See and taste the best of Peru on this Country Explorer adventure, take in Lima, Machu Picchu and more.
From the clouds of the Andes to the birthplace of the sun, this trek through Peru's altiplanos and the famous floating Uros Islands traces the ancient past of the Incas.
Bienvenidos a Lima, where we'll kick-start our effortlessly delivered journey to the iconic and unexpected sights and sounds of Peru. On arrival, transfer to your hotel, Novotel Lima, where this evening you'll meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Novotel Lima
Take your time this morning and embrace the warm welcome of the "City of Kings". We'll meet a 'Local Specialist' who will reveal the city's highlights including Lima's UNESCO-listed Historic Centre and the baroque-style Church of San Francisco. Descend into the city's underground catacombs and admire the religious paintings, sculptures and books on display in its religious art museum and extensive library. Later, we'll join our Travel Director for a guided walk through the barrio of Miraflores, also known as the Heroic City.
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 board a morning flight to Cusco, the gateway to Peru's treasured Sacred Valley, where you'll enjoy a Peruvian lunch with sweeping views of the Sacred Valley. Then we'll 'Dive into Culture' and meet a Shaman who will perform a special ceremony welcoming you 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 Hotel and Wellness
'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. 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, ascending 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 for your second visit as you 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. Our 'Stay with a Story' tonight is a what was once an old, colonial Hacienda located in the historic centre 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, including 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 – Juliaca – Puno (2 Nights)
Fly to Juliaca where you'll meet a Local Specialist to learn about daily life on the Peruvian altiplano. Visit Sillustani, a pre-Incan burial ground and explore its towering chullpas (above ground tombs) before travelling to Lake Titicaca, the birthplace of the sun.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - GHL Lago Titicaca
We cruise the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca with a Local Specialist, discovering its floating islands constructed from reeds by the Uros Indians. Next, in the midst of South America's largest lake, we arrive at 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. Learn more about the culture of the people living on the island and enjoy a lunch. Tonight, we enjoy a Trafalgar highlight-dinner at our favourite local restaurant in Puno.
This morning we return to Lima, enjoying an afternoon at leisure after our flight. We'll join a Local Specialist this evening, visiting one of Lima's most renowned museums after dark - the Larco Museum. Admire the pre-Columbian artefacts that reveal insights into the cultures of ancient Peru. Then, sit down to a gourmet Farewell Dinner filled with Peruvian flavours as you overlook the museum's beautiful gardens.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Novotel Lima
For now it's time to say a fond hasta luego to Lima and transfer to the airport for your flight home, or consider extending your stay 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 based around this important crop. (Day 4)
DIVE INTO CULTURE
Meet a Shaman who will perform a Pago a la Tierra ceremony, a ritual of the Andean culture. Learn about natural dyeing techniques used by native weavers. Visit a local chicheria for some traditional chicha tasting. (Days 3, 6)
LOCAL SPECIALIST
For included sightseeing in Lima, Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Peruvian altiplano, Lake Titicaca and the Larco Museum with an anthropologist from the National University of Antonio Abad (Days 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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 and Cusco
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CRUISE Lake Titicaca
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SCENIC DRIVE through the Sacred Valley
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ICONIC TRAIN journey aboard the Vistadome train
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VISIT the outdoor market at Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuaman ruins, the Uros Islands
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
In the Footsteps 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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Antonia Rovers in Antigonish, Nova ScotiaMy Account Icon
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A Safe and Exciting Peruvian Adventure
Trip Rating
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5
Itinerary was well chosen. The coaches and drivers were professional . Our accommodations were of great variety and excellent quality.
Daniel did a super job organizing everything and everyone. We felt safe at all times. The "special " touches , such as the warm tamales after the church visit were much appreciated. All our accommodations were perfect!
The trip was very well done and the local experts were great while Danny did an amazing job of coordinating everything without looking stressed! Trafalgar thought of everything including slowly bringing us up to the highest altitude while letting our bodies adjust at each step up.
Great places were visited. A variety of experiences available. Really enjoyed the chocolate making and visits to native peoples homes. Guides were very informative
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Trip Notes
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Crossovers: 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.
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.
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.
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
"Make sure you take some time at night at the viewpoint of your hotel on the shores of the sacred Lake Titicaca. This is a unique chance to contemplate the milky way and even the Southern Cross; the same sky the ancient Peruvians recognised as their cosmos and and studied to forecast the coming seasons." Barbara Ferstl, 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.
Your selected dates have an enhanced itinerary.
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You’ll be travelling in Autumn, Winter or Spring, and this itinerary has been enhanced for you to enjoy the unique experiences these seasons offer.
