Discover a new world steeped in ancient grandeur during your 14-day highlights tour of Peru for seniors. Travel at your pace when uncovering the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu and the vivid colors of traditional Andean clothing. WItness Humboldt penguins and sea lions lingering in the Pacific and traverse the colonial architecture of regal Cusco. Stunning ruins, mystical floating islands, and preserved culture will immerse you in Peru’s endless marvels.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Lima – Arrive in the Capital of Peru
Peru’s capital city is a metropolis of historic splendor and fascinating culture, encompassing the marvels of contemporary Peruvian life and the distinctive character drawn from the various customs from around the country. The streets and homes stretch from the shores of the Pacific Ocean to the arid hills, far removed from the colorful Andean villages and llama-clad mountain peaks. Vibrant markets and remarkable museums offer glimpses into the continued traditions and preserved practices reaching the secluded corner of the Amazon and the high-altitude plains around Lake Titicaca. Your private transfer greets you at Jorge Chavez International Airport upon your arrival. You venture to a luxurious hotel in the neighborhood of Miraflores which represents the chic, fashionable, and contemporary side of Lima.
Quiet walkways line the cliffs overlooking the coastline and hang gliders soar above the water like elegant birds. The scent of the sea drifts through the air, accompanying the soft aroma of fresh-squeezed lemon dressing ceviche, a popular Peruvian dish. The remainder of the day is yours to stroll through the city at your preferred pace, discovering the hidden charms of the large city. You venture to the Mercado de Brujas, known for selling unique goods such as snake fat and delicate blends of herbs and spices. Seniors of Peru often visit the market for homeopathic cures to arthritis. The scent of sage floats through the aisles across cactus leaves, displays of shells, and healers eager to help customers navigate the treatments.
What's Included:
Day 2
Lima – Discover Historic Sites, Bustling Culture, and Charming Neighborhoods
Day 3
Sacred Valley – Fly to Cusco and Transfer to the Sacred Valley
Day 4
Sacred Valley – Explore the Fascinating Market at Pisac and Ruins of Ollantaytambo
Day 5
Aguas Calientes – Enjoy a Scenic Train Ride and Visit Enchanting Machu Picchu
Day 6
Cusco – Return to the Inca Capital
Day 7
Cusco – Traverse the Fabulous Sites and Preserved Culture of Cusco at your Pace
Day 8
Puno – Transfer to Puno on the Shores of Lake Titicaca and Enjoy a Relaxing Day
Day 9
Puno – Cruise Lake Titicaca to Visit Floating Islands and the Island of Taquile
Day 10
Puno – Relish a Full-Day Excursion to Bolivia to Visit Copacabana and the Sun Island
Day 11
Paracas – Travel to Lima for a Scenic Drive to the Oceanside Town of Paracas
Day 12
Paracas – Wander through the Protected Lands and Waters of the Ballestas Islands
Day 13
Paracas – Delight in the Pacific Views and Tranquil Ambiance
Day 14
Paracas – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Walk along the grand design of famous Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, for insight into the majestic rituals, architecture, and lives of the Inca
- Travel through the Sacred Valley to visit the vibrant and colorful Pisac Market, along with the grand terraces texturing the mountainside unbroken by a single staircase
- Traverse the Spanish colonial architecture decorating the heart of Lima at the Plaza de Armas when visiting the Cathedral, San Francisco Monastery, and the Gold Museum
- Cruise the deep waters of Lake Titicaca, the largest high-altitude lake in the world and home to the unique floating islands of the Uros peoples
- Venture into Bolivia for full-day expedition visiting the mystical Isla del Sol, where Inca ruins and traditional villages mark the birthplace of the Inca Empire
- Delight in a half-day boating excursion on the Pacific Ocean to visit the Ballestas Islands, home to exceptional marine life and wildlife, such as sea lions and Humboldt penguins
- Discover the magnificent engineering techniques of the Inca on a half-day tour of Cusco, capital of the pre-Columbian empire, and home to the fortress of Sacsayhuaman
Detailed Description
Explore, experience, and enjoy the highlights of Peru on a senior tour blending exciting excursions with relaxing luxury. Your 14-day Peru tour takes you across the fascinating landscape to reveal the splendors of snow-capped peaks, riverside highlands, and secluded islands found in high-altitude lakes and the Pacific Ocean. Your adventurous and scenic Peru tour begins in Lima where your private transfer greets you upon arrival and escorts you from the airport to your gorgeous hotel in the coastal neighborhood of Miraflores. Take your time in the capital city to discover the hidden charms, bustling ambiance, and amalgamation of Peruvian culture drawn from around the country. View the Spanish colonial architecture, visit historic catacombs, and find the active life in the local markets.
The Sacred Valley offers you an oasis far removed from the rugged highlands of the Andes Mountains. Andean women continue to wear vibrant colors shining from traditional handwoven clothing. Stroll through the aisles of the Pisac Market and wander at your preferred pace up the marvelous terraces leading to the remains of an Inca community. The ruins of a former fortress and ceremonial district at Ollantaytambo towers over the town below where Incan homes continue to line the streets. The scenic train ride leads you to Aguas Calientes where you have a guided tour of the captivating complex of Machu Picchu. Learn about the history and absorb the majestic ambiance of the once hidden Inca complex before returning to Cusco. The capital of the Inca Empire displays the grandeur of its past through the remains of Inca foundations and charms of the Spanish colonial architecture.
Puno presents a remarkable ambiance at high altitudes along the shores of Lake Titicaca. Enjoy a day on the water discovering floating islands and distinctive cultures before traveling into Bolivia to step onto the Island of the Sun where the Inca Empire began. Transfer to Paracas on the Pacific coast where the change of pace offers pristine beaches and unobstructed views to the western horizon. A full-day cruise immerses you in the natural wonders of the protected landscape, offering visions of sea lions, penguins, dolphins, and flamingos. Bask in comfort with a day at leisure, allowing you to lounge by the pool or at the beach, visit one of the local museums, or enter an archeological site with Inca ruins unique to the coastal region.
Consider browsing our Machu Picchu trips page to gain further insight into your own tip to Peru and Machu Picchu.
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.
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.