Overview :
Peru Highlights (Suggested Holiday)
Day 1 - 2 Lima - City tour of the Capital City of Peru
Day 3 - 4 Arrive in Arequipa and a City Tour
Day 5 - 6 Visit the Colca Canyon, view the volcanoes and the Andean Condors soaring in the sky!
Day 7 - 8 Cusco - City Tour of Cusco and aclimatize to the altitude
Day 9 Journey to Sacred Valley to visit the ruins of the Incas
Day 10 Journey to Agua Calientes and arrive in Machu Picchu
Day 11 Journey from Machu Picchu back to Cusco
Day 12 Depart Cusco for your next adventure!
Days 1-2:
Lima
Day 1: Arrive Lima
Airport transfer to hotel. The hotel we recommend is located in the Miraflores district. This district is the new cultural and social hub of Lima. Miraflores boasts many culinary restaurants, local shops, cafes and theatres, making the district popular with travellers and brings a cosmopolitan atmosphere to your Peruvian adventure. The Miraflores district is also easily accessible to the historical city centre. The distance from Miraflores to the airport is approximately between 30 to 45 minutes. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Day 2: Sightseeing Lima
After breakfast there is a full day tour to explore Lima’s ancient history through its historical sites and museums. Morning highlights include visiting the Plaza de Armas (also known as Plaza Mayor), the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace), City Hall, the Basilica Cathedral of Lima, and the House of El Oidor.
After lunch visit the grandeur of the Torre Tagle Palace and Osambela House. Followed by two of the most visited tourist Museums in Lima, the Larco Museum and the Gold of Peru Museum both containing staggering displays of gold, silver, ceramics and artefacts from ancient Peru.
For the evening there is time at leisure to relax or enjoy one of the many fabulous restaurants in the Miraflores district.
Days 3-4 :
Arequipa
Day 3: Lima to Arequipa
After breakfast your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel for your private departure transfer to Lima airport for your flight Lima-Arequipa (Lima-Arequipa flight is not included in the package price and is quoted separately).
When you arrive into Arequipa your guide will meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel for the next two nights. This afternoon you will have at leisure, we recommend having a wonder through the town, try local delicacies and soak up the rich Peruvian culture Arequipa is renowned for.
Day 4 – Arequipa + Half day city tour
Today is a morning tour of Arequipa, whose historic centre was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, in recognition of its architecture and historic integrity. This morning tour includes the Santa Catalina Monastery built in 1580 and currently home to a small number of nuns. The remainder of the day to explore Arequipa on your own or have a relaxing afternoon and take in some of the historical sights you have witnessed.
A visit to the Museo Santuarios Andinos is recommended and here you will find Mummy Juanita, the remarkably preserved teenage Inca Ice Maiden sacrificed between 1450 and 1480. Juanita’s discovery has been chronicled by National Geographic and listed by Time magazine in 1995 as one of the World’s Top Ten Discoveries.
Days 5-6:
Colca Canyon, Chivay, Arequipa
Day 5 – Arequipa to Colca Canyon/Chivay
After a relaxing morning your journey continues to the Colca Canyon, this coach trip is stunning as you travel past the spectacular Misti and Chachani volcanoes and hot springs. Once you arrive in Chivay your driver will take you to view the Colca Canyon and then you are able to have a relaxing afternoon in the thermal springs of Chivay, a perfect way to relax and soak up the atmosphere and culture of Peru. Overnight is in Chivay town, there is an upgrade available but this is outside the town.
Day 6: Sightseeing Colca Canyon & Journey Back to Arequipa
This morning is an early departure from your Hotel in Chivay to Cruz del Condor where Andean Condors can often be seen catching thermal uplifts and soaring with graceful ease. The Colca Canyon is the world’s deepest canyon and twice as big as the Grand Canyon, the magnificent sight presents amazing photographic landscape opportunities for photographers and even better if you can catch a condor gliding in the skyline.
After the Colca Canyon, you will journey by coach back to Arequipa. Enjoy your evening in Arequipa and taste the local food in the many restaurants surrounding the Plaza Mayor. Overnight in Arequipa
Days 7-8:
Cusco
Day 7: Arequipa to Cusco
After breakfast your guide will transfer you to Arequipa airport for your flight from Arequipa to Cuzco. (Flight Arequipa to Cusco is not included in package price). When you arrive into Cuzco you will have a guide meeting you at the airport and will transfer you to your Cusco hotel. Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire and has an elevation of 3400m above sea level. We recommend you spend the rest of first day in Cusco at leisure to allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Drink lots of water and cups of coca tea which should be available in the hotel as this will ease the affect altitude can have on some people
Cusco is also the archaeological capital of America and for good reason. It is one of the most important destinations in Peru and the gateway to one of the world’s most sacred ruins of an amazing ancient culture. With a mix of Spanish and Ancient Incan cultures, there are cobble-stoned streets, interwoven stone walls, Incan buildings, Andean Baroque structures from the Colonial Period like the Cathedral. You can stroll through the picturesque neighbourhood of San Blas or dine in one of the many modern cafes, bars and restaurants.
Day 8: Sightseeing Cusco
It’s an early start to the day with a full day sightseeing tour of Cusco. The tour today takes you to visit the Korikancha (Temple of the Sun), the Cathedral, and then continuing onto the nearby archaeological sites of of Tambomachay (Inca Fountains), Puca-Pukara (the red fortress), Qenko (Scared site) and finally the famous gigantic Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The many restaurants in your Hotel vicinity will let you sample the delicious Peruvian Cuisine. Overnight in Cusco.
Days 9-10 :
Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
Day 9: Journey Cusco to Scared Valley
Today you will have a full day sightseeing to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Scared Valley is home to some breathtaking towns and sites including Maras, Moray, the fortress of Ollantaytambo and Pisac. Seeing these ruins and visiting the towns will enlighten your knowledge of just how sophisticated the Incas were and an insight into their ancient way of life. Enjoy the sights at your leisure and perhaps visit the colourful market of Pisa. Tonight you will stay in the Sacred Valley.
Day 10: Journey from Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is one of the main attractions when visiting Peru. You have seen postcards, read about it in magazines, seen documentaries and have had it on your list as a “must do” in your life. Today is the day you will not only see Machu Picchu but you will breathe the magic and the beauty of Machu Picchu!
Your full day Machu Picchu tour starts off with a transfer and train to Aquas Calientes for your bus ride up to Machu Picchu. This is an excellent option for those who do not have time to hike the Inca Trail or wish not to. On arrival in Machu Picchu your sightseeing tour of the ruins and entrance fee have been included. Soak up the significance of your visit, enjoy the beautiful location and marvel in the intellect and architectural ability of the ancient Incan culture. It is amazing and spectacular just how appropriately located Machu Picchu is in its complimenting surroundings. The Inca Trail Walk can also be arranged for those wishing to experience the beautiful hike to Machu Picchu.
Due to Machu Picchu’s popularity with all travellers, we suggest that you go back for a second visit early the following morning before the trains arrive with the day tours. Spending time in the lost city of the Incas, soaking up the atmosphere without the crowds is a real spiritual experience. Hotels are located in Aguas Calientes and there is also an option to stay at the Orient Express Hotel at the entrance gate into Machu Picchu. Please advise if you would like us to quote for this.
Also to consider is the climb up Huayna Picchu Mountain, tickets are limited and pre-booking is required. Your guide will be able to assist with this.
After a full day at Machu Picchu, you will be taken to your hotel in Aguas Calientes in the Machu Picchu region to spend the evening at your leisure.
Days 11-12:
Machu Picchu, Cusco
Day 11: Journey Machu Picchu to Cusco
After a relaxing morning in Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes, we will take you back by train back to your Cusco hotel. On arrival into Cusco you have the remainder of the day to relax, dine, wander through the colourful markets or get last minute souvenirs to remember your time here.
Day 12: Depart Cusco
After breakfast your Peru highlights adventure concludes with a departure transfer to Cusco Airport or Train Station.