Living Peru

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10 Days From

~~$1613~~

$1541

Living Peru

10 Days Starting in Lima and ending in Cusco

Visiting: Lima, Arequipa, Puno, Cusco

Tour operator:

Lima Tours

Tour code:

89076

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

EASY

Age range:

Min age:10

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

Interests:

Cultural

From:

$1613

$1541 (USD) Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$73

NB: Prices correct on 16-May-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Explore Peru and discover its heritage, fauna and inhabitants during 10 dreamy days of crossing the country. This unforgettable circuit from and to Lima invites you to visit beautiful colonial cities, archaeological sites left by ancient civilizations and some of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet. Admire the condor of the Colca Valley and the native camelids of the Andes. Discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas, travel back in time on the islands of Lake Titicaca and ascend Machu Picchu, the 'lost city of the Incas'.

Highlights

: Lima: Peru’s capital is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site containing a many architectural wonders, such as the historical Casa Aliaga, the Cathedral and the Larco Museum
Arequipa: Walk through the 'forbidden city' of Santa Catalina, visit the Jesuit church and enjoy the majestic views of the Misti volcano
Colca Valley: Appreciate the elegance of the condor flying over 4,000 metres of deep valley and visit some remote villages of the area
Lake Titicaca: Visit Taquile and the floating islands of Uros
Cusco: The ancient Inca capital is a unique blend of pre-Columbian ruins and Spanish colonial architecture
Visit the Cathedral, the fortress of Sacsayhuaman and Puca Pucara
Machu Picchu: The lost city of the Incas is hidden on the top of an Andean peaks and offers fascinating views not only of the mountain range but also of the Inca’s past

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival Lima

Location: Lima

Arrive at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima. Upon arrival, a representative will be waiting to greet you at the airport and the transportation service will transfer you to your hotel at the scheduled time. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure in Lima, the capital of Peru and a city steeped in history. During Colonial times, the Historic Centre of Lima, known as the “Ciudad de Los Reyes” (City of Kings), was the political, administrative, religious and economic centre for the Spanish in Peru. The historical centre is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. Lima is now a modern metropolis and is currently undergoing an exciting process of cultural and economic change. Take the opportunity to rest and recover after the flight or head out into the city for your first glimpse of life in Peru´s sprawling capital city. Alternatively, you can book our optional Magic Water Circuit with Dinner and Folk Show:

Magic Water Circuit with Dinner and Folk Show (shared basis):

A modern system of fountains certified as the largest in the world by the Guinness World Records. Built-in Exhibition Park, the Magical Water Circuit attracts crowds during summer and winter, being one of the new favorite attractions of Lima. See yourself and enjoy our water cruise that is followed by a unique gastronomical experience at a restaurant, accompanied by a delicious buffet dinner and amusing folk show.

Notes: Shared service. Start time: 18:00 hours. Duration 4 hours. Includes Pick-up and Drop-off, Bilingual guide (Spanish and English), Admission to Magic Water Circuit, and Buffet Dinner with Folkloric show

Overnight in Lima

Day 2 : Lima

Location: Lima

Wake up to breakfast in the hotel before hitting the streets of Lima’s old town, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site packed with fascinating historical buildings. Start with the Larco Museum, located in the traditional Pueblo Libre district, which is housed in a beautifully restored viceregal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid. The museum boasts the world’s most complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver objects, as well as pieces of erotic art. Then visit Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted in 1535 by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to Jerónimo de Aliaga, one of his captains. This is the only house from that time that to this day has always been owned by the same family. Continue to a scenic tour in the colonial downtown, which originates and spreads out from the Main Square. Here you can appreciate the grandiose architecture of the Spanish Empire and be amazed by Lima´s Cathedral. Erected in the 16th century, this building took more than 80 years to complete. After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. Alternatively, you may book our optional night tour (not included):

Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco Seefront & Pisco Museum Night Tour (private basis):

Join our Miraflores, San Isidro, Barranco Seefront & Pisco Museum Night Tour and explore the most attractive areas of the cities of San Isidro, Miraflores, and Barranco. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean from the top of the cliffs and pass by the famous Love Park (panoramic drive in a case of high traffic). In Pisco Museum you will take a part in a demonstrative experience where you will learn about the history of this national drink and with the help of an experienced bartender, you prepare a cocktail yourself, all accompanied by beautiful tapas tasting.

Notes: Private service. Start time: 17:00 hours. Duration 3 hours. Pick-up and Drop-off, Bilingual guide (Spanish and English), Demonstrative cocktail experience at Pisco Museum, an appetizer

Overnight in Lima.

Day 3 : Lima - Arequipa (90 Mins By Flight; Not Included)

Location: Arequipa

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a transfer to Lima airport. Once you land in Arequipa, a transportation service will take you to your hotel. Then, after a representative informs you about the attractions and services the city has to offer, go enjoy a tour of the town. The route begins in Arequipa´s Main Square, one of the most beautiful squares in Peru. Facing this square is the imposing Cathedral, built in the 17th century. From there, continue to the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a cloister and small religious citadel built-in 1579, still in use to this date. Then, visit the Church of the Compañia de Jesus (1590). Considered a classic example of local baroque architecture, it houses an exceptional collection of paintings and murals. Lastly, visit the districts of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto for a panoramic view of the Arequipa countryside. In the end, take a transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight in Arequipa.

Day 4 : Arequipa - Valley And Colca Canyon (180 Km - 3.5 Hrs)

Charge your batteries with breakfast at the hotel before leaving the city via Yura, a district characterized by its rugged scenery, hills, and cliffs. Then enter the Pampa Cañahuas Reserve, an extensive grass plain where vicuñas (an Andean camelid and a national symbol) can be spotted. Head through Vizcachani and Pampas de Toccra up to the crater of the Chucura volcano. From there, continue one last leg of the way to reach the Mirador de los Andes at Patapampa, a stunning viewpoint 4,800 metres above sea level with impressive views of the volcanoes surrounding Arequipa. Lunch is served in the town of Chivay and in the afternoon you can rest in the hotel.

Overnight in Colca.

Day 5 : Valley And Colca Canyon- Puno (255 Km - 4.5 Hrs)

Location: Puno

Once breakfast is over, head to Condor’s Cross, from where you can contemplate the view of the Colca Valley (one of the world´s deepest canyons) and see the large, majestic condor soaring over the valley, only a few metres away from where you stand. Back in Chivay, visit the towns of Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma and Yanque, and in between snap some more memorable photos at the Antahuilque and Choquetico viewpoints. Then later on continue to Puno with a detour that takes you through Patahuasi. Along the way, observe the amazing stone forests and sky-blue lagoons populated by cranes that fill this area 4,000 metres above sea level. Arrive at Puno after this amazing journey and enjoy a well-deserved rest at the hotel.

Overnight in Puno.

Day 6 : Puno - Lake Titicaca: Uros And Taquile Islands (1 Hr By Boat)

Location: Puno

After breakfast at the hotel, travel to the port of Puno where a boat will be waiting to take you to the beautiful Uros Islands. The Uros are an indigenous people of Peru that live on a series of man-made islands, created entirely from the buoyant totora reeds that grow abundantly in the shallows of the lake. The islands are composed of layers of woven totora, which are constantly replenished from the top as they rot from the bottom. The Uros people also use reeds to construct their homes, so cooking is done outdoors to avoid possible fires! After visiting this fascinating island for an hour and a half, sail to Taquile, a small slice of heaven that once belonged to the Inca Empire and whose residents speak Quechua. Look around and you will notice traces of its Incan past in the ruins that still exist around the island. After a brief introduction, the local community will give you an insight into their customs and traditions with a cultural demonstration. Lunch is enjoyed on the island before the return trip to Puno.

Overnight in Puno.

Day 7 : Puno - Cusco (360 Km - 7 Hrs)

Location: Cusco

After breakfast at the hotel, and at the agreed time, a transportation service will transfer you to the bus station, where a representative will help you catch your bus to Cusco. On the way, you’ll make a number of interesting stops. The first is the town of Pucara and the Pucara Lithic Museum. This was the first urban settlement on Lake Titicaca, established between 100 and 300 A.D. After a brief break at La Raya, the highest point of the trip between Puno and Cusco, at the dizzying altitude of 4,313 metres above sea level, the bus stops at Sicuani, where lunch is served. We then head on to Racchi, home to the Wiracocha Temple, an Inca site built in honour of a powerful Andean god. The rectangular construction boasts thatched rooftops 20 metres above the ground; these are thought to be the highest in the Inca Empire. Later, visit Andahuaylillas, a town located around 40 kilometres away from Cusco. The main attraction here is the local Church, known as the "Sistine Chapel of America" owing to the high quality of art found inside. The church was built during the 16th century on top of Wari remains. Afterwards, a last 40 kilometre drive gets you to Cusco, today’s destination.

Overnight in Cusco.

Day 8 : Cusco

Location: Cusco

Wake up to breakfast in the hotel, and then enjoy a guided tour of the former capital of the Inca Empire. The tour begins at the Santo Domingo Convent, a building constructed on the site of Coricancha, one of the most important Incan complexes dedicated to sun worship. According to historic records, the original temple walls depicted scenes of nature and were covered in gold leaf. After Coricancha, visit the imposing cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, then head to the Cusco hills, where you’ll find the fortress of Sacsayhuamán and panoramic views of Cusco. Continue on to Qenqo, an archaeological site where it is believed the Incas carried out religious rituals to improve harvests. Your tour ends in Puka Pukara, meaning ‘red fortress’ in Quechua. Puka Pukara is believed to be an ancient military site comprising numerous rooms, courtyards, baths, aqueducts and towers. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight in Cusco.

Day 9 : Cusco - Machu Picchu - Cusco (150 Km - 8 Hrs)

Location: Cusco

After breakfast at the hotel, your journey to Machu Picchu begins with a train ride Aguas Calientes, also known as "Machu Picchu Pueblo", the last stop before entering the most important archaeological site in Peru. In Aguas Calientes you’ll find a craft market, restaurants and, for those who prefer to spend the night at the foot of the mountain and climb early in the morning, hotels for all budgets. Take a short bus ride up to Machu Picchu, the architectural and engineering masterpiece that once served as a sanctuary and refuge for the Inca ruler Pachacútec. Machu Picchu, which means "Old Mountain", is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site and one of the seven new wonders of the world. At the end of the tour, take a bus back to Aguas Calientes and have lunch at Café Inkaterra. In the afternoon you’ll be taken to Aguas Calientes station, where you’ll board the train back to Cusco.

Overnight in Cusco.

Day 10 : Departure Cusco

Location: Cusco

After finishing your breakfast at the hotel, your representative will assist you with check out and accompany you on the transfer to the airport. Although this is the last day of your journey through the Sacred Valley, we hope that your memories of this remarkable region, bursting with both culture and history, will last a lifetime.

What's Included

GUIDE:

Operated with Bilingual English and Spanish -speaking local guide

ACCOMMODATION:

9 nights' accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-2 Lima:

Standard Hotel Category = Ibis Reducto or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = José Antonio Deluxe or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Hyatt Centric San Isidro or similar 5*

Day 3 Arequipa:

Standard Hotel Category = Maison D'Elise or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Casa Andina Private Collection Arequipa or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Wyndham Costa del Sol Arequipa or similar 5*

Day 4 Colca:

Standard Hotel Category = Casa Andina Standard Colca or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Colca Lodge or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Belmond Las Casitas or similar 5*

Day 5-6 Puno:

Standard Hotel Category = Xima Puno or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Sonesta Posada del Inca or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca or similar 5*

Day 7-9 Cusco:

Standard Hotel Category = San Agustin Internacional or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

OPTIONAL EXTRA:

Pre-night in Lima:

Standard Hotel Category = El Tambo II or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = José Antonio Deluxe or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Hyatt Centric San Isidro or similar 5*

Post-night in Cusco:

Standard Hotel Category = San Agustín Internacional or similar 3*

Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*

Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

MEALS:

9 breakfasts
4 lunches on day 4, 6, 7, 9
1 box lunch on day 5

TRANSPORT:

Transfers from and to airports
Transfers from/to train stations in a shared vehicle
Train to Machu Picchu round trip

ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:

Admission to all major monuments and sightseeing attractions mentioned in the above itinerary: Casa Aliaga, Cathedral and Larco Museum in Lima; Santa Catalina Monastery and Society of Jesus Church in Arequipa; Condor Cross in Valley & Colca Canyon; Uros and Taquile Islands in Puno; Pucara, Racchi and Andahuaylillas on the route from Puno to Cusco; Coricancha, Cathedral, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay in Cusco; Machu Picchu on day 9 and Cusco Tourist Tax (BTC ticket)

What's Not Included

Expenses of a personal nature. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during meals. Meals not stated in the programme
International flights to Peru
Domestic flights (we advise booking the first flights in the morning)
International and domestic airport departure taxes
Tips for driver and guide
Optional visits mentioned as not included

Requirements

Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for visiting the coastal areas of Peru, while for the high Andean area the use of warm clothing is recommended. It is not recommended that visitors wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or short clothes when visiting religious temples or official buildings. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.

Please Note

Day 1: Optional Magic Water Circuit with Dinner and Folkloric Show does not operate on Mondays.

Rates do not apply to Peruvians or residents with more than 60 days of stay. If passengers are Peruvians or exceed 60 days of stay, sale taxes (18%) will be collected by our local operator

Please note that check-in in most hotels begins at 13:00 hrs. Clients will be subject to the availability of the room if they arrive before time, allowed to wait in the hotel lobby

If your trip includes a visit to high altitude cities such as Cusco and Puno located at more than 3,400 metres (11,200 feet above sea level), do not forget to take precautions in order to avoid altitude sickness. Passengers who have heart problems or high blood pressure should check with their doctor before traveling

Upon arrival, it is recommended to rest for few hours, drink coca tea and eat lightly. As a reference, Machu Picchu is located at 2,400 meters (8,000 feet above sea level)

We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.

INSTRUCTIONS

Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco is not included and must arrive no later than 10:30hrs. Noon arrivals are too late. Carry the same document that you presented to the agency, given that train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu will be issued with the same information

In all train services to Machu Picchu, the passenger can carry only hand luggage (backpack, bag, or briefcase) weighing no more than 5kg / 11lb on the train to/from Machu Picchu. You will find your luggage at the chosen hotel. Allowed size: 62 linear inches 157cm (height + length + width). Quantity Weight Size (length + width + height) = 1 one handbag or backpack 5kg/11lb 62 inches/157cm.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW ENTRANCE REGULATIONS TO MACHU PICCHU

The current restrictions on visits to Machu Picchu allow a maximum stay of four hours in the citadel accompanied by a guide during the first entry. If the visitor tours on an alternate route (Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu) the passenger will have three hours to for this purpose, additional to the four hours in the citadel. If the passenger wishes to enter the citadel again during the afternoon shift or the next day, he/she must previously acquire an additional ticket to enter during the new shift. There is no ticket sale in the archaeological zone.

It is forbidden the following objects: professional cameras that require lights and tripods, or with telephoto lenses with a weigh higher than 2 kilos (in order to

use them, special authorization is needed, as well as the payment of an additional fee), drones, selfie sticks, sprays, high heels, walking sticks without

rubber tip, banners and posters, sharp objects, and backpacks bigger than 40cm x 35 cm x 20 cm.

NEW PLASTIC REGULATION:

After the prohibition of the access of single-use plastic items to 76 natural areas including Machu Picchu, it is important to use reusable bottles.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-2 Lima:

Standard Hotel Category = Ibis Reducto or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = José Antonio Deluxe or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Hyatt Centric San Isidro or similar 5*

Day 3 Arequipa:

Standard Hotel Category = Maison D'Elise or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Casa Andina Private Collection Arequipa or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Wyndham Costa del Sol Arequipa or similar 5*

Day 4 Colca:

Standard Hotel Category = Casa Andina Standard Colca or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Colca Lodge or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Belmond Las Casitas or similar 5*

Day 5-6 Puno:

Standard Hotel Category = Xima Puno or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Sonesta Posada del Inca or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca or similar 5*

Day 7-9 Cusco:

Standard Hotel Category = San Agustin Internacional or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

OPTIONAL EXTRA:

Pre-night in Lima:

Standard Hotel Category = El Tambo II or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = José Antonio Deluxe or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Hyatt Centric San Isidro or similar 5*

Post-night in Cusco:

Standard Hotel Category = San Agustín Internacional or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

Check out our Q&As

What does the price include?

What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are Visa fees included in the price?

No, visa fees are not included
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival

Do you offer any travel insurance?

We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Is there any option for solo traveller?

Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
Are flights included in the tour?

No, they are not included

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Johanne

Lima Tours forever choice for Peru

10-Sep-2022

"Amazing and knowledgeable guides for our trip of a lifetime in Peru. All of our vacation visits were handled by LimaTours. For the duration of our trip, we felt safe and in good hands. All of our guides were professional, punctual, organized, and most of all, very knowledgeable. In Lima, Katy gave us a great tour of the city. The next day, he walked us to the airport and helped us check in for our flight to Arequipa. Our favorite guide of all, Henry V., was going to be with our group for the next two days from Arequipa to Puno. The transfer from the airport to the hotel in Arequipa was efficient and informative. We learned a lot about Peru from Henry; and that opinion was unanimous among our group of twelve. Our safe driver Julianos stopped for tours, shopping and pictures as requested. We were sad to leave them in Puno after seeing such beautiful sites, great restaurants with buffets, and of course all that new cultural understanding of Peru. In Puno, José used various maps and images to share his information about the Urus people, Lake Titicaca, and Taquile Island. Our next day was less positive from Puno to Cuzco. It has nothing to do with LimaTours as we were on a VIP bus from a different company. Our guide barely spoke English all day. He preferred to speak Spanish as there were several European travelers on our bus. After a free day in Cuzco, we were glad to be with Dream Team, our guide Patrick and Juan Carlos, our amazing bus driver (navigating through the traffic in Cuzco can be quite a challenge). Once again, there is much to learn and places to visit in the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo. At Machu Picchu, Marco E. guided us, explained and showed us, also using pictures, a very detailed and comprehensive picture of this beautiful site, Machu Picchu. He even took photos of our group and helped us get our passports stamped. In conclusion, I recommend LimaTours for your vacation in Peru."

Dates & Availability

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May
2024 Jun
2024 Jul
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024 Nov
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025

Tuesday - Thursday

May 21, 2024 - May 30, 2024

~~$1613~~ $1541 (USD)