Lima to the Lost City & Lake Titicaca
Private tour: Take in the highlights of Peru's capital before flying to captivating Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Discover the wonders of the Sacred Valley and enjoy an incredibly scenic train journey to the spectacular 'lost city' of Machu Picchu. Meet the islanders of Lake Titicaca and end your adventure back in Lima on this 11 day tour of Peru.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Lima
Day 1 Lima
Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival at the Lima airport you’ll be transferred to the hotel in the popular Miraflores district of the city. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the city.
Day 2 Explore Lima
Day 2 Explore Lima
Today explore the beautiful city of Lima, also known as the 'city of kings'. The guided tour takes you through Plaza San Martin, also taking in Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace and the City Hall. Continue with a visit to the San Francisco Monastery and its famous underground crypts which are home to an estimated 70,000 remains. This bright yellow architectural wonder also houses an incredible library, holding thousands of antique texts, some of which pre-date the conquest in the 16th century. Later take in the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, where you see Huaca Pucllana, an impressive clay pyramid that represented the ceremonial and administrative centre of the Lima culture. Also visit El Olivar park, a peaceful space with olive trees that were brought to Peru in the 15th century. The final stop on today's tour of Lima is El Parque del Amor, a romantic spot is situated on the cliffs of Miraflores overlooking the Pacific ocean. The rest of the day is free to explore this fascinating city at your own pace.
Lima is fast becoming one of the gastronomic capitals of the world and later this afternoon there is the opportunity to join an exciting optional Lima Gourmet Food Tour, combining gastronomic delights with walks around the capital, experiencing the local culture. Please contact us to book.
Days 3-4 Cusco
Days 3-4 Cusco
Lima - Cusco. This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Arriving into Cusco the rest of the day is free to relax and adjust to the altitude. This beautiful city full of history and intrigue, is located 3,399m above sea level.
The following morning take in the highlights of the beautiful city of Cusco on a guided tour. Starting at the Plaza de Armas, built on the remains of one of the most important Incan gathering spots, also visit the cathedral, the Kenko Amphitheatre and the impressive Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Built between 1438 and 1474, Sacsayhuaman Fortress took over 20,000 labourers to build and some of the magnificent stone work measures over 4 metres in height and over 100 tons in weight. The afternoon is free to stroll around the cobbled streets, visiting handicraft shops, markets and cafes.
Day 5 Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo
Day 5 Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo
Cusco - The Sacred Valley. Departing Cusco travel to the Sacred Valley of the Incas today. The first stop is the popular Pisac markets where you have the chance to see the variety of colourful handicrafts on offer. Originally only held on Sundays, Pisac Market was a place for artisans from across the region to trade in their products. Today the market is a daily occurrence where locals and visitors alike can find some of the finest textiles, jewellery and clothing typical of this area of Peru. Then continue your journey to the remarkable Ollantaytambo fortress which was constructed to guard the entrance to this part of the valley and protect it from possible invasions of tribes from the jungle lowlands. One of the best examples of Incan architecture, many of the inhabitants of Ollantaytambo still live according to the customs and traditions they have inherited from generations of ancestors, leading to it being known as a living Inca town. Spend the night at a converted 18th century monastery nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
Day 6 Machu Picchu
Day 6 Machu Picchu
Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco. The day starts with a short drive to the Ollantaytambo train station where you board the train for a scenic journey to Aguas Calientes. Remember to look out the windows as the scenery along the way is utterly breath-taking. In Aguas Calientes board a bus which takes you along a winding path up the slopes of the great Machu Picchu mountain to the famous Inca citadel.
The incredible lost city of the Incas is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River, surrounded by tropical forest. Completed in the latter half of 15th Century, archaeologists believe Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Pachacuti, an Incan leader who reigned from 1438 to 1471. Built in the classical Inca style with polished dry-stone walls and terraces that seem to have been crafted naturally from the rock escarpments, Machu Picchu is a spectacular testament to the greatness of the Inca civilisation. Only a century after its completion however, the citadel was abandoned during the Spanish conquest and only thrust into the spotlight in 1911 when it was discovered by the American historian and explorer Hiram Bingham, who brought it to the world's attention.
Explore Machu Picchu on a guided tour and then return to the spa town of Aguas Calientes where there's time to stroll around before travelling by train back to Cusco.
Day 7 Optional Chinchero or Rainbow Mountain
Day 7 Optional Chinchero or Rainbow Mountain
Enjoy a free day in Cusco to explore the city at your own pace. Alternatively, join one of the optional excursions on offer. Visit the local Andean market town of Chinchero on a half day tour. Chinchero has one of the most traditional markets in South America, and here you will find locals in colourful traditional dress, buying and selling their produce.
Alternatively, for the fit and active, there's an optional full day excursion to Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain (offered from March to November), with lunch included. After a scenic 2.5 hr drive through rugged mountain scenery, trek with a guide to the summit of Rainbow Mountain, with its striking bright stripes of mineral deposits.
Days 8-9 Lake Titicaca
Days 8-9 Lake Titicaca
Cusco - Puno. After an early breakfast, travel by tourist bus to Puno (approx. 10 hr journey), passing by the lovely Wacarpay Lake, with spectacular views of the mountains reflected in its calm waters. Along the way make a couple of stops, the first one being in Andahuaylillas to see the Church of San Pedro, which has been given the nickname the Sistine Chapel of the Americas. Moving along, pass through herds of llamas and spectacular landscapes until you get to Ayaviri, an important livestock and textile centre. Here, see the Temple of Kalasaya, remnants of a Pucara structure. After a stop for lunch at a countryside restaurant, continue on to Puno, your base for the next two nights.
The following day take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca to see the remarkable floating islands of Uros. These unique islands are made of a certain type of reed called totora, which enables it to float, despite the weight of a civilisation upon it. Then move on to Taquile Island, where you can mingle with the Quechua-speaking locals and learn about their efficient and unique social system as well as their fine hand weaving techniques, passed down from generation to generation. Experience life in a local home, with a delicious home cooked meal provided for lunch. After lunch explore more of this remarkable island including some of the islands archaeological sites. Later this afternoon return to Puno.
Day 10 Return to Lima
Day 10 Return to Lima
Puno - Lima. This morning head to Juliaca Airport for your flight back to Lima. Transfer to your hotel in Miraflores and then the rest of the day is free to spend at leisure exploring the beautiful Peruvian capital. Why not visit one of the many fantastic museums around the city, showcasing everything from pre-Colombian art to archaeological gems.
Day 11 Lima
Day 11 Lima
Today your tour of Peru comes to an end with a transfer to Lima airport.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
The modern Hilton Garden Inn is located in the vibrant heart of Lima’s upscale Miraflores district, only a 5-minute stroll from Miraflores Central Park and Kennedy Park. The hotel features spacious rooms with contemporary amenities, including free Wi-Fi, HD TV and a mini-refrigerator. You can enjoy a relaxing swim in the rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city, work up a sweat at the fitness centre or savour Peruvian cuisine at the on-site restaurant. From the hotel’s prime location you can also take a scenic stroll along Malecón de Miraflores, a popular coastal path which stretches for 6-miles, and visit the popular The Larcomar shopping centre.
The recently renovated Sonesta Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Cusco. The Plaza de Armas, Cusco Craft Center, Centro de Textiles and Cusco Museum of Popular Art are all just a short walk away. The well-appointed guest rooms feature either a mountain or city view, with cable TV, free WiFi and private bathrooms. The hotel’s restaurant serves a fusion of Peruvian and international food. There are two bars and a café for you to relax and enjoy a drink after a busy day sightseeing.
Hilton Garden Inn Cusco, located in the historic city of Cusco, offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and cultural charm. Perched on a hillside with stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains, this contemporary hotel provides well-appointed guest rooms featuring plush bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs, ensuring a restful stay. The on-site restaurant serves tasty local and international cuisine, there's a cosy bar to enjoy a relaxing drink after a busy day of sightseeing and courtyard yoga sessions, should you wish to partake. The hotel's prime location provides easy access to Cusco's renowned attractions, including the Plaza de Armas and the ancient ruins of Sacsayhuaman.
Scenically housed in an old monastery at the foot of a mountain in Peru's iconic Sacred Valley, the Sonesta Posadas del Inca-Yucay is located just outside Urubamba and makes a great base for exploring the region. Rooms combine the contemporary and the rustic, featuring private bathrooms, TV, free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. The onsite restaurant serves Andean classic dishes with a modern twist, and there's also a bar for customers to enjoy. As with many rural Peruvian hotels, there are resident alpacas!
La Casona de Yucay is a charming boutique hotel nestled in the serene Sacred Valley of the Incas. Housed in a historic 1810 colonial mansion, the hotel combines timeless elegance with modern comforts, offering an authentic Andean experience. The beautifully appointed rooms feature traditional decor and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and gardens. The hotel’s restaurant serves delicious farm-to-table Peruvian cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the bar serves snacks and of course, the traditional Peruvian Pisco Sour. After a day exploring ancient Inca sites, the courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy a drink, appreciate the view and the tranquil setting.
Set on the banks of Lake Titicaca you cannot go wrong with the view from this hotel in Puno. This modern property boasts spacious and comfortable guest rooms outfitted with air-conditioning, safety deposit boxes, TVs and a fully stocked mini bar. The hotel restaurant Sillustani enjoys fantastic has floor to ceiling windows serves up a delectable menu. When you return from a day of sightseeing why not grab a drink from the bar and admire the vista from the lounge. While Hotel Jose Antonio might be located a taxi ride from Puno, but its well worth it for the view.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
Add on:Chinchero Half Day Tour
On this half day excursion, explore the picturesque village of Chinchero, nestled within the Sacred Valley. Revered as the birthplace of the rainbow, this traditional Andean settlement boasts Inca ruins, a beautiful colonial church, breathtaking mountain panoramas, and a bustling traditional Sunday market.
Add-on: Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Trek
Embark on a full-day guided excursion to discover the natural wonder of Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, located in the Andes of Peru. Trek to the summit and marvel at the vibrant colours of the mountain's layered sedimentary rocks, ranging from deep reds to vibrant yellows and mesmerizing blues, creating a unique and unforgettable sight. With a knowledgeable guide to lead the way and a delicious lunch included.
Add on: Lima Gourmet Food Tour
This gourmet food tour commences with a Peruvian Pisco cocktail and seafood by the sea at sunset. Continuing your culinary tour of the capital, venture to the historical heart of Peru and delight your palate with gourmet recipes next to the awe-inspiring pre-Inca ruins in the Huaca Pucllana. Then you're treated to a hands-on gourmet culinary experience in a hidden location, featuring a local's chef's signature dishes, to tantalize your taste buds. End the evening with a starlit stroll through the charming district of Barranco, known for its bohemian spirit and artistic allure.
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