Peru Classic - The Essentials

The Destination background

Lima, known as the city of the Kings was listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1991 and is home to some of the most beautiful colonial architecture in the whole of South America.

Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Incas is regarded as the oldest inhabited city of the Americas which was subsequently built upon by the Spanish Conquistadores in the 16th century. The invaders erected grand colonial mansions and beautiful cathedrals and churches on the old palaces of the Incas. Considered the most important pre-colonial city in the Americas, Cuzco is also the gateway to Machu Picchu, the new seventh wonder of the world. Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, was a religious centre built on the saddle of a mountain high in the Andes which today is accessed by train or trekking along the Inca Trail.

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world and is located at 3800m above sea level. The Uros islands on Lake Titicaca are unique and represent an ancient custom and way of life few people witness.

Full Itinerary

• Day 1. Lima

  Arrival in Lima. Reception and private transfer to your hotel.

• Day 2. Lima (B & L)

  After breakfast, a private city tour of modern and colonial Lima, declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1991. The tour includes a visit to the Cathedral, Main Square, San Francisco Convent and its Catacombs, and the residential areas of San Isidro and Miraflores. A delicious lunch at a recommended restaurant before visiting the Larco Herera Museum with a private guide. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Evening at leisure.

• Day 3. Lima - Cuzco (B)

  After breakfast, private transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco, reception and private transfer to your hotel. Free day to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude.

• Day 4. Cuzco - Machu Picchu (B & D)

  An early transfer to the train station for the 6.30 AM Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. Met by your guide upon arrival, assistance with check in at your hotel before transfer by bus up to the ruins (25 minutes) for a private guided visit of the most spectacular ancient city in the world. This fabulous city contains houses, temples, warehouses, a large central square; and all connected by narrow roads and steps that are surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side. After the tour, free time to enjoy this spiritual wonder. Opportunity for a guided trek (approx 1 hour) up to the sungate (Intipunku), which is a part of the Inca Trail, for a magical view of the sanctuary or alternatively an unguided climb to the top of Wayna Picchu, with a magnificent view of the whole Sanctuary (recommended for fit individuals only). Return to your hotel in the evening for accommodation and dinner.

• Day 5. Aguas Calientes - Sacred Valley - Cuzco (B & L)

  Morning return by train to Ollantaytambo where you will be met by your private guide to start the full-day private excursion of the Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Explore the ruins above Ollantaytambo before visiting the village of Pisac, founded during Colonial times. On Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays the Indians barter their products, and artisans from all over the area sell their woven alpaca wool blankets and ponchos, engraved gourds, antique reproductions and jewellery. On Sundays, it is also the meeting place for the local Mayors of the region, who come dressed in their traditional costumes, to attend morning mass. After a lunch, a visit to Chinchero before returning to Cuzco. Accommodation at your hotel.

• Day 6. Cuzco - Puno (B, L & D) (Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays only)

  After breakfast, a spectacular first class train journey aboard the Inca Explorer service across the stunning altiplano to Puno. Enjoying lunch aboard the train, sit back and enjoy as the stunning views and landscapes reveal themselves. Lying on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, Puno is also the folkloric capital of Peru. Arrival and private transfer to your hotel, lying on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Accommodation at the hotel and dinner.

• Day 7. Islands of Lake Titicaca (B, L & D)

  Full day private excursion to the islands of Uros and Taquile. Uros, a group of islands made entirely of tortora reeds is home to a small community dating back to a pre-Inca culture. The inhabitants of Taquile are more closely related to the Aymara people of Bolivia than the Quechua Incas of Peru. Lunch on the island. The tour is in a shared boat but you will have the services of a private guide for the entire trip. Return to Puno and your hotel.

• Day 8. Puno - Lima

  After breakfast, transfer to Juliaca airport in private with your guide, visiting en route the Sillustani archaeological site before your return flight to Lima and your connecting flight home.

End of our services.

Tour Prices

• US$2075.00 - based on two people sharing.
• Single supplement US$900.00

Domestic Flights (Lima - Cuzco, Juliaca - Lima) per person: US$340.00

Additional days and tours available upon request.

Tour Price Includes:

• Accommodation in double rooms at selected hotels.
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary.
• Transfers, tours and excursions as per itinerary based on private service with English speaking guides.
• Vistadome train tickets.
• All entrance fees.

Tour Price Does Not Include:

• International flight to Peru and US$31.00 tax for all International air departures.
• All domestic flights require a US$6.00 charge (airport tax).
• Personal expenses such as telephone bills, laundry expenses, beverages, etc,
• Insurance against theft, loss, illness and/or accident etc.
• Baggage porterage and other extras not specified.

Hotels

Lima Hotels

Exclusive Hotel. (Subject to availability.)

Sacred Valley Hotels

Pakaritampu Hotel. (Subject to availability.)

Cuzco Hotels

Picoaga. (Subject to availability.)

Puno Hotels

Casa Andina Private Collection. (Subject to availability.)

Trains

Vistadome train. (Upgrade to Hiram Bingham train subject to availability.)