Once regarded as the “navel of the world,” Peru captivates international attention for its rich history and diverse natural beauty. Each year, millions of tourists summit the rugged Andes mountains to reach Machu Picchu, which is the pinnacle of Incan innovation. Yet, a true adventure to the birthplace of the Inca Empire extends beyond the limits of this world wonder. Experience the best of Peru as you sample authentic ceviche along the breezy coastline, trek through the secluded jungles of the...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Lima - Arrival at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima
You will catch your first glimpse of Peru’s jagged mountain peaks and iridescent coastlines as you make landfall in Lima at the Jorge Chávez International Airport. Here, you will be greeted at the gate and escorted through customs to your private ground transportation.
Weave your way through the buzzing streets of downtown Lima as you inhale fresh sea-salt air that is mixed with the aromas of street vendors’ daily delights, which usually consist of grilled fish and chicken. Your bus will bump along the brick-laid streets of the historic district and then cruise past the opulent white skyscrapers of the fashionable Miraflores neighborhood. Finally, you will arrive at your luxurious accommodation in the heart of the nation’s capital. Once you are here and settled in, you can enjoya relaxing afternoon at water’s edge or on nearby restaurant patios that overlook the bay. After dinner, you will return to your hotel to rest for a full day of sightseeing.
What's Included:
Day 2
Lima - Full-Day City Tour
Day 3
Ica - Sand Dune Buggy Ride through the Huacachina Desert
Day 4
Cusco - Guided Tour of Cusco History
Day 5
Sacred Valley - Handicraft Culture Class and Tour of the Valley's Ruins
Day 6
Ollantaytambo - Scenic Train Ride to Machu Picchu
Day 7
Aguas Calientes - Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Day 8
Aguas Calientes - Climb to Huayna Picchu and Self-Guided Tour of Ruins
Day 9
Parque Nacional del Manu - Riverboat to the Amazonian Jungle
Day 10
Parque Nacional del Manu - Samples of Amazonian Dishes
Day 11
Parque Nacional del Manu - Zipline through the Amazon's Canopy
Day 12
Cusco - Shopping at Cusco's Local Markets
Day 13
Puno/Lake Titicaca - Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca
Day 14
Lima - Departure from Lima
Trip Highlights
- Bask in the sun-kissed fields of the Sacred Valley while you tour ancient fortresses and resort-like hideaways of the Inca Empire
- Explore the floating islands of Lake Titicaca and discover the fascinating culture of the Uros people who have called the islands home for centuries
- Stroll along the cobblestone streets of post-colonial Cusco as you marvel at the electric hues of traditional Quechua clothing
- Zipline through the lush jungles of the Amazonian canopy and get an up-close look at the abundant varieties of plant and animal life
- Journey to the famed ruins of Machu Picchu alongside your expert guide and uncover the site’s storied legacy
- Speed down the sand dunes of Ica’s desert oasis in a four-wheel dune buggy, then depart the shores of Paracas for a rare glimpse at indigenous birds and mammals
- Learn about the ancient Andean practices of natural yarn dyeing and textile weaving in Chinchero during a guided demonstration and culture class
- Indulge in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes and tour the charming city at the base of Machu Picchu
Detailed Description
From sandy beaches to grassy plains and rugged mountain peaks to dense rainforests, Peru’s terrain is among the most diverse in the world. For centuries, the region’s Inca Empire set itself apart as the largest civilization in the pre-colonial Americas, which is best known for its political prowess, agricultural innovation, and engineering expertise. As many are now flocking to the region to admire its beauty, this trip will give you the opportunity to also study the rich history and the vibrant culture that is deeply woven into the fabric of modern-day Peru.
Touch down in Lima at the Jorge Chávez International Airport. Spend your first day in the nation’s capital where history intersects the hustle and bustle of this major metropolitan area. Stroll through the prestigious neighborhood of Miraflores and sample the traditional Peruvian ceviche that it is marinated in fresh lime juice while you look out on the sandy coastline. Buckle in the next day for a thrilling ride atop the sand dunes of Huacachina’s desert oasis. Then, travel to the world-renowned city of Cusco to learn about Incan influence in the city and observe how many of these traditions carry on today.
Wind through the green pastures and ancient Incan relics of the Sacred Valley. Attend a culture class in Chinchero to practice natural dyeing and weaving techniques. Come to the salt mines of Maras before boarding the scenic train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. In the morning, follow your local guide on a tour of the ruins for a chance to learn more about their fascinating history.
After, venture to one of the most remote places in Peru: the Amazonian jungle. Mount a river raft to your beautiful lodge accommodation that is hidden deep inside the luscious foliage of Manú National Park. Listen carefully as your expert guide directs you to high-flying parrots and other indigenous wildlife. Whiz along the treetops as you zipline through the jungle’s canopy layer.
Return to Cusco as you acclimate back to the city life. In the morning, barter for jewelry, pottery, and Alpaca handicrafts as you stroll through outdoor marketplaces. Finally, step foot on the floating villages of Lake Titicaca and get to know the culture of the islands’ local inhabitants. Consider reading some of our travelers’ Peru tour reviews for more ideas to perfect your dream vacation.
Starting Price
$5,100 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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