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Essential Peru

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Duration

6 Days

Tour Type

Customized Package

Group Size

16 people

Departures

Everyday

Overview

Get to know the Essential of Peru on this enchanting 6-day travel package. Starting from Lima, explore the amazing history and culture of the country as you visit Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and take in the marvels of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO-listed Site.

Day 1: Arrive Lima
Day 2: Lima – Sacred Valley of the Incas
Day 3: Sacred Valley of the Incas
Day 4: Sacred Valley of the Incas – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Day 5: Cusco
Day 6: Depart Cusco

This is a suggested itinerary. All our travel packages can be customized to suit. Add in additional highlights, spend more time in areas of particular interest to you, or extend your journey to visit other regions of South America.

Remember, we will customized your trip accordingly to the number of days you prefer.

Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary:

*Extend your stay in Cusco and explore the Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake

*Include the Galapagos Islands.

We can purchase all airline tickets on your behalf.

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Tour Highlights

  • Comprehensive tour of the heritage & culture of Peru
  • Ancient Incan, colonial & Spanish influences in Cusco city
  • Unique sights to see in the villages of the Sacred Valley
  • Amazing insights into Incan civilization at Machu Picchu

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival to Lima
Day 1: Arrival to Lima

Arrive to Lima today.
Lima, capital of Peru, which was founded by the great conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535 and soon became the capital of the extensive and tremendously wealthy Peruvian Vice Regency of Spain. By the end of the 16th Century it had grown into a city of fine palaces and churches and was the cultural centre of the southern hemisphere. Today, Lima still retains the essence of the Spanish colonialism.
Upon arrival to Lima, you will be welcomed outside of Customs by an English-speaking assistant holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will direct you to your awaiting vehicle and driver, and accompany you to your hotel to assist with check-in.
Use this arrival day to rejuvenate yourself by resting or enjoying hotel spa services. If arriving early to Lima, take a scenic walk to Parque del Amor (Love Park) in Miraflores for views of Lima’s gorgeous coastline or dine in at one of the many gourmet restaurants throughout the city.

Private Transfer / Transport: Your own exclusive driver. No queuing for taxis, no stopping en route at tour booking agencies. All private transfers / transport are operated on a private basis – i.e., you won’t be sharing with others

Hotel Category:
Comfort: Arawi Miraflores Hotel
Superior: El Pardo by Hilton

*If your flight arrives in Lima in the early hours of the morning, and you wish to have your room available before 2:00 p.m, we can book an early check-in on your behalf, please let us know.

Note: Medical "Assist Card" insurance for the entire journey within Peru, with 24 hours medical assistance is provided to assist any relevant issues with altitude or any sickness.

Day 2: Lima - Sacred Valley
Day 2: Lima - Sacred Valley

After breakfast we will transfer you from your hotel to Lima Airport for your direct flight to Cusco.

Suggested flight: LA2027 LIM/CUZ Departure 0944 / Arrival 1111 - not included
*We can purchase all airline tickets on your behalf.

On arrival to Cusco you will be met at the airport by a local representative who will transport you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas (8,500 feet elevation), a long, fertile river valley surrounded by snowcapped peaks that lies between Cusco (11,000 feet elevation) and Machu Picchu (8,000 feet elevation). Starting here helps you adjust to the high altitude of the Andes and is a great way to see how the local people continue to live in the traditional Andean manner.
On the way to your Sacred Valley hotel, we will explore the village of Pisac where we will visit a traditional Indian Market and you can buy some local souvenirs.
Once the visit is completed we will assist you with your check-in, and then you can relax in the peaceful garden surroundings of your country hotel as you settle in and acclimatize to the altitude.

Private Transfer / Transport: Your own exclusive driver. No queuing for taxis, no stopping en route at tour booking agencies. All private transfers / transport are operated on a private basis – i.e., you won’t be sharing with others.

Private Tour: Your own, personal tour guide and an exclusive vehicle

Hotel Category:
Comfort: San Agustin de la Recoleta Hotel
Superior: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3: Sacred Valley
Day 3: Sacred Valley

Today we discover the best of the Sacred Valley of the Incas You will head towards Moray, a fascinating archaeological site in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Its huge concentric terraces were used by the Incas as a botanical laboratory.
Then, you will visit the Andean Misminay community, where your local hosts will welcome you with music and dancing, invite you to experience a bit of their daily life activities and serve you a delicious meal made with native products.
After experiencing living culture in Misminay, you will continue to Ollantaytambo, where you can visit the archaeological complex of the same name, one of the largest in Peru, strategically located on top of a mountain.
Afterwards, you will descend to the town of Ollantaytambo, which stands out for maintaining the Inca urban planning as part of its original urban layout, with some buildings and narrow stone streets. Here you can tour the town and visit the local market.

Shared Guide: Meet other like minded travellers and share the services of a guide / vehicle during the plan activity. Typical group size is 10 travellers which really works well and makes for a fun experience for all.

Hotel Category:
Comfort: San Agustin de la Recoleta Hotel
Superior: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: This evening, pack an overnight bag for your stay at Machu Picchu, your main luggage will be transferred back to Cuzco and placed in secure storage and will be made available to you when you check in to the hotel. You must carry your passport with you. 
When packing your bag please bear in mind the below luggage requirements for Peru Rail passengers travelling to Machu Picchu: Each Due to limited space for luggage storage on trains, luggage restrictions apply: one bag or backpack (carry-on luggage) with a maximum weight of 5.0 kg/11 lb, measuring no more than 62 linear inches/157 linear cm (height+ length + width)

Day 4: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Day 4: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Awaiting you today is by far and away one of the high points in world tourism: Machu Picchu, where you will definitely have an experience you will never forget.
This morning you will be transferred from your hotel to the train station.
Your main luggage will be collected and transferred to your hotel in Cuzco for storage while you are at Machu Picchu (we recommend you do not leave valuables in your luggage)
Board the Vistadome Train to the town of Aguas Calientes; a 90-minute journey.
The Vistadome is the ideal train for those who want to be in contact with the environment and appreciate the wonderful journey to Machu Picchu. Surrounded entirely by glass and wagons with large panoramic windows offering incomparable scenic views and numerous opportunities to capture amazing pictures, Vistadome travellers feel connected and part of the impressive landscape of Peru. Perurail provide travellers on board personalized and first level service to give them an unforgettable life experience.
Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes Train Station your guide will walk with you for about 5 minutes to catch a bus, which takes 30 minutes to reach Machu Picchu (buses depart every 10 minutes).
On arrival to the entrance of Machu Picchu citadel, a 2 hours 30 minutes guided tour of the ruins will have you wondering about the lives of the priests, craftsmen, and servants who inhabited this citadel and what drove them to build it on a mountain-top. Excavations have revealed skeletons, artefacts and woollen clothing, but no gold. The same precise stonework as in other Incan sites in evident.
Overlooking the raging Urubamba River and discovered in a hidden tangle of vines and trees atop the mountain, the city of Machu Picchu will forever hold the secret of its destruction as the Incas left no written record.
You will visit following points in Machu Picchu:
01 Entrance

02 Ceremonial Baths

03 Inka House

04 Temple of the Sun

05 Botanical Garden

06 Square of the Temples
07 Intiwatana

08 Llamacancha

09 Sacred rock

10 Temple of the Condor
11 Agricultural Zone

12 Exit
At the proper time, you should exit the citadel and enjoy your buffet style lunch at the Belmond Sanctuary Hotel.
Once lunch is completed, you will take a mini-bus back to the town of Aguas Calientes and walk to Aguas Calientes train station to take the late afternoon Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo, where you will be met and private transferred to your hotel in Cuzco, where the bulk of your luggage will be waiting.
Cusco is another of the highlights of a trip to Peru, a fascinating city built on the foundations of the former Incan capital. You can observe massive Incan walls along many of the streets of the city. The city has a vibrant atmosphere and many excellent restaurants.

Private Transfer / Transport: Your own exclusive driver. No queuing for taxis, no stopping en route at tour booking agencies. All private transfers / transport are operated on a private basis – i.e., you won’t be sharing with others

Shared Guide: Meet other like minded travellers and share the services of a guide / vehicle during the plan activity. Typical group size is 10 travellers which really works well and makes for a fun experience for all.

Hotel Category:
Comfort: Costa del Sol - Ramada
Superior: Garden Inn by Hilton

Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 5: Cusco
Day 5: Cusco

You will visit the city of Cusco, known as the Imperial City and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Here you will start your tour at the iconic San Pedro market, a local market where you can explore the colors, flavors and traditions of modern Cusco.
The visit continues with the Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace and cult center of the Sun God, above which the order of the Dominicans built a church, which remains standing to this day.
You will continue ascending to the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, an impressive example of Inca military architecture.
Afterwards, you will explore Q’enqo archeological site, where important Inca ceremonies took place.
Finally, you will arrive to the Plaza de Armas (main square), where you will visit the Cathedral, the most important temple in the city.

Shared Guide: Meet other like minded travellers and share the services of a guide / vehicle during the plan activity. Typical group size is 10 travellers which really works well and makes for a fun experience for all.

Hotel Category:
Comfort: Costa del Sol - Ramada
Superior: Garden Inn by Hilton

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6: Depart Cusco
Day 6: Depart Cusco

Enjoy a final breakfast at your Cusco hotel. Our South America Tours representative will meet you in time to transfer you to the airport to begin your journey back home.

Suggested flight: LA2066 CUZ/LIM Departure 1250 / Arrival 1422 - not include
Kindly note that there more options in case you need to fix your international flight to home.
*We can purchase all airline tickets on your behalf.

Private Transfer / Transport: Your own exclusive driver. No queuing for taxis, no stopping en route at tour booking agencies. All private transfers / transport are operated on a private basis – i.e., you won’t be sharing with others

Meals included: Breakfast

Included/Excluded

  • Accommodation with private facilities as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
  • All transfers, transport, sightseeing and excursions as per the itinerary unless specified otherwise.
  • Parks and monuments entrance.
  • Professional English speaking local guides throughout
  • Total assistance coverage up to $4,000 per person during your stay in Peru (for more information please read below FAQ's or contact us).
  • Professional English speaking local guides throughout.
  • Return Vistadome train tickets to Machu Picchu.
  • Service charges and taxes.
  • International and domestic flights and airport taxes.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned.
  • Gratuities.
  • Items of a personal nature.



Handpicked Hotels


The Essential Peru Amazon vacation package is quoted in lead-in hotel guest rooms unless specified otherwise. Hotels can easily be changed at the customer request. We have a wide selection so you can be assured of a great place to stay. Occasionally due to circumstances out of our control, hotels quoted may not be available at the time of booking. In these circumstances when hotels are unavailable, South America Tours Pty Ltd will provide the best possible alternative. Contact us for more information about our selected hotels or if you have other preferences.


Simple, clean, and bursting with character, our Comfort hotels offer superb value without compromising style, location or amenities. Comfort level hotels are closest to North American 3 star standards.


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For an upgraded experience, our Superior hotels feature impressive common areas, spacious rooms. Some hotels of this type include amenities found in higher class hotels, including pools, spas, or terraces. Superior level hotels are closest to North American 4 star standards.


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Our Luxury hotels offer high standards of comfort, style, and service with extensive attention to detail. Almost all feature amenities such as pools, spas, and private terraces. Luxury hotels are closest to North American 5 star standards.


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Tour's Location

FAQs

How prices are based?
Prices are "from" per person based on twin beds or double share bedroom in a Comfort Hotel Category.
For an upgrade to a Superior Hotel Category, please insert “2” in the Category check box.
Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply.
Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability.
Rates for solo traveler, triple share or more travellers are available on request - please inquire.
How can I avoid getting altitude sickness?
To reduce your risk of altitude sickness, the best thing you can do upon arrival to Cusco Airport is to head straight to the lower altitude of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Believe it or not, Cusco is at an altitude of 11,150 feet elevation and Machu Picchu way lower at 7,850 feet elevation!
Proper acclimation can make a huge difference.
Traveler Assistance Cover - included in tour cost -
Traveler Assistance Cover is our free emergency assistance program, with coverage throughout the countries part of this itinerary. With just one call and at no extra cost, passengers will have access to coverage up to a total of USD4,000 (non-deductible)
Assistance Travel Cover includes:
*COVID 19 until the maximum coverage
*2 medical assistance visits at hotel
*Emergency hospitalization
*Medical consultation via videocall 24/7
*Prescription medicine, up to USD 400
*Emergency hospitalization, up to USD 1,000
*Medical transfers, up to USD 1,800 (within the country)
*Emergency dental, up to USD 200
I am on a Gluten free diet. What do I do while in Peru?
Please advise us so that we may alert the hotels where you will be staying. Most hotels provide a buffet breakfast and so you should be able to find enough options. For lunch and dinner at most restaurants you should be able to find something you enjoy on the menú but you can always request a gluten free dish if needed from the chef at the restaurant.
Do I need to carry my passport at all times?
Your passport must be presented at all times during your trip, this is done not only to verify identity, but also to confirm your tourist status and avoid local hotel taxation. It is important that your passport have a validity of 6 or more months from the day of your destination entry. For those clients who recently renewed their passport and are traveling with a new passport, please remember that your previous passport ( or at least a copy) must be taken with you and be presented, along with your new passport, at all times!
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