Traveling in Peru from the Capital to the south, you can imagine what you are going to see in our Peru family trip; amazing landscapes and memorable places; touring in Cusco and the unforgettable vacation in Machu Picchu. Finally you will explore the Titicaca Lake and its traditional islands. Your holidays in Peru will be the Best.
Day 1: Lima
Day 2: Lima / Cusco
Day 3: Sacred Valley / Aguas Calientes
Day 4: Machu Picchu
Day 5: Cusco free day
Day 6: Cusco / Puno
Day 7: Puno / Lake Titicaca / Puno
Day 9: Flight to Lima
DAY 1: Lima
Arrive in Lima at any time. Our representative will greet you at the airport and private transfer to your hotel. There are no planned activities today so check-in and enjoy the city, although there is an optional walking tour or city tour in a van. This afternoon you are free to explore colonial and modern Lima, with visits to the Government Palace, cathedral, Plaza de Armas and the Archaeological Museum. Or hang around the bustling commercial districts of and Miraflores and Barranco.
DAY 2: Lima – Cusco
A morning flight brings us to Cusco, high in the Andes Mountains, upon arrival to Cusco Airport, our staff will be waiting for you to drive you to the Hotel where you will receive an aromatic coca tea then you have the free morning to rest for a while. Later in the afternoon we’ll take you on a guided visit to see Cusco’s highlights, including nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Q’enko; followed by a visit to the Main Square and famous ‘Koricancha’ or Temple of the Sun and of course the local market (B)
DAY 3: Sacred Valley
One of the most spectacular days of the tour takes us through the Sacred Valley of the Incas; once an important source of food for the Inca, the Sacred Valley is a lush agricultural region that continues to supply the city of Cusco with much of its produce. As it is 600m lower than Cusco, temperatures are on average 5 degrees Cº higher in the Sacred Valley.
Our travels will bring us through the major archaeological sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. At Pisac, an optional two hour or 5km hike will allow us to fully appreciate the Incan city nestled high in the Andean range. Later, the colorful artesian market at Pisac will no doubt be a highlight for those in search of unique souvenirs.
The day trip finishes in the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, location of another large Inca site. This major ruin is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. But more than that, Ollantaytambo is a living breathing Inca City. Here we catch our train voyage to Machu Picchu. (B)
DAY 4: MACHU PICCHU/CUSCO
This morning, your private tour guide will meet you at your hotel for your expedition through Machu Picchu, ‘The Lost City of the Incas.’ At this spectacular sacred Incan site, you will learn about the history and visit the truly remarkable temples of the Sun and the Condor. You will also see the aqueducts and houses, while learning some interesting facts about the Incan Sacred Terraces. After the guided tour, you will have plenty of time to explore this truly magnificent site on your own. There are many short trek options, such as a the one to the Sun Gate for an impressive view of Machu Picchu or a visit to the Incan Bridge, a secret entrance for the Incan Army. The most adventurous trekkers should not miss the famous mountain climb to the summit of Wayna Picchu, which can be scheduled at either 7am or 10am; however, there is a limit on the number of people who can climb each day so you will need to book it with us in advance. In the afternoon you will return back to Aguas Calientes in time for your train to Cusco. Upon arrival, we will take you to your hotel. (B)
DAY 5: Cusco
Today is a free day in the Incan Imperial Capital. We’ll do our best to discover Cusco’s enchanting network of narrow streets and white wash mud-brick walls, all built atop Incan stone foundations. A true amalgamation of cultures! Explore the many markets, churches, museums, plazas and first-rate restaurants, all at your fingertips while exploring the city center on foot. Or, visit nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay on horseback. More active options include river rafting, motorcycle tours and mountain biking.
Also recommended is stop by the Incan Archaeological Museum located a block from the Plaza de Armas. Then, time permitting, visit the recently opened ‘Casa Concha’, which houses hundreds of pieces removed from Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham in 1912 and recently returned in 2011 (Centennial Anniversary of Machu Picchu’s scientific discovery) to Peru by Yale University in the United States.
Also worth a visit is the colorful local market at San Pedro and the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas, full of artists, craftsmen and street vendors, both only minutes from the hotel. (B)
DAY 6: Cusco - Puno
After breakfast our journey continues through the high plateau to Puno. Our full day overland journey through the majestic Andes will astound you. We’ll cover close to 400km (250 mi), go over mountain passes at 4,334m (14,222ft) above sea level. On the way we'll stop to visit the attractions this beautiful route has to offer. The first stop: Andahuaylillas for a visit to its beautiful chapel, then its Racchi, Temple of the Wiracocha God where the walls and narrow streets stand out. Then it's lunch time and the opportunity to see the view at La Raya, natural border between Cusco and Puno. Before our final destination we will visit the in site Pucara Museum and a chance to get one of the local classic bull shaped ceramics. Approximate arrival in Puno is 5:00pm
Puno, a city of 150,000 inhabitants, is considered by local populations to be a linguistic, cultural and political border. To the south toward Bolivia the Aymara people and language are dominant. To the north, the better-known Quechua is the dominant tongue. Fortunately, you will see both. (B)
DAY 7: Puno / Lake Titicaca
After breakfast, our local guide will take you on a full day tour to explore Lake Titicaca, the floating reed islands of the Uros (Aymara roots). The Uros people are a specific cultural group apart from the Incas. They are more sensitive and protective. We ask that visitors always proceed with respect. Please ask before snapping pictures, as some of the older generation will object. Then we are off to Taquile Island, a place in which the settlers still maintain their ancestral traditions and colorful typical clothes, a great opportunity to explore the island and get the best view of the lake. A lunch box is provided in the island.
The locals are very friendly and produce souvenirs representing life on the Lake. You can support them by buying a souvenir if you choose. Return to the city in the afternoon. (B, L)
DAY 8: Juliaca – Lima
We have a short drive to the Juliaca airport before a flight to Lima. Our services end today after a quick flight back to Lima and transfer to the airport for your ongoing international connection. We can arrange an additional post tour accommodation in Lima or Cusco upon client request. (B)
End our services
Add on this Trip: Amazon Rainforest, Colca Canyon, and other extension tours or treks. Let us know.
What’s Included
What’s Not Included