Close your tattered history books and dive into the storied past of Peru's ancient Inca Empire. As you make your way from the pristine beaches of Lima to the luscious jungles of Tambopata, from the serene mountain tops of the Andes to the swift river waters of the Sacred Valley, uncover the tales that make each of these places true gems. Observe the captivating mix of prehistoric traditions and post-colonial aesthetics of when the Spanish dropped anchor in the New World. Meanwhile, witness mystical...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Lima - Touchdown and Attend a Ceviche Sampler Event
As your plane descends on the iridescent coastlines of Peru's capital city, you can look out on the picturesque beaches and elegant white skyscrapers. After customs, you will meet your private transport which will accompany you to your luxurious hotel in the prestigious neighborhood of Miraflores. You can unwind atop your private balcony or seaside with a refreshing and frothy pisco sour. Paragliders may soar across the horizon while children skip in grassy, public parks and fly kites in the sky. Couples will stroll along the botanical gardens of Parque del Amor before relaxing on beautiful mosaic-tiled benches, and seagulls will coo in the distance while taxis honk their horns along busy city avenues.
In the afternoon, you will join your guide at a nearby restaurant where you will sample perhaps the most emblematic of all Peruvian dishes: ceviche. You will sit in on a cooking demonstration that is led by an expert chef before sampling varieties from Lima's world-renowned restaurants. As you bite into the crunchy layers of pepper, onion, and seafood, tangy lemon-lime juices will overwhelm your taste buds.
Later, you will enjoy a peaceful evening walk on the elegant trails above the crashing Pacific Ocean waves. The fresh smell of sea salt in the air is sure to soothe your senses and lull you to sleep as you return to the hotel to prepare for tomorrow’s urban exploration.
What's Included:
Day 2
Lima - Tour of the City Highlights & National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru
Day 3
Ica - Islas Ballestas and Huacachina Desert Oasis
Day 4
Ica - UNESCO Nazca Lines and Scenic Wine Tasting
Day 5
Puno - Lake Titicaca's Uros Floating Islands and Uros Culture Class
Day 6
Cusco - Market Bartering, Plaza de Armas, and Qorikancha
Day 7
Cusco - Saqsaywaman and Tambomachay
Day 8
Sacred Valley - Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Horseback Riding
Day 9
Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo and Panoramic Train Ride
Day 10
Aguas Calientes - Expert Tour of Machu Picchu Ruins and Natural Hot Springs
Day 11
Aguas Calientes - Expert Tour of Machu Picchu and Climb to Huayna Picchu
Day 12
Tambopata - Animal Sightseeing, Hiking, and Birdwatching
Day 13
Tambopata - Conservation Center, Ziplining, and Culture Class
Day 14
Lima - International Departures
Trip Highlights
- Venture on a tour of the prestigious, post-colonial architecture of Lima and sample citrusy ceviche from world-renowned chefs
- Whiz down the sand dunes of Huacachina and sip on sweet red wines from beautiful vineyards in the Ica province
- Barter your way through the markets of Cusco and visit the famed Inca Empire ruins of Qorikancha, Tambomachay, and Saqsaywaman
- Drift along Lake Titicaca and discover the fascinating origins of the floating Uros Islands
- Jet past the stunning Nazca Lines and spot humpback whales on your luxury cruise to the Islas Ballestas
- Trek through the Amazon Jungle as you birdwatch and learn about inconspicuous and indigenous cultures of the rainforest region
- Summit to Machu Picchu and bathe in the soothing hot springs of Aguas Calientes, which is said to possess medicinal powers
Detailed Description
Uncover the diverse history of a nation that was founded by some of the most innovative civilizations of the era. You will feel as if you are stepping back in time when you tour the famed ruins of the Inca Empire and other prominent prehistoric cultures. At the same time, you will witness the unique blend of architecture and culture as the Spanish imposed their influence during the conquest of the 16th and 17th centuries. There is no better place to immerse yourself in history and culture than inside the captivating country of Peru.
You will begin your journey in Lima where you will stroll along iridescent coastlines and admire the architectural designs of Andean and Spanish builders alike. Then, you will attend a ceviche sampler event so you can become acquainted with Peru's premier culinary pride. You will also venture on day trips to the cities of Paracas, Ica, and Nazca, where you can ruminate in the drastically diverse terrains of Peru's Pacific Ocean coastline, sandy desert oasis, and impressive line formation that was created by prehistoric groups thousands of years ago. Next, set out on Lake Titicaca for a culture lesson about the riveting history of the Uros people and set afoot on their innovative floating islands.
Later, you will make your way inland to Cusco. Here, you will take part in frenzied daily life at the local open-aired markets and drift back in time as you encounter Inca masterpieces at sites like Qorikancha, Tambomachay, and Saqsaywaman. You will continue through the scenic Sacred Valley in pursuit of the renowned UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Machu Picchu. Finally, you will embark on a once-in-a-lifetime excursion to the verdant depths of the Amazon Jungle, where you will meet a myriad of endemic wildlife and gain a deeper understanding of the riveting cultures of the indigenous Amazonian people.
Interested in browsing some of our travelers’ Peru tour reviews? Click here for more.
Starting Price
$3,075 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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