Peru Deluxe

Cusco-Peru

This itinerary promises an unforgettable experience in Peru, breathtaking scenery and rich history, experience the bustling capital of Lima to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. Learn about the country’s diverse culture, exquisite cuisine and iconic archaeological sites as you immerse yourself in a unique adventure.

Day 1 : Arrival In Lima

Arrival in Lima at the international airport, either afternoon or evening. Transfer to hotel, meeting with our staff, and accommodation (private services).

-/-/-

Overnight at Hotel B

Day 2 : Lima / Arequipa

Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Arequipa. After arriving, enjoy lunch at the Chicha Restaurant by Gaston Acurio. After lunch, visit the Santuarios Andinos Museum and Santa Catalina Convent. Transfer to the station at the right time (private services with an English-speaking guide). Board the Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train (*):

19.00 Welcome cocktail at Arequipa Station

Arrival at Arequipa and departure to Puno 20.00

*Every Saturday, the train departs from Arequipa for Cusco.

B/L/D

Overnight at Andean Explorer

Santa Catalina Convent | Arequipa | Peru

Photo: Italian photographer in love with travel and photography

Day 3 : Puno / La Raya

Breakfast on Board

Visit the Uros floating Islands and Taquile Island

Lunch on Board

15.10 Departure from La Raya

19.00 Cocktails & canapés on Board

19:30 Dinner on Board

Arrival to La Raya and observation of constellations and stars (subject to weather conditions). 

B/L/D

Overnight at Andean Explorer

La Raya

Photo: Polis Poliviou

Day 4 : La Raya / Cusco

06.00 Breakfast on Board

Departure from Cusco at 08.30

Brunch at 11.30 in the bar car

13.30 Arrival at Wanchaq Station

On arrival, Cusco city tour: walking tour of the historical center (entrance fees for the Cathedral, Santo Domingo/Coricancha included), and ruins at Sacsayhuaman (private service, English-speaking guide).

B/-/-

Overnight at Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Sacsayhuaman-Cusco

Photo: Petr Polak

Day 5 : Cusco

Breakfast in the hotel. The MIL Experience is a shared service, provided by MIL Restaurant, combining a cultural and food tour. It is time to slow down and take in a new perspective. Visit the Moray Incan ruins and surrounding agricultural communities to enjoy a culinary experience that is inspired and in harmony with the environment.

First visit farmland: Let’s begin by introducing the two communities that work with us on our farms: Mullak’as-Misminay, and Kacllaraccay. Discover the Andean culture and magic of Andean farming by observing its hundreds of cultivars. Talk to locals and learn about their daily lives and work in the high mountains.

Second visit Moray Guide: Due to its proximity to Moray’s impressive ruins, we will give you a chance to see the Incan terraces in their entirety as well as explain different hypotheses about the origins and functions of these circular terraces. The ceremonial center or agricultural lab? This archeological site is a wonder to behold, despite its unclear purpose.

Moray | Perú

Photo: maylat

Third visit Botanical Route: While you travel the hillside around Mil, get to know the native plants, which have, for centuries, been used as food and medicine by the locals. In the company of an expert, you can collect dye-yielding plants and aromatics as well as wildflowers or roots.

Fourth visit Mater Projects exhibition space is a place of inspiration where we showcase the fruits of our collaborative efforts with artists, collectors, and producers. You can admire the textiles and botanical dyeing workshops of the women-led collectives, touch ceramics from the local clay, taste chocolate made with Chuncho cacao (the native Cusquenan cacao), and see the collection of seeds for high-altitude cultivars.

Fifth visit Fermentation & Distillation: Discover a world of drinks and spirits that have a distinct sense of place. Ingredients used in the preparation of these beverages tell stories about their history and culture. Line of liquids designed to enhance your experience in the Andean World.

Sixth visit tasting menu: At the end of your enlightening and rich journey you’ll arrive at the ultimate destination, a gastronomic adventure. The tasting menu is made up of eight plates or eco-systems that are created using products from the surrounding environment.

Photo: eddyjohnstone

Visit the Inca salt mines in Maras after the immersion and return to Cusco. The rest of the day can be spent at your leisure.

B/-/-

Overnight at Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Day 6 : Cusco / Machu Picchu

Breakfast in the hotel. Lunch is included on the Hiram-Bingham (*) luxury train from Poroy to Aguas Calientes. After arriving, take the private 30-minute bus to Machu Picchu.

machu picchu peru tours

Afternoon: Board the Belmond Bingham bimodal luxury train service from Aguas Calientes. Transfer to hotel upon arrival (shared service, managed by Belmond Bingham). Overnight.

(*) Schedule: Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat & Sun (09.05/12.24 – 17.50/21.16)

Please note that from January through April, when the weather may cause the rail line to be affected, guests arriving and departing Cusco can take advantage of the Bimodal Service, which combines bus travel and train travel.

Note 2: With the train ticket you can transport your hand luggage (1 bag or backpack), up to a maximum of 62 inches/157cm (length, height, and width), in cars that are designated for such purposes. The main luggage remains in Cusco.

B/L/D

Overnight at Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Day 7 : Cusco / Lima

Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the airport at the appropriate time to catch the flight to Lima. After arriving in Lima, spend the entire day exploring the colonial and modern sides of the city. (Entrance to Cathedral and San Francisco Convent is included). Visit the Larco Museum after lunch at the Cafe del Museo Larco. It has the most extensive collection of Precolombian pottery. The northern cultures are represented by a large number of archaeological artifacts: Vicus Mochica, and Chimu. There are over 50,000 items, including mummy’s clothing, gold objects, and a unique and important hall that contains erotic ceramics with designs that resemble ancient Peruvian sexual practices. Transfer to the hotel after dinner (set menu) at Cafe del Museo Larco.

B/L/D

Overnight at Hotel B

Basilica and Convent of San Francisco | Lima | Peru

Photo: Leonid Andronov

Day 8 : Lima

Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the airport at the appropriate time (private service with an English-speaking guide).

B/-/-

** END OF OUR SERVICE **


Highlights

  • Lima: The capital of Peru is the starting point of the tour. Here, travellers can explore the city’s rich colonial history by visiting places such as the Historic Centre of Lima, the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral of Lima and the Convent of San Francisco. In addition, the tour offers the opportunity to enjoy excellent Peruvian cuisine at restaurants such as Gaston Acurio’s Chicha.
  • Arequipa: Known as the “White City” Arequipa is famous for its colonial architecture, baroque churches and spectacular natural surroundings, including the nearby Colca Canyon. While visiting Arequipa, travellers can explore the Santa Catalina Monastery, one of the largest religious complexes in the world, and the Museo Santuarios Andinos, which houses the mummy of Juanita, a sacrificed Inca girl.
  • Puno and Lake Titicaca: Puno is the gateway to the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca. Travellers have the opportunity to explore the mysterious floating islands of the Uros, made of totora reeds, and Taquile Island, known for its traditional weavings and rural lifestyle.
  • Cusco and the Sacred Valley: The ancient capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is a city steeped in history and culture. While in Cusco, travellers can explore the Inca archaeological remains at Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, as well as the Temple of Santo Domingo, built on top of the Inca Coricancha. The tour also includes a visit to the Sacred Valley, where travellers can explore the Inca ruins of Moray, the salt terraces of Maras and the traditional villages of the region.
  • Machu Picchu: The highlight of the tour is a visit to the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Travellers can explore the ancient Inca ruins with the help of a tour guide, marvel at the impressive architecture and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Travel Tips

  • Prepare your health for altitude: Peru has some regions with high altitudes, such as Cusco and Lake Titicaca. To avoid altitude sickness, consider taking precautions such as getting enough rest, staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol and heavy meals, and consulting with your doctor about taking medication to prevent altitude sickness if necessary.
  • Adapt your diet: Peruvian cuisine is delicious but may be different from what you are used to. Try local dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado, aji de gallina and causa limeña. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, consider avoiding raw or uncooked foods and drinking bottled water instead of tap water.
  • Stay hydrated: The altitude and climate can easily dehydrate you, so make sure you drink enough water throughout the day. Take a reusable water bottle with you and fill it regularly.
  • Respect the local culture: Peru has a rich cultural heritage and it is important to respect local customs and traditions. Learn some basic Spanish phrases and be polite and respectful to the local people. Also, respect the archaeological and natural sites you visit by following the established rules and regulations.

Accomodation

  • 1 night at Hotel B, Lima
  • 2 nights at Andean Explorer, From Arequipa to Cusco
  • 3 nights at Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco
  • 1 night at Hotel B, Lima

 

Weather Preparedness

Some parts of the tour, especially in Cusco and Machu Picchu, involve high altitudes which may affect some people. The altitude can cause symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and headaches. It is important to be prepared for the altitude, get enough rest, and stay well hydrated.

It is important to pack clothing suitable for a variety of climates and activities. Due to variations in climate and altitude, it is advisable to pack clothing that you can easily put on and take off to adapt to temperature changes.

Fitness Requirements

Fitness requirements range from easy to moderate, with activities such as walking for long periods.

Cities such as Lima, Arequipa, and Cuzco involve exploring historic sites and neighborhoods.

Must be comfortable with short hikes and navigating uneven terrain, necessary for boat excursions on Lake Titicaca, and visiting the floating islands of Uros and Taquile Island.

Ability to walk and stand for extended periods, necessary for exploring Machu Picchu, including stone paths, stairs, and optional hikes.

Participants should assess their level of fitness and choose activities that suit their abilities and interests.

Duration
8 Days
Difficulty
Moderate/Medium
Age
All Ages

Included

  • Expert personnel will assist with all transfers at the arrival and departure from each location
  • All the excursions indicated in the program with Spanish/English-speaking guides.
  • The site entrance fee is listed.
  • Machu Picchu luxury Hiram Bingham train.
  • Transport in comfortable tour vehicles
  • Breakfast is included in the suggested hotel or other similar hotels (subject to confirmation).
  • The meals as shown.

Not Included

  • Early check-in / Late check-out.
  • Four internal flights
  • The meals are not explicitly stated.
  • Additional charges at the bar or laundry service, on the telephone, etc.
  • Guides, airports, hotels, and restaurants: Tips to help you plan your trip.
  • Personal Insurance
Additional Information

Culture and Traditions: Peru is a country with a rich cultural diversity, influenced by its diverse indigenous ethnicities, as well as Spanish and African heritage. During your trip, you will have the opportunity to experience a variety of cultural traditions, from colorful festivals to traditional music and dance.

Gastronomy: Peruvian cuisine is internationally renowned for its diversity and exquisiteness. Don’t miss the opportunity to try emblematic dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado, aji de gallina, and rocoto relleno. Also, be sure to try traditional drinks such as pisco sour and chicha morada.

Art and Architecture: Peru is home to an impressive array of archaeological and architectural sites, from ancient Inca ruins to colonial churches.

Nature and Biodiversity: Peru is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with a variety of ecosystems ranging from the Amazon rainforest to the snow-capped peaks of the Andes. During your trip, you will have the opportunity to explore the country’s incredible nature, which includes nature reserves, national parks, and abundant wildlife.

Language and People: The official language of Peru is Spanish, although numerous indigenous languages are also spoken throughout the country. Peruvian people are known for their hospitality and warmth, so feel free to interact with the locals and learn more about their culture and way of life.

Currency and Costs: The official currency of Peru is the Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN). It is advisable to carry some cash in soles for small expenses, but most tourist sites accept international credit cards.