Highlights of Peru
Highlights of Peru
Highlights of Peru
8 Days Starting and ending in Lima, Peru
Visiting: Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LHPAM19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Eco Conscious, Foodie and Wine Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Peru with the "Highlights of Peru" tour. This cultural exploration begins in Lima, where you'll delve into the city's colonial heritage and culinary delights with a local chef. Travel to the Sacred Valley and Cusco, where you'll connect with local traditions and artisans, including a master Quechua weaver. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Machu Picchu, journeying aboard the scenic Vistadome train. Discover the ancient ruins and vibrant culture of Cusco, and enjoy a unique visit to the Larco Museum in Lima. With expert guidance, luxury accommodations, and immersive cultural experiences, this tour offers a rich tapestry of Peru's history and traditions, all while supporting sustainable tourism initiatives.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Lima, Machu Picchu and Larco Museum
- Visit ruins at Ollantaytambo, Cusco and the 15th-century fortress of Machu Picchu, historic Sacsayhuaman
- Scenic Drive through the Sacred Valley and in Peru's Andean highlands
- Scenic Train Ride to Machu Picchu aboard the Vistadome train
- Cusco: Enjoy the flavours of chicha, a Peruvian corn beer. Hear about how chicha is brewed by the local indigenous women and its history dating back to the time of the Incas as a favourite drink of the Andes. Learn about the two types of chicha, alcoholic sour chicha de jora made from fermented jora corn and the non-alcoholic, sweet chicha morada.
Make Travel Matter®
Cusco: Visit Manos de la Comunidad weaving centre to learn about artistic traditions and the four Andean camels: Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas and Guanacos. Then step inside a private area to discover one of the traditions of the Sacred Valley called “lindaje”. This typical tradition of several communities reinforces the borders of each community and involves several customs, one of which is man dancing in typical women’s clothes. Then enjoy an exclusive lunch at a beautiful outdoor space near the Weaving Centre. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10: Reduced Inequalities and 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Sacred Valley: Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience 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. You'll learn about traditional weaving practice using natural dyeing techniques and its importance to their identity and culture. Your visit makes a difference in helping to preserve and promote traditional pre-Columbian weaving techniques in the 21st century.
Be My Guest
Lima: Visit a local market with Chef Ignacio and enjoy a special lunch at his cooking school.
Trafalgar Difference
Sacred Valley: Admire your idyllic setting within the Sacred Valley and take in the 18th-century colonial-style features of Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay, a former monastery complete with plazas and cobbled streets.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Accommodation Name: Iberostar Hotel Lima
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 a Welcome Reception.
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, Dinner
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 with a Local Specialist, 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 civilisation, 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. We return to our hotel where we dine tonight.
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
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in carefully selected hotels that are tried and trusted.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Daily breakfast and up to half of the evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Transportation is provided by a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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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 Cusco to Lima are included, along with porter service at all airports.
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Tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
Tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu are included.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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International flights
International flights to and from Peru are not included in the tour package.
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Visa fees
Visa fees, if applicable, are not included in the tour package.
Dining Summary
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Lunch (L)
- 3 Dinner (D)
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 style with luxury 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.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Iberostar Hotel Lima, Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay, El MaPi, and Novotel Cusco, offering a blend of modern amenities and historical charm, including a former monastery with colonial-style features.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Manos de la Comunidad weaving centre to 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 the history and brewing process of chicha, a traditional Peruvian corn beer.
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What is the significance of the Vistadome train ride during the tour?
The Vistadome train ride offers a scenic journey to Machu Picchu, providing panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and the Andean highlands. It is a unique experience that enhances the visit to the iconic Machu Picchu site.
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How does the tour support sustainable tourism practices?
The tour supports sustainable tourism by visiting the Manos de la Comunidad weaving centre, which helps preserve traditional pre-Columbian weaving techniques and supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to reducing inequalities and promoting sustainable communities.
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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 traditional Peruvian dishes. The tour also includes a lesson on making the perfect Pisco sour, Peru's native drink.
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What historical sites are included in the tour itinerary?
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.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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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.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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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