Take the entire family on a trip you will never forget to the ancient wonders located in Peru. Get lost in the dazzling city life of the nation's capital before venturing off to the secluded jungles and majestic mountain tops of Peru's central regions. You will get the thrill of a lifetime as you zipline amongst the treetops of the Amazon Rainforest and trek to the breathtaking heights of Machu Picchu. Immerse yourself in local culture before stargazing amongst the serenity of the Sacred Valley.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Lima – International Arrival
When you descend on the lovely city of Lima, you will immediately be met with the shimmering waves of the Pacific glistening under the sun's warm rays. As you deboard, you will be greeted by your private guide and escorted to your ground transportation. Your driver will whisk you along the busy highways surrounding the major metropolitan city before bumping along the charming cobbled streets of Lima's historic downtown. In less than an hour, you will arrive at our luxury hotel with a private balcony overlooking the ocean. Staff will welcome you and your family with a steeping cup of mate de coca tea, a traditional herbal tea.
After settling into your hotel, you can stretch your legs as you begin to explore the city's major highlights. Your guide will lead you on a brief tour of the historic downtown, starting at the vibrant Plaza de Armas. Here, shady palm trees dot the main square, and colorful buildings burst from the square's perimeter. You can step inside the basilica and even tour the catacombs below for an inside look at Spanish architectural influence. Then, in the evening, you will return to the coast to enjoy a delicious locally sourced seafood dinner beside the verdant Parque del Amor.
What's Included:
Day 2
Puerto Maldonado – Bird Watching and Culture Class
Day 3
Puerto Maldonado – Zipline and Nighttime Hike
Day 4
Cusco – Plaza de Armas and Qorikancha
Day 5
Sacred Valley – Chinchero and Star Gazing
Day 6
Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes – UNESCO Ruins
Day 7
Lima – International Departure
Trip Highlights
- Keep watch for rare bird species and learn about the indigenous communities of the Amazon Rainforest
- Zipline along the treetops of Peru's jungle before taking part in an adventurous nighttime hike
- Stroll along the cobbled streets of the Plaza de Armas before stepping inside the famed Inca temple known as Qorikancha
- Attend an authentic culture class in Chinchero and settle into your glass-domed hotel for some peaceful star gazing
- Summit to the world-renowned ruins of Machu Picchu and learn about the rich history of Inca innovation
- Explore the serene mountain town of Aguas Calientes and dip into the medicinal hot springs at night
- Experience the fast pace of city life in Lima and unwind with a sunset dinner along the coast
Detailed Description
Make memories your whole family can look back on for years to come when you journey to the beautiful country of Peru. You will experience the best the picturesque nation has to offer alongside your expert guide during your week-long customized travels. Not only will you behold the diverse beauty of Peru, but also delve deep into the cultural traditions and history that make this such a unique place to visit.
From the start, your itinerary will be filled with blood-pumping excitement as you set out for the captivating rainforest region. After landing in Lima, you will take a connecting flight to Puerto Maldonado in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. You and the kids will be welcomed by the chirping of exotic bird species and rustling of leaves of monkeys swing from one treetop to the next. Before you know it, you will be swinging from the treetops just the same as you take off on a zipline adventure across the Amazon's canopy layer. Then, you will get down low as you glide across the river and keep watch for colorful macaws and other indigenous bird species. Later in the day, you will attend a culture class among the thick vegetation where you will learn about the groups of people who have called the rainforest home for generations.
During the second half of your family adventure, you will spend time in the birthplace of the Inca Empire, Cusco, where you will visit the esteemed Plaza de Armas and step inside the halls of the Sun Temple. You will visit several local markets and sample culinary delights beloved around the country. Then, you will journey through the Sacred Valley as you marvel at several key sites of the Inca Empire before descending on the quaint town of Chinchero. You will take part in several cultural traditions and feast with the locals. That evening, you will truly experience the magic of the Sacred Valley from your glassed-in hotel room suspended on a mountainside as you stargaze. Your trip will culminate in an unforgettable trip to Machu Picchu as you step back in time and appreciate the ingenuity of one of the Incas' greatest designs. You will follow your guide to the most prominent features of the site before enjoying some time to explore the masterpiece on your own. Finally, you can take stunning family photos that everyone can look back on for years to come.
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.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.86 stars based on 898 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.