Peru Highlights

Traveling to the heart of the Inca Empire, you will experience the breathtaking scenery of Andean peaks and agricultural patchwork of the Sacred Valley, while meeting some of its indigenous people. An unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World is followed by a relaxing journey on one of Latin America’s most luxurious trains to stunning Lake Titicaca. No trip to the Andes would be complete without seeing the graceful gliding Condors of the Colca Canyon, a truly remarkable experience.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Peru (-)

Upon arrival at Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport you will connect to your domestic flight to Cusco. Here you will be warmly welcomed by a Blue World Journeys representative and escorted to your hotel by private car. You’ll probably be tired after the long journey, so take things easy as you acclimatize to Cusco’s 11,400 foot elevation and try one of the many great restaurants the city has to offer.

Day 2 - Sacred Valley Tour (B,L)

As Cusco was considered to be the navel of the world by the Inca, the Sacred Valley was its breadbasket and the river Urubamba (one of the headwaters of the Amazon) that flows through it the lifeblood. This is and astonishing and beautiful valley. Its warm climate and sun baked, red granite hills have always been ideal for agriculture, and being lower than Cusco, it’s a welcome respite from the altitude, which will help you acclimatize.

We begin our tour at the artisan market town of Pisac, where you will be able to shop for local souvenirs if you wish. A visit to Ollantaytambo, an important Inca archaeological site follows, before touring through Chinchero, an Andean village located on a high plain with lovely views over the surrounding mountains, and known to the Incas as the birthplace of the rainbow. From here you will drive to the town of Aguascalientes, close to Machu Picchu, where you will check in to your hotel for one night.

Day 3 - Machu Picchu (B)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you prepare for an unforgettable day-trip to one of the most spectacular historical sites anywhere in the world. Machu Picchu has to be seen to be believed. It retains an awe-inspiring grandeur and add the genius of Inca architecture built in perfect harmony with the earth and skies, and it’s no surprise that it’s officially among the New Seven Wonders of the World. As the ruins are more crowded with tourists in the morning, we suggest you enjoy spending a few hours exploring Aguascalientes before seeing the ruins in the afternoon. After lunch you will enjoy a private, guided 3-hour tour of the spectacular ruins. Following this unforgettable tour, you will be escorted to the train station to board your luxurious ‘Vistadome’ train (ultra-deluxe Hiram Bingham train upgrade available) for the three-hour journey to Cusco.

Day 4 - Cusco City Tour, Afternoon at Leisure (B)

This morning you will have a private, guided tour of Cusco. Known by the Inca as the navel of the world, this city has great significance in Inca history and is the site of many interesting attractions. Your tour will include the Plaza de Armas, overlooked by the city’s baroque cathedral, the temple and church of Coricancha, where the foundations of the Inca Sun Temple, once covered with plates of solid gold are now the site of a Dominican church; as well as the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a fortress of huge stone blocks weighing hundreds of tons that was the scene of the Inca's final battle against the Spanish in 1536. This afternoon and evening will be at your leisure to enjoy the city, a delight to stroll around the streets and admire the colonial architecture.

Day 5 - Andean Explorer Train to Lake Titicaca (B,L)

Today you will have the unique experience or riding the deluxe Andean Explorer train to Lake Titicaca. During the journey you will witness the changing landscapes from high mountains, through valleys and passes and finally to the altiplano of eastern Peru, home to the stunning Lake Titicaca.

The train has been mentioned by the Society of International Railway Travelers as one of the best rail journeys in the world. Decorated in the style of the great Pullman cars of the 1920s, the Andean Explorer is a very luxurious train featuring five star dining in exquisite dining cars, as well as a beautifully furnished indoor/outdoor observatory car from which you will be able to enjoy the splendor of the Andean scenery on this ten hour journey. A full lunch is served en-route, as well as afternoon tea and entertainment including a fashion show of local clothing.

Day 6 - Lake Titicaca Cruise (B,L)

Another unforgettable day awaits as you explore the world’s highest navigable lake. Titicaca seems more like an ocean than a lake, as the intensely blue waters, up to 800 feet deep stretch to the far horizon punctuated by the snowy peaks of Bolivia’s Andes on the far side of the lake.

Today’s tour begins with a short boat ride to the unique floating islands of Uros. These islands are made of tótora (reeds), which are cut and piled up to form giant floating islands that are anchored in the shallows of the lake. There are hundreds of these, each inhabited by one to several families, surrounded by spectacular scenery. Another hour by boat from here is the island of Taquile, where you will enjoy a rare glimpse into the lives of the indigenous people who inhabit this island, and whose craft is a unique and intricate style of weaving. Returning to your hotel in the late afternoon, you will have the evening at your leisure.

Day 7 - Puno to Colca Canyon (B)

Today you will enjoy some spectacular scenery as you drive to the Colca Canyon. Your guide will meet you in your hotel early as you have a busy and exciting day ahead. After approximately an hour and a half you will stop at Lagunillas, a spectacular deep blue lake known for birdwatching. As the drive progresses you will climb up through the Patapampa Pass, at almost 16,000 feet. Around 1pm you will arrive at the town of Chivay and check in to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon will be at your leisure.

Day 8 - Colca Canyon (B)

This morning after an energizing breakfast your tour will start with a beautiful scenic drive to the unforgettable Cruz del Condor. With half a dozen or so separate viewing locations, each one more spectacular than the previous, you will enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Colca Canyon, from almost a mile above the canyon’s base. Here you will witness the amazing spectacle of condors soaring on thermals and updrafts very close to where you are standing. In addition to spectacular vistas, you will also see remote indigenous villages where the way of life hasn’t changed in hundreds of years and pre-Inca ruins, all set against the backdrop of the majestic volcanoes of Hualca and Ampata. In the late afternoon you will arrive in the delightful colonial city of Arequipa for a one-night stay.

Day 9 - Farewell to Peru (B)

After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll be given a short tour of the highlights of the lovely city of Arequipa. Constructed almost entirely of white sillar stone, the ‘white city’ of Arequipa gleams in the sun, and its lovely Plaza de Armas is the most stunning in all Peru. In addition to this lovely plaza, this morning’s tour will cover the Basilica cathedral, the 425 year-old Monasterio de Santa Catalina and a look at the unique architecture of this beautiful city.

After lunch you will be escorted to Arequipa’s airport for your flight to Lima connection to your international flight home.

Cusco - Luxury - Casa Andina Private Collection

Housed in a beautifully refurbished 18th century mansion and featuring four lovely colonial courtyards, the Casa Andina is located only a few minutes’ walk from the main square. Its 93 tastefully decorated and modern rooms have king size beds and stylish furnishings. This hotel makes an excellent base for visiting Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Cusco - Deluxe - Marriott Cusco

One of the highest rated hotels in Peru by our clients; the Marriott Cusco is located mere steps from the city’s main square. Built on top of ancient Incan ruins, in a restored 16th century convent, the hotel features 153 luxuriously furnished guestrooms, offering marble bathrooms, courtyard views and sumptuous furnishings.

Machu Picchu - Luxury - Casa del Sol Boutique Hotel

The delightful Casa del Sol hotel is located in the center of Aguascalientes town close to the train station, and a quarter of a mile from the hot springs. It offers 30 individually furnished, modern bedrooms, as well as a full-service spa and 24 hour restaurant/bar.

Machu Picchu - Deluxe - Inkaterra El Pueblo

Located on a serene 12-acre natural paradise mountain reserve, the Inkaterra El Pueblo is one of Aguascalientes’ finest hotels. The spacious, luxurious rooms feature locally made tile floors and delightful sitting areas. Some rooms also feature fireplaces and private pools. Decorated with Andean handicrafts, rooms are furnished with canopy beds and alpaca blankets.

Lake Titicaca - Luxury - Casa Andina Private Collection

Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Titicaca, a short drive from the center of the town of Puno, this intimate hotel offers 45 rooms, many with a direct view of the lake. Its peaceful location makes for a great base for visiting the highlights of the area.

Lake Titicaca - Deluxe - Libertador Lago Titicaca

Located on a private island connected to the mainland via a causeway, the Libertador is Puno’s leading hotel. With unrestricted lake views from all over the hotel, sunrises and sunsets here are unforgettable. The hotel’s 123 modern guestrooms feature spectacular views over the lake, and the hotel’s location offers guests a high level of privacy.

Colca Canyon - Luxury - Aranwa Conca

Located just 10 minutes from the town of Chivay, this hotel is rich in colonial and local Andean traditions. All 41 rooms feature spectacular views of the stunning Andes Mountains and feature modern, dark wood furnishings. Second floor rooms have balconies and all guests can enjoy the hotel’s spa facilities and two swimming pools.

Colca Canyon - Deluxe - Casitas Del Colca

With only 20 private, 1200 square foot ’casitas’, this hotel is unique in the Colca Valley region. The casitas all feature a private foyer, bedroom, dressing area, lounge area and private plunge pool. The luxurious bathrooms feature double sinks, as well as an indoor/outdoor shower, marble floors and bathtubs with a glass ceiling for stargazing.

Arequipa - Luxury - Casa Andina Private Collection

Located in the restored Casa De La Moneda (the old Mint), this hotel is in a landmark historical building dating from 1794, giving its public areas more of the feel of a museum than a hotel. Located a few blocks from the main square, rooms are modern and stylish. The hotel’s 4th floor terrace offers beautiful views over the city with the backdrop of El Misti Volcano.

Arequipa - Deluxe - Libertador Arequipa

The luxurious and spacious rooms at the Liberator Arequipa are furnished in a stylish and contemporary decor. The hotel is a short walk from the city’s historic center and features beautifully manicured extensive garden surrounding a pool. The hotel also features a spa, fitness center, restaurant and all amenities guests come to expect from a 5 star hotel.

Pricing

Price From $3695 per person (Luxury Hotels), or $4195 per person (Deluxe Hotels), for a private tour based on two people traveling in low season sharing a room.

Hotels listed on the Hotels Tab are given as suggestions only to illustrate the standard of hotels used.

Price Includes:

All hotels as described in the itinerary
Services of Blue World Journey’s representatives while in Peru
All transportation and tours as described in the itinerary in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English speaking driver / guide
Domestic flight Arequipa - Lima
Luxury Vistadome train to/from Machu Picchu
Deluxe Andean Explorer train from Cusco to Puno (Lake Titicaca)
Sightseeing and entrance fees
Meals as described in the itinerary

Price Excludes:

International flights
Travel insurance
Meals other than those listed in the itinerary
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Sightseeing other than described in the itinerary
Additional room charges of a personal nature in hotels (eg: room service, laundry, phone calls, etc.).

UPGRADES / EXTENSIONS

1. Ultra-Luxe Hiram Bingham Deluxe Train

One of the great railway journeys of the world, the Hiram Bingham train is named after the explorer who rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911.

For many people a visit to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable journey of a lifetime. Traveling between Cusco and Machu Picchu on the Hiram Bingham is truly an amazing experience. With accommodations for only 84 passengers, the train is decorated and furnished in the style of 1920s Pullman carriages, with large, comfortable chairs and polished brass and wood paneling. The two dining cars are luxurious areas set with fine crystal and silverware, where you will enjoy a gastronomic dinner prepared by a team of on board chefs.

A bar car is a great place to enjoy a cocktail accompanied by live Peruvian music and dance, while the observation car is a perfect place to get comfortable in one of the large cushioned seats as the majestic Peruvian landscape unfolds before you.

2. Optional Extension to the Galapagos Islands

To make your journey to South America truly complete, you can easily combine a trip to Peru with a 4, 5 or 7 night cruise to the amazing Galapagos Islands. Following your tour around Peru, you will fly from Lima to the Galapagos Islands to join your luxury cruise.

The Galapagos has to be seen to be believed. Nowhere else on Earth can you get so close to nature in an environment where the animals have no fear whatsoever of humans.

Walk amongst sea lions basking on the beach; watch your step as you walk around islands that are literally covered with Galapagos land and sea iguanas. Underwater is another world. Don a mask and snorkel and be amazed at the experience of swimming with sea turtles and sea lions in their natural environment.

We work with a number of luxury cruise companies operating in the Galapagos Islands, and we will find the right cruise to meet your requirements.

Alternatively, if cruising is not for you, we also offer land-based island hopping tours of the islands.

Please contact us for further details.