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From canyons to mountains, jungles to floating islands — discover the best of Peru
Starting in the fast-moving capital city of Lima, move onto make your mind up about the mysterious Nazca Lines and then walk the volcanic lands of Arequipa. Weave through the Andes mountains to the archaeological wonders of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, before floating across the waters of Lake Titicaca in Puno. Complete your Peruvian experience, as you delve into the jungles of the Amazon. These truly are the highlights of Peru.
Optional Hike Add-on's:
On this trip you can opt to hike the Classic Inca Trail on days 13-16 (or the Quarry Trail on days 13-15, if Classic Inca Trail permits are sold out) or the 1-Day Inca Trail. More information on the treks can be found in the itinerary section your trip notes. Please contact us if you are interested in either of these options.
- Start
- Lima, Peru
- Finish
- Lima, Peru
- Destination
- Peru
- Style
- Peregrine
- Code
- PSPKC
- Physical rating
- Traveller’s rating
- 15 reviews
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1, Max 16
Why you'll love this trip
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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,
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Enjoy a 2-night 'feature stay' at the private island of Suasi on the 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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Visit the iconic Machu Picchu not once - but twice for a comprehensive experience
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Visit the magnificent Colca Canyon, deeper than the Grand Canyon and dotted with ancient Indian villages
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Join a specialist historian guide on one of you included visits to an archaeological site around Cuzco who will provide interesting insight and knowledge about Peru's history and culture
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Marvel at ancient Incan architecture throughout the fertile Sacred Valley, before discovering the mother of all Inca cities, magical Machu Picchu
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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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Enjoy a 2 night 'feature stay' in an Amazon Lodge. Experience the untouched world of the Amazon Rainforest. Stroll along jungle trails on the lookout for monkeys, parrots, otters and caymans, and sleep in a nature lodge lit by candles and kerosene lamps
Is this trip right for you?
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Due to the high altitude of many of places we visit, some travellers may experience altitude related sickness, regardless of age, gender or fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary! Please see the ‘Health’ section of the trip notes for more important information about altitude sickness
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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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The Amazon Jungle can be very hot, humid and sticky. Light cotton clothing is the best way to tackle these conditions
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Mosquitos are widespread in the Amazon, so please bring tropical-strength insect repellent and clothes to cover your arms and legs. A mosquito net will be provided at your accommodation. Please see important notes about protection from mosquitoes in the ‘Health’ section of the trip notes.
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Accommodation in the Amazon is clean and comfortable, with flushing toilets and limited hot water. However, it is more basic than other accommodation throughout the trip. There is no electricity at night, so rooms are lit with candles and kerosene lamps. Wifi is only available in the common areas. Please remember that this is a very remote part of the world. You will truly feel among nature here.
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Itinerary
After the meeting your leader will take you on a brief orientation tour of the Miraflores area. Your in-depth city tour will be 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, which is raw fish marinated in lime juice and often served with hot peppers.
Note: As this trip takes you to locations at high altitude, it's possible that some travellers may experience adverse health effects due to altitude sickness. Please see the 'Is this trip right for you?' and 'Health' sections of the trip notes for important information about this.
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
Optional ActivitiesIf you wish to take part in any of the optional activities mentioned below, you will need to book additional accommodation prior to the tour start date as there won't be any spare time on day one once the tour has commenced.
Later in the afternoon, travel by minivan for approximately four hours to Paracas, arriving in the late afternoon/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 de Chabuca Granda - Street food tasting
Meals Included
- Breakfast
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). Between June and September the port may be closed due to weather conditions. If this is the case, an alternative land tour of the Paracas National Reserve will be arranged.
Late morning we make the journey in a private van from Paracas to Nazca. This is a three hour drive, but there may be a stop in Huacanchina on the way. The leader will offer the group the option of making this stop and the outcome will be based on a majority decision. Huacachina is a little settlement that sits beside a small lake with dramatic sand dunes. There are opportunities to go sand-boarding or simply enjoy the photo opportunities.
Later in the afternoon on arrival to Nazca, visit the viewing platform of the famous Nazca Lines. Etched into the landscape some 22 kilometres north of Nazca, are an assortment of perfectly straight lines, trapezoidal zones, strange symbols, and images of birds and beasts on a giant scale.
To get some perspective on the Nazca Lines, you can choose to go on a flight tour of the area this afternoon. The flight is 30 minutes long and covers the 26 figures scattered throughout the desert. The flight can be bumpy and is only recommended for those with a strong stomach. There have been safety issues with these flights in the past, so we have done our best to research the best operators in the area to recommend to you. Our tour leaders are prohibited from recommending or booking through any other operators.
Tonight enjoy an included 'Pachamanca' dinner, which is a traditional way of baking (usually meats) using hot stones.
Accommodation
- Hotel Majoro or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Ballestas Island - Excursion
- Nazca Lines - Viewing tower
Optional Activities
- Nazca - Flight Over the Nazca Lines - USD100
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Special Information
Nazca Lines flight: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)
Accommodation
- Hotel Casa Andina or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Nazca Lines flight: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.
Accommodation
- Hotel Casa Andina or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Arequipa - Walking tour
- Arequipa - San Ignacio Chapel Visit
- Arequipa - Santa Catalina Monastery
- Arequipa - Cathedral Visit
Optional Activities
- Arequipa - Juanita Museum - PEN20
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Casa Andina or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Eco inn or Similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Colca Canyon - Guided visit
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Accommodation
- Hotel Hacienda Puno or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Sillustani archaeological site (time permitting)
- Colca Canyon - Condor view point
Meals Included
- Breakfast
This morning at about 8am 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. Next 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 1-1.5 hours 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 visit
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Luggage for the next 2 days:Due to a luggage restrictions on the boat you will be required to pack all necessary items for the next 2 days into a smaller bag. The remainder of your luggage will be stored securely in the Puno hotel.
Accommodation
- Suasi Island Eco lodge or similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Included Activities
- Suasi Island - Cultural Museum Visit
- Suasi Island - Spectacular Sunset over Lake Titicaca, Picnic & Drinks
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Notes: Puno is the hometown of Kusimayo, a terrific local organisation that works towards improving the living condition of children and adults affected by poverty and malnutrition in this part of the world you have now come to know so well. Take a look at this short video for more information on this wonderful project: https://vimeo.com/154422813.
Kusimayo is supported by the Intrepid Foundation which means you can donate to this project and your donation will be match dollar for dollar by the Intrepid Group. Please donate through our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/projects/kusimayo
Accommodation
- Hotel Hacienda Puno or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Cusco is South America's oldest continuously inhabited city, and was the home of the Incas for two centuries before the Spanish built their first capital here. Today Cusco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. At 3,450 metres (11,150 feet) above sea level, it’s important to take time to acclimatize to the city’s altitude.
After settling in at the hotel, embark on a casual walking tour around the hotel and Plaza de Armas with your tour 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 at National University San Antonio Abad del Cusco (NUSAAC), where he graduated in 1983. He then pursued a Masters in Colonial Art at NUSAAC. Alfredo has served as Dean of the College of Tourism and he has published eight books, including a guidebook for the Touristic Tour of the East Valley. Alfredo 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 UNESCO 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.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 - PEN10
- Cusco - Pre-Colombian Museum - PEN20
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Luggage for the next 2 days:Due to a luggage restrictions on the train to Machu Picchu you will be required to pack all necessary items for the next 2 days into a smaller bag. The remainder of your luggage will be stored securely in the Cusco hotel.
Trek:
On this trip you can opt to hike the Classic Inca Trail on days 13-16 (or the Quarry Trail on days 13-15, if Classic Inca Trail permits are sold out)
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 of 4,200 metres above sea level and each day's journey generally consists of seven hours of walking (uphill and downhill), with stops for snacks and lunch.
Please see the below link for more information:
http://www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/peru/classic-inca-trail
Just outside of Cusco you will visit the fortress ruins of Sacsayhuaman. The massive stone blocks forming the settlement's walls give you an idea of the ingenuity and military strength of the Incas. After this included visit you will 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.
You'll visit a nearby community to gain insight into the local lifestyle, here you'll also enjoy an included lunch.
If it happens to be market day, wander the stalls in search of hand painted beads and ponchos. Enjoy lunch with the community. Afterwards, continue on to the town of Ollantaytambo. Built over an ancient Incan settlement, this is one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish. The ruins of the upper terraces offer great photo opportunities over the town below.
Accommodation
- Tanupa Lodge or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Sacred Valley - Local community visit and lunch
- Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass, which gives you access to 16 archaeological sites in/around Cusco (Transport & guides are not included)
- Cuzco - Guided visit of Sacsayhuaman
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Special Information
Luggage for the next three days:Due to a luggage restriction of 7kg per person on the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes you will be required to pack all necessary items for the next 3 days into a smaller bag. The remainder of your luggage will be stored securely in the Cusco hotel.
Notes: 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.
Accommodation
- Hotel Hatun Inti or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Guided visit of Machu Picchu
Optional Activities
- 1 Day Inca Trail - Add-on (Must pre-book) - USD350
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
1-day Inca TrailThe 1-day Inca Trail is a great option for those wanting to experience trekking in Peru, but don’t want to do the full 4 days. This trek starts in 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 re-join the rest of the group. This trek is subject to permit availability, must be pre booked and will incur a surcharge. The price listed below is in USD, however will be paid in your local currency.
Please see the below link for more information:
https://www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/peru/one-day-inca-trail
Accommodation
- Hotel San Agustin Plaza or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
- Second visit of Machu Picchu (unguided)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Special Information
Sunrise at Machu Picchu: Inca Trail trekkers:The first bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu departs at 5.30am. The estimated arrival time is between 6- 6.30am The sun rises at Machu Picchu at approximately 5.30am, therefore it's not possible to be there in time for sunrise.
Accommodation
- Hotel San Agustin Plaza or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
While in the Amazon you will have the services a local expert guide from for the duration of your stay.
A representative from the lodge will welcome you at the airport. You'll then make a quick trip to the lodge's office in town by van. Upon arrival at the Jungle lodge office you will be provided with a small duffle bag to pack your personal items required for the duration of your jungle stay. The remainder of your items will be stored securely in the office. From the office, you'll travel by private vehcile to the port, this drive is approximately 45 minutes. Board a motorised canoe and travel down on the Tambopata River to the Amazon lodge. As we use multiple lodges area this journey can take between 45 minutes and 2.5 hours.
Once you arrive there is time to unpack and unwind before a short orientation and briefing. After dinner your local jungle guide will take you out into the jungle on a night walk.
Accommodation
- Posada Amazonas or similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Special Information
Luggage Limit: Due to boat transfer to the jungle lodge the maximum weight limit for the Amazon is 12kg.Amazon Lodges: Rooms at the lodges are simple but comfortable. They are built using local materials such as bamboo, adobe mud and palm trees. Rooms, don't have regular doors for the entrance and bathroom, instead traditonal curtains are used. Each room opens out to the rainforest, providing a true jungle experience. Rooms are equipped with flushing toilets, hot showers, mosquito nets and kerosene lamps. Electricity and internet are only available in the common areas at designated times. Please note that drinks and tips are not included.
A twenty minute boat ride downriver from the lodge brings you to Centro Ñape, a traditional community clinic that produces medicines from rainforest plants and administers them to patients who either cannot afford to receive treatment in town or prefer traditional medicines An Eseeja nativa from the Community of Infierno will take you on a unique tour of Centro Ñape to explain the uses of various medicinal plants.
Head back to the lodge around 6pm and enjoy some free time before dinner. After dinner head out on an optional night jungle walk.
Accommodation
- Posada Amazonas or similar, Feature Stay (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodation
- Antigua Miraflores or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals Included
- Breakfast
Meals
20 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinnersTransport
Private vehicle, Train, Motorised CanoeAccommodation
Hotel (16 nights), Jungle Lodge Feature Stay (2 nights), Eco Lodge Feature (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 de Chabuca Granda - Street food tasting
- Ballestas Island - Excursion
- Nazca Lines - Viewing tower
- Arequipa - Walking tour
- Arequipa - San Ignacio Chapel Visit
- Arequipa - Santa Catalina Monastery
- Arequipa - Cathedral Visit
- Colca Canyon - Guided visit
- Sillustani archaeological site (time permitting)
- Colca Canyon - Condor view point
- Lake Titicaca - Floating Uros islands & Taquile island visit
- Suasi Island - Cultural Museum Visit
- Suasi Island - Spectacular Sunset over Lake Titicaca, Picnic & Drinks
- 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 - Local community visit and lunch
- Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass, which gives you access to 16 archaeological sites in/around Cusco (Transport & guides are not included)
- Cuzco - Guided visit of Sacsayhuaman
- Guided visit of Machu Picchu
- Second visit of Machu Picchu (unguided)
Reviews
Our Peru Highlights trips score an average of 4.93 out of 5 based on 15 reviews in the last year.
Peru Highlights, December 2017
Debra Crespan
This 21 day trip was an exciting immersion into Peruvian culture and a variety of landscapes. Ancient Incan ruins, humming birds buzzing , condors soaring, volcanoes puffing, exciting snow capped mountain passes, living cultures, floating island villages, cloud forests, mountain treks, steaming Amazonia jungles -I am a New World explorer.
Review submitted 14 Feb 2018
Peru Highlights, December 2017
John Scott
The 21-day "Highlights of Peru" tour was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The itinerary was sensibly designed, and we were absolutely blessed to have such an amazing guide in Shirley, who really went to extraordinary efforts to ensure that we were safe and well throughout the trip. I would recommend this tour unreservedly.
Review submitted 27 Jan 2018
Dates & availability
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Important notes
HIKE ADD-ON:
Your tour itinerary includes taking the train to Machu Picchu however on this trip you can opt to choose between either of the below hiking options if you advise at the time of booking:
- The 4 day /3 night Classic Inca trail (Days 13 to 16 of this itinerary) - Included in the tour price if advised at the time of booking.
- The 1-day Inca Trail (day 15 of this itinerary) - Additional surcharge required.
Important: Both options are subject to permit availability. Please contact your booking agent if you would like to book either option (the default itinerary does not include hiking, so you must specifically request this)
More information on the treks can be found in the itinerary section your trip notes.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
A Single Supplement to have your own room is available on this trip however excludes nights 18 & 19 (Amazon Jungle) where you will be in shared accommodation.
PASSPORT DETAILS REQUIRED
Full passport details are required at the time of booking in order to purchase Entrance fees to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.