Wonderful Peruvian South, Private Tour

Wonderful Peruvian South, Private Tour

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Wonderful Peruvian South, Private Tour

13 Days Starting in Lima and ending in Cusco

Visiting: Lima, Paracas, Arequipa, Chivay, Puno, Cusco, Ollantaytambo

Tour operator:

Today Voyages

Tour code:

37986

Group size:

2 - 99

Tour operated in:

English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Travel from the beaches to the mountains of Peru, crossing stunning mountain ranges and high plateaux in this fascinating 13-day route. Visit the main historical, cultural and natural attractions of Lima, Ica, Arequipa, Puno and Cusco, while delighting your sight with unique landscapes, pampering your palate with bold flavours and experiencing the essence of the most traditional villages. Close your adventure with a visit to Machu Picchu, the impressive Inca citadel that captivates the whole world. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Lima: Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Peruvian capital combines history with modernity. Islas Ballestas: Marvel at the natural diversity of Peru’s sea by visiting this natural sanctuary, home to species such as sea lions and the Humboldt penguin. Nasca Lines: Appreciate these mysterious ancient geoglyphs from the air. Arequipa: The jewel of the colonial era and the country’s gastronomic capital par excellence, Arequipa is surrounded by volcanoes, offering a memorable panorama. Colca Valley: Appreciate the elegance of the condors soaring over this valley with a 4,000-metre-deep canyon, one of the deepest on the planet. Titicaca Lake: It is the highest navigable lake in the world, and its islands are home to several communities that preserve their millenary cultures alive to this day. Cusco: The ancient Inca capital is a fascinating blend of pre-Columbian culture and Spanish architecture.  Machu Picchu: Hidden amongst the vegetation, it invites visitors to step into the country’s past through its rooms, temples, bridges and religious sites, all built in outstanding harmony with the surrounding natural landscape. 

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival Lima

Location: Lima

Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva Lima

Arrive at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima. Upon arrival, a representative will be waiting to greet you at the airport and the transportation service will transfer you to your hotel at the scheduled time. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure in Lima, the capital of Peru and a city steeped in history. During Colonial times, the Historic Centre of Lima, known as the ‘Ciudad de los Reyes’ (City of Kings), was the political, administrative, religious and economic centre for the Spanish in Peru. The historical centre is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. Lima is now a modern metropolis and is currently undergoing an exciting process of cultural and economic change. 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 and Folk Show: 
Magic Water Circuit with Dinner and Folk Show (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 favourite 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 buffet dinner and amusing folk show.
Notes: Private service. Start time: 18:00 hours. Duration of 4 hours. Includes Pick-up and Drop-off, Bilingual guide (Spanish and English), Admission to Magic Water Circuit and Buffet dinner with Folkloric show
Overnight in Lima.

Day 2 : Lima City Tour

Location: Lima

Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva Lima

Today breakfast at the hotel is followed by a tour of the city of Lima. The route begins at the Larco Museum of pre-Columbian art, in the traditional district of Pueblo Libre. Housed in a former mansion, itself built on the site of a seventh-century, pre-Columbian temple, the museum boasts a very complete collection of gold and silver articles, pottery and erotic art. Continue on to Casa de Aliaga, the oldest Colonial mansion in Lima. The house has been owned and lived in by the Aliaga family and their descendants since conquistador Francisco Pizarro granted the land to his trusted ally, Jerónimo de Aliaga in 1535. The tour will then guide you through the colonial centre of the city. Visit the impressive Plaza de Armas, the city’s central square and a showcase of Spanish colonial architecture. The Government Palace occupies the north side of the square and the magnificent, sixteenth century Cathedral of Lima is located to the east. Once the trip is over, return to your hotel to put your feet up or you can join our optional tour:  
Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco Seefront & Pisco Museum Night Tour (private basis):
Join our Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco Seefront & Pisco Museum Night Tour and explore the most attractive areas of the cities of San Isidro, Miraflores, and Barranco. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean from the top of the cliffs and pass by the famous Love Park (panoramic drive in a case of high traffic). In Pisco Museum you will take a part in a demonstrative experience where you will learn about the history of this national drink and with the help of an experienced bartender, you prepare a cocktail yourself, all accompanied by beautiful tapas tasting.
Notes: Private service. Start time: 17:00 hours. Duration 3 hours. Pick-up and Drop-off, Bilingual guide (Spanish and English), Demonstrative cocktail experience at Pisco Museum, an appetizer
Overnight in Lima.

Day 3 : Lima – Nasca Lines Overflight – Paracas (300 Km 4 Hrs)

Location: Paracas

Accommodation Name: San Agustin Paracas

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then transfer from your hotel to the bus station, where our trip to Paracas begins. The leisurely journey will give you time to gaze out the window and appreciate the landscape of Peru and the Pacific coast. After four hours of travel, arrive at Pisco airport and enjoy a flight over the desert observing the mysterious Nasca lines. The small town of Nazca would go unnoticed on the map if it were not for the ancient geoglyphs etched into the sand that has given it worldwide fame. As you fly over the desert, lines take shape to form simple geometric designs, then some of the swirls and zigzags start to form more distinct shapes: a spider, a condor and a monkey, to name a few. If the weather conditions and the airspace allow, you will also fly over the recently discovered drawings in Palpa. Continue your flight over the mountains where marine fossils that date back millions of years were found and then fly back to Pisco to end your aerial experience. Once again on land, you will be transferred to the hotel in Paracas.
Overnight in Paracas.

Day 4 : Paracas – Ballestas Islands – Lima (260 Km 4 Hrs)

Location: Lima

Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva Lima

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then you’ll be transferred to El Chaco pier to embark on a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands. The Ballestas are a collection of rocky islets with beautiful geographical formations, just a few kilometres off the western coast of Peru. The islands are the ideal habitat for various species of birds and an eclectic mix of larger wildlife like seals, boobies, pelicans, sea lions and the endangered Humboldt penguin. Cruise around the islands’ dramatic cliffs and watch large herds of noisy sea lions relaxing on the rocks, birds stretching their wings and, if you’re lucky, dolphins near your boat. While you will not disembark on the islands, you will get startlingly close to this impressive array of wildlife. As you sail, you will also pass the Paracas Candelabra, a huge geoglyph that has been dated to around 200 BC, although the purpose and the creator of this three-pronged carving remain a mystery. At the end of your boat tour, you will be taken to the bus station for your transfer to Lima.
Overnight in Lima.

Day 5 : Lima Arequipa City Tour And Monastery Of Santa Catalina (By Flight Not Included)

Location: Arequipa

Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva Arequipa

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then a transportation service will transfer you from your hotel to the airport of Lima to take a flight to Arequipa (not included). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. Enjoy a comfortable transfer while a guide will inform you about the attractions and services the city offers. Today's tour will begin in the main square, the Plaza de Armas, where you will find the elegant, neo-Renaissance Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa and the sensational Santa Catalina Monastery. The monastery, founded in the 16th century, was almost entirely self-sufficient and it consisted of accommodation, cloisters, squares, kitchens; it was a walled community, tucked away from prying eyes and the influence of the outside world. The families of nuns paid large sums of money for their daughters to join the convent, thus increasing the wealth and prestige of the Monastery. Nowadays, strolling through its colourful streets is like a step back in time, giving us an insight into colonial Peru. Continue on to the Church of the Company, perhaps Peru’s finest example of Baroque architecture. Its intricately-carved façade, the sacristy and the main cloister are particularly beautiful. To finish the tour, visit the neighbourhoods of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto to enjoy magnificent views of the Misti volcano rising above the city.
*Church dress code: During the visit sleeveless and/or low-cut garments, shorts above the knee, and miniskirts are not permitted, otherwise entrance will be denied.Overnight in Arequipa

Day 6 : Arequipa – Colca Valley And Canyon (165 Km 3.5 Hrs)

Location: Chivay

Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Colca

After finishing your breakfast at the hotel, it is time to say good bye to Arequipa and head to the Colca Valley. The route will take you through the Yura district, an area characterised by impressive geographical features, ranging from deep ravines to high mountains, waterfalls and lush vegetation. The route continues on to the Pampa Cañahuas. This extensive Andean plateau is home to the vicuña, an indigenous Andean camelid that is closely related to the alpaca, guanaco, and llama. Cross the pampas of Viscachani and Toccra and skirt the crater of the now extinct Chucura Volcano to reach the Mirador de los Andes at Patapampa, 4,910 metres above sea level. This viewpoint offers impressive views of the numerous volcanoes surrounding Arequipa. Enjoy lunch in the picturesque town of Chivay before being transferred to your selected hotel in the Colca Valley for a free afternoon.
Overnight in Colca.

Day 7 : Valle And The Colca Canyon–Puno (250 Km 6 Hours)

Location: Puno

Accommodation Name: Hacienda Puno

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel then get ready for a day to remember at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint of the Colca Canyon. This impressive valley is one of the deepest in the world, reaching depths of approximately 3,400 metres, double the depth of the Grand Canyon. As you take in the sheer vastness of this area, you may witness the majestic condors gliding by on the thermals rising from the canyon. Descend the valley to discover some of the traditional towns located on the banks of the Colca River, such as Chivay, Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma and Yanque, where beautiful colonial churches are backdropped by the peaks of the Andes. You will also stop at the Antahuilque and Choquetico viewpoints, both offering majestic views of the whole valley. Later on, continue to Puno making a detour through Patahuasi. Observe the amazing stone forests and sky-blue lagoons populated by cranes that fill this area 4,000 metres above sea level. At the end of this amazing journey you’ll arrive in Puno, where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest at the hotel.
Overnight in Puno .

Day 8 : Puno – Lake Titicaca, Uros Islands And Taquile Puno

Location: Puno

Accommodation Name: Hacienda Puno

After breakfast at the hotel, travel to the port of Puno where a boat will be waiting to take you to the beautiful Uros Islands. The Uros are an indigenous people of Peru that live on a series of man-made islands, created entirely from the buoyant totora reeds that grow abundantly in the shallows of the lake. The islands are composed of layers of woven totora, which are constantly replenished from the top as they rot from the bottom. The Uros people also use reeds to construct their homes, so cooking is done outdoors to avoid possible fires! After visiting this fascinating island, sail to Taquile, a small slice of heaven that once belonged to the Inca Empire. Look around and you will notice traces of its Incan past in the ruins that still exist around the island. After a brief introduction, the local community will give you an insight into their customs and traditions with a cultural demonstration. Lunch is enjoyed on the island before the return trip to Puno.
Overnight in Puno

Day 9 : Puno – Cusco (360 Km – 10 Hours)

Location: Cusco

Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva Cusco

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel then transfer to the bus station to start your journey to Cusco. The first stop is the town of Pucara, the first urban settlement on Lake Titicaca, established between 100 and 300 A.D. Visit some of the monoliths from the town’s pre-Inca site at the Pucara Lithic Museum before continuing to Racchi, home to the Wiracocha Temple, an Inca site built to honour a powerful Andean god. The rectangular construction boasts thatched rooftops 20 metres above the ground; these are thought to be the highest in the Inca Empire. Your next stop is in Andahuaylillas, a town located around 40 kilometres away from Cusco. The main attraction here is the local Church, known as the "Sistine Chapel of America" owing to the high quality of art found inside. Once in the Imperial City, a transportation service will pick you up from the bus station and drop you off at your hotel.
Overnight in Cusco

Day 10 : Cusco City Tour And Near Archaeological Sites

Location: Cusco

Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva Cusco

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel followed by a morning of exploring the charming cobblestoned streets of Cusco. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the former capital of the Inca Empire. The tour begins at the Santo Domingo Convent, a building constructed on the site of Coricancha, one of the most important Incan complexes dedicated to sun worship. According to historic records, the original temple walls depicted scenes of nature and were covered in gold leaf. After Coricancha, visit the imposing cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, then head to the Cusco hills, where you’ll find the fortress of Sacsayhuaman and panoramic views of Cusco. Continue on to Qenqo, an archaeological site where it is believed the Incas carried out religious rituals to improve harvests. Your tour ends in Puka Pukara, meaning ‘red fortress’ in Quechua. Puka Pukara is believed to be an ancient military site comprising numerous rooms, courtyards, baths, aqueducts and towers. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight in Cusco

Day 11 : Cusco – Chinchero – Ollantaytambo (75Km – 1.5 Hours)

Location: Ollantaytambo

Accommodation Name: AVA Spots

Today, breakfast at the hotel is followed by a journey to the town of Chinchero, a small high-altitude town offering beautiful views of the valley and the chance to witness traditional clothing, customs and local handicrafts. Visit archaeological remains and a beautiful 17th-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. On Sundays, you may also visit the local market. You will then be transferred to the Yucay Museum of Living Culture, where you can see textiles, adobe pottery and silverware being crafted using techniques dating back to the Incas. This centre not only gives you an insight into local Andean traditions, but you also have the opportunity to feed the llamas, sheep and alpacas! Continue then to the city of Ollantaytambo, inhabited uninterruptedly since Inca times. Explore its streets and climb the iconic fortress built into the mountainside. Then feel the true spirit of the Sacred Valley as you sample a lunch of local cuisine in a cosy restaurant in Ollantaytambo. After eating, return to your hotel to rest full of the spirit of the Incas. 
Overnight in Sacred Valley

Day 12 : Valle Sagrado – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo –Cusco (200 Km 6 Hrs)

Location: Cusco

Accommodation Name: Tierra Viva Cusco

After charging your batteries with breakfast, your visit to Machu Picchu begins at Ollanta station, where you’ll catch a train to Aguas Calientes. The hour-and-a-half-long journey takes you through many spectacular Andean landscapes. Once at Aguas Calientes, a 25-minute bus tour will get you to Machu Picchu, the 'lost city of the Incas'. It is believed that the archaeological site was built around the year 1450 by the Inca Pachacutec, who planned for it to become his holiday residence. However, a century later, the city was abandoned after the Spanish conquest, saving it from the destruction that fell upon other Inca settlements. Instead, the jungle slowly swallowed its stone constructions, enveloping and hiding it for centuries to come. During the guided tour, you will learn about the origins of this impressive citadel and visit its most outstanding monuments, including the main square, the royal rooms, the temple of the three windows, the circular towers, the sacred clock and the cemeteries. At the end of the tour, return to Aguas Calientes to have lunch at the famous Café Inkaterra, a beautiful thatched-roof restaurant hemmed in between the railway and a mountain. In the afternoon, transfer to the Aguas Calientes station to take the train back to the Ollanta station, from where you will be taken to your hotel in Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco

Day 13 : Departure Cusco

Location: Cusco

After finishing your breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to the airport, where you’ll catch a flight to Lima. Although this is the last day of your journey, we hope that your memories of this remarkable region, bursting with both culture and history, will last a lifetime.
Breakfast included

What's Included

  • Operated with English Spanish or French speaking local guide on a private basis

  • 12 nights of accommodation

  • 12 breakfast

  • 5 lunches on days 6 8 9 11 12

  • 1 box lunch on day 7

  • Private Transfers from/to the airport

  • Bus from Lima to Paracas on shared basis

  • Bus from Paracas to Lima on shared basis

  • Private Transfer from Colca to Puno

  • Private Transfers from/to the train station

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What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses drinks and meals not explicitly mentioned in the programme

  • Tips for guide and driver

  • International flights to Peru

  • Domestic flights (Lima - Arequipa on day 5. It is advised to book the first flights in the morning)

  • Domestic and foreign airport taxes

Check out our Q&As

  • How does Today Voyages work?

    We are an Online Travel Agency, specialized in Group Vacations and Private Vacations. We have been in business for over 30 years through our sister company Go West Tours and, throughout the years, have developed an extensive network of trusted professionals around the world and a structured methodology to screen our suppliers. Today Voyages offers a selection of tours that are designed, managed and operated by our network of trusted Tour Operators and DMCs. Our database is connected with our partners so that when you make a booking with us this will immediately be received and processed by the Tour Operator.

  • Where should I buy the flights to reach my destination?

    Today Voyages does not sell flights directly. None of our tours come with flights included. Why? Because we prefer to give full flexibility to our valued customers to select the airlines and the booking platform they prefer. As soon as your flight is booked and confirmed, we invite you to update your flight plan within your Today Voyages booking confirmation page by entering your flight number, departure and arrival times, as well as your Passport information (if needed). None of these fields are mandatory but we highly encourage you to provide as much information as possible. This will allow us to provide you with the excellent service you are looking for.

  • What is an additional excursion or tour optional?

    Certain tours might show a selection of additional excursions/optional activities that you may want to add to our standard itinerary. These services are priced separately and can be added to the cart before completing the booking. We believe these optional services to contribute to making your vacation unforgettable; however, you are in no way obliged to purchase them. All our tours are awesome with our without optional services!

  • What is the difference between Group Vacations and Private Vacations?

    If you purchase one of our Group vacation packages, you will be escorted by a professional tour guide and will be traveling with other like-minded travelers you may not know. The group size depends on the tour you select. If you purchase one of our Private vacation packages, you will be traveling only within your group of friends. You may or may not be escorted by a professional tour guide; this depends on the type of private tour you are interested in.

  • When and how will I receive the travel documents (vouchers)?

    If you book one of our Group or Private tours, you will receive your travel documents via email approximately 20 days prior to travel date. If you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals, you will hear back from the property manager via email a few days prior to checking-in. We recommend checking your emails on a regular basis as this is our most reliable method of communication. If you have questions or need additional support, you can always chat with us or email us directly.

  • What happens if a Group tour does not get confirmed?

    It is very simple... you will be offered an alternative departure date or be refunded the full amount you pre-paid. No questions asked!

  • What happens after I book?

    The majority of our tours are confirmed at the time of booking. This means that, after submitting the payment online, you will receive an order confirmation email; make sure to save this email and to note down your confirmation number for any future communication with us. Some tours may be sold on a 'on request' basis. This means that for these tours we reserve the right to check the availability of your spot(s) with the Tour Operator before confirming the tour to you. As soon as you submit the payment online for a 'on request' tour you will receive an email notification that confirms your order request. Within 72 hours, you will receive either a confirmation email or a denial email. Do not worry... we will do everything we can to confirm your tour!

Reviews of this operator

Paula  

Unforgettable tour in the US National Parks

04-May-2022

I booked a guided tour in the National Parks through Today Voyages and couldn't have been happier! Our guide was great, he knew the destination very well and gave us great advice for the best hikes and view points. The itinerary was well-packed and we were amazed at the scenery of the South West. We would definitely consider booking another tour next year.

Date of experience: May 04, 2022
Emily  

Helengeli island is stunning

12-Apr-2023

Wow, Helengeli island is stunning. The resort is clean, the staff are so attentive, the grounds are pristine, and the food is 5*. Spending a week at this resort was simply paradise, white sand, crystal blue ocean, what more could you want! As I wasn't able to tailor-make my holiday, the Today Voyages team helped me find the tour that best matched my expectations, and they definitely didn't disappoint!!!

Peter  

Good Bali experience

03-Feb-2023

There is no better place on Earth than Bali to celebrate your honeymoon. We are so glad we came across this tour. Two unforgettable weeks of jungle adventures, beaches and snorkeling, massages, nature. And the price was great. We cannot be happier! Planning Vietnam for 2024!

Date of experience: January 29, 2023
Chetcu  

Top Experience!

03-Feb-2023

The Las Vegas and the National Parks Hiking Tour is a deal not to be missed. What a phenomenal trip! We were 14 people in our minibus and it was great to connect to all of them. So many stories to share. The cool thing about this tour is that it attracts hikers of all kinds: laid back hikers as well as more experienced ones could find beauty in every single destination this tour took us to. I will for sure join another tour soon. Thank you guys, also, for the assistance provided throughout the trip. Loved it!

Date of experience: October 19, 2022
Emmanuelle  

Amazing affordable trip!

20-Jan-2023

I booked a self-drive vacation to Greece for my family. The trip was amazing, easy communication, great customer service since we had an issue on the road with the car and we got immediate assistance.

Date of experience: September 22, 2022
Adelaide  

Unforgettable 8-day trip to Kenya

01-Mar-2023

I just came back from an unforgettable 8-day trip to Kenya. A mix of relaxation and adventure. I had never traveled with a group before and, honestly, I was a little skeptical at the beginning. Pauline at Today Voyages convinced me that this was the right tour and the right destination for me. And the truth is... she was right. Tsavo and Watamu are such awesome destinations, our guide was impeccable and it was a small group: a family of 4, a young couple, and us. We became friends. Highly recommended!

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Today Voyages allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 65 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Today Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of today voyages charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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