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.
Language
Spanish
Time Zone
GMT -5
Currency
Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Average Temp
61° F
Peru Expedition
Andes, Amazon & Incas
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.
We loved Morocco and our adventure. This was our third private tour with NEI and met our high expectations like the other two.
Mike D. & Carolyn B.
Boulder, CO
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
