Find the Best Tours to Peru

Day 1: Arrive Lima

Depart North America today and arrive in
Lima, Peru. You are welcomed and transferred
to the hotel.

Day 2: Lima - City Tour & Larco Herrera Museum

Lima has long been considered the colonial
capital of South America. Founded in
1535, Lima was called the “City of Kings” by the Spanish conquistadors. Visit the
Plaza de Armas, the Government Palace,
the Cathedral, the Santo Domingo or San Francisco convents and the modern garden
suburb districts of Miraflores and San Isidro.
At the Larco Herrera Museum, see the ancient relics and shining treasures of the
mighty Incas. (BL)

Day 3: Lima / Cuzco / Pisac

Fly to Cuzco, the oldest inhabited city in
the Western Hemisphere. Travel to Pisac
to see the ruins of an ancient citadel that
once controlled a route that connected the
Inca Empire with the Paucartambo River.
The panoramas from Pisac are magnificent,
offering views of the impressive patchwork
effect in the countryside below, which was accomplished by patterned fields and rimmed
by vast terracing cut out of solid rock. In the
upper section lies the main Sun Temple and
above the temple are still more unexcavated
ruins and hidden burial sites. Later, visit the market for a taste of colorful local life. (BL)

Day 4: Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu

Travel aboard the HIRAM BINGHAM TRAIN
from Ollantaytambo to the archeological
wonder of Machu Picchu, built in the late
14th century. Machu Picchu was obviously a
well-planned and carefully built city, made up
of two clearly different sectors—one agricultural
and the other urban. With mountains
to one side and a river roaring far below, this solemn fortress is a fascinating remnant
of a once-bustling city that was mysteriously
abandoned after the middle of the 16th century.
Secreted amidst dense jungle vegetation
and steep hills, Machu Picchu remained undiscovered
by the modern world until 1911.
Learn about the many legends and strange truths of these ancient ruins from your local
guide. (BLD)

Day 5: Machu Picchu / Cuzco

As the sun rises over the mountains, watch
the morning mist disappear once again to
reveal this awe-inspiring city, probably the
most amazing urban creation of the Inca
Empire. Return to Cuzco aboard the “Inca
Train.” Sip a cup of tea and enjoy panoramic
views as the beautiful greenery of the
Urubamba Valley rolls by. (BL)

Day 6: Cuzco / Sacsayhuaman

Today, visit several ruins, including Kenko and
Tambomachay. Journey to the Sacsayhuaman
fortress in the “Valley of the Incas.” Later, see
the hillside fort and Puca Pucara. Overnight
at the hotel. (BL)

Day 7: Cuzco / Lima

Fly back to Lima this morning. You have free
time before driving to an excellent restaurant
for a farewell lunch. The remainder of
your afternoon and evening is free before
you pack for your late-night departure. (BL) Extend your vacation by flying to Quito for
the Galapagos Islands cruise adventure or
extend your trip and head to the Amazon.

Day 1: Arrive Lima

Day 2: Lima - City Tour & Larco Herrera Museum

Day 3: Lima / Cuzco / Sacsayhuaman

Day 4: Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu

Day 5: Machu Picchu / Cuzco

Day 6: Cuzco / Pisac

Day 7: Cuzco / Lima

Day 1: Arrive Quito

Arrive in Quito. You are welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2: Quito / Baltra - Galapagos Islands Cruise (Monday-Thursday)

You will be assisted and transfered to the airport for your flight to Baltra. Upon arrival, transfer to the pier to board the cruise. (BD) Enjoy a 4-days/3 nights cruise on board M/V Galapagos Legend. ITINERARY: Subject to change due to climatic conditions or National Park regulations

Day 3: Dragon Hill - Venice, Santa Cruz Island / Cormorant Point, Floreana Island (BLD)

Day 4: Suárez Point, Española Island / Breeding Center or La Galapaguera, San Cristóbal Island (BLD)

Day 5: North Seymour Island / Baltra airport The Galapagos Islands /Quito (Thursday)

Arrive in Baltra this morning. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador. Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to your hotel. This afternoon tour offers the best of Quito, with its rich cultural legacy, ornate façades and dazzling gilt altars. Visit Independence Square, the Archbishop's Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral as well as other very representative samples of colonial art and architecture. Continue to visit and relive the history of Ecuador's most ancient cultures in one of the finest archaeological and gold artifact collections in the Americas. There are over 1,800 pieces, beautifully arranged in chronological corridors with explanatory panels and dioramas. This afternoon, drive a few miles north of town and visit the famous Equatorial Monument, marked by geographers as latitude 000'00”. You will have the opportunity to straddle the two hemispheres at the same time. (BLD)

Day 6: Quito (Friday)- Lima- City tour: Colonial and contemporary tour

Morning transfer to the airport for your flight into Lima, Peru. You are welcomed and transferred to the hotel. Afternoon, embark on your tour of Lima. Your local expert focuses on the city's colonial heritage during a walking tour. Start at the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and visit the Cathedral, where the skeleton of Francisco Pizarro is sealed in a wooden coffin. From there, stroll to the venerable San Francisco Monastery, with its splendid 17th-century cloister murals. Next, stop at Lima's famous Herrera Museum. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a La Rosa Nautica Restaurant. (BD)

Day 7: Lima / Cuzco / Sacsayhuaman

Fly to the oldest inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere: Cuzco. Today, visit several ruins, including Kenko and Tambomachay. Journey to the “Valley of the Incas” to the Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Later, see the hillside fort and Puca Pucara, which most likely served as a lookout post and stopping point between Cuzco and the Sacred Valley. (B)

Day 8: Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu

Travel aboard the Vistadome train from Cuzco to the archeological wonder of Machu Picchu, built in the late 14th century. Machu Picchu was obviously a well-planned and carefully built city, made up of two clearly different sectors, one agricultural and the other urban. With mountains to one side and a river roaring far below, this solemn fortress is a fascinating remnant of a once-bustling city that was mysteriously abandoned after the middle of the 16th century. Secreted amidst dense jungle vegetation and steep hills, Machu Picchu remained undiscovered by the modern world until 1911. Learn about the many legends and strange truths of these ancient ruins from your local guide. (B)

Day 9: Machu Picchu / Cuzco

As the sunrises over the mountains, watch the morning mist disappear once again to reveal the awe-inspiring city of Machu Picchu, probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire. Return to Cuzco aboard the “Inca Train.” Sip a cup of tea and enjoy panoramic views as the beautiful greenery of the Urubamba Valley rolls by. (BL)

Day 10: Cuzco / Lima / Home

Fly back to Lima this afternoon and connect to your flight for back home. (B)

Day 1: Depart for Lima, Peru.

(Wed.) Board your overnight flight for Lima.

Day 2: Arrive in Lima.

(Thu.) Welcome to Lima, where you will be met by a Globus representative. Enjoy time at your hotel to relax and refresh before time to explore the city.

Day 3: Lima–Puerto Maldonado.

(Fri.) Fly to Puerto Maldonado, capital of Madre de Dios and the entry to Peru’s Amazon Jungle. Embark on a motorboat for a journey up the Tambopata River to view turtles, caimans, monkeys, and river birdlife, such as capped herons, black skimmers, and kingfishers. Arrive at your unique Amazon Jungle Lodge within the Ese’ Eja native Indian community. After settling in, take a walk to the canopy tower to observe the forest and river and its inhabitants. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Puerto Maldonado.

(Sat.) A boat trip and walk bring you to Tres Chimbadas Oxbow Lake to search by canoe for the resident giant river otters—the largest and most endangered of the otter species. This afternoon, learn about medicinal uses of the area’s endemic plants. Tonight, why not participate in a night walk to observe nocturnal wildlife? (B,L,D)

Day 5: Puerto Maldonado.

(Sun.) For more insight into jungle life, visit the parrot clay lick and watch parrots and macaws perch to eat clay. Also visit a native slash-and-burn farm, once thought to be wasteful but now a proven sustainable method. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Puerto Maldonado–Lima.

(Mon.) Fly to Lima today, where the remainder of your day is at leisure. (B)

Day 7: Lima

. (Tue.) Your Local Guide focuses on the city’s colonial heritage during a walking tour. Start at the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and the Cathedral. From here, stroll to the venerable SAN FRANCISCO MONASTERY with its splendid 17th-century cloister murals. This evening, meet your Tour Director and enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow traveling companions. (D)

Day 8: Lima–Ica. Nazca Lines.

(Wed.) Enjoy a scenic drive south along the Pan-American Highway to the town of Ica, the wine capital of Peru. Have your camera handy today as you board your aircraft for a FLIGHT over the Nazca plains, which can only be appreciated by air. Your pilot will point out the mysterious markings known as the NAZCA LINES, a series of drawings of animals and geometric figures etched into the parched soil—some up to 1,000 feet long! Theories vary, but the most accepted belongs to German mathematician Maria Reiche, who dubbed the land the “astronomical calendar” of the ancient Peruvians. Enjoy dinner this evening at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 9: Ica–Ballestas Islands Cruise–Lima.

(Thu.) Head north to the Bay of Paracas. CRUISE out to the Ballestas Islands, which are inhabited by a wide variety of sea mammals and exotic birds, including boobies, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins. The huge Candelabro, a candelabra-shaped etching on the Paracas cliffside, can also be seen as you cruise back to shore. Board your motorcoach and arrive in Lima by late afternoon. Tonight, enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by an ANDEAN FOLKLORIC SHOW. (B,D)

Day 10: Lima–Cuzco–Sacred Valley.

(Fri.) Fly to Cuzco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Spend the day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a visit to the semi-circular KENKO Amphitheater with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages. See the ancient site of PUCA PUCARA before reaching the TEMPLE OF SACSAYHUAMAN, perched on a hillside overlooking Cuzco. It remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons—was built. Next, visit PISAC, an old mountain village where you will have the opportunity to visit a home, meet some of the locals, and experience their way of life. Enjoy free time here to shop for local wares such as alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewelry, or hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases. Stay in the Sacred Valley tonight, with dinner at the hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Sacred Valley–Machu Picchu.

(Sat.) Visit the Inca Fortress of OLLANTAYTAMBO this morning before boarding a TRAIN for a short journey through the lush Urubamba Valley. Then, transfer to a motorcoach for the ascent to legendary MACHU PICCHU, the “Lost City of the Incas,” high above the steep valley overlaid with dense tropical jungle. Your Local Guide will bring you closer to the lives and mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures built by the pre-Columbian masters of this sacred land. Tonight, stay at a nearby hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Machu Picchu–Cuzco.

(Sun.) Your entrance to Machu Picchu is included for a second day. Enjoy the tranquility of the morning with free time to wander the ruins at your own pace and experience the magic that is Machu Picchu. After lunch, return to the Sacred Valley by TRAIN and continue on to Cuzco. (B,L)

Day 13: Cuzco–Juliaca–Puno (Lake Titicaca).

(Mon.) This morning, learn more about the Incas and their struggle against invading Spaniards on your Cuzco city tour with visits to the imposing CATHEDRAL and the SANTO DOMINGO MONASTERY. Board an afternoon flight to Juliaca, where you will continue to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. (B,D)

Day 14: Puno. Excursion to Lake Titicaca.

(Tue.) Today, take a motor boat trip to some of the more unique islands of LAKE TITICACA. Start with TAQUILE ISLAND, which was once part of the Inca Empire and was one of the last areas of Peru to be conquered by Spain in the 16th century. The Spanish banned traditional dress on the island, which is why the Spanish peasant dress can still be found today. Next, travel to the fascinating UROS ISLANDS, home to the Uros Indians who were forced to live on the lake as the Inca Indians pushed farther into their territory. These islands are completely made by reeds and are continually added to as they disintegrate to the bottom of the lake. (B,L)

Day 15: Puno–Sillustani–Juliaca–Lima.

(Wed.) Depart for Juliaca this morning, visiting the ruins of SILLUSTANI en route. At this pre-Incan burial ground, see where the ancient Aymaras buried their high priests in chullpas, above-ground cylinder-shaped tombs dating back to the 1400s. Fly from Juliaca to Lima this afternoon. Later, your Tour Director hosts a memorable farewell dinner. (B,D)

Day 16: Lima–Homebound Flight.

(Thu.) Today is free to explore before departing late this evening for the airport for your homebound flight. (B)

Day 17

(Fri.) An early morning arrival is ideal for making homebound connections.

Day 0: Overnight Flight

Day 1: Arrive Lima, Peru - Tour Begins

Arrive this morning in the “City of Kings,” Lima, Peru, where a day room is reserved for you to use on arrival. This afternoon, enjoy a fascinating city tour through the historical center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage site. View the Government Center, the Plaza de Armas’s elegant Cathedral, an abundance of colonial architecture, and the fashionable suburbs of San Isidro and Miraflores for insight into the daily life of the Limeños. LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour. Learn key words and phrases that will help you communicate with locals. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner showcasing Peru’s delicious cuisine and local entertainment.

Day 2: Lima - Cuzco - Sacred Valley of the Incas

Fly to Cuzco, in the heart of the Inca civilization. Board your coach to descend through the Andes to the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas, the agricultural center for the Incas. Learn the centuries-old methods of spinning, dyeing, and weaving Andean traditional textiles during a visit to Awana Kancha, a living museum of the Peruvian Andes. Stop in Pisac village to visit a colorful handicraft market. A visit to Pablo Seminario Ceramic Studio teaches you about this internationally renowned artist's techniques and designs, inspired by ancient Peruvian cultures. Settle in this evening at your hotel nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley.

Day 3: Sacred Valley of the Incas - Ollantaytambo- Sacred Valley of the Incas

Experience the lifestyle of the modern Andean people and delve into their culture when you travel to a nearby community and interact with the locals. This afternoon, visit the spectacular Ollantaytambo ruins, the only Inca settlement that has been continually inhabited since its inception. A unique terraced complex topped with carved stone panels, these ruins reflect ancient Incan architecture and heritage. Do as the locals do and enjoy a tasting of “chicha,” a unique regional drink made from maize, at a local pub.

Day 4: Sacred Valley of the Incas - Machu Picchu

Climb aboard the “Vistadome” train for a breathtaking ride through the Andes to the “Lost City of the Incas.” Hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungle, Machu Picchu is considered the most spectacular sight in South America. Spend the afternoon with your guide uncovering the mysteries of these majestic ruins. Tonight, stay at the base of Machu Picchu, for chance to further soak up its atmosphere. Enjoy an exclusive culinary demonstration before dinner.

Day 5: Machu Picchu - Cuzco

With leisure time this morning, you may return to Machu Picchu on your own or explore the local markets. Return by train to Cuzco, a city that blends Inca culture and Spanish colonial influence. Enjoy a visit to a local orphanage sponsored by the Collette Foundation and learn about their efforts to help the children of the region. Relax and become acclimated to the altitude this evening.

Day 6: Cuzco

Explore this former capital of the Inca Empire during a colonial city tour, experiencing the architectural legacy visible in the Cathedral, Santo Domingo and the Plaza de Armas. Discover the important sacred Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman Fortress and Qenko Temple. This evening, enjoy a dinner and performance of traditional Andean folkloric music and dance.

Day 7: Cuzco - Puno

Join your tour guide this morning for a visit to the Centro Artesanal Cuzco market, where you can browse colorful displays of textiles, pottery and jewelry. Or enjoy leisure time to explore the San Blas artisans quarter or visit one of the many impressive museums. Then fly to Puno, hugging the shores of Lake Titicaca. Known as the birthplace of the Inca Empire, ancient legends say that life began here. Relax this evening at your lakeside hotel.

Day 8: Uros Floating Islands - Las Chullpas de Sillustani - Lake Titicaca

The Titicaca area, steeped in tradition and folklore, is the center of Incan legends. Enjoy a morning cruise to the floating islands of the Uros people of Lake Titicaca. Experience walking on the spongy surface, made from compacted beds of tortora reeds, and meet the locals, learning about their history and lifestyle. In the afternoon, visit mystical Chullpas de Sillustani – an archeological area boasting 13th century funerary monuments. Participate in a local home visit to gain insight into daily life.

Day 9: Puno - Lima - Paracas National Reserve

This morning fly to Lima; continue south to the Paracas National Reserve – Peru’s only coastal wildlife sanctuary. En route, travel through the region of Pisco, known for wine and “pisco” (Peru’s national drink) production. Visit a local bodega for a tour and tasting of pisco.

Day 10: Paracas National Reserve

Today is yours to spend at leisure at your ecologically-designed seaside resort. Try spotting the dolphins in the bay! Or, join an optional day tour to Nazca to see the enigmatic Nazca Lines.

Day 11: Paracas National Reserve - Lima - Tour Ends

This morning, cruise out to the Ballestas Islands – the “Galapagos of Peru.” These islands are home to thousands of sea birds including Humboldt penguins, boobies and pelicans, who share their home with hundreds of playful sea lions. Watch for them swimming around your boat and for a glimpse of the elusive condor. Travel north and return to Lima, taking in views of the Peruvian Pacific coast. After a farewell dinner at one of Lima's finest restaurants, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.

Day 1: Depart for Lima, Peru.

(Mon.) Board your overnight flight to Lima, the capital of Peru and known as the “City of Kings.”

Day 2: Arrive in Lima.

(Tue.) Your hotel is ready for early check-in for time to relax and refresh before an afternoon city tour. Your Local Guide focuses on the city’s colonial heritage during a walking tour. Start at the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and the Cathedral. From here, stroll to the venerable SAN FRANCISCO MONASTERY with its splendid 17th-century cloister murals. This evening, meet your Tour Director and enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow traveling companions. (D)

Day 3: Lima–Ica. Nazca Lines.

(Wed.) Enjoy a scenic drive south along the Pan-American Highway to the town of Ica, the wine capital of Peru. Have your camera handy today as you board your aircraft for a FLIGHT over the Nazca plains, which can only be appreciated by air. Your pilot will point out the mysterious markings known as the NAZCA LINES, a series of drawings of animals and geometric figures etched into the parched soil—some up to 1,000 feet long! Theories vary, but the most accepted belongs to German mathematician Maria Reiche, who dubbed the land the “astronomical calendar” of the ancient Peruvians. Enjoy dinner this evening at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 4: Ica–Ballestas Islands Cruise–Lima.

(Thu.) Head north to the Bay of Paracas. CRUISE out to the Ballestas Islands, which are inhabited by a wide variety of sea mammals and exotic birds, including boobies, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins. The huge Candelabro, a candelabra-shaped etching on the Paracas cliffside, can also be seen as you cruise back to shore. Board your motorcoach and arrive in Lima by late afternoon. Tonight, enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by an ANDEAN FOLKLORIC SHOW. (B,D)

Day 5: Lima–Cuzco–Sacred Valley.

(Fri.) Fly to Cuzco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Spend the day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas with a visit to the semi-circular KENKO Amphitheater with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages. See the ancient site of PUCA PUCARA before reaching the TEMPLE OF SACSAYHUAMAN, perched on a hillside overlooking Cuzco. It remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons—was built. Next, visit PISAC, an old mountain village where you will have the opportunity to visit a home, meet some of the locals, and experience their way of life. Enjoy free time here to shop for local wares such as alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewelry, or hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases. Stay in the Sacred Valley tonight, with dinner at the hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Sacred Valley–Machu Picchu.

(Sat.) Visit the Inca Fortress of OLLANTAYTAMBO this morning before boarding a TRAIN for a short journey through the lush Urubamba Valley. Then, transfer to a motorcoach for the ascent to legendary MACHU PICCHU, the “Lost City of the Incas,” high above the steep valley overlaid with dense tropical jungle. Your Local Guide will bring you closer to the lives and mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures built by the pre-Columbian masters of this sacred land. Tonight, stay at a nearby hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Machu Picchu–Cuzco.

(Sun.) Your entrance to Machu Picchu is included for a second day. Enjoy the tranquility of the morning with free time to wander the ruins at your own pace and experience the magic that is Machu Picchu. After lunch, return to the Sacred Valley by TRAIN and continue on to Cuzco. (B,L)

Day 8: Cuzco–Juliaca–Puno (Lake Titicaca).

(Mon.) This morning, learn more about the Incas and their struggle against invading Spaniards on your Cuzco city tour with visits to the imposing CATHEDRAL and the SANTO DOMINGO MONASTERY. Board an afternoon flight to Juliaca, where you will continue to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. (B,D)

Day 9: Puno. Excursion to Lake Titicaca.

(Tue.) Today, take a motor boat trip to some of the more unique islands of LAKE TITICACA. Start with TAQUILE ISLAND, which was once part of the Inca Empire and was one of the last areas of Peru to be conquered by Spain in the 16th century. The Spanish banned traditional dress on the island, which is why the Spanish peasant dress can still be found today. Next, travel to the fascinating UROS ISLANDS, home to the Uros Indians who were forced to live on the lake as the Inca Indians pushed farther into their territory. These islands are completely made by reeds and are continually added to as they disintegrate to the bottom of the lake. (B,L)

Day 10: Puno–Sillustani–Juliaca–Lima.

(Wed.) Depart for Juliaca this morning, visiting the ruins of SILLUSTANI en route. At this pre-Incan burial ground, see where the ancient Aymaras buried their high priests in chullpas, above-ground cylinder-shaped tombs dating back to the 1400s. Fly from Juliaca to Lima this afternoon. Later, your Tour Director hosts a memorable farewell dinner. (B,D)

Day 11: Lima–Homebound Flight.

(Thu.) Today is free to explore before departing late this evening for the airport for your homebound flight. (B)

Day 12

(Fri.) An early morning arrival is ideal for making homebound connections.

Day 1: Depart the USA, Arrive in Lima

Depart the USA for Peru. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey. Upon arrival in Lima, transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Lima

Day 2: Lima City Tour

In the late morning, depart for a tour of Lima. Enjoy the sights of Peru's capital city with 2000 years of indigenous and colonial heritage before stopping at the San Francisco Monastery, famous for its 17th century architecture and world-renowned library. In the evening, meet with your guide for an orientation. Spend the remainder of the evening at leisure in the "Gastronomical Capital of the Americas" by exploring Lima's nightlife or sampling some of its many restaurants
Optional: Half Day Larco Herrera Museum & Pueblo Libre (PM)
Optional: Dinner at La Dama Juana
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Fly to Cuzco, Visit Ollantaytambo & Chinchero Market

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival, transfer to the Urubamba Sacred Valley to visit the bustling Chinchero market where you can bargain for alpaca wool scarves, jewelry, and other hand-crafted goods. After the tour, enjoy time for lunch at a local restaurant. Following lunch, continue on to Ollantaytambo. During the Incan Empire, this site was the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti and served as a town and ceremonial center. Marvel at the architecture of the Incas before being transferred to your hotel, balance of the day at leisure
Optional: Dinner at Hotel
Overnight: Urubamba Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Full Day in the Sacred Valley

Today, enjoy the full day at leisure in Urubamba. The Sacred Valley is scattered with ancient ruins and once served as the gateway to the jungle. Today it is considered one of the most important tourist destinations in Peru, and is popular for activities such as hiking, kayaking, rafting, horse-back riding, and bathing in thermal baths
Optional: Full Day Maras and Moray
Overnight: Urubamba Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Full Day Machu Picchu*

Early this morning, transfer to the Urubamba Sacred Valley's Ollanta Station and board the Backpacker Train for Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the day viewing the ancient citadel before boarding the train for your return to the Sacred Valley's Ollanta Station in the evening. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Cuzco
Optional: Upgrade to Vistadome or Hiram Bingham Trains
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Full Day in Cuzco

Spend today at leisure in "The Imperial City". The city of Cuzco is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once served as the capital of the Inca Empire. Take time to sightsee or shop independently. Cuzco is declared the Historical Capital by the Constitution of Peru and hosts nearly 1 million visitors every year. Visit some of the numerous Inca monuments or investigate the culinary secrets of Andean cuisine.
Optional: Half Day Inca Ruins (AM)
Optional: Half Day Cuzco City (PM)
Optional: Dinner at La Retama
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Transfer to Puno, Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, and Pucara

Early this morning transfer to Puno by bus. On the way, stop in Andahuaylillas, home to the church of San Pedro, considered to be the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas". Proceed to the Incan archaeological site of Raqchi where the temple of Wiracocha is found. Admire this complex of temple, living quarters, storehouses, fairgrounds, and ceremonial baths before departing for the artisan town of Pucara, the last stop before continuing on to Puno. Upon arrival in the evening, transfer to your hotel. Puno is located on the banks of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake at 12,421 feet above sea level
Overnight: Puno
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Excursion to Uros Islands

Today begins with a boat trip to the Uros Islands. These islands are completely man-made structures, and their inhabitants, the Uros, continue to maintain them as they have since pre-Columbian times, using totora reeds from the lake to build not only the islands, but also their houses. Return to your hotel later in the day and enjoy the balance at leisure
Optional Half Day Sillustani Tombs (PM)
Overnight: Puno
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Fly to Lima

This morning transfer to the airport for your flight back to Lima. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, the balance of the day is at leisure
Optional: Half Day Indian Market (PM)
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Depart for the USA

Transfer from hotel to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Day 1: Depart the USA, Arrive in Lima

Depart the USA for Peru. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey. Upon arrival in Lima, transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Lima

Day 2: Lima City Tour

This morning meet with your guide for an orientation. Afterwards, depart for a tour of Lima. Enjoy the sights of Peru's capital city with 2000 years of indigenous and colonial heritage before stopping at the San Francisco Monastery, famous for its 17th century architecture and world-renowned library. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in the "Gastronomical Capital of the Americas" by exploring Lima's nightlife or sampling some of its many restaurants
Optional: Half Day Larco Herrera Museum & Pueblo Libre (PM)
Optional: Dinner at La Dama Juana
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Fly to Cuzco

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore on your own
Optional: Half Day San Blas Walking Tour (PM)
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Full Day in Cuzco

Spend today at leisure in "The Imperial City". Take time to sightsee or shop independently. Cuzco is declared the Historical Capital by the Constitution of Peru and hosts nearly 1 million visitors every year. Visit some of the numerous Inca monuments or investigate the culinary secrets of Andean cuisine. *Added feature for passengers traveling in February 2010: This evening you may choose to make your way to the Libertador Cuzco Hotel to enjoy a presentation about Machu Picchu from expert Peter Frost, author of the Peruvian guidebook, Exploring Cuzco. Begins at 7pm.
Optional*: Full Day Machu Picchu (choose Backpacker Train, Vistadome Train, or Hiram Bingham Train)
*Alternate Optional itinerary for passengers traveling in February 2010: Optional Full Day Sacred Valley: Today, join an excursion to Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Begin the day at the Inca Fortress Ollantaytambo. During the Incan Empire, this site was the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti and served as a town and ceremonial center. After exploring the archaeological site, take some time to stroll through the modern town before continuing to the picturesque Andean village of Chinchero to enjoy breath-taking views of the Urubamba River Valley. Chichero was an important town in Inca times and even today, is still enclosed by a stone wall dating from Incan times.
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Cuzco City Tour

Enjoy this morning at leisure in Cuzco. In the afternoon, depart for a tour of Cuzco, view the impressive Colonial Cathedral in Cuzco, which contains over 400 paintings from the Cusqueña School in addition to colonial art. Continue on to visit the Korikancha, the Temple of the Sun, whose walls and floors were allegedly once covered by sheets of solid gold. This temple was once the most important religious site of the Incas
Optional: Half Day Nearby Ruins (AM)
Optional: Dinner at La Retama
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Transfer to Puno

Early this morning transfer to Puno by bus, arrive in the late afternoon. Puno is located on the banks of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake at 12,421 feet above sea level
Overnight: Puno
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Excursion to Uros Islands

Today begins with a boat trip to the Uros Islands. These islands are completely man-made structures, and their inhabitants, the Uros, continue to maintain them as they have since pre-Columbian times, using totora reeds from the lake to build not only the islands, but also their houses. Return to your hotel later in the day and enjoy the balance at leisure
Optional: Half Day Sillustani Tombs (PM)
Overnight: Puno
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Depart for the USA

This morning transfer to the airport in Juliaca for your flight back to Lima. Connect in Lima to your international flight back to the USA
Meals: Breakfast

Day 1: Depart the USA, Arrive in Lima

Depart the USA for Peru. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey. Upon arrival in Lima, transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Lima

Day 2: Lima City Tour

In the late morning, depart for a tour of Lima. Enjoy the sights of Peru's capital city with 2000 years of indigenous and colonial heritage before stopping at the San Francisco Monastery, famous for its 17th century architecture and world-renowned library. In the evening, meet with your guide for an orientation. Spend the remainder of the evening at leisure in the "Gastronomical Capital of the Americas" by exploring Lima's nightlife or sampling some of its many restaurants
Optional: Half Day Larco Herrera Museum & Pueblo Libre (PM)
Optional: Dinner at La Dama Juana
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Fly to Cuzco, Visit Ollantaytambo & Chinchero Market

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival, transfer to the Urubamba Sacred Valley to visit the bustling Chinchero market where you can bargain for alpaca wool scarves, jewelry, and other hand-crafted goods. After the tour, enjoy time for lunch at a local restaurant. Following lunch, continue on to Ollantaytambo. During the Incan Empire, this site was the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti and served as a town and ceremonial center. Marvel at the architecture of the Incas before being transferred to your hotel, balance of the day at leisure
Optional: Dinner at Hotel
Overnight: Urubamba Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Full Day in the Sacred Valley

Today, enjoy the full day at leisure in Urubamba. The Sacred Valley is scattered with ancient ruins and once served as the gateway to the jungle. Today it is considered one of the most important tourist destinations in Peru, and is popular for activities such as hiking, kayaking, rafting, horse-back riding, and bathing in thermal baths
Optional: Full Day Maras and Moray
Overnight: Urubamba Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Full Day Machu Picchu

Early this morning, transfer to the Urubamba Sacred Valley's Ollanta Station and board the Backpacker Train for Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the day viewing the ancient citadel before boarding the train for your return to the Sacred Valley's Ollanta Station in the evening. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Cuzco
Optional: Upgrade to Vistadome or Hiram Bingham Trains
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Full Day in Cuzco

Spend today at leisure in "The Imperial City". The city of Cuzco is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once served as the capital of the Inca Empire. Take time to sightsee or shop independently. Cuzco is declared the Historical Capital by the Constitution of Peru and hosts nearly 1 million visitors every year. Visit some of the numerous Inca monuments or investigate the culinary secrets of Andean cuisine

Optional: Half Day Inca Ruins (AM)
Optional: Half Day Cuzco City (PM)
Optional: Dinner at La Retama
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Transfer to Puno, Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, and Pucara

This morning transfer to Puno by bus. On the way, stop in Andahuaylillas, the Incan archaeological site of Raqchi, and the artisan town of Pucara before continuing on to Puno. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, the balance of the day is at leisure. Puno is located on the banks of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake at 12,421 feet above sea level
Overnight: Puno
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Excursion to Uros Islands

Today begins with a boat trip to the Uros Islands. These islands are completely man-made structures, and their inhabitants, the Uros, continue to maintain them as they have since pre-Columbian times, using totora reeds from the lake to build not only the islands, but also their houses. Return to your hotel later in the day and enjoy the balance at leisure
Optional Half Day Sillustani Tombs (PM)
Overnight: Puno
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Fly to Lima

This morning transfer to the airport for your flight back to Lima. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, the balance of the day is at leisure
Optional: Half Day Indian Market (PM)
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Full Day Nazca Overflight Lines

Early morning departure from Lima. Drive south on the Pan-American Highway to Pisco. Enjoy a 1hour-30minute flight on a high-wing light aircraft, over the desert and the mysterious Nazca Lines, which can only be appreciated from the air. The flight will also go over the Palpa Lines, which are identical to the Nazca Lines. See the new discoveries in Pisco, Ocucaje, and Cahuachi, ending with a well known drawing, "El Candelabro", scratched on the highest point of a cliff side overlooking the bay of Paracas. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, return to Lima along the pacific coast
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: Depart for the USA

Transfer from the hotel to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Day 1: Depart the USA/Lima

Depart the USA for Peru. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Lima
Overnight: Lima

Day 2: Lima City Tour

Morning at leisure. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of the "City of the Kings." See 2000 years of indigenous and colonial heritage firsthand on this tour of Peru's capital city. Visit Lima's historical center, including Plaza Mayor, City Hall, the Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace. Afterward, visit Casa Luna, where you will be welcomed into the homes of craftsmen, giving you the opportunity to view a collection of unique Nativity scenes. Lastly, enjoy a chance to learn about fine Peruvian craftsmanship in the workshop of one of Lima's top goldsmiths
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Flight to Cuzco

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival in Cuzco, transfer to your hotel in Urubamba and spend the afternoon at leisure
Optional: Maras and Moray Tour (PM)
Overnight: Urubamba Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Urubamba Sacred Valley & Pisac Market

Today, discover Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here, visit the colorful Pisac Market before enjoying lunch at a local inn. Following lunch, visit the incredible Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, a massive stronghold that still looks almost identical to how it appeared in the time of the Incas
Overnight: Urubamba Sacred Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Guided tour of Machu Picchu

Transfer to the Urubamba Sacred Valley's Ollanta train station for Vistadome train to Machu Picchu, where you will begin your guided tour of the ancient Citadel
Overnight: Machu Picchu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Morning in Machu Picchu

Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to the train station for your return journey to the Sacred Valley and on to Cuzco. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel
Optional: Second viewing of Machu Picchu (AM)
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Cuzco City Tour

This morning, enjoy a city tour of Cuzco including visits to Korikancha (Temple of the Sun), the Cathedral, Old Town, Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, and the Red Fortress of Puca Pucara. Balance of the day to explore the area independently
Optional: Dinner in Cuzco
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Visit the Town of Andahuaylillas

Transfer to the bus station for your journey to Puno. En route, enjoy spectacular views of the dramatic highland plateau and visit the town of Andahuaylillas, known for its beautifully adorned Church of San Pedro. Upon arrival in Puno, transfer to your hotel
Overnight: Puno
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Visit the Floating Islands of the Uros

Take a motor-boat trip to some of the more unique islands of Lake Titicaca, starting with Taquile Island, inhabited by Quechua-speaking natives who live in a collectivist society based on ancient Inca principles. After a box lunch, proceed to the utterly fascinating Uros Islands. These islands are completely man-made structures, and their inhabitants, the Uros, continue to maintain them as they have since pre-Columbian times, using totora reeds from the lake to build not only the islands, but also their houses and watchtowers
Overnight: Puno
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Visit to the "Chullpas" of Sillustani

Early morning visit to the "Chullpas" of Sillustani, the site where the ancient Aymaras buried their high priests in cylindrical tombs. Continue to Juliaca Airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Tonight, enjoy a dinner and Peruvian show and dance set to Andean mountain music
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Nazca Lines

This morning, transfer to your bus for a drive along the Pan-American Highway to Ica, the heart of Peru's wine region. Upon arrival in Ica, board a small sightseeing plane and fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines, which can only be appreciated fully from the air. Located in the sands of the Nazca Desert, these gigantic geoglyphs stretch 53 miles, depicting hundreds of stylized figures, the largest of which are nearly 900 feet long. Created centuries ago by the Nazca people, the reason behind their existence remains unknown. After approximately an hour of flying, land and return by bus to Lima before being transferred back to your hotel
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Depart for the USA

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Day 1: Depart the USA/Lima

Depart the USA for Peru. Your flight includes meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment for your journey. Upon arrival in Lima, transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Lima

Day 2: Fly to Cuzco and Tour of Cuzco

Early this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour that includes visits to Korikancha (Temple of the Sun), Old Town, Kenko, and Sacsayhuaman

Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Full Day in Cuzco

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Cuzco, once the capital city of the ancient Inca Empire. Today, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Optional: Machu Picchu Excursion (choose Backpacker Train, Vistadome Train, or Hiram Bingham Train)
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Full Day in Cuzco

Enjoy your final day at leisure in Cuzco. Perhaps explore some of the numerous Inca monuments or investigate the culinary secrets of Andean cuisine
Optional: Full Day Urubamba Sacred Valley of the Incas
Optional: Dinner & Show in Cuzco
Overnight: Cuzco
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Fly to Lima and Tour of Lima

Transfer to Cuzco Airport for your return flight to Lima. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of Lima. Peru's magnificent capital city abounds with 2000 years of indigenous and colonial heritage and is currently the largest cultural and financial hub in the country. Visit Lima's historical center, including Plaza Mayor, City Hall, the Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace. Afterward, visit Casa Luna, where you will be welcomed into the homes of craftsmen, giving you the opportunity to view a collection of unique Nativity scenes. Lastly, enjoy a chance to learn about fine Peruvian craftsmanship in the workshop of one of Lima's top goldsmiths
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Farewell Dinner & Folklore Show in Lima

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Lima. This evening, delight in a farewell dinner and show, featuring an assortment of authentic Peruvian dances
Optional: Barranco & Larco Herrera Museum (PM)
Overnight: Lima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Depart for the USA

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Day 1: Miami–Lima, Peru.

Fly to Lima.

Day 2: Lima.

Guided city sightseeing; visit the Monastery. (B)

Day 3: Lima–Cuzco.

Fly to Cuzco, guided city sightseeing; visit the Cathedral, Monastery, and Sacsayhuaman. (B)

Day 4: Cuzco.

Visit Pisac and Ollantaytambo. (B,L)

Day 5: Cuzco–Machu Picchu.

Train to Machu Picchu. Explore Machu Picchu. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Machu Picchu–Cuzco.

Morning at leisure; return to Cuzco by train. (B)

Day 7: Cuzco–Puerto Maldonado.

Fly to Puerto Maldonado; cruise the Tambopata River to your jungle lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Puerto Maldonado.

Canoe ride on Tres Chimbadas Oxbow Lake. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Puerto Maldonado.

Visit a parrot clay lick and Native slash-and-burn farm. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Puerto Maldonado–Lima.

Fly to Lima. (B)

Day 11: Lima.

Board your homebound flight. (B)