Classic Peru
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
The perfect introduction for those travelling to the country for the first time, this comprehensive journey spans the rich diversity of Peru’s landscapes and heritage, taking you from the historic “City of Kings” through the high Andean plains and Machu Picchu's epic ruins, to the shores of Lake Titicaca. Staying in some charming boutique hotels along the way, this is an ideal taster of one of South America’s most fascinating destinations.
Your journey ...
The perfect introduction for those travelling to the country for the first time, this comprehensive journey spans the rich diversity of Peru’s landscapes and heritage, taking you from the historic “City of Kings” through the high Andean plains and Machu Picchu's epic ruins, to the shores of Lake Titicaca. Staying in some charming boutique hotels along the way, this is an ideal taster of one of South America’s most fascinating destinations.
Your journey begins in Lima, where you can delve into the city’s artistic heritage, before flying to Cusco and the stunning Sacred Valley, home to ancient ruins and weaving communities. From here you will get the chance to explore the lost city of Machu Picchu, without a doubt one of the most awe-inspiring sites anywhere in the Americas, before returning to Cusco and enjoying some of its highlights.
The last leg takes you across the spectacular Andean plains to the glistening waters of Lake Titicaca. Here you visit the ingenious floating Uros Islands and spend time amongst the famous weavers of Taquile Island, before flying back to Lima and journey’s end.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover the hidden gems of the Sacred Valley, from ancient Inca ruins to the salt pans of Maras
- Unearth the mysteries of the Inca empire as you wander through the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu
- Spend time with different weaving communities and learn about their ancient techniques and traditions
- Stay on the shores of Lake Titicaca and visit floating islands and local communities
- Explore the bohemian district of Lima and immerse yourself in Cusco’s fascinating history
- Enjoy the warm hospitality and delicious cuisine of Peru’s boutique hotels and local restaurants
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE LIMA
Day 1 ARRIVE LIMA
On arrival to Lima you will be met by one of our local representatives and taken to your hotel where you will have the afternoon to settle in and recover from your long journey. Depending on your flight arrival time you may have time to begin to explore the city at your own leisure this afternoon.
Day 2 LIMA
Day 2 LIMA
This morning enjoy a walking tour of the bohemian district of Barranco with a specialist guide who will take you to all the secret corners where artists have been inspired. Barranco has long been the epicentre of Lima’s cultural elite attracting artists, writers, designers and photographers since its avant-garde heyday during the 1960s and 1970s. Here you must make a stop at the Pedro de Osma Museum, housed in one of the most impressive buildings in the Barranco district. Also spend some time at the Mario Testino Museum, a non-profit organization founded by Peruvian fashion photographer Mario Testino, as a platform for the development of creative industries, a window for international contemporary art in Lima and to better showcase Peruvian talent to the world. The afternoon is then free, allowing you to choose between exploring some of Lima’s other sites and museums or relaxing and enjoying the city’s fine restaurants and boutique shops.
Day 3 LIMA - CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY
Day 3 LIMA - CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY
This morning, transfer to the airport for a spectacular flight to Cusco. When you arrive, you'll be taken straight out of the city to your hotel in Sacred Valley. En route you will have the chance to visit the camelid farm of Wana Kancha to meet with members of the camelid family and learn about local weaving techniques. From here continue on to Pisac where you have the option to visit the impressive Inca ruins before spending some time at a popular local artisanal market. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will be taken to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure, giving you time to acclimatise.
Day 4 SACRED VALLEY
Day 4 SACRED VALLEY
Spend today exploring the Sacred Valley further. Begin with a short drive to the ancient town of Maras, with its outstanding Spanish door arches, an impressive church, and many tales of espionage. En route you will also get to see the wonderful Maras salt pans which cover the whole hillside, before continuing on to the Incan agricultural terraces at Moray. From here, visit the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo, which is the site of the last battle between the Incas and the Spanish before the remaining rebel Incas fled into the jungle. This is a charming well-preserved village, with some stunning stonework on display on the hilltop Inca sun temple.
Day 5 MACHU PICCHU
Day 5 MACHU PICCHU
This morning, head over to the train station in Ollantaytambo for your train journey to Aguas Calientes. When you arrive you will hop straight on the bus that will take you to Machu Picchu - the "Lost City of the Incas", where you can enjoy a walking tour of the area. You'll see the Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Sun Dial, amongst other things. At the end of the day, soak up the spectacular scenery as you get the train back to the Sacred Valley.
Day 6 SACRED VALLEY - CHINCHERO - CUSCO
Day 6 SACRED VALLEY - CHINCHERO - CUSCO
After breakfast you set off back to Cusco, stopping en route to explore the village of Chinchero. The main square of the town is bordered by an Inca wall, and its church is decorated with unique frescoes. Here you can meet with a local weaving family in their courtyard and gain an insight into the Andean weaving process. On arrival in Cusco check into your hotel.
Day 7 CUSCO
Day 7 CUSCO
This morning you will be collected from your hotel for a morning hike in the hills above the city to wander around the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuaman fortress, built to defend the ancient Inca capital and host to the annual Inti Raymi festival. As you make your way back down into Cusco, stop at San Cristobel church which offers wonderful views over the city. The final steps then bring you down through the streets of San Blas and into the Plaza de Armas where you can visit the fantastic cathedral. Discover other hidden gems such as Quoricancha for some very well-preserved Inca stonework, and the local market where you can pick up some souvenirs.
Day 8 CUSCO - LAKE TITICACA
Day 8 CUSCO - LAKE TITICACA
You will transfer to the bus station this morning to catch your bus to Puno. The bus includes an English-speaking guide, and will make stops at a number of interesting sites, including Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, Pukara Museum and Abra La Raya. On arrival in Puno, you will then be met at the bus station by a private driver who will transfer you to your hotel on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Day 9 LAKE TITICACA
Day 9 LAKE TITICACA
Explore the lake by shared speedboat today in the company of your own private guide. Lake Titicaca is a photographer’s dream, with clear sapphire waters and astounding blue skies. Today you will get the chance to spend time learning about the local history, traditions and agricultural methods of the islands. Visit the famous floating reed islands of Uros, where the ancient inhabitants of the Lake, known as the water tribe, built their own islands by periodically adding new layers of totora reeds. Also discover the ancient traditions of the weaving community on Taquille Island, inhabited by Quechua-speaking natives who, early on, developed efficient social systems as well as fine hand weaving techniques that have been passed down through the generations.
Day 10 LAKE TITICACA - LIMA
Day 10 LAKE TITICACA - LIMA
This morning transfer to the airport, en route visiting the fascinating pre-Inca burial site at Silustani, a beautiful site which overlooks the crystal blue waters of Lake Umayo. Catch your flight back to Lima, where your tour will end. Here you can either extend your time or connect with your onward international flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Casa Andina Premium Puno, Puno
This boutique chain hotel on the outskirts of Puno offers guests personalised service in traditionally decorated rooms. The hotel has just 46 rooms and suites with varying views and each with a small balcony. While the rooms are not huge, they are comfortable and interesting. The hotel has a restaurant set away from the main building with views to the lake, above which there is a terrace area where guests can also enjoy meals or a drink from the bar. There is a bar just off the main lobby serving tapas everyday between 5 and 8pm. The Casa Andina Premium is a boutique style hotel offering personalised service about 10 minutes from central Puno.
Antigua Casona San Blas, Cusco
The Antigua Casona San Blas is a lovely colonial property with just 26 rooms, located in the trendy San Blas area of the city, a stone's throw from Cuzco's main attractions, bars and restaurants. The well-appointed rooms all come with modern amenities and central heating, and are furnished in stylish, colonial-style décor. The hotel is housed in a historic building with an Inca stone foundation and the central patio is a great place to relax or enjoy a pisco sour at the in-house bar. The hotel provides excellent value offering an elegant experience and first-class service.
El Albergue, Sacred Valley
Widely considered one of the best places to stay in town, the boutique El Albergue Hotel is something of an institution in Ollantaytambo, right in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Firmly fixed on the train station platform on the edge of town, it’s perfectly located to welcome and see off adventurers travelling up to Machu Picchu. The charming colonial building houses a few rooms and a family casita set around quaint gardens. Rooms are simple and offer a rustic yet comfortable stay. Standard rooms face the train station platform whilst Superior Balcony rooms offer scenic views of the back garden and the surrounding Andean mountains. Also regarded as the best place to eat in town, the French manager has refined the dining experience here, serving impeccable Peruvian and international dishes at the hotel’s ever-popular restaurant.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
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WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Richard
Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Richard by calling
1(833) 200-4640