Excursions by Exotrav

Peru Tour

Exploring Ancient Cities

Trip Duration:

10 days

Recommended season:

May - October

Peru- Trip Summary

A customized 10-day tour of Peru offers an unforgettable journey. We start in Lima, Peru’s capital, then fly to Cusco to explore ancient sites, the Sacred Valley, and journey to the renowned Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” Our adventure continues to the Amazon rainforest for river cruises and guided tours through the lush jungle, where you’ll uncover the secrets of this unique ecosystem.

This tour through Peru provides an extraordinary blend of cultural and natural wonders, from the dramatic Andes mountains and green valleys to deep canyons, ancient Inca cities, rainforests, salt deserts, and colorful markets. We offer a comprehensive service package tailored to your needs, with options for a private English-speaking guide or an international group, ensuring a memorable experience at your pace and style.

Culture • Machu Picchu • Amazon

Day 1

Day 1: Arrival - Lima

Upon landing in Lima, the capital of Peru, which houses over 8.5 million residents, you will find it to be the largest city in Peru and one of the largest in South America. Lima is situated along the coast of the Pacific Ocean and stretches across the valleys of the Chillon, Rimac, and Lurin rivers, forming a continuous metropolitan area with the port city of Callao.

 

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and prepare for the adventures ahead. In Lima, you will experience a rich culture, fascinating history, and a diverse cuisine renowned as one of the best in the world.
Overnight in Lima.

Day 2

Day 2: Lima - City Tour - Cusco - Sacred Valley

After breakfast, we will embark on a day of exploration in Lima. We will visit Avenida de la República, Plaza San Martín, and Plaza Mayor, which was built in 1535 and designed by Francisco Pizarro, the founder of Lima.

 

Next, we will tour the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Cathedral, constructed in 1625 in the Baroque-Renaissance style, featuring a collection of unique paintings and sculptures from the 17th and 18th centuries. We will also visit the Municipal Palace and upscale neighborhoods such as San Isidro, Miraflores, and Larcomar.

 

Afterward, we will continue to the Larco Herrera Museum, where we will admire one of the largest collections in the world of pre-Columbian ceramics and pottery. The museum also showcases pottery from the Nazca and Inca cultures. Lunch is included.
Following our museum visit, we will transfer to the airport for a flight to Cusco. According to legend, Cusco was founded by the first Inca, Manco Cápac, in the early 12th century; however, archaeological evidence suggests that the city was inhabited for centuries before the rise of the Incas. Today, remnants of its prosperous past can be found throughout its streets, making the visit a journey through time. The city is situated at an altitude of 3,395 meters above sea level, with temperatures accordingly.

 

Upon arrival, we will travel to the Sacred Valley.
After reaching the Sacred Valley, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

 

Please note the altitude warning.

Day 3

Day 3: Sacred Valley

After breakfast, we will embark on a day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, The Urubamba. We will pass through picturesque villages and see terraced fields that are used for local agriculture, employing techniques that have remained unchanged by modern advancements.

 

Our first stop will be in Ollantaytambo, a village that has preserved its Inca structure almost perfectly. We will climb through the Inca streets to reach the fortress overlooking the Urubamba River.
Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.

 

Afterward, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

Day 4

Day 4: Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Sacred Valley

After breakfast, we will transfer to the train station for a ride on the Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes.

 

Upon arrival, we will take a bus to visit the impressive and mysterious Inca site of Machu Picchu. This city, which was discovered only in the 20th century, is situated on a mountain with steep slopes, deep in the jungle. We will enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu, often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas,” which is a significant symbol in the history of the Inca Empire. Lunch is included.

 

After the tour, we will take a bus back to Aguas Calientes and transfer to the train station for the ride back to the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in the Sacred Valley.

Day 5

Day 5: Treasures of the Sacred Valley - Cusco

After breakfast, we will visit the Maras area, known for the Inca salt mines. We will drive down the mountain to reach the salt terraces, which were established by the Incas centuries ago.
Next, we will continue to the Moray ruins, where you can see the unique circular terraces located just a short drive from Maras. Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.

 

Following our visit, we will head to the Chinchero Market. This vibrant and authentic market is located in the village of Chinchero, which sits above the Sacred Valley at an altitude of 3,800 meters. The villagers endure the harsh cold of the Andes as herders of llamas and alpacas and cultivators of potatoes. The women of the village weave colorful and high-quality textiles, which are showcased at the market held on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

 

After our market visit, we will drive to Cusco. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Cusco.

Day 6

Day 6: קוסקו Cusco and Surroundings

After breakfast, we will embark on a day tour of Cusco and its surroundings. Our first stop will be the Koricancha Temple, once a significant Inca temple dedicated to the sun. We will stroll through the narrow streets and artisan workshops, visiting Santo Domingo Church, the San Blas artisan district, the Inca Roca Palace, the main square, and the Cathedral.
Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.

 

Next, we will head outside the city for a tour of the Sacsayhuamán fortress, built with some of the largest cut stones in the world. We will continue to visit additional sites, including Puca Pucara, Qenqo, and Tambomachay.

 

After the tour, we will transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight in Cusco.

 

Day 7

Day 7: Cusco - Puerto Maldonado

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, we will transfer to the airport for a flight to Puerto Maldonado. Upon arrival, we will embark on a journey through the Amazon highlands to the boat dock in the town of Tambopata, followed by a 45-minute canoe ride along the Madre de Dios River to the jungle lodge.

 

Over the next few days, we will enjoy excursions on the Amazon River, getting up close with the unique birds, wildlife, and plants of the region. We will also partake in guided walks through the rainforest to uncover the secrets of the jungle.

 

Please note: Staying in the Amazon is a unique experience that differs significantly from what you may be accustomed to. The lodge is relatively simple, isolated, and surrounded by rainforest, rivers, and lakes. The rooms do not have phones or televisions, and internet access is often unstable, typically available only in the dining area/lobby/reception. This lodge is suited for those who love nature and seek an experience away from the developed Western world.

 

Shared tours included. The lodge stay is on a full-board basis. You can choose your preferred excursion at the lodge for this day.

Day 8

Day 8: אמזונס- פוארטו Amazon - Puerto Maldonado

After breakfast, you will enjoy a day filled with shared activities in the Amazon.

 

Explore the vibrant ecosystem through various excursions that may include canoe rides, guided jungle walks, and wildlife spotting, providing you with an immersive experience of this unique environment.

 

Overnight at the jungle lodge on a full-board basis.

Day 9

Day 9: Puerto Maldonado - Lima

After breakfast, we will check out from the lodge and return to the city of Puerto Maldonado. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the airport for a flight to Lima.

 

Once in Lima, we will transfer to the hotel, where you will have the remainder of the day free to explore at your leisure.
Overnight in Lima.

Day 10

Day 10: Lima - Airport

After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, we will transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

 

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