Itinerary Highlights
- Vibrant Modern and Colonial Lima
- Andean culture in the Sacred Valley
- Famous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, by scenic train
- Cobbled streets and historic buildings of Cuzco
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Transfers
9 nights from £3,495 per person
Kristen Lanskail-Morris
Travel Specialist
For those short on time or just seeking a taste of Peru’s most famous sights look no further than Peru Express. Starting in the capital Lima, explore both the modern and historic parts of the city. You have time in the Miraflores district, home to Lima’s famous clifftops overlooking the Pacific and some of the city’s best restaurants as well as the colonial era downtown area and its eclectic mix of buildings and architecture.
High in the Andes, Cuzco is the capital of the Inca Empire. Cobbled streets and striking architecture reflects Peru’s ancient past and rich history. Indigenous markets interwoven with ancient Inca ruins are found in the Sacred Valley. A gateway between the city of Cuzco and the famous Machu Picchu, this area is more than just a stop off with a host of exciting activities and interaction with locals dressed in vibrant, traditional clothes.
The highlight of the trip is travelling by train to Machu Picchu, the famous Inca Citadel lost in time since the 15th century and discovered in 1911. Nestled between picturesque peaks and with a dramatic backdrop of cloud forest covered mountains, take time to learn and explore about this magical area.
The Peru Express is a tailor-made itinerary that can be arranged for any time of year and and flexible to be amended should you wish to spend longer in any part of the country, include different regions in Peru or simply change any of the suggested accommodation or excursions.
Itinerary
Day 1 UK - Lima
Depart the UK today on your chosen international flights arriving into Peru's capital of Lima.
Day 2 Lima
Today you are taken to see the modern and colonial highlights of Peru's capital city. Start your private tour in the historic section of downtown Lima, an UNESCO World Heritage Site with many of the key sights close to the Plaza de Armas. Visit the Government Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the City Hall. Continue onto the modern area of the, and taken in the incredible views over the Pacific Ocean from the Miraflores neighbourhood with a stop at the “Parque del Amor”. Next, visit the Larco Museum, where on display is an unequalled private collection called the Treasures of Ancient Peru; it inspires its visitors to discover, learn about, and enjoy the more than five thousand years of the history of ancient Peru through its more than 45,000 artefacts. The high quality rundown of Peruvian history is the perfect preparation for exploring more of the country's archaeological highlights later in your trip.
Staying at
Villa Barranco
Day 3 Lima - Cuzco - Sacred Valley
Today transfer to the airport in Lima to fly to Cuzco, the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. You are met on arrival and with your driver taken immediately towards the Sacred Valley. The Sacred Valley not only helps acclimatise to the altitude in this part of the Andes but is also one of the most beautiful areas of Peru, with multiple visitor sites and activities on offer. Today on the way from the airport to your hotel you include a stop in the town of Pisac, famous for its colourful handicraft market and former Inca fortress. You explore the impressive ruins and bustling stalls with your guide, before you end the day at your hotel in the Valley surrounded by beautiful Andean countryside.
Day 4 Sacred Valley
Today you are collected taken to explore more of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The first stop is at the Racchi viewpoint for incredible views across the surrounding Andes before visiting the site of Moray. Used as a botanical laboratory by the Incas, the circular agricultural terracing overlooks the Urubamba Valley and is an excellent example of just how advanced the Incas were. Next, continue to the nearby Maras salt flats, considered some of the best quality of salt in the world. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Ollantaytambo. One of the most imposing archaeological complexes of the Inca Empire, Ollantaytambo was one of the few places where the Spanish lost an important battle. The fortress also served as a temple and is an example of its complex agricultural terracing. The town of Ollantaytambo is considered the "only living Inca city" and is one of the greatest examples of Incan urban planning, with stone streets that have been inhabited since the 13th century.
Staying at
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Day 5 Sacred Valley
Today is another full day based in the Sacred Valley, and today you are taken to visit the local community of Misminay. You receive a warm welcome from the locals, including traditional dances and music, before seeing a local home and experiencing some of the daily tasks. You can choose to work on the land and learn about local agriculture, or spinning and dying the wool before producing beautiful textiles using traditional techniques. Should you prefer a different experience in the Sacred Valley today, there are a great range of active and adventure excursions on offer as well, with anything from hiking and mountain biking to zip-lining and white water rafting.
Staying at
Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba
Day 6 Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu
Today travel by train to the spectacular Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Dramatically located between high mountain peaks and where cloud forest covered mountains act as a backdrop, the famous site does not fail to take visitors breaths away. This is the meeting point of the Peruvian Andes and the Peruvian Amazon. On a guided tour, learn about the Inca history of this magical place, how this 550-year old citadel was so advanced for its time and then lost in time for centuries. Spend the night in the town nearby in Aguas Calientes.
Day 7 Machu Picchu - Cuzco
This morning is at leisure or alternatively take the opportunity to return to Machu Picchu at sunrise and perhaps climb Huyana Picchu for a panoramic view of the citadel. In the afternoon, from Aguas Calientes board the train once again for the scenic journey to Cuzco, the once Inca capital. Historic pre-Columbian architecture, ornate baroque churches combined with a modern restaurant scene and lively nightlife make for a memorable stay. Stay in the heart of the city and explore its picturesque cobblestoned winding streets.
Day 8 Cuzco
You are collected and taken to explore the city of Cuzco. Immerse yourself in the history of Cuzco, where Spanish colonial architecture collides with ancient Inca traditions. Visit the Plaza de Armas flanked by the Cathedral with its impressive colonial art, Koricancha Temple, an old Incan palace and main centre for the worship of the sun god, Inti. Rainbow Tours recommends venturing up to the bohemian white-washed neighbourhood of San Blas and visiting the nearby Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Located on the hill overlooking the city, marvel at the spectacular views across the terracotta roofs surrounded by the Andes mountains.
Staying at
Aranwa Cuzco
Day 9 Cuzco
Today is a full day at leisure to explore some more of Cuzco independently, or alternatively arrange an additional excursion locally, with options including a visit to the Rainbow Mountain, or perhaps an alternative experience such as a PIsco Sour tasting or even cooking class preparing some typical Andean dishes with a local chef! Should you prefer to have some time in city yourselves, there is an array of excellent places to eat, and various market stalls to buy locally made handicrafts.
Staying at
Aranwa Cuzco
Day 10 Cuzco - Lima - UK
Today you are collected and driven to the airport in Cuzco for your chosen flights travelling overnight.
Kristen Lanskail-Morris
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
9 nights from £3,495 per person
Kristen Lanskail-Morris
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
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