Sacred Peru

Sacred Peru

456 Views
11 Days From

$2430

$2045

Sacred Peru

11 Days Starting and ending in Hotel in Lima

Visiting: Lima, Arequipa, Puno, Sacred Valley, Cusco, Flight to Lima

Tour operator:

Expat Explore Travel

Tour code:

LATAM11L

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

10 - 51

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

Activities:

Hiking, Walking

From: $2430 $2045 Operator discount: -$385 -16%

NB: Prices correct on 07-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Start and end your tour in the striking Peruvian capital, Lima

  • Be charmed by the distinct beauty of Arequipa city

  • Explore the rolling hills and hidden gems of the Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

  • Pass through Cusco, a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2005

  • 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!

  • 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

Reviews of this operator

ANTHONY NDUNGU   ITALY

Balkan Explorer - 16 Days

03-Sep-2024

I had a blast!!!! Simply amazing and would highly recommend.

Roger  

Wonderful new addition

19-Oct-2022

Great new country and addition by Expat. One of the most interesting and beautiful countries I've ever been. Great food, scenery and lovely people.

Jamie the Kingslayer  

Everything I had expected and more

01-Oct-2022

It was my first time traveling to Europe so I was nervous about everything including finding my way around, speaking the languages, and finding lodging. It turned out to be an incredible experience, I couldn't ask for a better your guide. Luke truly is the best in the business and we were so lucky o have him on the last tour of the season. I am definitely going to recommend Expat to my family and friends when they want to travel to Europe. I am going to go as far as finding out when Luke will be the guide and have family/friends specifically book the tour with him.

Randy  

Outstanding!

25-Sep-2022

From orientation to farewell dinner Martina was always there to ensure that everyone was happy and enjoying the tour! It was fast paced, especially with the added excursions, but the tour covered the best of Italy and Martina was absolutely the best. She was entertaining and informative. Look forward to another tour with her!!

Emma  

Perfect combination of sites, history, culture and food

19-Oct-2022

The highlights of Japan tour with Expat Explore was the ideal way to see the country. It had the perfect mix of big cities, small quaint villages, historical sites and food! The tour was well organised and a good pace to enjoy the various places and activities. We had the opportunity to be immersed in local culture and try the cuisine in a range of dining experiences. The hotels were clean and roomy to rest for days filled with adventures. Japan with Expat should be on your wish list!

CCY  

Good experience

07-Oct-2022

Enjoyed the views of different places and learnt about the history of different places in UK/Ireland.

Kendra Olson   United States

Classic Europe - 14 Days

03-Apr-2024

Such a great trip and saw so many places, if we did this trip on our own I think we would only get half of what we did done in this time period. It definitely was busy with not much down time but we didn’t pay to go be bored. Beautiful and memorable trip!

Travelling Solo  

12 Day Italian Delights

18-Oct-2022

A great tour made even better by our tour leader Marty. She was so knowledgeable and helpful. Made us laugh, showed us amazing sites and always had great recommendations.

Tash  

Really nice experience

26-Oct-2022

Loved the small country towns. Very beautiful MARTY AND ALEX THE DRIVER , made the tour experience perfect for me. She is a brilliant guide.

Disappointed  

Totally exhausted

05-Oct-2022

I need a holiday to recover from this full-on, insufficient down time, tour. Late hotel arrivals, late city tours, late dinners and excessive walking due to public transport use and then early morning starts. And to top it off, no seat rotation (tour leader advised on day 2 for covid reasons) which made sense on day 2 but not by day 3 or 4 when we had been grouped together at meals, on walking tours, and sharing rooms with people we had just met...merrily spreading our germs between our group anyway! This seating rule however was waived for a special few...those who insisted that they get travel sickness (and must sit in the front seat) and..those who think the rule is not for them and aren't challenged by the tour leader anyway. No seat rotation also meant not getting the opportunity to get to know everyone on the tour on an equal basis.

1 Select your preferred date

Wednesday - Saturday

Mar 19, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025
$2430 $2045

Operator discount: -$385

Sunday - Wednesday

Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025
$2430 $2045

Operator discount: -$385

Sunday - Wednesday

Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025
$2430 $2045

Operator discount: -$385

Sunday - Wednesday

Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 26, 2025
$2430 $2045

Operator discount: -$385

Thursday - Sunday

Mar 12, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026
$2465 $2190

Operator discount: -$275

Sunday - Wednesday

Apr 26, 2026 - May 06, 2026
$2465 $2190

Operator discount: -$275

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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