Compare Classic Peru tour by Audley Travel vs Peru in 15 days - Ultimate Inca Adventure - Charm by Exoticca
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 14 days | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 5,221 | $ 2,299 |
| Price Per Day | $ 373 | $ 153 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 14 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 1 Dinner. |
| Description |
Heartland of the Incas, Peru is still littered with sites that showcase this powerful empire’s prowess as master builders, most notably Machu Picchu. Visiting this citadel hidden in the mountains is inspiration enough for a first-time visit, but the Incas were just one in a long line of peoples with a surviving legacy to explore. The landscape is equally varied: from the heights of the Andes down to the rainforest and quieter tributaries of the Peruvian Amazon. Peru feels like a country on the ascendency, reflected in the quality of hotels and a penchant for fine food. |
Discover the ancient Inca civilisation with this ultimate tour of Peru. From the mysterious Nazca Lines and volcanic Arequipa to the gastronomic capital of Lima. Head up to Puno, home to Lake Titicaca and enjoy the breath-taking views. Visit Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital and uncover the secrets of the mysterious Sacred Valley. Finally, explore iconic Machu Picchu, a true Wonder of the World. |
Day 1 : Lima
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima today you will be met by a guide and driven to your hotel in the fashionable Miraflores district.
Day 2 : Lima
Half day guided tour of Lima, including the "Huaca Pucllana" archaeological site, Plaza de Armas, cathedral, church and catacombs of San Francisco. In the afternoon you can explore at leisure, or even take a Peruvian cookery course.
Day 3 : Arequipa
Fly to Arequipa, known as the "White City" due to the colour of its sillar architecture. Private transfer to your hotel, with the afternoon to relax and acclimatise. Maybe go people watching from one of the balcony cafes on the main square.
Day 4 : Arequipa
Private tour of Arequipa including a visit to the Santa Catalina Convent - a beautiful walled city within the city itself. Afternoon at leisure, you could visit the intriguing Santuarios Andinos Museum, and learn about local history.
Day 5 : Colca Canyon
Travel to the Colca Canyon this morning in the tourist bus. This is a very scenic road journey, passing herds of grazing llama at altitudes of over 4,000 metres.You have the afternoon at leisure to take in the stunning scenery.
Day 6 : Puno
You will visit the Condor's Cross in the morning to look for the famous Andean condors and some of the tiny whitewashed villages that dot the valley. This afternoon continue your journey overland to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Day 7 : Puno
You will take to the waters of the mystical Lake Titicaca, where you will visit the people who live on floating islands made entirely of reeds, and the weaving communities on Taquile Island.
Day 8 : Cuzco
Transfer by tourist coach across the stunning altiplano through pretty villages and past grazing vicuna to the former Incan capital of Cuzco.
Day 9 : Cuzco
Stroll into Cuzco's Plaza de Armas this morning and soak up the mix of colonial and Inca architecture. This afternoon, enjoy a half day city tour of Cuzco and a number of the nearby Incan ruins.
Day 10 : Sacred Valley of Incas
Today travel into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visiting the Inca ruins and colourful market at Pisac. You will then head to the welcoming town and ruins at Ollantaytambo. Spend the night in the Valley.
Day 11 : Machu Picchu
Take the stunning train journey to Aguas Calientes, the small town that nestles in the valley beneath Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of the ruins in the afternoon, before spending the night in the town.
Day 12 : Cuzco
Free morning to return to Machu Picchu to explore again at your own leisure (we recommend arriving early to beat the crowds). There are also options to book a couple of walks near to the site should you wish. This afternoon take the train back to Cuzco.
Day 13 : International return flight
Fly from Cuzco to Lima in time for your onward international connection.
Day 14 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Day 1: US - Lima
Arrival at US departure airport ready to check in for a flight to Lima. Arrive, transfer to the hotel, and depending on the time, spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure. Overnight stay in Lima.
Day 2: Lima
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy an informative and interesting city tour of Lima, including its Historic Centre and the Santo Domingo Convent. Start by exploring the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro before heading to the Historic Center. Visit the impressive Convent of Santo Domingo and walk to the Plaza de Armas to admire the exquisite colonial architecture that surrounds it. Finally, stop in the Parque del Amor, from where you can take beautiful photos of the Peruvian coastline. Overnight stay in Lima.
Day 3: Lima - Paracas
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, transfer to the bus station and enjoy a scenic journey heading south along the coast to Paracas. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and get out and explore this small port town which boasts beautiful beaches and fascinating wildlife. Overnight stay in Paracas.
Day 4: Paracas - Nazca
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, take a boat to the Ballestas Islands, where you can see thousands of birds, sea lions and seals in their natural environment. From Humboldt penguins and South American sea lions to a multitude of marine birds, be in awe of the beauty of these tranquil islands. The famous Candelabra design, a figure of the Nazca culture engraved in the desert, can also be seen from the boat. In the afternoon, transfer to the bus station for a bus to Nazca. Arrive in Nazca, famous for its mysterious Nazca lines, although the city is named after the civilisation that flourished here between 100 BC and 800 AD. This region also has a strong heritage of viticulture, although today, this is one of the dryest places on earth with only 4 millimetres of rain, on average, a year. Overnight stay in Nazca.
Day 5: Nazca - Arequipa
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have the unmissable opportunity of taking an optional flight over the Nazca lines.* In the afternoon, transfer to the bus station to catch a regular night bus to Arequipa, one of the most important economic and industrial centres in Peru. Arequipa's city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to various religious monuments and historic buildings such as the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa. The city sits at the foot of the Misti volcano which provides a beautiful skyline backdrop. Overnight transfer. * Optional Nazca Lines Flight: Experience the mystery of the Nazca lines from the sky, with a flight over the ancient lines, some measuring 30 metres in width, which depict strange images, shrouded in conspiracy and speculation. See the Astronaut, the Monkey and the Condor, among other depictions and decide for yourself the meaning of these ancient messages to the Gods. Minimum 3 pax. 180$ approx per person to be paid at the destination. Please note: the transfer to Arequipa is through the night and you will arrive at the destination the following morning.
Day 6: Arequipa
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you have the opportunity to take an optional city tour of Arequipa.* Alternatively, spend the day at your leisure, exploring this historic city. Overnight stay in Arequipa. * Optional City Tour of Arequipa: Visit the sights of Arequipa such as the Plaza de Armas, the Monastery of St Catherine and the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa. The Monastery of St Catherine is the most important and impressive religious construction in Peru. Next, head to the beautiful Barrio del Solar to visit the Church of La Compañía de Jesús, a temple that constitutes the oldest and most important testimony of religious architecture made with ashlar volcanic stone.
Day 7: Arequipa - Chivay
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart this morning towards the Colca Valley, and the beautiful city of Chivay. Take in the spectacular views from the 3900-metres high Pampa Cañahuas Pass and continue your journey towards the legendary Colca Valley. Make a rest stop at a local restaurant and perhaps try a cup of coca tea (not included) whilst taking in the views at 4000-metres of altitude! Continue your journey, as you discover the wildlife-rich Pampas of Toccra. Observe llamas, alpacas and Andean birds in their natural habitat before heading to the Pata Pampa Pass, the highest point on today's journey at 4900-metres above sea level. See the so-called 'Ring of Fire', a circle of 8 volcanoes, before descending into the Colca Valley and arriving in charming Chivay. Take some time at your leisure to explore the town or have lunch (not included), before transferring to the hotel where you can get settled into your accommodation. In the afternoon, unwind after your journey at the La Calera Hot Springs (entrance not included), the perfect end to an adventurous day in the Andes! Return to the hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure. Overnight stay in Chivay.
Day 8: Chivay - Puno
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early this morning, headed for the quaint village of Yanque, home to a historic church and considered the most beautiful village in the Colca Valley. Next, take in the views as your drive towards Cruz del Condor, one of the best places in South America to view the giant Andean Condor! Arrive at the viewpoint and take some time to appreciate the incredible natural landscapes as you watch the legendary flight of the Condor, an unforgettable experience! After an action-packed morning, return to Chivay, stopping at the Huayra Punko viewpoint and the town of Maca along the way. Back in Chivay, enjoy some time at your leisure before departing towards Puno, a journey of approximately 6-hours. Make a rest stop along the way in Patahuasi and stop to observe the birdlife and landscapes in Lagunillas. After another short stop in Santa Lucia, you finally arrive in Puno, home of legendary Lake Titicaca and famed for its rich cultural heritage! Get settled at the hotel and enjoy the evening to relax at your leisure. Overnight stay in Puno.
Day 9: Puno
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day relaxing at your leisure, enjoying the views of Lake Titicaca or simply enjoying the facilities of your hotel. We recommend an optional excursion to Taquile & Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca.* Overnight stay in Puno. * Optional Excursion to Taquile & Uros island: Depart by boat to Taquile island, which dates back to pre-Inca times. The Islanders are famous for their beautiful clothing, their incredible knits, and textile industry. Next, visit the community of Huayllano, on the same island, where the locals show their traditional crafts and agriculture.Enjoy a traditional lunch. Afterwards, visit the island of Uros situated in the middle of the national reserve of Lake Titicaca.
Day 10: Puno - Cuzco
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Puno station to take a bus to Cuzco. Leave the station and start your journey on the bus to Puno and enjoy the marvellous landscapes of the South Valley of Cuzco. Visit Andahuaylas, a beautiful 17th-century church, featuring an impressive organ decorated with angels and cherubs. Continue on the road and visit the ruins of Racqui, also known as the ´Temple of the God Wiracocha. After lunch, discover La Raya, the highest point on the highway between Cuzco and Puno for amazing views of the landscape. Arrive in Cuzco and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Cuzco.
Day 11: Cuzco
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a fascinating half-day tour of Cuzco. Begin in the iconic Plaza de Armas, and visit the Cathedral. From here, walk to the Koricancha Temple, an impressive ancient Inca palace, in honour of the Sun God. Today, a Dominican church stands on the site. Finally, visit the lively San Blas neighbourhood, known for its artists, shops and artisan workshops. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking up the atmosphere of the city and sampling the local cuisine. Overnight stay in Cuzco.
Day 12: Cuzco - Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Breakfast at the hotel. An exciting visit to Macchu Picchu awaits you this morning as you set off for the train station to board the Voyager or Expedition Train* to Aguas Calientes, admiring the landscape along the way. Arrive and transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu**, a true wonder of the world and one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Spend some time discovering the ruins and being amazed by the terraces and enjoying a tour of the different sections of the site. Return by train to Cuzco. Overnight stay in Cuzco. Note: The baggage policy on board the train is 1 bag or backpack per person weighing a maximum of max. 5kg / 11lb. * You will have the option to upgrade to a different train in the next step of the booking process. ** Backpacks or bags taken into Machu Picchu must not exceed 40x35x20cms or have a capacity larger than 20Lts and must not contain single-use plastic bottles or bags. Backpacks or bags that exceed the indicated measurements can be left in storage for approx. $2 per bag.
Day 13: Cuzco
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure with the opportunity to enjoy optional Sacred Valley excursion, to experience the best of the region.* Overnight stay in Cuzco. * Optional Essence of the Sacred Valley Excursion: Visit Chinchero and the PARWA Centre, to appreciate the colourful traditional textiles. Next, visit the church of Chinchero before heading to the Racchi panoramic viewpoint for a fantastic view across the valley. Explore Ollantaytambo and its Inca fortress. Lunch and 'Boleto Turisitco' included granting entrance to the Sacred Valley and surrounding sights.
Day 14: Cuzco - Lima
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day relaxing at your leisure before going to the airport to take a flight to Lima. Arrive in Lima, situated on the Pacific Coast. Transfer to the hotel, and spend the rest of the day exploring the city's colonial streets and magical plazas at your leisure. Overnight stay in Lima.
Day 15: Lima - Night on board
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board.
Day 16: US
Arrive in the US and end your trip.
