During this 8-day journey, live like a local as you stroll through markets, sample culinary delights, and admire Lima’s eclectic arts scene. Fall in love with captivating stories of the Inca and pre-Inca civilizations, and marvel at Lima’s bustling streets that are full of the citrus aromas of Peru's world-famous ceviche. The cobbled streets of postcolonial Arequipa offer glimpses into Spanish influence while Lake Titicaca and Rainbow Mountain provide stunning and natural beauty.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Lima - International Arrival
As you touch down along the glistening shorelines of the Pacific Ocean in Peru’s capital of Lima, you will catch your first glimpse of the beautiful country. You will make your way through customs, where you will be met by your diver and transferred to your luxurious accommodation in the neighborhood of Miraflores. This afternoon, you will have the opportunity for self-guided exploration in the city's center. When you are ready, you can venture into charming bookstores and coffee shops before meandering down the cobbled streets of Lima's downtown during an introductory tour. Near the end of your tour, you can wander through Parque del Amor and around the area's scenic lighthouse before choosing from a gamut of dining options along the water.
What's Included:
Day 2
Lima - Ceviche Sampler Event
Day 3
Rainbow Mountain - Breathtaking Views
Day 4
Arequipa - Venture to San Camilo Market
Day 5
Puno - Fresh Lake Trout Dinner
Day 6
Lake Titicaca - Scenic Boat Ride
Day 7
Lima - Tour the Barranco District
Day 8
Lima - Departure
Trip Highlights
- Uncover Peru's ancient past when you step into Lima's renowned Larco Museum
- Marvel at Miraflores' illustrious coastline and tuck into the tantalizing flavors of authentic ceviche
- Summit Rainbow Mountain and capture pictures with the mesmerizing backdrop of multi-colored hues
- Stroll through Arequipa's frenzied Plaza de Armas and sample endemic fruits at the San Camilo Market
- Venture inside Puno's ornate cathedral and bite into fresh lake trout along the perimeter of the famous Lake Titicaca
- Partake in a scenic boat ride around Lake Titicaca and mount the curious Uros Islands as you learn about these artificial, floating landmasses
- Indulge in an exquisite three-course meal in Miraflores and get lost in the artistic Barranco District
Detailed Description
As you set out to explore the enchanting country of Peru, you will be in for the trip of a lifetime. In the capital city of Lima, soothing acoustic melodies will fill the air as couples stroll at a leisurely pace through the luscious gardens of Parque del Amor. Furthermore, street vendors may grill enticing combinations of potatoes, meat, onion, and peppers to delight the taste buds of every passerby. After touching down in Lima, you will spend your first few days in Peru, where you will be immersed in the city’s culture and tour intriguing historical sites. The Larco Museum will offer you insight into the region's ancient treasures and mysteries, and later that day, you will indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the city's ceviche, which is locally sourced and revered throughout the world.
On your second full day in Peru, you will venture away from the city’s action to experience the nation's natural landscapes. Your first stop will lead you to Rainbow Mountain. This location will provide you with the perfect photo opportunity before continuing to the city of Arequipa, where you will experience culture and tradition in an entirely new way. In Arequipa, palm trees decorate Spanish architecture, which is marked by stone facades and plazas. Just beyond the confines of the city, you will be able to catch breathtaking glimpses of the Misti Volcano and its snow-capped peak.
Before returning to Lima, you will make one last detour to the city of Puno, which is situated at the perimeter of Lake Titicaca. During your visit to the lake, you will have the opportunity to ride a boat around the lake and sample delicious trout in addition to learning about the Uros people and their fascinating floating island homes. Upon your return to Lima, you will visit the Barranco District, which is best-known for its vibrant arts scene. You will then cross the Puente de los Suspiros for enchanting views of the neighborhood's downtown before concluding your final evening in Peru in the illustrious town of Miraflores with stunning oceanfront views.
Starting Price
$2,900 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.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.87 stars based on 905 reviews.
Zicasso’s travel agent managed to ensure we were able to see and do all the things on our list, plus more! It was an amazing family adventure. We only had one issue with an airline delay, but she went above and beyond to help us. The guides and drivers were also spectacular.
Reviewed By Pamela N.
Zicasso's travel consultant planned the perfect itinerary for our family trip to Peru. She really listened to the types of experiences we wanted to have and absolutely delivered on everything she planned. All of our travel logistics went smoothly, with no issues, hiccups, or delays. She was also very responsive prior to our trip and the few times we reached out during our travels. And the app she used was extremely intuitive and helpful. I would highly recommend Zicasso's tour operator!
Reviewed By Jenifer Z.
Our trip from start to finish was absolutely fantastic. The Amazon jungle was a blast. I paid for an extra full-day excursion to fish for piranhas, which was definitely a great decision and one of the highlights of our trip (we had the piranhas for lunch, and they were delicious).
The Sacred Valley, Cusco, and Machu Picchu were fabulous. And then, the Galápagos were extraordinary, from the unexpected serenity of the place to the crew of the boat, and, of course, the proximity to wildlife, including snorkeling with sea lions. It was especially meaningful to be in these places with our entire family (10 of us). Everyone understood how special it was and we will all cherish the experience all of our lives.
The Zicasso travel company was fantastic from start to finish. Our travel specialist went far beyond the call of duty to help us, especially when one family members could not make the trip. He helped us with replacing that person with another. He was remarkably prompt, clear, and informative in all communications, both in planning the trip and during it. He has a very kind heart and is a great human being. I cannot say enough positive things about him.
Reviewed By bradley P.
My adult daughter and I had the most wonderful trip planned by Zicasso's travel company. Their team was exceptional; educational, on time, and just a pleasure to be with. Our itinerary was just what we were looking for. From Lima to the Amazon Rainforest, Cusco, and ending with Machu Picchu, it was well planned and well executed. We have memories that will last us forever.
Our travel specialist was a pleasure to work with. She listened to our thoughts and improved our experience with her great knowledge of the country, cities, and historical sites we wanted to visit. The travel company exceeded our expectations on every level. Thank you to our specialist and the team she assembled. We now have fantastic memories that will last us forever!
Reviewed By Darrin G.
Zicasso's travel agent is a phenomenal trip planner and advisor, and he helped make my husband's and my 20th wedding anniversary trip exactly what we were hoping for. He listened to what we were interested in exploring, provided multiple options for tours and activities, and was incredibly responsive, even after we booked the trip. He patiently answered all of our questions and provided excellent recommendations for restaurants.
Furthermore, he paired us with an outstanding tour guide for our time at the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. He even left us a surprise at our hotel on the final leg of our journey! When we go back to visit South America, we will definitely reach out to him!
Reviewed By Kasha H.
Zicasso's travel specialist was spectacular in every way. From the inception of communication and planning, through arranging for all of our tickets, hotels, transport, and amazing dining experiences, to the incredible support and guides we enjoyed along the way... they were outstanding and we received five-star service.
We were a demanding group of 13, ranging in ages from 17 to over 60, and we all had an absolute blast! We had an absolutely amazing trip. The Lares Trail and Machu Picchu (and our climb up Huayna Picchu) are by far some of the most memorable experiences we've ever had.
Our guide and driver were awesome... kind, professional, and accommodating, and our guide especially was very knowledgeable, with so much respect and love for the surrounding nature and culture.
Our travel specialist was timely, attentive, and responsive to all of our requests, and helped us collectively achieve one of the greatest vacations we have ever experienced.
They were 100% accurate in terms of how to prepare us for the altitude and allow us enough time to acclimatize in Cusco (and with a great, long, mountain bike ride at high elevation). Our specialist provided excellent recommendations for how to fill some additional time in Cusco while we acclimated. We loved touring Cusco itself, and seeing Sacsayhuaman, several spots in the Sacred Valley, and the Maras Salt Mines were all unforgettable experiences. We also loved the hotel she had us at in Cusco. It was a great spot to be able to explore the city on our own time.
After seeing all of the coordination, especially for the Lares Trail and Machu Picchu, we're so relieved we chose to go through Zicasso for this trip and were connected with our travel specialist and her company. Everything was well planned and thought out, and if anything was not right, they sought to immediately correct it. Our guide was on top of every detail and it was great knowing our agent was just a text or phone call away.
Reviewed By Gary W.
