Best of Peru

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance

• 1 Depart USA/Arrive Lima
• 2 Lima
• 3 Cusco & Sacred Valley
• 4 Sacred Valley
• Optional Excursion: Maras or Moray, $20
• 5 Machu Picchu
• 6 Machu Picchu & Cusco
• Optional Excursion: Second Visit to Machu Picchu
• 7 Cusco
• 8 Cusco & Puno
• 9 Puno & Lake Titicaca
• 10 Puno & Depart Peru

Tambopata & Puerto Maldonado Post-Tour Extension

• 10 Puno & Lima
• 11 Lima & Puerto Maldonado, the Amazon
• 12 Tambopata National Reserve & Lake Sandoval
• 13 Puerto Maldonado
• 14 Depart Peru

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA/Arrive Lima

• Depart the USA on your flight bound for Lima, Peru
• Arrive in Lima, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel

The Westin Lima Hotel

Day 2 Lima

• City tour of modern and colonial Lima
• Group dinner at a local restaurant

The Westin Lima Hotel Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Today, embark on a city tour of both modern and colonial Lima. See the Monastery of San Francisco, famous for its library and catacombs, and the historical city center, based around the beautiful and sprawling Plaza Mayor (Plaza de Armas). The grand Cathedral of Lima, the ornate Archbishop's Palace, and the Government Palace, also known as the Casa de Pizarro, line the plaza. The Government Palace and the cathedral were first built by Francisco Pizarro when he founded the city in 1535 to govern the conquered Incan empire (though both have been rebuilt since). Visit the fashionable districts of San Isidro and Miraflores with their beautiful parks and elegant residences facing the ocean. Tonight join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3 Cusco & Sacred Valley

• Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco
• Explore Pisac Market and shop for unique crafts and taste a Peruvian empanada
• Continue to Ollantaytambo and tour the fortress and ruins

Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Valle Sagrado Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, transfer to the airport to board a short flight to Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, located 11,000 feet above sea level. Upon arrival, travel to Pisac, a picturesque Andean village with a wonderful market. Have a chance to buy locally made ponchos, sweaters, and other handcrafted clothing, ceramics, and hand-painted beads. Enjoy browsing the "locals" section of the market, where villagers come from miles around, dressed in traditional clothing, to barter and sell their produce. Complete your trip to the market with a Peruvian empanada baked in an artisan clay oven, which gives them their unique flavor. 

Continue to Ollantaytambo (9,160 feet above sea level), located at the foot of spectacular Inca ruins, which protected the strategic entrance to the lower Urubamba Valley, also known as the Sacred Valley. The temple area is at the top of a series of steep terraces, which helped provide excellent defenses. The stone used for these buildings was brought from a quarry on the opposite side of the Urubamba River, an incredible feat involving thousands of workers. Afterward, check in to your hotel.

Day 4 Sacred Valley

• Morning visit to the ancient village of Chinchero and weavers market
• Afternoon at leisure or optional excursion to Maras or Moray

Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Valle Sagrado Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning visit the ancient village of Chinchero and its beautiful colonial church built upon the original foundations of Tupac Yupanqui Palace. Legend has it that Chinchero is the birthplace of the rainbow, and perhaps that has something to do with the vibrant textiles produced here. You will have time to explore Chinchero’s artisan weaver complex and discover the traditional weaving, dyeing, and spinning techniques. Return to your hotel mid-day and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure enjoying the hotel’s amenities, or join an optional afternoon excursion to Maras or Moray.

Optional Excursion: Maras or Moray, $20

Visit Maras or Moray this afternoon on an optional excursion. During the dry season (May through late November), visit the salt works of Maras, consisting of about 3000 small pools constructed on a mountainside. The ancient Inca would irrigate these pools with brackish spring water and allow them to evaporate to produce salt for the empire. During the rainy season (late November through April), visit the archaeological site of Moray, consisting of enormous terraces in concentric rings that allowed ancient farmers to create diverse micro-climates and harvest various crops.

Day 5 Machu Picchu

• Transfer to Ollanta station to board the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
• Enjoy a guided tour of the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After a short drive from your hotel to the Ollanta railroad station, board the Vistadome train that will take you through the lush Urubamba Valley. Admire the stunning scenery en route to Machu Picchu, one of the world's most spectacular and enigmatic archaeological sites (8,000 feet above sea level).

Unknown to the outside world until archaeologist Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in 1911, Machu Picchu is now the most recognizable symbol of the Inca Empire. Believed to have served as a country retreat town for Inca nobility, the complex consists of giant walls, terraces, and ramps constructed from precisely cut rock formations. This impressive architectural feat, combined with its breathtaking natural setting amid mist-covered green mountains above the rushing Urubamba River, makes for a visually stunning and mystical experience. Later, return to your hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo for dinner and overnight.

Day 6 Machu Picchu & Cusco

• Morning at leisure or optional second visit to Machu Picchu
• Return to Ollanta station by Vistadome train then transfer to Cusco by bus

Palacio del Inka Luxury Collection Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Enjoy the morning at leisure to explore the quaint town of Aguas Calientes, revisit the citadel at Machu Picchu or trek to the top of Huayna Picchu on an optional excursion. This afternoon, journey back to Ollanta station by Vistadome train, then continue to Cusco by motor coach. Upon arrival, check into your hotel.

Optional Excursion: Second Visit to Machu Picchu

Early this morning, have an opportunity to visit Machu Picchu for a second time independently. For the more adventurous traveler, test your limits with a climb to Huayna Picchu, the sharp peak towering above the citadel.

Second Entrance to Machu Picchu: Price includes a reserved ticket and roundtrip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. Please contact us to reserve this option in advance as availability is limited.

Entrance to Machu Picchu & Huayna Picchu:  $130 per person. Price includes a reserved ticket and roundtrip bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. Please contact us to reserve this option in advance as availability is limited.

Note: We are not able to secure your ticket for the Machu Picchu Second Visit and Huayna Picchu entrance until we receive your valid passport information. Tickets are only issued by the Peruvian authorities upon receipt of valid passport details.

Day 7 Cusco

• Morning at leisure
• Afternoon city tour of Cusco
• Visit the Sacsayhuaman Fortress & Puka Pukara

Palacio del Inka Luxury Collection Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, enjoy the remainder of the morning at leisure. This afternoon, embark on a panoramic city tour of Cusco. See the Plaza de Armas, the center of the Inca Empire where Francisco Pizarro proclaimed the conquest of Cusco. Visit Cusco's beautiful 16th-century cathedral. Then, just a few blocks away, discover the ruins of the Koricancha, a vital temple built to honor Inti, the Incan sun god. When the conquistadors first arrived in Cusco, the temple was covered in sheets of solid gold and adorned with golden statues; however, the temple was soon stripped, and the gold was plundered as a treasure for Spain.

Next, continue to the Sacsayhuaman fortress, an emblematic Inca construction built in the 15th century. The size of the fortress and its massive stones are remarkable, and how they were transported, cut, and laid is still a mystery. Next, travel to Puka Pukara, also known as the "red fortress," which is thought to have been a military stronghold. It has many rooms, courtyards, bathrooms, aqueducts, and towers to explore.

Day 8 Cusco & Puno

• Transfer to the airport for your flight to Juliaca
• Free time to explore the city of Puno and grab a bite to eat
• Transfer to your deluxe lakeside resort for check-in

GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your short flight to Juliaca. Upon arrival, board your motor coach and drive to Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca (12,500 feet above sea level). Upon arrival in Puno, enjoy some free time exploring the city and grabbing a bite to eat. Later on, transfer to your deluxe lakeside resort for check-in.

Day 9 Puno & Lake Titicaca

• Morning tour of Lake Titicaca and the floating island of Uros & Taquile
• Afternoon at leisure
• Join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner

GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning you'll visit beautiful Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America and, according to Andean legend, the birthplace of civilization. Legend holds that Mama Ocllo and Manco Capac, the founders of the Inca Empire, appeared from the lake's deep waters. A highlight of your tour is a visit to the floating island of Uros, where many of the inhabitants still practice the old traditions of fishing, trapping birds, weaving, sailing, and living in houses made of totora reeds which grow abundantly in the lake.

Continue to Taquile, the largest island on the Peruvian side of the lake. Taquileños, the Island locals, are famous for their beautiful woven goods, widely regarded as some of the highest quality handicrafts in Peru. Here, take in magnificent views of the lake, which looks like an ocean surrounded by mountains. Return to Puno this afternoon. Later this evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day 10 Puno & Depart Peru

• Morning at leisure
• City tour of Puno
• Transfer to the Juliaca airport for your flight to Lima
• Arrive in Miami later tomorrow morning
• Flights departing Lima to Los Angeles (LAX) will depart just after noon tomorrow, arriving in LAX tomorrow evening.

Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, spend the morning leisurely, enjoying the hotel’s amenities and amazing views of Lake Titicaca. After check-out, embark on a city tour of Puno, starting at the city’s colorful markets. Next, see its beautiful 18th-century cathedral on the main square and other essential landmarks along Lima Street, Puno’s main pedestrian thoroughfare. The tour concludes at the Puma Uta viewpoint with a breathtaking panoramic view of Puno and Lake Titicaca. Finally, bid adiós to Peru as you transfer to the airport in the nearby city of Juliaca for your overnight return flight via Lima.

Passengers returning to LAX will stay at the Hotel Costa del Sol-Ramada

Tambopata & Puerto Maldonado Post-Tour Extension

Day 10 Puno & Lima

• Morning at leisure
• City tour of Puno
• Transfer to the Juliaca airport for your flight to Lima

Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, spend the morning leisurely, enjoying the hotel’s amenities and amazing views of Lake Titicaca. After check-out, embark on a city tour of Puno, starting at the city’s colorful markets. Next, see its beautiful 18th-century cathedral on the main square and other essential landmarks along Lima Street, Puno’s main pedestrian thoroughfare. The tour concludes at the Puma Uta viewpoint with a breathtaking panoramic view of Puno and Lake Titicaca. Finally, transfer to the airport in the nearby city of Juliaca for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival, cross the sky bridge and check in at your airport hotel.

Day 11 Lima & Puerto Maldonado, the Amazon

• Return to the airport via the sky bridge for your flight to Puerto Maldonado
• Enjoy an immersive introduction to the rainforest on a nature walk along the lodge's trail system
• Discover the nocturnal side of the Amazon during a twilight riverboat ride

Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, return to the airport via the sky bridge for your flight to Puerto Maldonado, the Capital of Biodiversity. Upon arrival, transfer to the pier and begin your Amazon adventure with a boat ride along the Madre de Dios River to your eco-lodge nestled in the heart of the rainforest. After a short briefing, settle into your cabana.

After lunch, walk along the trail system for an immersive introduction to the intricate biodiversity of the Amazon basin and rainforest layers. Wind your way through towering trees as you listen to the sounds of the wildlife inhabiting this rich ecosystem. Keep your camera ready if you spot a sloth or monkey overhead in the treetops!

Later, enjoy a twilight riverboat ride and witness the jungle transform into a nocturnal world. You might be able to spot nightjar owls, capybaras, or big caiman lurking on the riverbanks.

Day 12 Tambopata National Reserve & Lake Sandoval

• Relax during a canoe ride on Lake Sandoval
• Explore the canopy walkway & anaconda walk

Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Visit Lake Sandoval this morning, a glassy, ox-bow lake inside the protected Tambopata National Reserve. Walk along a sun-dappled jungle trail, board a dug-out wooden canoe, quietly paddle through the mangroves, and glide out onto Lake Sandoval. The serene lake is home to thousands of bird species, the endangered giant river otter, red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, side-neck turtles, and black caimans.

After lunch, climb the exhilarating Canopy Walkway, a sophisticated and safe 1,135-foot-long network of seven ecologically constructed hanging suspension bridges between eight treetop observation platforms above the forest floor. Ascend the first tower, 124 feet above the ground, while keeping an eye out for bright toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, monkeys, and the three-toed sloth. After descending from the Canopy, continue on the Anaconda Walk, a 656-foot-long raised wooden platform over the aguajales swamp. This lush ecosystem is home to various species of amphibians, birds, mammals, abundant flora, and unique trees.

Day 13 Puerto Maldonado

• See how local farmer grow forest fruits at Gamitana Farm and Creek
• Visit Hacienda Conception's bio-orchard, boasting over 200 different plant species
• Board a canoe in search of turtles, herons, and other wildlife
• Explore the rainforest by night on a guided excursion

Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, journey by boat to Gamitana Farm and Creek to discover more of the mysteries of the rainforest. The Amazon is a seemingly endless source of exotic fruits and vegetables. At Gamitana model farm, surrounded by the scents and sounds of the Amazon, see how a variety of produce is grown by local farmers and sample some seasonal forest fruits. Head down a dense jungle trail under the canopy to Gamitana Creek, home to piranhas, caiman, turtles, and birds.

Return to the lodge for lunch before heading to Hacienda Concepcion, built on an old cocoa and rubber plantation. With over 200 different plant species found here, see why the rainforest is often considered the world's largest pharmacy and learn their uses and benefits in this natural classroom. Then board canoes and look for turtles, sun grebes, nightjars, and exotic herons before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Under the cover of darkness, venture out to explore the rainforest by night through the lodge's ecological reserve. With an expert guide, encounter animal activities and spot species that only emerge under the veil of night.

Day 14 Depart Peru

• Morning at leisure
• Visit a butterfly farm
• Transfer to Puerto Maldonado airport for your overnight return flight via Lima

Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

Enjoy your last morning in this unspoiled natural wonderland. After lunch, board your boat for the return trip along the Madre de Dios River. Make a brief visit to a butterfly house en route to the airport. Peru boasts the most incredible variety of butterflies in the world, with 3,700 known species. Continue to the airport for your overnight return flight via Lima.

Hotels

The Westin Lima Hotel

Deluxe

Located in Lima’s vibrant financial and shopping district, The Westin Lima Hotel is just 15 kilometers from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) and minutes from a dazzling selection of restaurants, galleries, and public parks.Discover a place where you can be at your best. Reenergize in the state-of-the-art fitness center and recharge in a chaise lounge by the serene indoor pool. Find irresistible pampering and therapeutic treatments at Heavenly Spa by Westin. The hotel’s gallery is lined with boutiques that offer everything from alpaca clothing to high-end handicrafts and jewelry.

More information

Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Valle Sagrado

Deluxe

Situated between the ever present voice of the Vilcanota River and the stoic silence of the mountains of Cusco’s Sacred Valley, Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, is a short 2.5 hours away from Machu Picchu and has its own train station. It is the first and only hotel in Peru that has just been granted the LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) from the U.S. Green Building Council. This certification recognizes buildings that were constructed with a commitment to five important areas of environmental impact and human health.

More information

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Deluxe

The award winning Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel sits on 12.3 serene acres of paradise, conveniently located directly across from the train station of Machu Picchu Pueblo and the city of Aguas Calientes. This luxury retreat also prides itself on being 100% carbon neutral and contributing to sustainable development and social responsibility projects. 

More information

Palacio del Inka Luxury Collection

Deluxe

Palacio del Inka Luxury Collection is located in front of the Koricancha, or Sun Temple. Its location invites guests to enjoy a fascinating and unique experience in the historic center of this ancient city of Cusco. Guests can familiarize with the colonial and Inca legacy of this Andean jewel by strolling around the narrow streets of the city. There are several places of interest nearby including Machu Picchu, the main square, the cathedral, the artisan neighborhood of Saint Blas, and the archeological sites of Sacsayhuaman, Q'enko, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. The warm hospitality of the staff is the result of years of experience. Discover the wonders of the cradle of the Inca Empire and be a part of a world of living cultures and hundreds of years of history in complete comfort.

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GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca

Deluxe

GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca is located on the private Esteves Island surrounded by Lake Titicaca. The 5-star hotel offers unforgettable views from any point in the hotel. From the private pier, travelers can navigate to other islands to experience the traditions and customs of Lake Titicaca's inhabitants.

More information

Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport

First Class

Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport hotel is conveniently located just steps from the Lima International Airport. The modern hotel offers a restaurant, bar, fitness center, indoor pool, and spa. The hotel is 8 miles from Plaza Mayor de Lima, the birthplace of Lima, Archbishop Palace, Basilica Cathedral, and San Francisco Church. Spend an evening in Lima's contemporary culture and entertainment center, with its plethora of restaurants, coffee shops, nightclubs, and movie theaters.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Reviews & Photos

Trip Details

• What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
• Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
• Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
• Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
• Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
• What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
• What should I know about Peru? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.

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