Peru Highlights

Peru is filled with fascinating historical sites, many of which we can only speculate about as they were built at a time before written records were used. This just adds to the mystique of these sites and makes them even more interesting to visit. This tour will share many of these sites, as you embark on a journey through time, visiting the most sacred and mystical places of Ancient Peru. From the mysterious Nazca Lines, to the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu, high in the Andes, you will be in awe of what history has left behind as you try to unlock some of their mysteries.

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 - Ballestas Islands and Paracas National Reserve (B)

This morning your guide will meet you to drive approximately three hours to the Pacific coast to enjoy a tour of the Ballestas Islands. With a desert climate where it rarely, if ever rains, the scenery here is really striking. You will board a boat for a two hour tour around the islands where you will see a variety of wildlife, including sea lions, Humboldt penguins and a large variety of sea birds, as well as El Candelabra - a large glyph carved into the sand around 200BC, similar to the lines at Nazca.

Day 3 - Nazca Lines (B)

This morning you will drive to the world famous Nazca Lines. These enigmatic shapes carved into the desert of Ica are still an unsolved mystery. The only way to see them is from above. When viewed from above, more than 70 giant plant and animal figures appear in the desert floor, along with hundreds of straight lines and other figures as long as 6 miles. The shapes cover an astonishing 600 square miles. This morning you will enjoy an unforgettable scenic flight over the lines, before returning to Lima by car.

Day 4 - 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 5 - 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 6 - Machu Picchu (B,L)

An early start is necessary today for an unforgettable trip to one of the most spectacular historical sites anywhere in the world. You will be escorted to the train station a short drive outside Cusco before boarding your luxurious ‘Vistadome’ train (ultra-deluxe Hiram Bingham train upgrade available) for the three-hour journey to the town of Aguascalientes. After lunch on arrival 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 7 - 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 8 - Farewell to Peru (B)

After breakfast a private car will take you to Cusco’s airport where you will board your flight to Lima connecting to 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.

Paracas - Luxury - La Hacienda Bahía Paracas

Located on the shores of the beautiful Bay of Paracas on Peru;s Pacific coast, La Hacienda is a 4 star hotel offering comfort and rooms with ocean views from private terraces. Rooms are stylish and modern, and the hotel has a lagoon-style swimming pool and El Coral restaurant specializing in regional Peruvian cuisine.

Paracas - Deluxe - Libertador Paracas

On a spectacular bay overlooking the deep-blue Pacific Ocean, Libertador Paracas is the area;s finest beach hotel. All 120 rooms feature a high level of luxury and are furnished with local bamboo and modern design. The hotel’s Ballestas restaurant offers a range of dining experiences, specializing in locally caught Peruvian seafood dishes.

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.

Pricing

Price From $3795 per person (Luxury Hotels), or $4295 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
Ballestas Islands boat tour
Nazca Lines sightseeing flight
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

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.