Sacred Peru
Sacred Peru
Sacred Peru
11 Days Starting and ending in Hotel 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
Embark on an 11-day Lima to Lima tour perfectly curated for adventurers! Discover the lively Peruvian capital of Lima and explore the captivating string of volcanoes in Arequipa. Admire the reed-woven islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca near Puno. Journey into the crevices of the Sacred Valley and explore the invaluable monuments and ancient Incan culture found in the ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo Archaeological Complex. Join the enchanting Machu Picchu optional excursion to experience its bucket-list attractions. Take advantage of this tour's unmissable cultural immersion!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In Lima
Location: Lima
Meals Included: Dinner
Say ‘hola’to Peru as the tour of this incredible country kicks off today. Start the day in Peru's capital city of Lima. After arriving at the hotel, check in and freshen up before meeting your tour leader and travel companions to get acquainted with the tour and learn what to look forward to in the next 11 days. Then, look forward to a welcome dinner to celebrate the first night on tour.
Welcome dinner in Lima
Day 2: Lima - Flight To Arequipa
Location: Lima, Arequipa
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, head to the Jorge Chavez International Airport to catch a short flight to Arequipa. This colonial town in southern Peru is home to Baroque architecture and three remarkable volcanoes at its borders. Upon arrival, check into the hotel before exploring this captivating location with a local city guide. This afternoon, spend your free time at leisure and pick a place to grab dinner. The area offers a myriad of local restaurants and unique street vendors.
Explore Arequipa on a city tour
Day 3: Arequipa - Puno
Location: Arequipa, Puno
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, spend leisurely time in Arequipa before the transfer to Puno at lunch. On the way, enjoy rest stops at Pampa Cañahuas for the chance to savour some local cocoa leaf tea and spot the indigenous wildlife and birds. Be sure to look out for vicuñas (similar to llamas)! This evening, arrive in Puna and check into tonight's accommodation.
Visit the Pampa Cañahuas Natural Reserve
Day 4: Puno
Location: Puno
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day roaming the Puno streets at leisure. Stop for archaeological sightings at the Baroque cathedral, the Arco Deustua archway or the Museo Carlos Dreyer. This afternoon, join the optional excursion to experience the unique lifestyle on Lake Titicaca. Set off on a speed boat to discover the floating Uros Islands, which the Uru people created by hand. Uncover the history of the Uru people who have lived from the lake and its surroundings for centuries. This afternoon, head back to Puno and spend this evening's free time as you wish.
Travel to the floating islands of Uros on a speed boat
Day 5: Puno - Sacred Valley
Location: Puno, Sacred Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, traverse the iconic Sacred Valley of Peru! En route, soak up the spectacular scenic views. First up today is a visit to Pucará to discover the ancient Incan ruins and experience the distinctly spiritual nature of the Inca sites. Enjoy unbeatable panoramic views as the tour passes through La Raya at 4300 metres above sea level. Indulge in some retail therapy along with the locals and visit Raqchi, which used to be an Inca fortress. Finally, stop in Urubamba to admire the "Sistine Chapel of Latin America". After arriving in the heart of the Sacred Valley (El Valle Sagrado), check into the hotel and tuck into an included group dinner.
Visit the town of Pucará
See the ruins of Raqchi and the Temple of Wiracocha
Visit the Church of Andahuaylillas
Day 6: Sacred Valley
Location: Sacred Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore more of the Sacred Valley today. Journey past small villages and spectacular mountains as you travel deeper into the area. En route, uncover more about Incan culture and history. Stop in the town of Ollantaytambo to marvel at the remarkable Incan fortress that used to serve as an Incan imperial estate. Visit a local market for a glimpse into local life. Spot the unique animal life along the roads, including llamas, alpacas, goats, and lazily grazing sheep. Get immersed in the heart of the Sacred Valley! This evening, arrive in Urubamba for check-in and rest up for another exciting day!
Take a guided tour of the Sacred Valley in Peru
Explore the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Complex with a local guide
Day 7: Sacred Valley (Machu Picchu Optional Excursion): Free Day
Location: Sacred Valley
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, embark on the unmissable optional excursion to Machu Picchu! Spend the whole day at the complex on an expertly guided tour. Since Machu Picchu is nestled in the Andean mountains, it might be a bit of a hike but it's more than worthwhile! Discover the mystifying history of Machu Picchu and its elaborate buildings. Since being rediscovered in 1911 by an American archaeologist named Herman Bingham, Machu Picchu has attracted countless visitors from all over the world. Head back to the hotel after a full day of exploration. Those not visiting Machu Picchu can enjoy a free day in the Sacred Valley at leisure.
Day 8: Sacred Valley - Cusco
Location: Sacred Valley, Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Soak up the final views of the Sacred Valley as the tour continues to Cusco for the next stop. En route, stop to admire an outstanding example of ancient Incan architecture at Sacsayhuaman. Marvel at the gigantic, intricate fortress-temple made up of stacked rocks. Next, journey to Cusco, the former Incan capital, for a local lunch. Look out for restaurants packed with local Cusqueños as this usually promises a delicious meal. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Cusco, the city that's been inhabited for the longest uninterrupted time in all of South America! Spend this evening's free time exploring some more of the local culture and cuisine.
Take a guided tour of Sacsayhuaman ruins
Tour Cusco with a local guide
Day 9: Cusco - Flight To Lima
Location: Cusco, Flight to Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, journey back to Lima. Arrive after a short flight and explore this lively capital city that's home to over 10 million people! Embark on a tour of the city with a local guide. Admire the top attractions, including the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Lima and the Covent and Plaza San Francisco. The tour concludes with a walk through the neighbourhood of Miraflores to marvel at its striking sea views. Check into the hotel this afternoon before enjoying an included dinner with the group.
Take a city tour of Lima, the capital of Peru
Day 10: Lima: Free Day
Location: Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend the free day in Lima as you wish! Consider taking time to explore the city sights some more. Be sure to grab a bite at a local restaurant or street vendor as Lima is also known as South America’s culinary capital. For a deep dive into the area's natural scenery and local wildlife, embark on the Ballestas Islands optional day trip. Enjoy a scenic boat tour of the incredible Ballestas Islands, home to spectacular beaches, crisp blue waters and unique marine life. Don't miss out on the opportunity to potentially see dolphins, sea lions and penguins up close! This evening, head back to Lima and enjoy the last night on tour.
Day 11: End Of Tour In Lima
Location: Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
This unforgettable Sacred Peru tour wraps up this morning after 11 adventure-filled days. After breakfast at the hotel, bid your new travel friends farewell and remember to exchange contact details to stay in touch. For those who would like an extended stay in Lima, please contact us so we can 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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Tour Leader
Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
What's Not Included
International flightsTravel to the start point and from the end point is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with 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.
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.
Health and Fitness
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.
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
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 91 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 60 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 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
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.