Compare Essential Peru by Exodus Travels vs Peruvian Culinary Adventure by Adventure Unbound

Day 1 Start Lima

Welcome to Lima, the busy capital of Peru. There’s plenty of adventure on your trip, but today’s all about settling into the hotel.  You will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the Miraflores district of Lima. There will be a notice board in the hotel reception with details of where and when the group welcome briefing will be held. Accommodation: Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar)

Day 2 Drive south to Paracas and tour the Ballestas Islands; to Ica

Day 3 On to Nazca; see the Nazca Lines; optional scenic flight

We drive towards Nazca, stopping to visit the viewing platforms overlooking the Nazca Lines. These are one of the great archaeological mysteries, consisting of enormous drawings and patterns etched in the desert sand. In the afternoon, there is usually time to take a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines (additional cost), weather permitting. Due to the small planes used, this is not suitable for those with a fear of flying or who suffer from travel sickness. As an alternative, your leader can help arrange optional visits to the nearby burial grounds, Antonini Museum or the planetarium. Accommodation: Casa Andina Hotel/Alegria (or similar)

Day 4 Turn inland from coastal desert, climbing high into the Andes

We turn inland from the coastal desert today, climbing high into the Andes on a long (around 12 to 13 hours) but spectacular drive. We’ll pass through the largest vicuña reserve in the country, so look out for these smaller wild relatives of the llama. This region has only recently become easily accessible to tourists due to an upgrade of the Abancay/Chalhuanca road. The altitude here can make physical exertion difficult; the highest point we reach today is Negro Mayu, a pass at 15,092ft (4,600m) above sea level. We recommended that you rest in the evening. Tonight, we stay in Abancay on the road to Cuzco. Accommodation: Hotel de Turistas Abancay (or similar)

Day 5 Drive to Cuzco, visiting Inca sites on the way

We set off towards Cuzco this morning, stopping to visit the Inca Saywite stone and Tarawasi ruins. The glaciated summits of the Vilcabamba mountain range and the descent into the Apurimac River valley demonstrate the dramatic contrasts of the Andes; expect stunning scenery throughout today's roughly seven to eight-hour drive. It is recommended to take it easy upon arrival into Cuzco and to drink plenty of water to allow your body time to acclimatise to the altitude (11,155ft/3,400m). Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar)

Day 6 Free day to explore Cuzco

To help you acclimatise, we embark on a relaxed walking tour this morning, which takes in the historic buildings and winding streets of Cuzco. The rest of the day has been left free for exploring on your own. The Plaza de Armas is a fantastic spot for people watching, and the Koricancha Sun Temple in the Santo Domingo Church and monastery is worth a visit. The Mercado San Pedro is the place to try local produce and there are many handicraft markets to shop for souvenirs, such as alpaca jumpers and scarves. Outside the town are more Inca ruins, notably the fortress of Sacsayhuaman where the Inca armies made their last stand against the conquistadors. A combined entrance fee (tourist ticket) for these sites and many others is recommended – please see the Optional Excursions section below for prices. Sightseeing excursions to places outside Cuzco, including the Sacred Valley of the Incas, are also available. Please ask your tour leader. Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar)

Day 7 Train to Aguas Calientes; tour of Machu Picchu

For most people, the highlight of the trip is the visit by train to one of the greatest ruins in the world, the lost city of Machu Picchu. This is one of the architectural and engineering marvels of the ancient world, in a mountain setting of staggering immensity. The Spaniards never found it; the Incas left no records of it, so Machu Picchu remains a great enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. We transfer (approximately two hours) to Ollantaytambo railway station to catch a train to Aguas Calientes (the town below Machu Picchu). The railway line follows a beautiful route through the Urubamba River valley. In the afternoon, we take a short bus ride up the winding road to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the ruins.  Visiting in the afternoon tends to be quieter than the mornings and the mist that shrouds the ruins at dawn has usually dispersed. Please note that exploring the ruins involves a reasonable amount of walking, including up and down steep and uneven stone steps. Accommodation: Terraza de Luna (or similar)

Day 8 Free morning or optional second visit to Machu Picchu; afternoon return to Cuzco by train and by road.

We have a free morning to sleep in, relax and enjoy the buzz of this little town in the jungle below the ruins. Should you wish to visit Machu Picchu again this morning, you need to purchase a second entrance ticket in advance.  This will allow you further time to explore the Lost City on your own – for the second visit it is not mandatory to have a guide. Please contact your sales representative for details. In the afternoon, we board the train back to Ollantaytambo and then continue by minibus to Cuzco, arriving in the late evening. Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar)

Day 9 Free day for optional excursions

Day 10 Drive to Lake Titicaca, with stops en route; boat to Amantani Island for homestay

Today we travel for eight to 10 hours along the Vilcanota River and onto the altiplano, the high plains separating the Andes from the jungle. Although it is quite a long drive, the views are often spectacular. There are scheduled stops at interesting sites to help break up the day and we will get to appreciate the immensity of the Andean landscapes. This afternoon, we arrive at the shores of Lake Titicaca (12,467ft/3,800m above sea level) and board a boat for our trip to Amantani Island. A hike around the island offers great views across the lake, while the night spent with a local family is a fantastic cultural insight into lives very different to our own. A packed lunch is included today. Accommodation: Amantani Island homestay (basic)

Day 11 Explore the island; afternoon boat to Puno visiting the floating reed islands

We explore the island in the morning before boarding our boat for the three-hour journey to Puno on the lakeshore. On the way, we visit Uros Island. The Uros have been living on reed rafts for centuries, and although many have now moved to the mainland there are still a couple of thousand who remain on the islands. A reasonable amount of their income is now provided by strictly regulated tourism, but they also still fish the lake and barter with mainland communities for daily essentials. Accommodation: Casona Plaza Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 Drive across the altiplano to Colca Canyon

Today we head across the altiplano again. This time we cross to the southwest, heading back towards the coast to the high Colca Canyon (a five to six-hour drive). En route, we see vicuñas and possibly flamingos, crossing the Patapampa Pass (15,781ft/4,810m) before descending into what is considered the second-deepest canyon in the Americas (the deepest, the Cotahuasi Canyon, is also in Peru). There is time in the evening for an optional visit to the hot springs near the main town of Chivay (11,926ft/3,635m) – a warming pleasure after the chill of Lake Titicaca. Accommodation: Hotel Pozo del Cielo (or similar)

Day 13 Morning condor viewing; afternoon drive past huge volcanoes to the White City of Arequipa

Rise early to view condors soaring on the morning drafts rising out of the canyon. We then ascend out of the canyon and cross Patapampa Pass on our way to Arequipa, which is known as the White City due to the pale volcanic stone used to construct many of its colonial buildings. The picturesque city has a year-round pleasant climate and is surrounded by towering volcanoes, including the near-perfect cone of El Misti. Accommodation: Su Majestad Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 Morning visit Santa Catalina Convent; afternoon fly to Lima

In the morning we visit the huge, serene convent of Santa Catalina. Built in 1580 and only opened to the outside world in the 1970s, it offers a rare insight into the lives led by the nuns and has changed little through the centuries. There are still around 20 nuns living in the northern corner of the complex. In the afternoon or evening we fly to Lima where we will transfer to our hotel in Miraflores. Accommodation: Hotel El Tambo 1 (or similar)

Day 15 End Lima

Today we start our return journey home, although there may be time for optional tours of Lima, including visits to the Gold Museum and tours of the historic downtown. You could also join our optional trip extension to the Amazon rainforest, where you explore lakes, rivers and jungle trails in search of incredible wildlife.

Day 1: Cusco - City Tour

Accommodation: Selected Hotel

Fly into Cusco, where you’re greeted by your Peru Unbound guides upon arrival. Settle into your hotel before heading off on a tour of Cusco’s historic sights. We begin with a visit to the 450-year old Cathedral known for its fine collection of paintings of the Cusqueñan School. After, we head to the Koricancha, the Inca’s most lavish temple dedicated to the sun. Our tour concludes with a visit to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman and its impressive rocky constructions, followed by Kenko, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. This evening, explore Cusco’s sights closer to home and discover authentic Peruvian cuisine.

Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Selected Hotel

Today’s adventure begins early this morning with a journey to the Sacred Valley. On our way we stop at the scenic Andean village of Pisac, known for its large market. Explore the vivid displays of the Pisac Indian Market and relax with a fresh Andean lunch. After we continue on our way to the sprawling city of Ollantaytambo. The massive fortress there dominates the space along with the huge boulders brought in by the Incas. Wander through terraces, temples, quarries and military defenses that signal the Inca’s masterful command of urban planning. Spend the evening at a hotel in the Sacred Valley discovering the rich local culture.

Day 3: Chinchero - Maras – Moray

Meals Included: Breakfast and Picnic Lunch

Accommodation: Selected Hotel

After breakfast, head off to Chinchero where you may explore the ancient ruins of an Incan palace as well as a Spanish colonial church and stacked terraces. Our travels then take you to Maras, where you come upon a series of saltwater pools known as “trabajos de sal.” Locals collect the salt leftover from evaporated water here. The day of agricultural innovation continues as we explore Moray’s cultivation terraces where scholars believed the Inca’s crafted a unique microclimate to help plants adapt to the thin air. After your day delving into history, return to the Sacred Valley for the evening.

Day 4: Ollantaytambo - Agua Calientes

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Selected Hotel

Spend a leisurely morning exploring what you wish. Relax, continue your visit of the massive  Ollantaytambo center or check out the neighboring Ollantaytambo village. This afternoon, hop on a train that takes you across the stunning Peruvian valleys and hills to the Machu Picchu Pueblo—a ride many consider one of the world’s most beautiful train rides. We deboard in Aquas Calientes, where you settle into your accommodations before exploring the town for the evening.

Day 5: Machu Picchu – Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Selected Hotel

Wake to an early breakfast and a day exploring one of Peru’s most iconic sites: Machu Picchu. We set off after breakfast to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, where you can explore the ruins, soak in stunning Andean views sprawling before you and learn about the evocative Incan culture.  You may also hike up to Huayna Picchu if you would like—it’s an additional opportunity that affords a more incredible views and a new perspective.

Take a break from the morning’s wanderings with lunch. This afternoon we catch the return train to Ollantaytambo; at our final destination we then transfer to Cusco. Enjoy a leisurely evening and an authentic Peruvian dinner.

Day 6: Cusco Cooking Classes

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Selected Hotel

Tempt your tastebuds this morning with a trip to a local food market! Wander the traditional Andean market, interact with locals selling and buying wares and learn about local cuisine and the fresh ingredients that make them possible as our Chef gives us a special introduction. After, our Chef invites you to his house for an exclusive culinary lesson, taking you through the preparation for the legendary Pisco Sour as well as some favored entrées and main courses. It’s an incredibly special opportunity sure to leave you with stories and a satisfied palate.

There’s much more to see and experience in Cusco—enjoy it with a leisurely, independent afternoon in the city.

Day 7:

Enjoy a final Peruvian breakfast before catching your flight at the Cusco airport for your return flight to Lima. From there, check out our extension tours or meet up with your international flight.