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Experience the magic of Peru on our 9-day handcrafted Signature Peru tour.
First explore the local eats in the buzzing Peruvian city of Lima, the 'gastronomical capital of the Americas', then fly over the Andes to Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Start gently, with time to acclimatize in the picturesque Sacred Valley, also a fascinating place to delve into the culture and farming practices of the locals, whose roots trace back to pre-Columbian empires. Visit colourful market stalls, explore ancient Incan sites including Pisac, Intihuatana, Q’allaqasa and Kinchiracay, as well as the remains of a giant Incan fortress, Ollantaytambo. You will be engrossed in the history and culture, and eager for more as you board your train bound for the iconic Machu Picchu, where a private guided tour will help you appreciate the importance of these famous ruins.
The journey continues through stunning Peruvian mountains and valleys. You'll witness locals harvesting salt using traditional methods at the incredible Maras salt ponds then head to the capital of the ancient Incan Empire – Cusco. We have allowed plenty of time to explore with our expert local guides as well your own time to relax and soak up the atmosphere, as there is so much to enjoy - restaurants, markets and cultural sites.
While gaining an insight into the fascinating and colourful culture of Peru, you'll enjoy the comfort of our handpicked accommodation and 24/7 support from our local team who will be there to help you get the best out of this amazing country.
Still wanting more? This itinerary combines perfectly with our Signature Puno and Lake Titicaca tour!
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Itineraries
Day 1
Arrive in Lima
Welcome to Lima, the capital of Peru. Lima is a bustling metropolis and one of South America’s largest cities. Home to a plethora of interesting museums and a foodie’s delight, being the ‘gastronomical capital of the Americas’.
Day 2
Lima
Join your local guide will take you on an exclusive half-day tour of Lima’s culinary and historical highlights, designed by us to help you get the most out of the city, starting with a visit to a local market to sample some local fruit and a scenic stroll through the city’s historic downtown with some tastings of famous local bites along the way. Enjoy a stop at the San Francisco catacombs, a tour of Casa de Aliaga, a stunning colonial style mansion. End your tour with a Chilcano or Pisco Sour cocktail - both are made with the local brandy, Pisco.
Day 3
Sacred Valley
You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Cusco, where you will descend into the Sacred Valley below Cusco. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a region in Peru’s Andean highlands which, along with the nearby town of Cusco and the ancient city of Machu Picchu, formed the heart of the Inca Empire. The Sacred Valley’s elevation is 2,800 meters above sea level, so it’s recommended to take it easy for the afternoon as your body acclimatises to the altitude.
Day 4
Sacred Valley
On today’s Sacred Valley of the Incas tour, you will be presented with plenty of photo opportunities of ancient Incan villages and ruins, whilst learning about the culture and beliefs of the Incan people. This tour is the perfect start to understanding the unique way of life, farming techniques, and archaeological design of the Incas. The first stop is the village of Pisac. Wander the colourful market stalls before heading uphill to the famous Pisac ruins, Intihuatana, Q’allaqasa and Kinchiracay ruins. Enjoy a fine buffet lunch in gardens overlooking the Valley before continuing along the River Urubamba, to Ollantaytambo, which is dominated by a giant Incan fortress.
Day 5
Machu Picchu
Today will be one of your highlights in South America with a visit to Machu Picchu. A transfer will collect you and transfer you to Ollantaytambo train station to board a scenic train and arrive in one of the world’s most famous ruins after the morning fog and crowds have cleared. A guide will meet you on arrival and take you directly to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will spend the afternoon marvelling at the stunning display of ancient architecture and incredible surroundings. located 2,430 metres above sea level, your guide will explain the 15th-century Inca site before taking you to your hotel for the night in the local village of Aguas Calientes.
Day 6
Machu Picchu - Cusco
Start your journey back to Cusco by boarding a return train to Ollantaytambo. A transfer will be waiting as you arrive back to Ollantaytambo station to continue onwards to Cusco. En route, you will visit the Maras Salt ponds, believed to pre-date the Inca period. These shallow pools, dug into the mountainside, are filled with salt water from an underground spring from an adjacent mountain. Continue to Moray, which boasts an impressive Inca ruin of giant circular terraces that are believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation. You will then be dropped to your hotel in Cusco, set at an altitude of 3,400 metres in the Peruvian Andes.
Day 7
Cusco
Join the exclusive day tour and explore the city’s fascinating history. This specially designed tour has been perfected to show you the best of this incredible city without the crowds and other tourists. Learn about this city from the Inca times to colonial rule to the present day, winding through narrow cobble-stoned streets and visiting the market of Cusco. Visit the fascinating Koricancha Temple of the Sun, Cusco’s Plaza de Armas and Cathedral, built on the ruins of an Inca Palace and finish up at Sacsayhuaman, a former Inca fortress perched atop the hill above Cusco.
Day 8
Cusco
Today is at leisure, allowing you to spend time wandering the cobble-stoned streets of the ancient Inca capital. With treasures around every corner, Cusco is a wonderful city to explore on foot. Vibrant markets and stores give the traveller a plethora of shopping opportunities set amongst fine Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. Included is a BTG ticket which provides access to most of Cusco’s attractions and museums, so you choose where you wish to spend your day.
Day 9
Depart Cusco
After three days of soaking up one of South America’s best cities, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. If you would like to see more of Peru, we have several extension packages available such as a visit to the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, or a flight over the Nazca Lines to show you more of this fantastic country.
- 9 days guided touring from Lima to Cusco and Machu Picchu
- Accommodation in hand-picked standard hotels with option to upgrade to superior or deluxe
- Other meals where stated
- Return transfers and internal flights as part of the itinerary
- Sightseeing on a shared basis with English-speaking guides
- Machu Picchu by train, with entrance fees, tickets and private tour
Important Notes:
International flights, visas/reciprocity fees, tips and travel insurance are not included.
- Travel Insurance – your North Travel consultant can provide you with a quote. Get a quote now.
- Tourism visa or transit visa if required
- Upgrades to Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class available and to be quote at the time of booking.
- Itinerary deviations (e.g. extensions or specific airline requests). This will be quoted by a North Travel consultant at the time of booking.
- Professional service fee's (if any)
Advertised prices are not guaranteed until confirmed at booking. Prices are dynamic and may be affected by foreign exchange, airline, cruise, tour and supplier changes beyond North Travel’s control.
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