Tour Overview
Embark on the "Essential South, Private Tour" and explore the rich cultural tapestry of Peru. Begin your journey in Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Discover Cusco's unique fusion of pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial architecture. Venture into the Sacred Valley, visiting Chinchero and the impressive Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. Experience the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, perched atop the Andes, and delve into the mysteries of the Inca civilization. Visit Andahuaylillas, home to the 'Sistine Chapel of America,' and marvel at the stunning frescoes. Conclude your adventure at Lake Titicaca, exploring the floating islands of Uros and Taquile. With private guides fluent in multiple languages, comfortable accommodations, and seamless transfers, this tour offers an intimate and enriching exploration of Peru's most iconic sites. Enjoy a blend of guided tours and leisure time, with optional extras to tailor your experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL LIMA
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva or similar
Arrive at Lima Airport. Transportation service and a representative will pick you up from the airport at the scheduled time to transfer you to your hotel in Lima. The Peruvian capital is a modern metropolis full of history, currently undergoing an exciting process of cultural and economic changes. Take the opportunity to rest and recover after the flight or head out into the city for your first glimpse of life in Peru´s sprawling capital city. Alternatively, you can book our optional Magic Water Circuit with Dinner:
Magic Water Circuit with Dinner (private basis):
A modern system of fountains certified as the largest in the world by the Guinness World Records. Built-in Exhibition Park, the Magical Water Circuit attracts crowds during summer and winter, being one of the new favorite attractions of Lima. See yourself and enjoy our water cruise that is followed by a unique gastronomical experience at a restaurant, accompanied by a delicious dinner.
Notes: Private service. Not available on Sundays and Mondays. Start time: 17:30 hours. Duration 4 hours. Includes Pick-up and Drop-off, Bilingual guide (Spanish and English), Admission to Magic Water Circuit, and Dinner.
Overnight in Lima.
Day 2 : LIMA
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Explore Lima’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with fascinating historic buildings. Start with a scenic tour in the colonial downtown. See the Main Square, where you can appreciate the grandiose architecture of the Spanish Empire. Admire Lima’s Cathedral, built during the 16th century and then visit the Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to one of his captains, Jeronimo de Aliaga. This is the only house from that time, still belonging to the same family. Continue to the traditional Pueblo Libre district and visit the Larco Museum, located in a beautifully restored viceregal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid from the seventh century. The museum boasts a complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver objects, as well as pieces of erotic art. Rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Lima.
Day 3 : LIMA – CUSCO (90 min by flight; not included)
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Have breakfast at the hotel, before transferring to Lima airport for your flight to Cusco. Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive not later than 10:30hrs. Noon arrivals are too late. Arrive at Cusco airport and enjoy your transfer to the selected hotel. The tour begins in the afternoon, in Coricancha, also known as the ‘Temple of the Sun’ and built by order of Inca Pachacuti. At the arrival of the Spaniards, it became the basis for the construction of the Santo Domingo Convent. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument of the Main Square and the Sacsayhuaman, one of the most emblematic buildings of the Incas. It is an immense fortress built with larges stones. The way workers transferred and ensembled these stones is still a mystery! Continue your tour with exploring Qenqo, an archaeological complex of religious use, where inhabitants used to participate in agricultural rituals. To conclude, visit Puka Pukara, located seven kilometres far from the city. Puka Pukara means ‘red fort’ and it was an architectural complex of supposed military use with multiple environments, plazas, baths, aqueducts, and towers. It is believed that it was used by the Inca entourage while the leader rested in Tambomachay. In the evening return to the hotel and get ready for another memorable day.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 4 : CUSCO – CHINCHERO - SACRED VALLEY (75km – 2 hrs)
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: AVA Spots or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast at the hotel. During the morning, you are picked up from your hotel in Cusco to visit the town of Chinchero, a traditional Cusco urban centre located at an elevated point with a beautiful view of the valley. The inhabitants of this area preserve the artisan traditions and the inherited knowledge of the Incas and display them in their clothes and customs. In Chinchero there are also archaeological remains and a beautiful seventeenth-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. Then, you are transferred to the Living Museum of Yucay, a centre Andean traditions interpretations, where demonstrations of the elaboration of textile work, adobe, pottery and silverware are carried out in the same way in which they used to in antiquity; an original recreation of Inca traditions. Also, residents of the museum include llamas, sheep and alpacas, and they can be fed! Upon arriving in Ollantaytambo visit its town, inhabited uninterruptedly since Inca times, and climb the iconic fortress, built next to a mountain. Later, have lunch in Ollantaytambo and live a superior Andean gastronomy experience in a restaurant, where the true spirit of the Sacred Valley is transmitted in a cosy atmosphere. At the end of this activity, you are transferred back to your hotel. *On Sundays, also visit the local market.
Overnight in Sacred Valley.
Day 5 : SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES (75km – 1.5 hrs)
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: Hatun Inti Classic Standard or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Wake up and have breakfast at the hotel. Transportation service will pick you up and transfer you to the Ollanta Station. Your trip to Machu Picchu starts with a train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes. Aguas Calientes has a handicrafts market, restaurants, and accommodation of different categories for those who prefer to spend the night next to the mountain and then visit it early next morning. After a short trip, arrive at Machu Picchu, a masterpiece of engineering and architecture that served as a sanctuary and resting place for Inca Pachacuti. Machu Picchu means ‘Old Mountain’, and was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. At the end of the tour, return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch and have the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Day 6 : AGUAS CALIENTES – OLLANTA STATION – CUSCO (170km – 4 hrs)
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, after a tasty breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day at leisure. We recommend you to return to Machu Picchu and visit any of the attractions that the citadel keeps (second entrance ticket to Machu Picchu and bus from/to Aguas Calientes available as an optional extra; subject to space availability). Visit the Intipunku (‘Puerta del Sol’) a former control gate, and climb the Huayna Picchu (entrance to Huayna Picchu and bus from/to Aguas Calientes available as an optional extra; subject to space availability). In the afternoon, transfer to the Aguas Calientes train station and head back to the Ollanta station, from where you are transferred to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco.
Day 7 : CUSCO – PUNO (360km – 6 hrs)
Location: Puno
Accommodation Name: Hacienda Puno or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Indulge in a delicious breakfast at the hotel, before transferring to the bus station to begin our trip to Puno. First, we stop in Andahuaylillas, a town located 40 kilometres from Cusco that has as its main attraction the Church of Andahuaylillas, nicknamed the ‘Sistine Chapel of America’, due to the impressive works of art found in it. We continue our route to Racchi, where the Wiracocha Temple is located, a surprising 30-meters wide by 20-meters high construction of rectangular shape. Have a tasty lunch in Sicuani, followed by a brief stop in La Raya, the highest point between Puno and Cusco, over 4,313 metres above sea level. Then, we arrive at the town of Pucara, where the Pucara Lithic Museum is located. Developed between the years 100 and 300 AC, this town was the first proper urban settlement of the lacustrine highlands. Finally, we undertake the last trip to the city of Puno, arriving at the selected hotel where a representative will assist you with the check-in.
Overnight in Puno.
Day 8 : PUNO – LAKE TITICACA – PUNO
Location: Lake Titicaca
Accommodation Name: Hacienda Puno or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the lacustrine port of Puno, where a boat takes you to the floating island of the Uros. The Uros are an ancestral society that populates a series of artificial islands built with totora plant, a type of reed which grows in the Titikaka lake. There they build their houses, also from totora. This is why they cook outdoors, to prevent possible fires. After a journey of an hour and a half, continue your trip to the island of Taquile. This island was part of the Inca Empire and remains of the culture can still be seen when looking at its buildings. Once there, receive a briefing of the island and witness a cultural activity. Have a tasty lunch and start your return to Puno.
Overnight in Puno.
Day 9 : DEPART PUNO
Location: Puno
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel. A transportation service will take you from the selected hotel to Puno Airport.
What's Included
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Tour Guide
Operated with English, Spanish, Portuguese or French speaking local guide on a private basis.
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Transport
Private transfers from and to the airport, transfers from and to the train stations, roundtrip train to Machu Picchu in Expedition Service (PeruRail) or Voyager (IncaRail) for Standard and Superior category, and Vistadome Service (Perú Rail) or 360° (Inca Rail) for Deluxe category, and bus Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes. ...more ...less
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Entrance Fees and Activities
All the visits mentioned in the itinerary: Casa Aliaga, Cathedral and Larco Museum in Lima; Coricancha Temple, Cathedral, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay in Cusco; Chincheros, Living Museum of Yucay and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu; Andahuaylillas, Racchi and Pucara Museum in Cusco; Puno and Uros and Taquile Islands in Puno. Includes Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC). ...more ...less
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Expenses of a personal nature, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during meals, and meals not stated in the programme.
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Tips
Tips for driver and guide are not included.
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Optional Visits
Additional optional visits are not included.
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Flights
International flights to Peru and domestic flights, such as Lima - Cusco, are not included.
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Airport Taxes
International and domestic airport departure taxes are not included.
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for visiting the coastal areas of Peru, while for the high Andean area; use of warm clothing is ALSO recommended. It is not recommended that visitors wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or short clothes when visiting religious temples or official buildings. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
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Please Note
Day 1: Optional extra Magic Water Circuit with Dinner does not operate on Sundays and Mondays
Rates do not apply to Peruvians or residents with more than 60 days of stay. If passengers are Peruvians or exceed 60 days of stay, sale taxes (18%) will be collected by our local operator
Please note that check-in in most hotels begins at 13:00 hrs. Clients will be subject to the availability of the room if they arrive before time, allowed to wait in the hotel lobby
If your trip includes a visit to high altitude cities such as Cusco and Puno located at more than 3,400 metres (11,200 feet above sea level), do not forget to take precautions in order to avoid altitude sickness. Passengers who have heart problems or high blood pressure should check with their doctor before travelling
We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.
INSTRUCTIONS
Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco is not included and must arrive no later than 10:30hrs. Noon arrivals are too late. Carry the same document that you presented to the agency, given that train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu will be issued with the same information
In all train services to Machu Picchu, the passenger can carry only hand luggage (backpack, bag or briefcase) weighing no more than 5kg / 11lb on the train to/from Machu Picchu. You will find your luggage at the chosen hotel. Allowed size: 62 linear inches 157cm (height + length + width).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW ENTRANCE REGULATIONS TO MACHU PICCHU
The current restrictions on visits to Machu Picchu allow a maximum stay of four hours in the citadel (2 hours and a half accompanied by a guide). If the visitor tours on an alternate route (Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu) the passenger will have three hours for this purpose, additional to the four hours in the citadel. If the passenger wishes to enter the citadel again during the afternoon shift or the next day, he/she must previously acquire an additional ticket to enter during the new shift. There is no ticket sale in the archaeological zone.
To help preserve the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary and maintain its World Heritage status, the Ministry of Culture has designated various visitor circuits. The specific circuit and schedule will be assigned based on availability at the time your reservation is confirmed
The following objects are forbidden: professional cameras that require lights and tripods, or with telephoto lenses with a weight higher than 2 kilos (in order to use them, special authorization is needed, as well as the payment of an additional fee), drones, selfie sticks, sprays, high heels, walking sticks without rubber tip, banners and posters, sharp objects and backpacks bigger than 40cm x 35 cm x 20 cm.
NEW PLASTIC REGULATION:
After the prohibition of the access of single use plastic items to 76 natural areas including Machu Picchu, it is important to use reusable bottles.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-2 Lima:
- Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Jose Antonio Deluxe or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Pullman Lima Miraflores or similar 5*
Day 3, 6 Cusco:
- Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*
Day 4 Sacred Valley:
- Standard Hotel Category = AVA Spots or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Casa Andina Private Valle or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba or similar 5*
Day 5 Aguas Calientes:
- Standard Hotel Category = Ferré Machu Picchu or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = El Mapi Inkaterra or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo or similar 5*
Day 7-8 Puno:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hacienda Puno or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Jose Antonio or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca or similar 5*
OPTIONAL EXTRA:
Pre-night in Lima:
- Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Jose Antonio Deluxe or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Pullman Lima Miraflores or similar 5*
Post-night in Puno:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hacienda Puno or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Jose Antonio or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca or similar 5*
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-2 Lima:
- Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Jose Antonio Deluxe or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Pullman Lima Miraflores or similar 5*
Day 3, 6 Cusco:
- Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*
Day 4 Sacred Valley:
- Standard Hotel Category = AVA Spots or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba or similar 5*
Day 5 Aguas Calientes:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hatun Inti Classic Standard or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = El Mapi Inkaterra or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo or similar 5*
Day 7-8 Puno:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hacienda Puno or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Jose Antonio or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca or similar 5*
OPTIONAL EXTRA:
Pre-night in Lima:
- Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Jose Antonio Deluxe or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = Pullman Lima Miraflores or similar 5*
Post-night in Puno:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hacienda Puno or similar 3*
- Superior Hotel Category = Jose Antonio or similar 4*
- Deluxe Hotel Category = GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca or similar 5*
Mode of Transport
Experience private transfers from and to the airport, train stations, and enjoy roundtrip train rides to Machu Picchu with options like Expedition Service or Vistadome Service, along with bus transfers between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
Accommodation
Enjoy 8 nights of accommodation with options ranging from standard 3-star hotels like Tierra Viva to deluxe 5-star hotels such as Pullman Lima Miraflores, Aranwa Cusco Boutique, and GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca, ensuring comfort throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What languages are available for the tour guide?
The tour is operated with a local guide who can speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, or French on a private basis.
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What is the accommodation arrangement during the tour?
The tour includes 8 nights of accommodation with options ranging from standard to deluxe hotel categories in various locations such as Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes, and Puno.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 8 breakfasts and 4 lunches on specific days of the itinerary.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes private transfers from and to the airport, transfers from and to train stations, roundtrip train to Machu Picchu, and bus transfers between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
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What are some of the key activities included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to various historical and cultural sites such as Casa Aliaga, the Cathedral and Larco Museum in Lima, Coricancha Temple, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay in Cusco, as well as Machu Picchu, Andahuaylillas, Racchi, and Pucara Museum.
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What should I know about visiting Machu Picchu during the tour?
Visitors to Machu Picchu are allowed a maximum stay of four hours in the citadel, with an additional three hours if touring alternate routes like Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu. Re-entry requires an additional ticket, and certain items like large backpacks and professional cameras are prohibited.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there is an optional Magic Water Circuit with Dinner in Lima, and additional visits to Machu Picchu attractions like Intipunku and Huayna Picchu can be arranged, subject to availability.
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What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
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Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
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Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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Low Deposit
Lima Tours requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 89 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of lima tours charges.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 8 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Essential South, Private Tour
9 Days Starting in Lima, Peru and ending in Puno, Peru
Visiting: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Puno, Lake Titicaca
Tour operator:
Tour code:
74678
Group Type:
Private
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 8
Age range:
10-99
