Enjoy Peru's national dish, ceviche, as its freshness compliments Lima's picturesque public parks. Palm trees sway in the historic Plaza de Armas, just a short walk from the ancient pyramid of Huaca Pucllana and the sleek, modern skyscrapers of Miraflores. Vibrantly colored textiles burst from every corner in Cusco, and backpackers gather en route to the famed ruins of Machu Picchu. You will delight in an immersive seven-day adventure to Peru, where you will experience the very best of...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Lima - International Touchdown in Peru
When you touch down at Lima's International Airport, you will anticipate the citrusy delicacy of ceviche, Peru's signature dish. Seagulls let out cries overhead as they swoop to soft sandy beaches below. Once you have walked through customs and collected your bags, you will meet your expert guide and board private ground transportation to your hotel.
As you look out the car window, you will fall in love with the sparkling ocean waves and verdant plazas bursting with brightly colored flowers. Families gather in parks for an afternoon picnic, and couples stroll hand-in-hand through the Parque del Amor. Soon, you will arrive at your luxury hotel in the heart of Miraflores, the most prestigious of all Peruvian neighborhoods. Settle into your hotel room and enjoy the breathtaking view from your private hotel balcony. Then, you and your travel companions can venture into the city for a bit of self-guided exploration. You can admire the quaint cobblestone streets set during colonial times and pass through the illustrious Plaza de Armas. In the evening, you can watch the sunset as you enjoy a lovely dinner of authentic ceviche at the water's edge.
What's Included:
Day 2
Cusco - Outdoor Markets Food Tour and Ancient Inca Ruins
Day 3
Cusco - Plaza de Armas, Live Music, and San Blas
Day 4
Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo and UNESCO Ruins
Day 5
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu UNESCO Ruins and Hot Springs
Day 6
Lima - Larco Museum and Barranco District
Day 7
Lima - International Takeoff
Trip Highlights
- Coast into Lima's International Airport and enjoy an authentic ceviche dinner in the prestigious neighborhood of Miraflores
- Tour Cusco's outdoor markets and explore the city's ancient Inca ruins, including the Qorikancha Sun Temple
- Stroll through the city's charming Plaza de Armas and attend a traditional live music event in the Spanish colonial neighborhood of San Blas
- Explore the ancient citadel of Ollantaytambo and take off on an illustrious train ride to the sleepy mountain town of Aguas Calientes
- Embark on a summit to the acclaimed ruins of Machu Picchu and dip in the medicinal hot springs at sunset
- Walk the halls of Lima's famous Larco Museum to learn about ancient history and uncover the whimsical artwork of the Barranco District
- Dig your toes into the sand at Lima's beautiful beaches and relax beneath the shady palm trees of the city's Plaza de Armas
Detailed Description
When you travel to the Peruvian cities Cusco and Lima, you are sure to experience the very best of culture, history, and of course, tantalizing cuisine. Just like Peru's varied landscapes (beaches, mountains, jungles, deserts, and valleys), local gastronomy also offers diverse flavors any palate will enjoy. Each traditional food tells a story that reaches far beyond the table – some dating back thousands of years to ancient civilizations. You will experience culinary excellence and more during your thrilling seven-day expedition to Peru.
Your journey will begin in sunny Lima, the nation's capital. As soon as you arrive, you will be confronted with the energetic flurry of activity that ensues each day. Motorcycles whiz around central boulevards and taxis careen along the coast. Families gather in seaside parks while street vendors serve up tantalizing skewers of grilled meat. You will stay in the prestigious neighborhood of Miraflores and spend the evening along the water. At dusk, you can sit down for a five-star meal of authentic Peruvian ceviche.
In the morning, it's off to Cusco, where you will explore the effervescent buzz of outdoor markets and banter with locals while you peruse colorful displays of produce. Here, you can sample the region's most delectable variety of fruit, including the popular chirimoya or maracuya. Over the next two days, you will explore Cusco's ancient Inca ruins, Qorikancha, Tambomachay, and Saqsayhuaman. Then, learn about Spanish colonialism in the town as you pass through the Plaza de Armas. In the evening, you can attend a live music performance. At the same time, you sample delicacies of the Andean region such as escabeche, lomo saltado, and cuy for a truly authentic Peruvian experience.
Then, you will begin your journey through the Sacred Valley to the esteemed ruins of Machu Picchu. Board a luxury train ride from the neighboring town of Poroy to Ollantaytambo, a famous ancient citadel that served as a refuge for the Inca people escaping the Spanish conquistadors. An hour or so later, you will arrive at the sleepy town of Aguas Calientes at the base of the majestic ruins. You will spend the night in a luxury lodge accommodation before uncovering the hidden gems at Machu Picchu over the next two days. In the evening, you will enjoy a three-course traditional dinner beside the town's main plaza and soak in the thermal hot springs later that night. Finally, you will return to Lima for one last day of sightseeing in the Barranco District.
Starting Price
$2,600 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
The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.
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