Highlights of Peru
From CAD $5,757
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(10 reviews)
Experience Overview
Step into adventure on this Peru and Amazon tour, uncovering what life is like in Peru's million-year-old Amazon rainforest and gain an insider’s perspective into ancient Inca treasures and legends. Marvel at living history at Machu Picchu, a local market in Lima and Quechua textile art, topped off with a classic pisco sour.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 5 Lunch (L)
Be My Guest
- Lima: Visit a local market with Chef Ignacio and enjoy a special lunch at his cooking school.
Dive into Culture
- Lima: You’re treated to a lesson on how to pour the perfect Pisco sour, Peru’s native drink. In the good hands of professional chef Ignacio, the results are sure to be delicious. Ignacio will explain the history of Pisco – a type pf wine, the typical Pisco Sour, and an internationally less known but locally more popular drink called “Chilcano”. This cocktail of pisco, lime juice, Ginger ale and bitters is a refreshing twist on the pisco sour that will have you eager to share the recipe with your friends.
Iconic Experience
- Lima: Take in the highlights of Lima, the 'City of the Kings,' including a panoramic view of the ancient districts. Join a local specialist for a visit to the UNESCO-listed Historic Center. Learn how before it was destroyed by earthquakes in the mid-18th century, observing how the historic buildings display a collaboration between local craftspeople and others from the Old World. Then drive along the coastline as you learn more about the fascinating history of Peru's capital city.
- Cusco: Visit the mystical Incan stronghold of Ollantaytambo. These famous ruins are a massive Inca fortress made of large stone terraces stretching out across a hillside. Walk among the stone platforms, the sun temple of six monoliths and the Princess Baths fountain ― the Baño de la Nusta at the base of the ruins flowing from carved stone into a pool. Over your exploration, learn how the old town is an Inca-era grid of cobblestoned streets and adobe buildings.
- Machu Picchu: Soak in every moment of your Machu Picchu tour in style as you descend to the Lost City in the clouds aboard the Vistadome train. Traveling the Inca Trail, you’ll traverse dramatic landscapes with a panoramic view of the soaring peaks, river, and ruins. Sit back and relax as you enjoy this multi-sensory journey complete with background music, an informative audio commentary highlighting interesting sites, and an included light snack.
- Machu Picchu: Take a shuttle to the top of the mountain where you’ll meet your local specialist for a guided hike of Machu Picchu. You’ll learn about Machu Picchu’s history and the use of each section of including ceremonial, storage, agriculture, temples, astronomical, and observatory as well as the possible reasons why the Incas left Machu Picchu.
- Cusco: Enjoy the flavors of chicha, a Peruvian corn beer. Hear about how chicha is brewed by the local indigenous women and its history dating back to the time of the Incas as a favorite drink of the Andes. Learn about the two types of chicha, alcoholic sour chicha de jora made from fermented jora corn and the non-alcoholic, sweet chicha morada.
- Machu Picchu: The ruins of Machu Picchu beckon yet again and we enjoy one final opportunity to reconnect with its story. Journey to take in the ruins at sunrise spending some time on your own to explore the hill-top fortress. Soak in every moment at this iconic site, making stops at points of interest while your guide shares their insights on the archaeological sites.
- Cusco: Join your Local Specialist for a guided walk through Cusco's colonial center, including the nearby 13th-century Incan settlement of Koricancha. Here in Cusco’s Golden Temple of the Sun dedicated to the Sun God Inti, view the trapezoidal and irregular shapes and rounded edges. Note how the stones fit together and were built simply by placing them on top of each other without using any mortar. This staggered placement also enables them to withstand earthquakes.
- Cusco: Begin your day at the ruins of the UNESCO-listed Sacsayhuamán fortress overlooking Cusco. With zig zagging walls and ruins of giant stones, see how the shape and harmony of the landscape is similar to Machu Picchu. Stroll through this Incan architecture of sacred buildings such as residential buildings, towers, shrines, warehouses, roads and aqueducts. And while you may not be able to take in the grand scale, the complex design is based on the shape of the head of a puma, a sacred animal in Inca spirituality.
- Lima: Join a local specialist for a tour of the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum which houses the largest private collection of pre-Columbian Peruvian art in the world. You'll also explore the extensive collection of Peruvian gold and silver from ancient times. Learn the history of the museum founded by Rafael Larco on July 28th, 1926 in Trujillo followed by in 1958 when Larco moved his collection to Lima to a unique colonial residence built on top of a VIII century pyramid.
- Lima: Join a local specialist for a gentle hike to explore jungle trails that snake between the roots of towering trees for an immersive introduction to the rich ecosystems of the rainforest. Here in the Amazon, you’ll find a staggering 540 bird species, 362 ant species (a world record you have to see to believe) and over 100 mammal species that have been registered within Inkaterra’s ecological reserve.
- Lima: Under the cloak of night, cruise the Madre de Dios River at night in search of wildlife that roams the riverbanks under darkness. Keep on the lookout for the likes of nightjars, owls, capybaras and caimans as you learn about the curious behavior and characteristics of this nocturnal world.
- Puerto Maldonado: Take a short boat ride to an uninhabited river island, where you can see the striking contrast of vegetation within the transition rainforest. Walk through jungle trails on this floodplain which provides the island with an ecosystem rich in birdlife, including the Amazonian umbrellabird, one of the most sought-after species by birdwatchers.
- Cusco: Climb the exhilarating Inkaterra Canopy Walkway for an unforgettable opportunity to observe the rainforest from its rooftop. Follow a sophisticated network of seven suspension bridges originally designed for scientific research strung between eight treetop observation platforms over 30 meters (100 feet) above the forest floor. This half-day, medium difficulty exploration is an immersive and colorful way to experience the jungle stretching out beneath you.
- Sandoval Lake: Embark on a half-day hike on a boardwalk jungle trail to Lake Sandoval, a glassy ox-bow lake tucked inside the protected Tambopata National Reserve. Board a dug-out canoe to paddle through eerie mangroves and glide out onto the palm-flanked lake, home to thousands of bird species as well as anacondas, black caimans, yellow spotted side-neck turtles, red howler monkeys and two endangered (and elusive) families of giant river otters.
- Sacred Valley: Discover the Amazon’s otherworldly realm of aguajales rainforest swampland on a gentle hike along a –200 meter (656 feet) walkway through this diverse ecosystem. Learn how vegetation has adapted to this atmospheric natural habitat and the exotic species of amphibians, reptiles, snakes, birds and mammals that are drawn here.
- Sacred Valley: Boldly venture out at night to discover some of the strange species that come alive under deep darkness in the Amazon. Wildlife activity greatly differs between day and night, as some creatures curl up and sleep while others employ ingenious adaption mechanisms to emerge. Enjoy a gentle, quiet stroll as your senses heighten to the mysterious nocturnal sounds of birds, mammals, insects, and amphibians wandering close by.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Cusco: Visit Manos de la Comunidad weaving center to learn about artistic traditions and the four Andean camels: Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas and Guanacos. Then step inside a private area to discover one of the traditions of the Sacred Valley called “lindaje”. This typical tradition of several communities reinforces the borders of each community and involves several customs, one of which is man dancing in typical women’s clothes. Then enjoy an exclusive lunch at a beautiful outdoor space near the Weaving Center. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10: Reduced Inequalities and 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
- Sacred Valley: Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience meeting Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a master Quechua weaver and the first person from her village to attend university. She has been an ambassador for Andean traditions since she began learning ancient pre-Columbian weaving techniques as a young girl in the 1960s. You'll learn about traditional weaving practice using natural dyeing techniques and its importance to their identity and culture. Your visit makes a difference in helping to preserve and promote traditional pre-Columbian weaving techniques in the 21st century.
- Amazon Rainforest: Visit an organic bio-orchard to discover many of the rainforest’s tropical plants up-close, with a chance to learn about their many intriguing medicinal uses by indigenous communities.
- Amazon Rainforest: Explore a 30 hectare Palmetum, a collection of 19 Amazonian palms in a plot reserved for rainforest restoration and conservation.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Lima, Machu Picchu and Larco Museum
- Visit Ollantaytambo Ruins, Historic Sacsayhuaman
- Scenic Drive through the Sacred Valley, Scenic Train Ride to Machu Picchu
- Scenic Train Ride to Machu Picchu aboard the Vistadome train
Trafalgar Difference
- Sacred Valley: Admire your idyllic setting within the Sacred Valley and take in the 18th-century colonial-style features of Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay, a former monastery complete with plazas and cobbled streets.
Trip Details
Product Code: 35287
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 104.683A
Starts: Lima, Peru
Finishes: Lima, Peru
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- A Trafalgar Bonus all Intra-Air Flights: Lima to Cusco and Cusco to Lima, including porter service at all airports.
- Tickets for a ride aboard the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,757 ($480 /day)
Itinerary
The Capital of the New World extends a warm welcome on your epic voyage through the iconic and unexpected highlights of Peru. Meet your local host on arrival and transfer to your hotel in the upscale shopping district of Miraflores. This evening, you’ll join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner.
Accommodation: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Meals: Dinner
Connect with the colonial heritage of Francisco Pizzaro’s 'City of Kings', admiring the colonial splendor of Lima’s UNESCO-listed Historic Center, with your Local Specialist. Stand in the birthplace of this ancient, yet modern city, surrounded by the Baroque façades of Cathedral of Lima and Palace of the Union. See the Church of San Francisco and discover its hidden catacombs. Celebrate Lima’s status as the culinary capital of South America and Connect With Locals when you meet Ignacio Barrios, who has worked alongside many of Peru's most award-winning chefs. We visit a local market where Ignacio will explain how Peruvian fruits, vegetables, seafood and meats are the basis of Peruvian cooking. Then, continue to Chef Ignacio's cooking school where we’ll enjoy a demonstration on how to prepare some of Peru's most popular dishes and have an opportunity to sample some at a Be My Guest experience with lunch before spending the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Board a morning flight to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® when you visit Manos de la Comunidad, a Weaving Center where you’ll uncover the traditions of the Sacred Valley, called “lindaje.” Then continue to a former 18th century colonial-style monastery, our hotel for the night. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® and learn more about the artisan traditions meeting Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a master Quechua weaver and the first person from her village to attend university. She has been an ambassador for Andean traditions since she began learning ancient pre-Columbian weaving techniques as a young girl in the 1960s. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as your visit helps to preserve and promote traditional pre-Columbian weaving techniques in the 21st century.
Accommodation: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
The mystical empire of the Incas takes center stage today. We visit the famous Sacred Valley stronghold of Ollantaytambo before boarding the Vistadome train (light snack included) for our epic journey to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Delve into the mysteries of this once-great civilization, admiring the 15th century stone ruins of temples, palaces and terraces perched high amidst the clouds. Join your Local Specialist for an exploration of the iconic great Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana, an intricately carved rock most likely used as a sundial centuries ago.
Accommodation: El MaPi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The ancient ruins of Machu Picchu beckon again and you have an opportunity to re-connect with this ancient wonder. Board the train to the Sacred Valley, then head to the colonial city of Cusco, stopping en route at a local chicheria. Dive into Culture and enjoy the sweet flavors of chicha as you learn how this Peruvian corn beer is brewed by the local women.
Accommodation: Novotel Cusco
Meals: Breakfast
Embark on a sightseeing tour of the sacred city of Cusco this morning, admiring the 16th-century Spanish colonial buildings that stand on the foundations of former Inca temples and palaces. See the baroque Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and 17th-century Church of Santo Domingo. Visit the ruins of the Sacsayhuaman fortress and see nearby warehouses where the Incas once stored their grain. The afternoon is free to explore on your terms.
Accommodation: Novotel Cusco
Meals: Breakfast
A leisurely start to our day sees us return to Lima this afternoon. Meet a Local Specialist at the Larco Museum, which houses one of the largest private collections of pre-Columbian art in the world. This evening we join our travel companions for dinner in the museum's garden restaurant.
Accommodation: Iberostar Hotel Lima
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we fly to Puerto Maldonado (internal flight included) and embark on a journey on the Madre de Rios River to our jungle lodge where we meet our guides for the Inkaterra Field Station. Join a Local Specialist for insights into the forest, then keep a keen eye out for shy caiman during a pre-dinner boat expedition.
Accommodation: Amazon Field Station by Inkaterra, Puerto Maldonado
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climb the exhilarating Inkaterra Canopy Walkway for an unforgettable opportunity to observe the rainforest from its rooftop. A short boat ride takes us into the Tambopata National Reserve where we’ll hike through the thick jungle, admiring towering green walls of vegetation, the cacophony of birdcalls and the dappled light that filters through the canopy above. Arrive at Sandoval Lake, where you may spot a wide variety of birds, monkeys, giant river otters, black caimans and the elusive anaconda. The perfect end to our day sees us watch the sun set over the lake before heading back to our lodge for dinner.
Accommodation: Amazon Field Station by Inkaterra, Puerto Maldonado
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover the Amazon’s otherworldly realm of aguajales rainforest swampland during your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and learn how vegetation has adapted to the exotic species that are drawn here. Here you will also get a chance to visit our organic bio-orchard to discover many of the rainforest’s tropical plants up-close and learn of their healing capabilities. Boldly venture out at night to discover some of the strange species that come alive under deep darkness in the Amazon with our Local Specialist. Stroll quietly as your senses heighten to the mysterious nocturnal sounds of birds, mammals, insects and amphibians wondering close by.
Accommodation: Amazon Field Station by Inkaterra, Puerto Maldonado
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we head back to Puerto Maldonado as your Amazon experience comes to an end. Upon arrival in Lima your meet and greet local guide will walk you to your hotel located right next to the airport. Balance of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation: Wyndham Costa del Sol Lima Airport
Meals: Breakfast
Say hasta luego to Lima and depart at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Robert Welton - Traveled, January 2025
Trafalgar Trip to Peru & Machu Picchu. Definitely one of the most professional groups we have traveled with...fabulous guide (*Personal information removed by Feefo*) extremely knowledgeable, caring and professional)...especially appreciated frequent stops (all more interesting than the last). no long bus rides...in-home experiences. Just loved it. First class all the way. The only day it rained was our trip to Machu Picche and it was still magnificent. Am 78 with impaired eyesight and this was last item on the "Bucket List"...scored 10/10. Could not have wished for better trip. Guide was best ever, accommodations were superb, and thoughtful/educational itenerary was unbelievable. We travel a lot and this was our first trip with Trafalgar. You have certainly earned our respect.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/17/2025
Joan Hubbard - Traveled, November 2024
The only way to see Peru! All hotels and restaurants that Trafalger uses are top notch. The personnel (*Personal information removed by Feefo* and his helpers and the bus drivers) are all excellent, polite, knowledgeable, and professional. It is a full but arduous itinerary. We saw it all, but it wasn’t easy. Lots of steep slopes, rough cobblestones, and uneven steps. If you want to see Peru, Trafalger is the company you should use. With any luck, you will have *Personal information removed by Feefo* as your guide. He is wonderful and tries to satisfy your every want or need.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, February 2025
My husband and I had a wonderful trip, but our friends, who aren't as physically fit, had a hard time in the high altitudes - something to consider if you are older and not in good shape. The country is beautiful, the people were very friendly, and our main and local guides were wonderful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/28/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, January 2025
Trafalgar Peru Adventure. Customer Experience Trafalgar's Service was good except for the issue mentioned previously. The lodging and experience was enjoyable as were most of our fellow travelers. I cannot say enough good about our travel guide----*Personal information removed by Feefo*. Itinerary was great. Our travel guide kept us informed and motivated. He even assisted in our adjustment to the food , culture and atmosphere. My only complaint is that I would have preferred to be seated with my husband on the 2 flights and the train ride. For some reason my husband was matched with a single boisterous lady from Florida. Her behavior in some instances was not appreciated.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/10/2025
Heinz Fuchs - Traveled, March 2024
Amazing, memorable experience. Very professional, knowledgeable, helpful and caring Personnel.. our tour director *Personal details removed by Feefo* was amazing. Very informative and helpful, always on time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2024
Valentina Gaca - Traveled, February 2024
This trip for me was a trip I have dreamt of for years. Thank you Trafalgar for making it truly memorable and awesome! Everything was very well organized, ran on time, hotels were beautiful, food amazing! I’m already checking out my next one! Excellent itenerary, truly gives highlights in the neat manner. Tour Director *Personal information removed by Feefo* was a wealth of information, and all other guides were excellent too. *Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo* were exceptional!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/22/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, June 2024
Itinerary was excellent. Machu Picchu was stunning, especially for a rock wall enthusiast like me. Booking was easy. I needed to make a flight change, and Trafalgar’s telephone support was very good. Instructions while on tour were sometimes confusing but I finally figured it out.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2024
Graham Wood - Traveled, December 2023
Hotels were ideal. Good, clean and pleasant without being extravagant. Itinerary busy but manageable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/10/2024
Amy Phillips - Traveled, November 2023
Travel director, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was informative, kept everything on track and was helpful when we needed medical attention. The drivers always got us where we needed to go safely and efficiently. Hotel and restaurant staff were helpful and kind. Local Specialists were informative and approachable. We saw so much in a week. The hotels were great and conveniently located, so we were able to walk to many sights.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/20/2023
Kee Koh - Traveled, July 2024
Highlights of Peru - Good Value for the Money. Excellent Tour Service taking care of every details. 1. Excellent Tour Director - *Personal details removed by Feefo* 2. Good Accommodations 3. Good Transportation 4. Take good care of every details 5. Visited Worthwhile Tourist Sites 6. Relaxing Itineraries
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/12/2024
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