Discover the treasures of Lima and uncover the archaeological site of Machu Picchu on this Country Explorer trip.
Explore the vastness of Peru-traced from its Pacific edge to the mountain fortresses of the Incas and the shimmering blue of South America's largest lake, the birthplace of the sun.
The Capital of the New World extends a warm welcome on your epic voyage through the iconic and unexpected highlights of Peru. Meet your local host on arrival and transfer to your hotel in the fashionable barrio of San Isidro. This evening, you'll join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception at 6 p.m.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Novotel Lima
Ease in to Lima life with a leisurely morning to enjoy the city. Next, you'll connect with the colonial heritage of Francisco Pizzaro's "City of Kings", joining your Local Specialist for a city tour that reveals Lima's colonial splendour. Admire the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre and see the Church of San Francisco, delving into its hidden catacombs, religious art museum and extensive library. Later, you'll embark on a scenic walk through Miraflores with your Travel Director and soak up the local sights and sounds.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
La Dama Juana Restaurant And Folklore Show
La Dama Juana Restaurant combines typical Peruvian food with traditional folkloric dancing. The food is served buffet-style in clay pots. As you dine, watch the energetic dancers perform colonial and Inca ceremonial dances. The costumes are colorful and the music is lively. Gratuity included. Total duration is approximately 3 hours. (Minimum 4 Guests)
Adult Price: $63.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Magic Circuit Of The Water
The Magic Circuit of the Water is the world's largest fountain complex of beautiful interactive fountains featuring swaying water, colored lights and lasers dancing with the music. The Magic Fountain forces water to a height of more than 250 feet (80 meters). This optional experience is available Wednesday to Sunday. Total duration is approximately 2.5 hours. Gratuity included.
Adult Price: $23.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley (2 Nights)
We'll fly to Cusco this morning, the gateway to Peru's treasured Sacred Valley, where you will enjoy a local Peruvian lunch with sweeping views of the Sacred Valley. Then we'll 'Dive into Culture', meeting a Shaman who will perform a special ceremony to welcome us to Peru. Tonight, you'll stay in a hotel along the banks of the Vilcanota River, on the grounds of an old 17th-century colonial hacienda. It is great for morning birders and afternoon walks in the gardens.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Aranwa Sacred Valley
'Connect with Locals' over a 'Be My Guest' lunch, learn about the culture surrounding the production of Giant White Corn. Our hosts will demonstrate the differences between traditional farming techniques and the newer technologies used today. Revel in the romance of the local Marinera dance and local musicans. This evening, meet 'Local Specialist', Peter Frost, a writer, photographer and independent scholar who has explored the Andes and Amazon for 47 years, locating and investigating the previously unknown Inca and pre-Inca site of Qoriwayrachina. He currently resides in Peru and works as an accompanying expert for National Geographic Expeditions.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 5
Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu
Visit the mystical Incan stronghold of Ollantaytambo, en route to Machu Picchu, a village in the Sacred Valley, set on the Urubamba River amid majestic mountains. It's known for the Ollantaytambo ruins, a massive Inca fortress with large stone terraces on a hillside. Then, ascend to the Lost City in the Clouds aboard the Vistadome train (light snack included). Here you will delve into the mysteries of this once-great civilisation, joining your 'Local Specialist' for an exploration of the temples, palaces and terraces whose construction defy imagination. Visit the iconic great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the intricately carved Intihuatana, most likely used as a sundial centuries ago. We return to our hotel where we'll dine tonight.
The ruins of Machu Picchu beckon yet again and we enjoy one final opportunity to reconnect with its story, spending some time on our own to explore the hill-top fortress. Next, we'll journey back to the Sacred Valley by train, stopping en route to Cusco to 'Dive into Culture' and learn about the natural dyeing techniques used by native weavers. Visit the Pisac handicraft market followed by sampling the sweet flavours of chicha as we 'Dive into Culture' yet again, savouring the favourite drink of the Andes. Then a 'Stay with a Story' tonight in what was once an old, colonial Hacienda located in the historic center of Cusco.
Begin your day at the ruins of the UNESCO-listed Sacsayhuaman fortress overlooking Cusco. Your Local Specialist will guide you through Cusco's colonial centre. Later, you'll join another Local Specialist who will reveal insights into the nearby 13th century Incan settlement of Qoriwayrachina. The afternoon is free.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Moray And Maras
Visit Moray, the Inca agricultural greenhouse or laboratory that consists of four platforms that seem to disappear into a crater. At a depth of 500 feet (150 meters), the overlapping concentric circular stone rings widen as they rise. It was an experimental location the Incas used to study the adaptation of plants with agriculture. Next is the village of Maras, renowned for its ancient salt mines and wells. The salt has been used for economic purposes since the time of the Inca. You will meet the villagers who explain ancient salt mining techniques and have a chance to participate. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 5 Guests)
Adult Price: $77.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Visit and Workshop at Choco Museum
Visit the Choco Museum where you will learn the Peruvian chocolate making process from the cacao bean to the chocolate bar. You will participate in making the chocolate and experience the true feeling of a chocolate maker. Space is limited. Total duration approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 4 Guests)
Adult Price: $42.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
Cusco Sightseeing – Juliaca – Puno (2 Nights)
Fly to Juliaca and meet a Local Specialist to learn about daily life on the Peruvian altiplano. After an included lunch, we'll visit Sillustani, a pre-Incan burial ground on the shores of Lake Umayo. Explore the towering chullpas (above ground tombs) before travelling to Puno along the shores of Lake Titicaca, the birthplace of the sun.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca
Cruise the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca with a 'Local Specialist', passing floating islands constructed by the Uros Indians. Next, in the midst of South America's largest lake lies Taquile Island, where we'll embark on a private tour to gain insights into the tradition of knitting and weaving for which the local villagers-men and women-are renowned. Enjoy a lunch here and learn more about the islanders' unique way of life upon islets make of totora reeds, which grow in the lake, and are attached to sticks driven into the bottom of the lake. Tonight, we indulge in a Trafalgar highlight-a Regional Dinner at our favourite local restaurant in Puno.
Return to Lima this morning, then continue your journey to the coastal playground of Paracas. Discover what life is like in Peru's rural countryside before arriving to Paracas for dinner at your seaside hotel and an evening at leisure. Perhaps there's even time for a stroll along the Malecon?
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Aranwa Paracas Resort and Spa
Take to the skies, soaring above the coastal desert to see the enigmatic Nazca Lines, gigantic geometric designs viewable only from the air. Next, stop this afternoon at the Regional Museum of Ica where we'll explore the centuries-old cultures of the Paracas and Nazca. 'Dive into Culture' during a visit to Bodega El Catador to learn about and taste the finest pisco in the country. The rest of the day is free.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 12
Paracas – Ballestas Islands – Lima
This morning, connect with nature, cruising around the uninhabited Ballestas Islands, a "mini-Galapagos" teeming with wildlife. See the mysterious Candelabra in Pisco Bay, then return to Lima where this evening, we'll visit the Larco Museum with a Local Specialist. Our journey almost at its end, we'll indulge in a festive Farewell Dinner in the museum's garden restaurant.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Novotel Lima
Say hasta luego to Peru and its ancient treasures, and take transfer to the airport for your flight home or consider extending your holiday in Lima at the Novotel Lima.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
La Dama Juana Restaurant And Folklore Show
La Dama Juana Restaurant combines typical Peruvian food with traditional folkloric dancing. The food is served buffet-style in clay pots. As you dine, watch the energetic dancers perform colonial and Inca ceremonial dances. The costumes are colorful and the music is lively. Gratuity included. Total duration is approximately 3 hours. (Minimum 4 Guests)
Adult Price: $63.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Magic Circuit Of The Water
The Magic Circuit of the Water is the world's largest fountain complex of beautiful interactive fountains featuring swaying water, colored lights and lasers dancing with the music. The Magic Fountain forces water to a height of more than 250 feet (80 meters). This optional experience is available Wednesday to Sunday. Total duration is approximately 2.5 hours. Gratuity included.
Adult Price: $23.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Moray And Maras
Visit Moray, the Inca agricultural greenhouse or laboratory that consists of four platforms that seem to disappear into a crater. At a depth of 500 feet (150 meters), the overlapping concentric circular stone rings widen as they rise. It was an experimental location the Incas used to study the adaptation of plants with agriculture. Next is the village of Maras, renowned for its ancient salt mines and wells. The salt has been used for economic purposes since the time of the Inca. You will meet the villagers who explain ancient salt mining techniques and have a chance to participate. Total duration is approximately 4 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 5 Guests)
Adult Price: $77.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Visit and Workshop at Choco Museum
Visit the Choco Museum where you will learn the Peruvian chocolate making process from the cacao bean to the chocolate bar. You will participate in making the chocolate and experience the true feeling of a chocolate maker. Space is limited. Total duration approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Gratuity included. (Minimum 4 Guests)
Adult Price: $42.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Visit Hacienda "Sarapampa", a Quechua word meaning corn field, and savour Peruvian farm-to-table cuisine. Your lively hosts will acquaint you with the production process for what's known as Giant White Corn and you'll have a chance to watch a Marinera performance that showcases traditional dance. (Day 4)
DIVE INTO CULTURE
Meet a Shaman who will perform a Pago a la Tierra ceremony, an ancient ritual of the Andean culture. Visit a local chicheria for a traditional chicha tasting. Learn about the natural dyeing techniques used by native weavers and visit Bodega El Catador to learn about and taste the finest pisco in the country. (Days 3, 6, 11)
LOCAL SPECIALIST
For included sightseeing in Lima, Machu Picchu, Cusco, at Qoriwayrachina, the Peruvian altiplano, Lake Titicaca and at the Larco Museum. (Days 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12)
STAYS WITH STORIES
Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness is built along the Vilcanota riverbank, on the lands of an old 17th-century colonial hacienda. (Day 6)
Sightseeing highlights
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CITY TOUR in Lima, Cusco
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CRUISE around Lake Titicaca, the Ballestas Islands
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SCENIC DRIVE through the Sacred Valley
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SEE the other-wordly Nazca Lines from the air
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ICONIC TRAIN journey aboard the Vistadome train
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VISIT the outdoor market at Pisac, Ollantaytambo, two visits to Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman, the Uros Islands, Lake Titicaca
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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A Trafalgar bonus - All Intra-Air Flights: Lima to Cusco, Cusco to Juliaca and Juliaca to Lima, including porter service at all airports.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Handcrafted Highlights
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and local charges included
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
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VIP entry to many sights
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
Land of the Incas Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Everything was perfectly paced and we saw everything. It was fantastic! Also, our tour guide ************** was great. She absolutely is first class, top notch. She was training another person Anthony. He sure didnt need much coaching. He too was awesome. Both very knowledgeable. Other tour guides, Louis Garcia and Charlita also stood out as excellent guides. We had 16 in our group and everyone really gelled. We had soooooo much fun!! I highly recommend Trafalgar. Best service ever!. I've been on tours with Glibus. This trip was better.
Absolutely would book through them again and I would highly recommend them to anyone wanting a complete immersion into the Inca culture, both past and present. The tour Director was seamless in managing the logistics, from transportation to getting our bags to our rooms prior to arrival at each new destination. The tour guides were beyond simply a learned script, they were knowledgeable as they were part of the culture and had vast knowledge regarding the deep history of the places we visited. We especially enjoyed the Hidden Treasures built into the trip where we were allowed a personal experience in the homes of families along the way. The time we spent on the Reed Islands of Lake Titicaca was beyond compare. My partner and I left Peru with a new and profound understanding of the ancient culture of the Incas and we left knowing we had experienced an adventure of a lifetime, into a time and culture few have ever experienced. Well beyond a 5 Star rating!
Diana Martinez in Mayaguez. Puerto RicoMy Account Icon
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5
Thanks to the excellent itinerary we were able to to see so many things in Peru in just 12 days. There were many special experiences like the Hacienda Lunch and the unforgettable visit to the Uros community in Lake Titicaca.
The Travel Director, Daniel Pelaez was wonderful, always on time, courteous and knowledgeable. Al hotels were excellent, as well as the places chosen for our tours.
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Trip Notes
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Crossovers: All 2021 departures will operate as per the 2020 brochure. Itineraries, durations, hotels and inclusions may vary. Please inquire at the time of booking.
Land and Intra Air prices include economy air and air-related charges for flights between Lima-Cusco, Cusco-Juliaca and Juliaca-Lima and require purchase of round-trip air travel on LATAM airline between your gateway city and the itinerary's start and end gateway cities. Prices are accurate as of 1 May 2020.
Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
Passport: Guest passport information for flights is required at time of final payment.
Please note: In some locations you will be required to walk on uneven terrain and climb stairs without handrails. You should be in good health and be able to walk without assistance. This trip also experiences high elevations so we recommend guests with preexisting medical conditions talk with a doctor prior to travel.
Note: On the train to Machu Picchu, only hand luggage (overnight bag) can be taken. Your suitcase will be securely stored and returned to you in Cusco.
#TTINCAS
Galapagos Legend East Cruise (Ref LGCE) available on this departure.
Galapagos Legend North Central Cruise (Ref LGCN) available on this departure.
Trafalgar offers a selection of optional itinerary extensions to customize your vacation in South America. Please note, you cannot book these extensions online. To book and for more information, please contact your local Travel Agent or Trafalgar directly. For more information about the optional extensions offered on this program, please go to www.trafalgar.com/extensions
"Being in Cusco and enjoying a sunset is one thing, but if you walk up a few blocks to Barrio San Blas you reach Limbus Resto Bar with one of the best views of the city and the mountains surrounding the Cusco Valley. My tip, have a Maracuya Sour to go with the beautiful sunset." Rudy Chalco, Travel Director
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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