Luxury Gems of Peru

 

Departures: Year-round

Places Visited: Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Arequipa, Colca Valley, Puno, Cuzco, Valle Sagrado, Machu Picchu

 

Highlights

Visit Peru’s top attractions: begin the tour in Peru`s capital Lima, a bustling blend of Inca heritage, colonial architecture and contemporary elegant neighborhoods. Fly over the mysterious Nazca lines, carved into the arid landscape. Board a boat for an up-close look at fur seals, sea lions, Humboldt penguins and numerous birds at the Ballestas Islands. Travel south to the historic city of Arequipa and nearby Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world and home to the mighty Condor. Explore the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca with its manmade floating reed islands. Then travel to the heart of the former Inca empire; stroll the pleasant streets of the city of Cuzco and explore the stunning ruins of Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world.

 

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • 12 Nights accommodation in double room accommodations
  • Daily breakfast and local taxes
  • 1 Half day private city tour in Lima
  • Nazca Lines panoramic flight
  • Ballestas Islands tour
  • 1 Half day private city tour in Arequipa
  • 2 Half day private tours in Colca Canyon
  • 1 Full day private guided tour to Uros and Taquile Islands
  • 1 Full day private city tour in Cuzco
  • 1 Half day private tour to Valle Sagrado
  • 1 Full day private guided tour in Machu Picchu
  • Train tickets
  • All entrance fees
  • Bilingual guides for transfers and tours.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

  • International and Domestic Flights
  • Meals and drinks other than those mentioned
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional tours and experiences
  • Any items not mentioned

Day 1: LIMA.

Reception at Lima’s International airport and transfer to Hotel B.

Private City Tour in Lima

Lima boasts fascinating architecture from three distinct historical periods: Pre-Columbian, colonial and modern. Begin the tour with a visit to La Huaca Pucllana, an old pre-Inca construction dating back to 500 DC. Next set out on a downtown walking tour of Lima’s most impressive colonial heritage, such as San Martin Square and the Plaza Mayor (Main Square), home to monumental buildings like the Government Palace, the Archbishop's Palace, the Basilica Cathedral and the Municipal Palace. Continue to the San Francisco Convent, an 18th century Spanish baroque construction that has been declared a Unesco World Heritage monument. The convent’s catacombs were only discovered in 1943. Next explore the modern and contemporary side of Lima; explore the elegant streets of the residential neighborhood of San Isidro and stroll underneath the leafy olive trees of Parque el Olivar. Conclude this tour in the upscale seaside suburb of Miraflores. Packed with fabulous shops, restaurants and bars, Miraflores boasts spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

Day 2: LIMA / PARACAS.

Private transfer to Paracas. Upon arrival and check in at the Paracas Hotel.

Panoramic flight over the Nazca Lines

Board a small plane at the local airfield to fly over the Nazca lines. There are numerous theories about these lines, some of which are almost 300 m/1000 ft long, and feature incredible designs. Are they runways for alien spacecraft, the lines of a giant seismograph? Maria Reiche, who spent a lifetime studying these mysterious lines, may seem to have come up with the most plausible theory: the lines form a gigantic astronomical calendar based on the movement of the sun. Carved into the red soil, the lines run from simple designs to more than 30 complex animal figures, such as a monkey, spider, and hummingbird.  Return to the hotel.

Day 3: PARACAS / LIMA.

Ballestas Islands boat tour

Early in the morning, embark on a boat tour to the Ballestas Islands. This offshore nature reserve is home to an incredible variety of marine wildlife such as sea lions, sea otters and fur seals. Visitors will also spot pelicans, Humboldt penguins and numerous other birds. On the way to the Ballestas Islands, stop to admire the enormous `Candelabra` carved out on the side of hill. The design is similar to that of the Nazca lines.

In the afternoon, return to Lima and transfer to Hotel B.

Day 4: LIMA / AREQUIPA.

Transfer to the airport for flight to Arequipa.

Reception on arrival and transfer to Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel.

Private City Tour

Known as the “White City” because of the distinct white volcanic stone used in many of its buildings, Arequipa boasts a lovely colonial center with numerous 17th and 18th century colonial gems. Visit the Cathedral, the Cloisters, the Compañia de Jesus Church, the colonial district of Yanahuara, the San Lazaro neighborhood, the Chilina ravine and the residential area of Selva Alegre. The highlight of this tour is a visit to the 16th century Santa Catalina Monastery, which has been closed to visitors for almost 400 years. This enormous complex with its thick stone walls and citadel has been beautifully restored. A stroll through the narrow passageways, plazas and gardens is like travelling back in time. 

Day 5:AREQUIPA.

Colca Canyon private tour

Located 100 miles northwest of Arequipa, the Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world and more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. Travel north along the slope of the Chachani volcano, across the national Reserve of Vicuñas and through the small towns of Vizcachani and Sumbay. As the road climbs, enjoy spectacular views of the Cordillera Blanca. One of the best viewpoints is at the Condor Cross ("la Cruz del Cóndor") at an altitude of 3600 m/11.800 ft above the Colca river. This is one of the best places in the region to observe the impressive Condor birds that soar high above the canyon. Return to the hotel.

Day 6:AREQUIPA / PUNO.

After lunch, travel to Puno in a private vehicle.

Reception in Puno and transfer to Titilaka Lodge.

Day 7: PUNO.

Full board

Uros & Taquile Island

Spend the day exploring Lake Titicaca. First, visit the Uros; these friendly inhabitants live on handmade floating islands made from totora reeds. Then continue to Taquile Island. The residents of Taquile island still preserve their ancestral traditions and are known for their colorful textiles. Walk to the top of the island for great views of the lake and to visit the Inca and Tiahuanaco ruins. A boxed lunch is provided on the island. Return to Puno in the afternoon.

Day 8: PUNO / CUZCO. 

Andean Explorer train journey (note: train runs only on Mon/Wed & Sat)

Live an unforgettable experience traveling aboard the highest train in the world, the Andean Explorer. The glass-domed observation car provides the perfect opportunity to view the beautiful sceneries of the Andean High Plateau. The highest point on the route is La Raya, at 4,319 m/14.150 ft, where the train stops to allow time to admire the snow-covered Chimboya Mountain Range. Lunch served aboard the train. Arrival in Cuzco and transfer to Palacio Nazarenas.

Day 9: CUZCO.

Private City tour of Cuzco and nearby ruins.

Today’s exclusive city tour begins with a visit to the San Cristobal Plaza for a panoramic view of the city. Then, visit the San Pedro Market to soak up the local atmosphere and learn more about regional food products. Step inside the magnificent temple of Korikancha (the Quechua name means “Gold Enclosure”).  In its glory days, this Inca temple was completely covered in gold. Next, visit the Santo Domingo Church, a lovely baroque building that contrasts sharply with the nearby Inca construction. Enjoy a pleasant stroll from San Blas, the artisans’ neighborhood, to Hatun Rumiyoc street. Along the way, stop to admire the Inca Roca Palace, now home to the Archbishop’s Palace. The walk continues to the Main Square for a visit to the city’s Cathedral and its valuable collection of beautiful colonial masterpieces. The next attraction is Sacsayhuaman, an impressive fortress on the outskirts of Cuzco, built by the Incas, who used nothing but enormous boulders. Also visit the Inca Shrine Qenqo and observe the sacrificial altar embedded in a rock cave. The last destination on this tour is the Puca Pucara viewpoint, a former Inca military fortress, and Tambomachay, an important archeological site. Return to the hotel. 

Day 10: CUZCO / SACRED VALLEY.

Private tour to Sacred Valley

Today, the Sacred Valley of the Incas awaits. The tour begins with a visit to Awanacancha, a textile center where artisans use the wool of Andean camelids, such as alpacas and llamas, to create beautiful knitted handicrafts and weavings. Next, browse the Pisac Market, a bustling outdoor market with lovely crafts and traditional food products, such as delicious empanadas or freshly baked bread. 

In the afternoon, our tour continues to Ollantaytambo, a small town that still features many Inca constructions. Visit the Temple hill and plaza, and admire the impressive Inca terraces.  

The tour concludes at the Rio Sagrado Hotel in Sacred Valley. Check-in and accommodation. 

Day 11: SACRED VALLEY / MACHU PICCHU.

Machu Picchu - private guided tour

Transfer to Ollantaytambo train station to embark on one of the most spectacular train rides in the world. Comfortably seated in the Vistadome, admire the breathtaking landscape as the train follows to course of the Urubamba River towards Aguas Calientes. From here, continue by bus along the winding road that climbs to Machu Picchu.

Check-in at Sanctuary Lodge Hotel.

Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu, also known as the Lost City of the Incas. Explore its astonishing terraces, temples, ceremonial shrines, steps and the Intihuatana solar clock. Afternoon tea at the hotel.

Day  12: MACHU PICCHU/CUZCO.

Inti Punku hiking

Enjoy beautiful views along this half day hike to Intipunku or the Sun Gate, the famous entrance way that leads from the Inca Trail into Machu Picchu.

Return from Machu Picchu to Cuzco onboard the elegant Orient Express Hiram Bingham Luxury train. The experience is purely first class. Sit back in the elegant 1920`s style railway carriage and enjoy the spectacular views of the Urubamba river while savoring delightful dishes and fine wines served by top chefs.

Upon arrival, transfer to Palacio Nazarenas Hotel.

Day 13: CUZCO.

At appropriate time, transfer to the airport.

 


Tour descriptions and approximate times are for informational purposes only. 

Some places described may be substituted and/or approximate times may be subject to change, due to unexpected circumstances or weather conditions.