano – high plains – to the Colca Valley and Canyon. This drive takes approximately 5–6 hours including stops. On the way you'll see grazing vicunas, llamas and alpacas, as well as stone cairns built by local indigenous communities. More than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the Colca Canyon provides some breathtaking views. The pre-Inca terraces carved into its walls are still cultivated today, and traditional Indian villages are dotted around, where it's possible to see locals in colourful traditional dress. Stop at the highest point (4910 metres) to enjoy views of the bleak landscape below and the snow-capped volcano of the Nevado Ampato in the distance. At this point you might notice the thinner air, but after taking some photos you'll quickly get back in the vehicle and descend to a lower altitude. Continue on to the town of Chivay, where you'll have some time to visit the local hot springs. In the evening, you may wish to visit a local 'pena' to enjoy a Peruvian dance and music show. Spend the night in Chivay.
Accommodation
- Casa Andina Colca Hotel or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Colca Canyon - Viewpoint photo stop
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Around 6 am this morning, you'll visit the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where Andean condors, one of the world's largest flying birds, can often be seen soaring in the air. This journey will take approximately 5 hours return. After lunch it's about a 6-hour (including stops) drive to Puno. On the way the group will stop at the Sillustani archaeological site. The ruined 'chullpas', or funeral towers, of Sillustani were built by a pre-Inca civilisation centuries ago to house the remains of noble men. Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Puno is full of Aymara and Quechuan Indian culture. The town is known as the folklore capital of Peru and is renowned for its traditional dances.
Accommodation
- Hotel Hacienda Puno or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Puno - Sillustani archaeological site
- Colca Canyon - Mirador Cruz del Condor
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Be enchanted by the striking scenery and unique cultures on a cruise around Lake Titicaca today. As Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, the sun can be extremely strong, so make sure you wear a hat and sunscreen, even on cloudy days. This morning at about 8 am you will depart from the port in Puno for the floating Uros Islands. The boat journey will take about 30 minutes before reaching the Islands. The Uros people constructed these islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes in ancient times. They are built completely from multiple layers of totora reeds, which grow in the shallows of the lake. Call into Taquile Island for some woollen handicrafts. On the island, knitting is strictly a male domain, while women do the spinning. You will spend approximately 1–1.5 hours here. Later the afternoon you will travel a further hour or so to the private island of Suasi where you'll spend the next two nights.
Accommodation
- Suasi Island Eco lodge or similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- Lake Titicaca - Floating Uros Islands & Taquile Island
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Due to luggage restrictions on the boat you will be required to pack all necessary items for the next two days into a smaller bag. The remainder of your luggage will be stored securely in the Puno hotel.
This morning you will visit the cultural museum on the island which houses maps, pictures of the lake and books about the history of the lake and its communities. There are handicrafts and fabrics from the different groups that developed around the lake, types of Andean grains like quinoa, and a chance to learn about the process of painting wool. An easy late-afternoon walk (approximately 1–2 hours) will take you to the highest point of the island – the perfect place to witness an unforgettable sunset over the waters of Lake Titicaca. Enjoy a private picnic with drinks; a unique moment to soak in the beautiful landscape, appreciate the serenity and – if the clouds behave – watch the sun go down.
Accommodation
- Suasi Island Eco lodge or similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- Suasi Island - Cultural Museum
- Suasi Island - Sunset picnic overlooking Lake Titicaca
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Around midday (12 pm) today, travel back across the lake to Puno. On the way you will be provided with a packed box lunch. Enjoy a free night in Puno to explore, eat dinner at a local restaurant or relax in the hotel. Puno is famous for its festivals. If you're lucky, your visit might coincide with an evening parade, when the streets fill with costumed dancers and musicians.
Accommodation
- Hotel Hacienda Puno or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
This morning, continue to Cusco by private van. This will be a long ride with opportunities to stop for breaks, but you may want to stock up on snacks for the journey. Cusco is South America's oldest continuously inhabited city, and was the home of the Inca for two centuries before the Spanish built their first capital here. Today Cusco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. At 3450 metres (11,150 feet) above sea level, it’s important to take time to acclimatise to the city’s altitude. After settling in at the hotel, take a casual orientation walk around the hotel and Plaza de Armas with your leader. This tour will also include a visit to the Cusco Cathedral with specialist guide Professor Alfredo Hinojoza Galvez. Alfredo was born and raised in the city of Cusco. He studied at the National College of Sciences of Cusco and later studied Administration and Tourism then a Masters in Colonial Art at National University San Antonio Abad del Cusco (NUSAAC). Alfredo has served as Dean of the College of Tourism and has published eight books, including a guidebook for the Touristic Tour of the East Valley. He is considered an icon among colonial art and tourism students for his impressive career spanning 30 years. Alfredo will be uniquely placed to offer special insight into Cusco Cathedral, which is also a World Heritage site.
Accommodation
- Hotel San Agustin Plaza or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cusco - Orientation Walk
- Cusco - Cathedral Entrance Fee
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
If you are hiking the Inca or Quarry Trail a pre-trek briefing will be held this evening. Your tour leader will provide details of the exact time and place.
This morning your leader will take you on walking tour of Cusco. Visit the Coricancha Temple for a tour with a local guide. The temple was once covered in sheets of gold that were eventually removed to raise a ransom for the life of Atahualpa, and later the Spanish demolished the temple to build a Dominican church on its foundations. Soon after, head to the San Pedro market, where you can practice your bargaining skills and take some colourful pictures. The tour will finish at Cafe Manos Unidos for an included snack. This cafe's core purpose to improve the quality of life for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities though vocational training and education in the hospitality industry. The food is all natural and is prepared and served by the students on site – a great way for travellers to interact with locals. This afternoon, continue your own independent explorations with some free time in Cusco.
Accommodation
- Hotel San Agustin Plaza or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Cusco - Coricancha Temple (entrance fee)
- Cusco - Walking Tour: Main Square, San Blas Square, Coricancha Temple, San Pedro Market & 12 Angle Stone.
Optional Activities
- Cusco - Inca Museum (entrance fee) - PEN10
- Cusco - Pre-Colombian Museum - PEN20
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Due to luggage restrictions on the train to Machu Picchu you will be required to pack all necessary items for the next two days into a smaller bag. The remainder of your luggage will be stored securely in the Cusco hotel.On this trip you can opt to hike the Classic Inca Trail on Days 13–16 or the Quarry trail on Days 13–15. These treks are within the abilities of most reasonably fit people, but you must be prepared, as you will hike up to 45 kilometres often on steep terrain. The maximum altitude reached on the Inca Trail is 4200 metres above sea level and each day's journey generally consists of 7 hours of walking (uphill and downhill), with stops for snacks and lunch. Speak to a Peregrine booking agent for more information.
This morning at around 9 am you'll board a private bus for the Sacred Valley. Just outside of Cusco, visit the fortress ruins of Sacsayhuaman. The massive stone blocks forming the settlement's walls give you an idea of the ingenuity of the Inca. Continue on to the Sacred Valley. Treasured for its climate, fertile land and the Urubamba (Sacred) River, the valley has long been the main source of food in the high Andes. Afterwards, stop for lunch at the Chichubamba community in Urubamba to take part in an ancient cooking ritual known as pachamanca. This cooking method, which dates back to the time of the Inca empire, sees meats marinaded in spices then placed in a huatia (earth oven) with a selection of root vegetables and cooked slowly over hot stones. You will also visit a couple of local workshops and a chicheria (corn beer) bar. If it happens to be a market day, you can wander the stalls in search of hand-crafted beads and ponchos. Later, continue on to the town of Ollantaytambo. Built over an ancient Inca settlement, this is one of the few places where the Inca defeated the Spanish. The ruins of the upper terraces offer great photo opportunities of the town below.
Accommodation
- Tika Wasi Valley Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch
- Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included)
- Cuzco - Guided visit of Sacsayhuaman
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Special Information
Due to a luggage restriction of 7 kg per person on the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes you will be required to pack all necessary items for the next three days into a smaller bag. The remainder of your luggage will be stored securely in the Cusco hotel.
Your destination today is Aguas Calientas, nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu. Early this morning at approximately 7.45am you will travel by train for around 90 minutes through the meandering Urubamba Valley to reach the town. From here take a 30-minute bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu, where you will be joined by a guide who will take you through the ruins and tell you stories of its history and the ancestral people of the region. Looking at Machu Picchu for the first time, as it sits against a backdrop of forested mountains, is a truly breathtaking experience. The true purpose behind Machu Picchu may always be a mystery, since no historical records of the complex exist. In fact, none were made in the first place, since the Incas had no written language. Most archaeologists, however, believe it to be the 15th-century headquarters of ‘he who shook the earth’: Emperor Pachacuti. Today, enjoy a guided visit (approximately 1.5–2 hours) with plenty of photo opportunities. Due to visiting restrictions at Machu Picchu, we recommend exploring the Sun Gate and Inka Bridge before your guided tour starts. Your leader can advise how to get the most out of your visit. Later, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes to spend the night before heading back up to Machu Picchu first thing in the morning for your second visit.
Accommodation
- Hotel Hatun Inti or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Machu Picchu - Guided visit
Optional Activities
- 1 Day Inca Trail - Add-on (Must pre-book) - USD380
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
The 1-day Inca Trail hike is a great option for those wanting to experience trekking in Peru, without committing to the full four days. This trek starts from the train station known as 'KM 104' and after a steep ascent it follows the last portion of the Classic Inca Trail. Trekkers enter Machu Picchu at the Sun Gate in the afternoon, where there will be some time to take a few photos before taking a short bus ride down to Aguas Calientes to spend the night and rejoin the rest of the group. This trek is subject to permit availability, must be pre-booked and will incur a surcharge. Please contact your booking agent if you would like to book this activity.Due to Peregrine's internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking trips to the mountaintop ruins of Wayna Picchu.
At around 5.30 am this morning, take the bus back up the winding road to Machu Picchu. On your second visit to the ruins, join a local Machu Picchu guide once again to explore more of the extraordinary architecture of the many temples, palaces and living quarters. Its mortar-free design is particularly earthquake resistant and the stones are so precisely cut that, to this day, not even a knife fits between them! You'll have time along the way to take any photos you may have missed yesterday. In the afternoon, return by bus and train to Cusco, where you'll spend the night. In the evening, perhaps head out for a celebratory dinner with your group in the city.
Accommodation
- Hotel San Agustin Plaza or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Machu Picchu - Second visit
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
The first bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu departs at 5.30 am. The estimated arrival time is between 6–6.30 am. The sun rises at Machu Picchu at approximately 5.30 am, therefore it's not possible to be there in time for sunrise.
Today your Peruvian adventure comes to an end after breakfast. Flights out of Cusco can be booked to depart at any time, as there are no planned activities.
Optional Activities
- Cusco - Stand Up Paddle Boarding - USD75
- Cusco - Pisco Making - Urban Adventures - USD51
- Cusco - Totem painting workshop - USD59
- Sacred Valley - Mountain Biking - USD120
- Sacred Valley - Via Ferrata & Zipline - PEN265
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
There are two slightly longer versions of this trip. As such some of your fellow travellers may be continuing on to the Amazon Jungle or some may be continuing to Lima to finish their trip. For more information, search for Peru Highlights (trip code 'PSPKC') or Peru Explorer (trip code 'PSLRC') on the Peregrine website for more details.Meals
16 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinnersTransport
Boat, Bus, Private vehicleAccommodation
Hotel (16 nights), Eco Lodge Feature Stay (2 nights), Amazon Lodge Feature Stay (2 nights)Included Activities
- Complimentary airport arrival transfer
- Lima - Leader led orientation walk of Miraflores
- Lima - Guided tour, including San Francisco Monastery, the Catacombs and Central Market
- Lima - Alameda Chabuca Granda tour and tastings
- Ballestas Island - Excursion
- Nazca Lines - Viewing tower
- Arequipa - Walking tour
- Arequipa - San Ignacio Chapel
- Arequipa - Santa Catalina Monastery
- Arequipa - Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa
- Colca Canyon - Viewpoint photo stop
- Puno - Sillustani archaeological site
- Colca Canyon - Mirador Cruz del Condor
- Lake Titicaca - Floating Uros Islands & Taquile Island
- Suasi Island - Cultural Museum
- Suasi Island - Sunset picnic overlooking Lake Titicaca
- Cusco - Orientation Walk
- Cusco - Cathedral Entrance Fee
- Cusco - Coricancha Temple (entrance fee)
- Cusco - Walking Tour: Main Square, San Blas Square, Coricancha Temple, San Pedro Market & 12 Angle Stone.
- Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch
- Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included)
- Cuzco - Guided visit of Sacsayhuaman
- Machu Picchu - Guided visit
- Machu Picchu - Second visit
Essential trip information
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
View Essential Trip Information