AITO: The Association of Independent Tour Operators
Highlights of Peru

Highlights of Peru

Highlights of Peru Overview

Our highlights of Peru tour takes you to the unmissable sites of Peru including Machu Picchu, the mystic Sacred Valley and the town of Cusco. As a complete contrast we have added the Amazon into this itinerary – you will finish your holiday in a delightfully rustic and luxurious lodge nestled deep into this wildlife-rich region.

Day 1: Welcome to Lima! - Your private driver and English-speaking guide will give you a warm welcome when you land in Lima. They will then drive you through the bustling capital to your boutique hotel in Miraflores. where you can relax and enjoy the evening at your leisure. We love Quinta Miraflores, it really feels like a home from home! (Premium room)

Day 2: The ultimate foodie experience! - Today, we will teach you the culture of Peru through its food by taking you to visit a traditional market, its top restaurants, a Ceviche and Pisco Sour class, and districts that best represent this culinary marvel. We not only want you to enjoy this mouthwatering experience, but to also discover and fall in love with the best of Lima in just a few hours. After lunch, visit the Larco Herrera, home to more than 5000 years of ancient Peruvian history.

Day 3: Travel to the Sacred Valley - After breakfast, you will be driven to the airport to take a flight to Cusco. On arrival your driver will be waiting to take you to the Sacred Valley, a beautiful part of the country nestled within between mountain ranges. Your new home for the next couple of nights is Nunu’s Boutique Hotel, which is one of our favourite options in the region – oozing tons of personality and charm! (Double room)

Day 4: The highlights of the Sacred Valley - Today, you will visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas for a day of mesmerising landscapes and culture. Your first stop will be the Archaeological site of Pisaq, an impressive construction with an amazing view of the valley as well as one of the most colourful market’s of Peru. After lunch, you will go to the town of Ollantaytambo and visit the Archaeological Complex, which was used by the Incas as a fortress during the time of the Spanish conquest.

Day 5: Visit Machu Picchu - Board the incredible Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes (about 2 hours) where you will have some time for lunch before visiting Machu Picchu. The Lost City of the Incas will astonish you with its terraces, ceremonial shrines, steps and urban areas. Energy is all around us. Afterwards take the bus again to go back to the town, where you will spend the night hotel El Mapi (superior room, dinner included).

Day 6: Return to Machu Picchu & on to Cusco - Today you have a second chance to enjoy Machu Picchu by your own. We suggest an early bus ride to Machu Picchu in order to see the sunrise. First bus at 05:30 hrs. After your morning exploration, board the bus again back to Aguas Calientes. Once in Aguas Calientes get ready to take the train back to Poroy station, the closest to Cusco. Here you will be met by your driver to transfer you to the lovely Quinta San Blas hotel (deluxe room).

Day 7: Half day tour of Cusco - Without a doubt this city needs a morning just to enjoy walking its gorgeous stone streets, listening the Andean music and falling in love with a glorious past, the Inca past that had the capacity to create this civilisation that we are lucky enough to experience with our senses. You will visit the Coricancha the Temple of the Sun and the Cusco’s Cathedral before enjoying the afternoon at leisure.

Day 8: Begin the Amazon adventures! - This morning you will fly to Puerto Maldonado, where you will be met by staff from the Amazon lodge you will be staying at. From here navigate by outboard motorized canoe along the Madre de Dios River to your hotel. On arrival you will start by enjoying a lunch full of dishes from this part of Peru before a guided walk on the many trails from your property learning about primary and secondary rainforest. At dusk you will head out on a motorized canoe to see the Amazon come alive at night . (Cabaña room).

Day 9: Into the depths of the Amazon - Today will be full of experiences to really get a chance to explore this part of the Amazon. The day starts with a long trek through terra firma into the Reserve towards Lake Sandoval to board a dugout canoe in search of the endangered giant river otter, blue and yellow macaw, red howler monkey and black caiman. This afternoon you will head from the lodge for a canopy walk where you see the Amazon at a new perspective being in the tree tops. If you love insects join the guide for a night time walk of the property.

Day 10: Return to Lima to catch your flight home - After breakfast, take the motorised canoe back to Puerto Maldonado. You will have time to visit the Butterfly House and learn about these beautiful creatures before taking your flight to Lima in time to take your international flight home – safe travels!

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