Peru

South America is one of the world’s most scenic and culturally diverse regions. Nowhere is this richness more vivid than in Peru, land of the ancient Incas. Within its borders are coastal desert and parts of the world’s most extensive rainforest. Between these two zones are the Andes, the world’s longest continuous mountain range. Amid rugged, spectacular landscapes lie the ruins of ancient civilizations. Peru, a country known for its colorful textiles, has fascinating archaeological sites, including the Inca capital of Cusco and the famous “Lost City” of Machu Picchu. Also explore the colonial “White City” of Arequipa and the Amazon basin.

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Language

Spanish

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Time Zone

GMT -5

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Currency

Peruvian Sol (PEN)

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Average Temp

61° F

Peru Expedition

Andes, Amazon & Incas

Alpaca

Inspire Your Expedition with Our Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – LIMA, PERU

Arrive in Lima

Private transfer to hotel

Accommodations: AC Hotel Lima Miraflores

Day 2 – LIMA

Private morning tour:

  • Plaza de Armas, Government Palace
  • Basilica y Convento de San Francisco, Cathedral of Lima
  • Larco Archaeological Museum

Accommodations: AC Hotel Lima Miraflores
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 – LIMA / AREQUIPA

Private transfer to the airport for flight to Arequipa

Private city tour:

  • Plaza de Armas
  • Iglesia de la Compañia
  • Convent of Santa Catalina

Accommodations: Casa Andina Premium Arequipa
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 – AREQUIPA / SACRED VALLEY

Private transfer to the airport for flight to Cusco

Private transfer to Sacred Valley. Visit:

  • Awanacancha – Andean weaving
  • Pisac – local market
  • Ollantaytambo – mountainside fortress

Accommodations: Hotel Sol y Luna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 – SACRED VALLEY

Choice of morning activity (supplement applies):

  • Paso Fino horseback riding OR
  • Whitewater rafting

Private afternoon tour:

  • Maras – salt ponds of Salinas
  • Moray – outdoor Inca agricultural site
  • Visit to master weaver Nilda Callañaupa

Accommodations: Hotel Sol y Luna
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 – SACRED VALLEY / MACHU PICCHU

Private transfer to station for train to Machu Picchu

Private guided tour of Machu Picchu Citadel

Buffet lunch at the entrance to Machu Picchu

Accommodations: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 – MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO

Second entry to Machu Picchu (no guide)

Optional hike up Huayna Picchu

Lunch at Café Inkaterra 

Vistadome train to Cusco

Private transfer to hotel

Accommodations: Palacio del Inka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 – CUSCO

Private tour of Cusco:

  • Historical center
  • San Pedro Market
  • Tambomachay – Inca ruins
  • Qenko shrine 

Sacsayhuamán fortress

Accommodations: Palacio del Inka
Meals: Breakfast

Days 9-10 – CUSCO / PUERTO MALDONADO / AMAZON BASIN

Private transfer to the airport for flight to Puerto Maldonado

Transfer to the lodge by motorized canoe (shared)

Excursions include:

  • Trail walks to learn about the rainforest
  • Boat rides on Madre de Dios River to learn about the ecosystem & view wildlife
  • Trek through Tambopata National Reserve to Lake Sandoval
  • Canopy Walkway & hanging bridges to observe wildlife, flora & fauna

Accommodations: Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 – PUERTO MALDONADO / LIMA / HOMEWARD BOUND

Transfer by boat to Puerto Maldonado (shared)

Visit Butterfly House en route to the airport

Fly to Lima to connect with flight home

Meals: Breakfast

Starting at $4,900 per person
(two travelers, double occupancy, airfare not included)

Itineraries are customized to travelers’ interests and preferences.
Final prices will vary based on dates of travel and number of travelers.

This was our sixth time to Costa Rica with NEI and the first trip for our extended family, ages 25-31. Thank you for organizing such a terrific trip. There was not one glitch: everything was perfect, including planning the itinerary. I cannot think of anything which could have improved our experience. It was all perfect.

Mark S.
Hamilton, ON

When to go:

Year-round (best times are April to October)

What to eat:

Ceviche (marinated raw fish), Aji de Gallina (creamy chicken), Cuy (guinea pig)

What to pack:

Shirts & t-shirts; trousers, jeans, shorts; jacket or sweater; rain jacket; shawl or scarf; swimwear; comfortable walking & hiking shoes; sunscreen, sunglasses, hat; insect repellent; camera equipment; universal adapter

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