Peru Highlights

The Inca Trail is a must do for any serious hiker, however not everybody wants to hike for up to 10 hours a day for four days, camping at elevations of up to 13,800 feet. The full Inca Trail is without a doubt a tough hike. We have made things easier with our new 2 day / 1 night Inca Trail tour that involves no camping and an easy hike at your own pace accompanied by a guide. Obviously there’s more to see and do in Peru than just the Inca Trail, so we’ve combined this with some other highlights of this fascinating country.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Peru (-)

Upon arrival at Lima’s Jorge Chavez International Airport 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 enjoy the evening in your hotel, or if you have the energy, explore the local area, home to some of Lima’s best restaurants and nightlife.

Day 2 - Lima City Tour, Fly to Cusco (B)

After a leisurely breakfast in your hotel, you will be met by your guide and escorted on a half day city tour of Peru’s capital. This highlight is Lima’s Historic Center, where the city’s most important historical, political and religious buildings can be found. Certified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the historic center features beautiful and unique architecture. The Art Museum, The Palace of Justice and The French Palace are truly awe inspiring. The Plaza San Martin is home to an important monument that was constructed to celebrate Peru’s independence. Nearby, the Cathedral, the City Hall, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Palace of the Government overlook the huge Plaza Mayor. You will have time to walk around this lovely square before driving to the airport to board your afternoon flight to Cusco.

This evening 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 3 - 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 as 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.

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 - Free Day in Cusco (B)

Today is a free day to relax and enjoy the delights of colonial Cusco. It also gives you the opportunity to have an extra day to acclimatize to the altitude in preparation for tomorrow’s hike on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Day 6 - The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (B,L)

Today you will take the ‘Vistadome’ train to the train stop at Kilometer 104. Here you will join the Inca Trail, under the expert supervision of your guide, and hike through some beautiful scenery for about six hours to Into Punku, the Gate of the Sun for a truly spectacular view of Machu Picchu. From here you will descend into this world famous site and continue into the town of Aguascalientes for a well deserved night in a hotel.

Day 7 - Machu Picchu (B)

Today you will enjoy a private, guided 3 hour tour of the spectacular ruins. 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. Following this unforgettable tour, you will return by train to Cusco.

Day 8 - Farewell to Peru (B)

This morning you will be escorted by private vehicle to Cusco’s airport for your short flight to Lima, connecting with your international flight home.

Lima - Luxury - Casa Andina Private Collection

Located in the fashionable Miraflores district of Lima, the Casa Andina has been recently updated in a classic ‘Limeño’ style and features an exquisite collection of contemporary local artwork.

With 155 modern and luxurious rooms and suites and a fantastic location in the heart of Lima’s most vibrant zone, the Casa Andina Private Collection is one of the city’s leading four-star hotels.

Lima - Deluxe - JW Marriott Lima

Each of the JW Marriott’s 300 luxurious guestrooms features a beautiful panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean from the cliffs of Lima’s exciting Miraflores district. Housed in an impressive 25-story glass tower, this is one of Lima’s most desirable five star luxury hotels, featuring all the amenities and services that travelers have come to expect from this world-renowned chain.

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.

Pricing

Price From $3395 per person (Luxury Hotels), or $3795 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 flights Lima - Cusco and Cusco - Lima
Luxury Vistadome train to/from Machu Picchu
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

Full Inca Trail

While our Easy one-day Inca Trail tour is perfect for those wishing to get a taste for the Inca Trail, but who do not with to hike the entire trail, we also offer the full Inca Trail hike. This is a classic four-day trek and is a magnificent hike for travelers who are in a physical condition to hike up to ten hours a day (with breaks). The pace may be daunting for some, however, the natural beauty of the region surrounds the hiker every step of the way. For avid hikers, this is an unforgettable, once in a lifetime experience.

We provide everything necessary for maximizing enjoyment of the trail, including porters, cooks who prepare gourmet meals, all camping equipment and even toilet tents at our campsites.

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.

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.