Sacred Peru -
11 Days Starting and ending in Lima
Visiting: Lima, Arequipa, Puno, Sacred Valley, Cusco, Flight to Lima
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LATAM11L
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
This Lima to Lima tour has been tailored with adventurous travellers in mind. Explore the bustling Peruvian capital of Lima and discover Arequipa with its fascinating fringe of volcanoes. See the Uros' reed-woven islands on Lake Titicaca near Puno in person, and venture into the folds of the Sacred Valley to discover priceless monuments and ancient Incan culture including the ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo archaeological complex - the living Inca city! Choose to tick off bucket-list items like Machu Picchu with captivating optional excursions. This tour offers an immersive cultural experience unlike any other.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In Lima
Location: Lima
Meals Included: Dinner
Hola Peru! Welcome to the first day of your tour of this amazing country. The first stop is Lima, Peru’s capital city. Arrive at the hotel, check in and freshen up. This evening, meet your tour leader and fellow Expat Explore travellers for a tour briefing and find out more about what to look forward to over the next 11 days! Afterwards, enjoy a welcome dinner with the group.
Welcome dinner: Celebrate the first night of the tour with a group welcome dinner in Lima!
Day 2: Lima - Flight To Arequipa
Location: Lima, Arequipa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fuel up on breakfast before transferring to Jorge Chavez International Airport. Catch a short flight to Arequipa. Located in the south of Peru, this colonial town is filled with Baroque architecture and bordered by three impressive volcanoes! Arrive and check into the hotel. Next, explore this charming place on a city tour with a local guide. Spend your free time this afternoon wandering more of the streets and decide on a place to enjoy dinner. Choose from the variety of local restaurants and enticing street food vendors!
Arequipa city tour: Walk along quaint cobbled streets to discover buildings made from a unique, pale-coloured volcanic material called sillar. Be charmed by the distinct beauty and charm of the lush and well-manicured plazas where all the locals hang out (the ideal place to grab a bench and enjoy a cup of queso helado, a traditional Arequipan ice cream). See top attractions like the Santa Catalina Monastery, the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa, the Museo Santuarios Andinos, and more.
Day 3: Arequipa - Puno
Location: Arequipa, Puno
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take it easy this morning in Arequipa before transferring to Puno at lunchtime. En route, make a comfort stop at Pampa Cañahuas. During the stopover, admire the scenery, sip on local coca leaf tea and keep an eye out for indigenous wildlife and birdlife. See if you can spot vicuñas (similar to llamas)! Arrive in Puna this evening and check into the hotel.
Visit Pampa Cañahuas Natural Reserve: Stop at Pampa Cañahuas Natural Reserve and spot some vicuñas (animals similar to llamas) and sample coca leaf tea, as the locals do.
Day 4: Puno
Location: Puno
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wander Puno’s streets at your own pace this morning. Visit the Baroque cathedral, the Arco Deustua archway or the Museo Carlos Dreyer to see a range of archaeological artefacts. On this afternoon’s excursion, encounter a different way of life on Lake Titicaca. Jet off on a speed boat and visit the floating Uros Islands which are created by hand by the Uru people. Learn more about the Uru people who have been living off the lake for centuries. Return to Puno and the hotel in the late afternoon. Spend the evening as you wish.
Uros Islands Tour: Catch a speed boat to the Uros floating islands. The islands are a top tourist attraction in Peru as they offer insight into a unique, survivalist way of life. The Uru people chose to create these floating islands away from the mainland and have been living here for many generations. Tour the islands and learn more about the way of life here. Meet the locals dressed in colourful traditional clothes, watch crafts being made by hand and see lively folk dances!
Day 5: Puno - Sacred Valley
Location: Puno, Sacred Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Peru’s Sacred Valley today! Enjoy the views of the Peruvian countryside along the way. First stop of the day is Pucará. Explore the ancient Incan ruins - there is something noticeably spiritual about the many Inca sites! Pass through La Raya, sitting at 4300 metres above sea level, and enjoy the panoramic views. Do some shopping with locals at roadside markets. Next, visit Raqchi which was an Inca fortress in the past. The last stop is Urubamba. Here, see the “Sistine Chapel of Latin America”. Arrive in the heart of El Valle Sagrado (Sacred Valley) and check into the hotel this evening. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.
Visit Pucará: This small but exquisite architectural sight is of substantial significance for the Inca! Pucará, as it’s also known, is known for its pottery, the Pucará Stone Museum with its selection of original and replicated ceramics, sculptures and other objects from pre-Inca culture.
Visit Raqchi: Raqchi is home to one of the biggest archaeological sites in the area. The ruins of Raqchi are mostly known as the Temple of Wiracocha which was built in honour of Wiracocha, a deity believed to be the giver of all life. Outside of the temple, there are also living quarters, ceremonial baths and a natural lake fed by spring water through stone fountains.
Explore the Church of Andahuaylillas: Taking our eyes off the Inca ruins for a moment, visit the Andean village of Andahuaylillas and its Baroque church. Named the “Sistine Chapel of Latin America”, or “The Sistine Chapel of the Andes”, this church was built according to Spanish traditions and dedicated to Saint Peter the Apostle. Expect painted ceilings, a gold-leaf altar and a shimmering, colourful display of murals.
Day 6: Sacred Valley
Location: Sacred Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour the Sacred Valley today. Travel deep into the area, past local villages and striking mountain ranges. Learn about intriguing Incan history and culture on the way. Visit the town of Ollantaytambo and see the incredible Incan fortress. This was once a royal estate for an Incan emperor. Enjoy a look into local life during a stop at a local marketplace. Keep an eye out for llamas, alpacas, goats and sheep grazing lazily along the roadside. Experience the essence of the Sacred Valley! Arrive at the hotel in Urubamba at the end of the day and get some rest this evening.
Guided Tour of the Sacred Valley: Follow a local guide and explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Explore the most significant Inca sites in the valley outside of Machu Picchu (the crown jewel!). The group will also stop at a local marketplace for lunch with time to do some souvenir shopping while mingling with the locals. This is the ideal spot to get a behind-the-scenes look at the art of Peruvian weaving and perhaps buy your own woven blanket or scarf. The locals you meet here might be descendants of the Incas, the sophisticated Andean tribe of South America. The local language is called Quechua which is mainly spoken here in the Andes mountains of Peru.
Guided tour of Ollantaytambo Archaeological Complex: Ollantaytambo is one of the most important towns in the Sacred Valley and the last major town before Machu Picchu. Built on the site of ancient ruins, its impressive terraces were the base for Incan ceremonies and the royal estate of the Incan Emperor. It was also the stronghold of the Incan resistance against the Spanish. Explore with a local guide and learn more about the history of the architectural sites and incredible vistas around Ollantaytambo.
Day 7: Sacred Valley (Machu Picchu Optional Excursion): Free Day
Location: Sacred Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join the optional excursion to Machu Picchu today! Enjoy a full day at the complex, on a fully-guided tour with a local expert. As it is nestled in the Andean mountains, the journey to Machu Picchu is quite a trek but definitely worth it! Travel by bus, train and on foot to reach the enthralling heritage site. Learn more about Machu Picchu’s intricate buildings and the mysterious history behind its creation. After being forgotten for many years, Machu Picchu was rediscovered in 1911 by American archaeologist Herman Bingham. Since then, it has drawn countless visitors from across the globe. After a day filled with exploration and discovery, return to the hotel. Guests not visiting Machu Picchu have a free day in the Sacred Valley.
Day 8: Sacred Valley - Cusco
Location: Sacred Valley, Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the last few views of the Sacred Valley en route to the next stop - Cusco. During the road trip there, see an excellent example of ancient Incan architecture at Sacsayhuaman. This fortress-temple is made of enormous, intricately stacked rocks. Next up is Cusco, the former capital of the Incan empire. For lunch, try something local. Any restaurant packed with local Cusqueños guarantees a delicious meal. Explore Cusco with a local guide this afternoon. The city has the title of being inhabited for the longest continuous time in all of South America! Enjoy free time this evening to explore and experience some local flavour and culture!
Guided tour of Sacsayhuaman ruins: Visit the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, perched 3 km above Cusco. See the huge rocks stacked with impressive precision. Don’t forget to take in the amazing views of Cusco and surrounds!
Cusco City Tour with a local guide: Some call Cusco the bellybutton of the Earth due to the reach of the Incan Empire. Others have called it the Rome of South America. It was once the capital of the Incan Empire, making Cusco an intriguing city to explore. A local guide will share insights into the local history and culture. Find out how the Quechua and Spanish cultures met to create a truly unique destination.
Day 9: Cusco - Flight To Lima
Location: Cusco, Flight to Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Peru’s capital city Lima this morning. Catch a short flight and arrive in the bustling city home to over 10 million people! A local expert will familiarise you with Lima on a city tour. See the city’s highlights including the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Lima and the Covent and Plaza San Francisco. Complete the tour with a stroll through the Miraflores neighbourhood for stunning views over the ocean. This afternoon, check into the hotel before heading out for a group dinner.
Lima city tour: Lima is a striking city, built along the coastline on top of jagged cliffs. Join a local guide and discover Lima’s highlights, its riveting history and its cultural scene. Explore the colonial city centre and see the Presidential Palace, Archbishops Palace and City Hall on the Main Square. See the Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo, San Francisco and De Armas Plazas as well as the modern, upmarket district of San Isidro. The tour also includes Miraflores - a charming coastal suburb with great views of the Pacific Ocean.
Day 10: Lima: Free Day
Location: Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day in Lima! Why not take some time to further explore some of the sights seen on yesterday’s tour? Lima is also known as South America’s culinary capital and boasts many exceptional restaurants as well as delicious street food. Keen to explore natural scenery and see local wildlife? Join the Ballestas Islands day trip for a leisurely boat tour of the amazing Ballestas Islands. This area is home to pristine beaches, sparkling blue waters and incredible marine life. You could see dolphins, sea lions and penguins up close! At the end of an excitement-filled day, return to Lima for the final night of the tour.
Day 11: End Of Tour In Lima
Location: Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
After 11 incredible days on tour, this Sacred Peru trip comes to an end this morning. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and say farewell to your fellow travellers. Don’t forget to take down your new travel friends’ details to share mementoes and swap photos! If you would like to extend your stay in Lima, please contact our team and we will confirm with the hotel.
What's Included
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Accommodation
10 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability) -
Transport
Modern air-conditioned road transport
2 internal flights -
Meals
10 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
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Experiences
Welcome dinner in Lima
Explore Arequipa on a city tour
Visit the Pampa Cañahuas Natural Reserve
Travel to the floating islands of Uros on a speed boat
Visit the town of Pucará
See the ruins of Raqchi and the Temple of Wiracocha
Visit the Church of Andahuaylillas
Take a guided tour of the Sacred Valley in Peru
Explore the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Complex with a local guide
Take a guided tour of Sacsayhuaman ruins
Tour Cusco with a local guide
Take a city tour of Lima, the capital of Peru
What's Not Included
International flights
Travel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.
Travel insurance
For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Click here for more information.
Mode of Transport
- Modern air-conditioned road transport
- 2 internal flights
Accommodation
- 10 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.
Check out our Q&As
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
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Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
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Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 76 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.
Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.