Highlights of Peru

Highlights of Peru

21 Views
8 Days From

$2959

Highlights of Peru

8 Days Starting and ending in Lima, Peru

Visiting: Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco

Tour operator:

Trafalgar

Tour code:

LHPAZ1M20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2959

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-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 unforgettable journey through the heart of Peru with the "Highlights of Peru" tour. This cultural adventure begins in Lima, where you'll explore the city's colonial heritage and culinary delights with a local chef. Travel to the Sacred Valley and Cusco, immersing yourself in the rich traditions of Andean weaving and the vibrant history of the Incas. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Machu Picchu, journeying aboard the scenic Vistadome train. Discover the ancient ruins and savor the local flavors of chicha, a traditional Peruvian corn beer. With expert guides, luxurious accommodations, and immersive cultural experiences, this tour offers a deep dive into the wonders of Peru, supporting sustainable tourism and preserving local traditions.

Highlights

  • Explore Lima, Machu Picchu, and the Larco Museum.

  • Visit the ruins at Ollantaytambo, Cusco, and the 15th-century fortress of Machu Picchu.

  • Enjoy a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley and Peru's Andean highlands.

  • Take a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu aboard the Vistadome train.

  • Experience the flavors of chicha, a traditional Peruvian corn beer, in Cusco.

  • Visit the Manos de la Comunidad weaving center in Cusco to learn about Andean artistic traditions.

  • Meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a master Quechua weaver, in the Sacred Valley.

  • Visit a local market in Lima with Chef Ignacio and enjoy a special lunch at his cooking school.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive Lima

Location: Lima

Accommodation: Iberostar Hotel Lima

Accommodation Name: Iberostar Hotel Lima

Meals Included: Dinner

The Capital of the New World extends a warm welcome on your epic voyage through the iconic and unexpected highlights of Peru. Meet your local host on arrival and transfer to your hotel in the upscale shopping district of Miraflores. This evening, you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner.

Day 2: Experience The Sights And Flavours Of Lima Connect With Locals

Location: Lima

Accommodation: Iberostar Hotel Lima

Accommodation Name: Iberostar Hotel Lima

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Connect with the colonial heritage of Francisco Pizzaro’s 'City of Kings', admiring the colonial splendour of Lima’s UNESCO-listed Historic Centre, with your Local Specialist. Stand in the birthplace of this ancient, yet modern city, surrounded by the Baroque façades of Cathedral of Lima and Palace of the Union. See the Church of San Francisco and discover its hidden catacombs. Celebrate Lima’s status as the culinary capital of South America and Connect With Locals when you meet Ignacio Barrios, who has worked alongside many of Peru's most award-winning chefs. We visit a local market where Ignacio will explain how Peruvian fruits, vegetables, seafood and meats are the basis of Peruvian cooking. Then, continue to Chef Ignacio's cooking school where we’ll enjoy a demonstration on how to prepare some of Peru's most popular dishes and have an opportunity to sample some at a Be My Guest experience with lunch before spending the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 3: Journey To The Sacred Valley Dive Into Culture Connect With Locals Make Travel Matter Stays With Stories

Location: Sacred Valley

Accommodation: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay

Accommodation Name: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Board a morning flight to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® when you visit Manos de la Comunidad, a Weaving Centre where you’ll uncover the traditions of the Sacred Valley, called “lindaje.” Then continue to a former 18th century colonial-style monastery, our hotel for the night. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® and learn more about the artisan traditions meeting Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a master Quechua weaver and the first person from her village to attend university. She has been an ambassador for Andean traditions since she began learning ancient pre-Columbian weaving techniques as a young girl in the 1960s. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as your visit helps to preserve and promote traditional pre-Columbian weaving techniques in the 21st century.

Day 4: Explore Iconic Machu Picchu

Location: Machu Picchu

Accommodation: El MaPi

Accommodation Name: El MaPi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The mystical empire of the Incas takes centre stage today. We visit the famous Sacred Valley stronghold of Ollantaytambo before boarding the Vistadome train (light snack included) for our epic journey to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Delve into the mysteries of this once-great civilization, admiring the 15th century stone ruins of temples, palaces and terraces perched high amidst the clouds. Join your Local Specialist for an exploration of the iconic great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana, an intricately carved rock most likely used as a sundial centuries ago.

Day 5: The Sites Of Machu Picchu And Cusco Dive Into Culture

Location: Cusco

Accommodation: Hotel Novotel Cusco

Accommodation Name: Novotel Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast

The ancient ruins of Machu Picchu beckon again and you have an opportunity to re-connect with this ancient wonder. Board the train to the Sacred Valley, then head to the colonial city of Cusco, stopping en route at a local chicheria. Dive into Culture and enjoy the sweet flavours of chicha as you learn how this Peruvian corn beer is brewed by the local women.

Day 6: Step Back In Time In Cusco Dive Into Culture

Location: Cusco

Accommodation: Hotel Novotel Cusco

Accommodation Name: Novotel Cusco

Meals Included: Breakfast

Embark on a sightseeing tour of the sacred city of Cusco this morning, admiring the 16th-century Spanish colonial buildings that stand on the foundations of former Inca temples and palaces. See the baroque Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and 17th-century Church of Santo Domingo. Visit the ruins of the Sacsayhuaman fortress and see nearby warehouses where the Incas once stored their grain. The afternoon is free to explore on your terms.

Day 7: Delve Into Pre-Columbian Art In Lima Dive Into Culture

Location: Lima

Accommodation: Iberostar Hotel Lima

Accommodation Name: Iberostar Hotel Lima

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

A leisurely start to our day sees us return to Lima this afternoon. Meet a Local Specialist at the Larco Museum, which houses one of the largest private collections of pre-Columbian art in the world. This evening we join our travel companions for dinner in the museum's garden restaurant.

Day 8: Depart Lima

Location: Lima

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our discovery of an ancient civilisation has come to an end. We transfer to the airport for your onward flight or perhaps extend your stay at the Novotel Lima.

What's Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

    The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.

  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

    Accommodation is provided in carefully selected and trusted hotels.

  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities

    Porterage and gratuities at restaurants are included in the tour package.

  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

    Hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour.

  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

    Daily breakfast and up to half of the evening meals are included.

  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

    The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.

  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

    Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing experiences.

  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

    Transportation is provided in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi or alternative options like rail journeys.

  • A Trafalgar Bonus all Intra-Air Flights: Lima to Cusco and Cusco to Lima, including porter service at all airports.

    Intra-air flights from Lima to Cusco and back, including porter service at all airports, are included.

  • Tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu

    Tickets for a scenic train ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu are included.

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What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • International flights

    International flights to and from Peru are not included in the tour package.

  • Visa fees

    Visa fees, if applicable, are not included in the tour package.

Dining Summary

  • 3 Dinner (D)
  • 7 Breakfast (B)
  • 2 Lunch (L)

Dive Into Culture

  • Lima: You’re treated to a lesson on how to pour the perfect Pisco sour, Peru’s native drink. In the good hands of professional chef Ignacio, the results are sure to be delicious. Ignacio will explain the history of Pisco – a type pf wine, the typical Pisco Sour, and an internationally less known but locally more popular drink called “Chilcano”. This cocktail of pisco, lime juice, Ginger ale and bitters is a refreshing twist on the pisco sour that will have you eager to share the recipe with your friends.

Mode of Transport

Travel in luxury with air-conditioned coaches, enjoy scenic train rides aboard the Vistadome to Machu Picchu, and benefit from all intra-air flights between Lima and Cusco, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey through Peru.

Accommodation

Stay at the Iberostar Hotel Lima in the upscale district of Miraflores, the colonial-style Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay in the Sacred Valley, El MaPi near Machu Picchu, and the Novotel Cusco in the heart of Cusco, offering comfort and cultural charm.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a visit to the Manos de la Comunidad weaving centre where you will learn about traditional Andean weaving techniques and the cultural significance of the four Andean camels. You will also meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a master Quechua weaver, and learn about pre-Columbian weaving techniques. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the flavours of chicha, a traditional Peruvian corn beer, and learn about its history.

  • What is the significance of the Vistadome train ride during the tour?

    The Vistadome train ride is a scenic journey to Machu Picchu, offering panoramic views of the Sacred Valley. It is an integral part of the tour, providing a unique and comfortable way to reach the iconic site of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

  • How does the tour support sustainable tourism practices?

    The tour supports sustainable tourism through the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experiences, such as visiting the Manos de la Comunidad weaving centre, which helps preserve traditional Andean weaving techniques. The visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including reducing inequalities and promoting sustainable communities.

  • What culinary experiences can participants expect on this tour?

    Participants will enjoy a culinary experience in Lima with Chef Ignacio, where they will visit a local market and learn to prepare popular Peruvian dishes at his cooking school. Additionally, there is a lesson on how to pour the perfect Pisco sour, Peru's native drink, and an opportunity to taste chicha, a traditional Peruvian corn beer.

  • What historical sites will be visited during the tour?

    The tour includes visits to several historical sites such as the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Lima, the ruins at Ollantaytambo, the 15th-century fortress of Machu Picchu, and the Sacsayhuaman fortress in Cusco. Participants will also explore the colonial city of Cusco and its baroque Cathedral and the Church of Santo Domingo.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1947

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Renato Arrieta  

Best tour I joined so far

14-Jan-2023

My first time with Trafalgar and I see no reason why I should not join them again.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
King Ng, Lafayette, California  

Very well planned trip with timely breaks during the coach ride..

08-Nov-2021

It was a well organized tour group and we hit lots of interesting and beautiful scenes. Like our previous trips with Trafalgar, tourists were treated with well manner and professional tour guide/director, making our trip very enjoyable and delightful!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Egypt

14-Jan-2023

We really did see the best of Egypt and beyond. Our tour guide, Mohammad, guided us through the rich history and the urban and rural life of such a unique and delightful country. We felt very safe and pampered.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Marshal Daguio  

Wonderful Best Of Turkey

06-Nov-2021

It was my first time with Trafalgar Tour and I had a wonderful trip from day 1 till the last day. The Tour Director, Yocel Atik is very knowledgeable and Excellent. The health director and coach driver are helpful and supportive as well. The hotels selected were comfortable especially Rixos Hotel and Movenpick Hotel. The Best of Turkey is better than I expected.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Barbara, Canada  

Irish Experience

09-Nov-2021

I am single and travel alone. I always feel secure and well-looked after when I travel with Trafalgar

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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