Highlights of Peru - 10 Days
Highlights of Peru - 10 Days
Highlights of Peru - 10 Days
10 Days Starting and ending in Lima, Peru
Visiting: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Puno
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2655/HLOP
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Age range:
12-
Tour operated in:
EnglishActivities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through Peru, exploring its rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Begin in Lima, the vibrant capital, before flying to Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire, where you'll wander through cobbled streets and visit the majestic Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Discover the Sacred Valley's ancient ruins and bustling markets, then take a scenic train ride to the iconic Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Continue to Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, and explore the unique floating Uros Islands. Conclude your adventure back in Lima, with opportunities to delve into its cultural treasures. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and the expertise of local guides throughout this unforgettable small group experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Miraflores
Welcome to Peru. Upon arrival at Lima Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to our hotel in Miraflores, a modern middle-class suburb on the coast. The remaining time today is free to spend at leisure exploring the capital.
Day 2: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium
Meals Included: Breakfast
Lima – Cusco. We take a short flight to Cusco, which will be our home for the next two days. Once the centre of the Inca Empire, Cusco is now a vibrant city, home to extraordinary craftmanship, with old Inca walls and bustling squares filled with ornate baroque colonial churches. Stroll around the cobbled streets of this enchanting city as the shoeshine boys and postcard sellers jostle for your attention, shop at the many handicraft stalls and grab a drink at one of the cafes.
The rest of the day is free to independently explore and in the evening experience the city's energy as people flock to the many restaurants, bars and cafés.
Day 3: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we explore Cusco on a guided walking tour. We visit Q’oricancha, also known as the Sun Temple, this was the most significant temple in the Inca empire, a sacred ground dedicated to the Sun God. Following this, we explore the colossal zigzag walls of Sacsayhuaman fortress set on a hill side above Cusco. In 1536 this was the site of a bitter three-day battle was fought between the Spaniards and the Incas.
The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure. Stroll around the cobbled streets, explore Cusco's colourful, bustling markets and splendid churches. The air at this altitude can be thin and the streets are steep, so take your time.
Day 4: Cusco
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Cusco - Sacred Valley. Today we leave Cusco and drive over the high plains and down into the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas. The valley was densely populated in imperial times and the well-preserved ruins bear witness to the highly developed society that the Incas created. During our drive we pass many of the villages and temple fortress that are scattered throughout the valley.
We explore the Pisac complex, which is built on terraces carved into the steep hillside, rising like a staircase to the heavens. We also visit Pisac village before continuing our journey through this beautiful, patchwork valley to the temple of Ollantaytambo, with the magnificent Andes as a beautiful backdrop. Ollantaytambo fortress, the colonial grid plan and the Inca foundations are still intact and there are wonderful views down over the sloping hillsides and into the fertile valley. We spend tonight in this tranquil valley.
Day 5: Machu Picchu
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu. Our day begins with an incredibly scenic 2-hour train journey from Ollantaytambo to the iconic lost city of Machu Picchu. Situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River and surrounded by tropical forest, the Inca city enjoys a truly spectacular setting and it's one of the most fascinating ancient sites in the world. Following a guided tour of the ruins we spend the night in the spa village of Aguas Calientes, a couple of kilometres upstream.
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If you fancy hiking a section of the Inca Trail without disrupting your tour, we can arrange for you to undertake the one day Mini Inca Trail on the same day while still participating in the guided tour of the ruins and staying with the group in the evening.
Please note: You must pre-book the Mini Inca Trail as availability is limited, please ask us for more details.
Day 6: Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium
Meals Included: Breakfast
Machu Picchu - Cusco. There is the optoin to revisit the ancient citadel to walk one of the many trails around the site. Hike up the steep path to Huayna Picchu for incredible views over Machu Picchu or trek to the Inca Bridge, carved into the steep cliff face. Alternatively, you can relax at the hotel before we return to Cusco by train this afternoon.
Please note: If you want to revisit the site or climb Huayna Picchu you will need to enquire with the office and pre-book as availability is limited.
Day 7: Lake Titicaca (Peru)
Location: Puno
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cusco - Puno. After an early breakfast, we travel by private bus to Puno on the shore of Lake Titcaca. The journey is incredibly scenic and takes approximately 8 hours, climbing over 4,300m. The road is flanked by majestic snow-capped peaks, and we witness men and oxen toiling in fields surrounded by corn and potato crops. We reach the highest point of our journey, as we make our way across the plains of Altiplano, passing market towns where llamas and alpacas are herded by bowler-hatted women.
Day 8: Puno
Location: Puno
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Premium
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sitting on the Peruvian-Bolivian border beautiful Lake Titicaca is vast, almost like an inland sea. Today's adventure begins with a motorboat journey across the lake to visit the fascinating Uros Islands. These unique floating islands are constructed entirely from the lake's tortora reeds – the same material used for the islanders' canoes, and you can feel the ground subtly shifting beneath your feet.
This afternoon a guided excursion takes us to the Chullpas at Sillustani, imposing stone tombs believed to be the final resting place of ancient Hatun Colla chiefs. These towers stand along the treeless shores of a remote highland lake, surrounded by captivating landscape.
Day 9: Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Miraflores
Meals Included: Breakfast
Puno - Lima. This morning we take a flight back to Lima, a short 1 hour and 40 minutes journey. Upon arrival spend the rest of the day at leisure. There's time for an optional tour of the capital's historic centre, alternatively consider visiting one or two of the world-class museums. In the evening why not celebrate the last night of the tour on the cliff top in Miraflores or Barranco sipping a pisco sour cocktail and watching the sun set over the Pacific.
Day 10: Lima
Location: Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, our tour of Peru comes to an end. Transfer to the airport included.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4-5 Star -
9 nights 3-4 star hotels
Accommodation for 9 nights in 3-4 star hotels is included.
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9 breakfasts and 1 lunch
The tour includes 9 breakfasts and 1 lunch.
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Lima airport arrival and departure transfer on day 1 and day 10
Transfers from and to Lima airport on the first and last day are included.
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2 economy flights: Lima - Cusco and Cusco - Lima
Economy flights between Lima and Cusco are included.
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Transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles and by train
All transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles and by train are included.
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Guided tour of Cusco including Sacsayhuaman, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Sillustani in Puno
Guided tours of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Sillustani in Puno are included.
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Lake Titicaca Uros Islands boat trip
A boat trip to the Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca is included.
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Escorted by an experienced English-speaking tour leader
The tour is escorted by an experienced English-speaking tour leader.
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Services of local English-speaking specialist guides
Local English-speaking specialist guides are included for excursions.
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Entrance fees for included excursions
Entrance fees for all included excursions are covered.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Tipping
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
Accommodation
Stay at the elegant Casa Andina Miraflores in Lima, offering contemporary design with Peruvian artwork, and Casa Andina Premium in Cusco, a charming eighteenth-century mansion with colonial architecture. In Puno, enjoy the Casa Andina Premium with stunning views of Lake Titicaca, blending historic decor with modern amenities.
Age Policy
Minimum age 12. If booking a family please contact GH to request/check triple rooms / rooms next to each other before confirming the bookingThere is no maximum age. Those 70 or over will be required to fill out a tour suitability tour.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with private air-conditioned vehicles, scenic train rides, and two economy flights between Lima and Cusco. Enjoy guided tours and a boat trip on Lake Titicaca, ensuring a seamless journey through Peru's breathtaking landscapes.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes stays in 3-4 star hotels, such as Casa Andina Miraflores in Lima, Casa Andina Premium in Cusco, and Casa Andina Premium in Puno. These hotels offer a blend of contemporary and colonial styles with modern amenities.
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Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, the tour includes guided tours of Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Sillustani in Puno. These tours are led by experienced English-speaking tour leaders and local specialist guides.
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Is there an option to hike the Inca Trail during the tour?
Yes, there is an option to hike a section of the Inca Trail, known as the Mini Inca Trail, on the same day as the visit to Machu Picchu. This must be pre-booked due to limited availability.
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What is the transportation arrangement for the tour?
The tour includes transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles and by train. It also includes two economy flights between Lima and Cusco.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 9 breakfasts and 1 lunch.
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Is there an age restriction for this tour?
The minimum age for the tour is 12 years. There is no maximum age, but those aged 70 or over will be required to fill out a tour suitability form.
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What activities are available at Lake Titicaca?
At Lake Titicaca, the tour includes a motorboat journey to the Uros Islands and a guided excursion to the Chullpas at Sillustani.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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