Highlights of Peru

Known as the ‘Egypt of South America’, Peru is brimming with historical sites, from the ancient fortress of Kuelap to the mysterious Nazca Lines. But without doubt, the jewel in Peru’s crown is the legendary Machu Picchu. You are invited to enjoy Peru’s best sights on this exciting escorted tour.

9 day tour includes:
• 8 nights accommodation in budget hotels
• airport transfers
• sightseeing  tours
• domestic  flights within South America^
• 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches
• English speaking local guide

From: $1744 per person twin share

Price is per person twin share and does not include international airfares.
^Domestic airfares are subject to change at any time.

 For more information or to book please contact the office on 02 9267 0232

Itinerary

DAY 1: Welcome to Lima! On arrival to the airport you will be transferred to your hotel

DAY 2: Lima Transfer Hotel – Airport

Transfer to the airport for your outward flight from Lima.

On arrival into Puno you will be transferred to your hotel, stopping on the way to take in the pre-Inca burial ground of Silustani. Here you can wander through the remarkable tombs built from volcanic stone, known as Chulpas which reach heights of up to 12 metres. Overlooking the beautiful lake Umayo, Sillustani is considered to be one of the most important necropolises in the world.

DAY 3: Puno Uros & Island of Taquile Traditional Vessel

Travelling by traditional vessel, we begin by visiting the Floating Islands of Uros, where the friendly locals continue to practice their traditional way of life, living by fishing. Situated four kilometres from Puno, the original inhabitants of these floating islands are said to descend from one of the most ancient peoples of the Americas. Their dwellings made of totora reed are built on the surface of Titicaca Lake. On our way back to Puno we stop at Taquile Island a place where time appears to have stood still. Around 350 Quechua-speaking families live here, operating a collective agricultural system dating from the 14th Century and renowned for their textiles – beautifully woven chumpis (belts), chullos (caps), and ojotas (sandals). Includes lunch Tour duration: 10 hours

DAY 4: Journey to Cusco the ancient capital of the Inca Empire*

Transfer to bus or train station for outward journey from Puno.

Arrival to Cusco and transfer to hotel.

DAY 5: Sacred Valley Full Day Tour

Today, we explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This fertile river valley was home to many important sites for the Incas, both strategic and religious. Our first stop is the village of Pisac, with its famous market, where you are sure to pick up a bargain! There is free time to wander the colourful market stalls before we have a typical Andean lunch at a local restaurant (included). We then continue our journey along the River Urubamba, to Ollantaytambo. The town which is dominated by a giant Inca fortress, is perhaps the best surviving example of Inca town planning and was the scene of a rare Inca victory over the invading Spanish. Includes lunch.

DAY 6: Train to Machu Picchu

This is a train ride you will never forget, taking you through the spectacular Andes mountain range to the renowned Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival in Machu Picchu, you will have a guided tour of the ruins and monuments, such as the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Solar Clock, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Cemeteries. The citadel was discovered in 1911 by the American explorer and Academic, Hiram Bingham. Many theories on the citadel exist, but most agree it was a holy site, hidden for centuries and never found by the invading Spanish. Return to Cusco Includes:Guide and entrance fee and Hotel transfers. Please be aware that your tour of Machu Picchu does not include an entry permit to Huayna Picchu (the iconic hill behind the Machu Picchu ruins). If you want to climb Huayna Picchu then you need to pre-book your permit. Please contact your sales consultant if you would like to do this.

DAY 7: Cusco City Tour

We take a sightseeing tour through Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire. We visit the fascinating Koricancha Temple of the Sun, the 12-Angled Rock, and the Cathedral, built on the ruins of an Inca Palace. From here we head to the archaeological remains located around the city, including the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo the giant rock, the ancient site of Puca Pucara and finally the Water Temple of Tambomachay.

DAY 8: Depart from Cusco to Lima

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your outward flight from Cusco.

Once in Lima you will have time to refresh and relax before spending some time touring in the city, the Colonial ”City of Kings” We visit a number of well -known sites including the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Plaza de Armas, and the Catacombs located beneath the San Francisco Convent. This is a chance to appreciate Lima’s magnificent Colonial architecture as well as vignettes of its pre-Colombian past.

DAY 9: Lima Transfer Hotel – Airport

After breakfast you will be transferred to Lima’s airport