10-Nights Grandeur of Peru from $8,599
Alexander+Roberts
OFFER ID 1710150
Discover Lima's Colonial landmarks and vibrant modern-day spirit with our resident guide. Then join our much-loved Andean Trip Leader Carlos and journey from Cuzco into the Sacred Valley and onward to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. In his engaging company, you'll discover Peru's inspiring beauty, its culture, and its wealth of Colonial and Inca sites.
10 nights from $8,599 per person
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Welcome to Lima, Peru
On arrival, you'll be warmly greeted and escorted to the exclusive Hotel B. Our luxury hotel is the only Relais & Châteaux property in Lima, located in the trendy arts district of Barranco.
Day 2: Discover Lima
After breakfast, a full day of exploration with our resident guide begins in Barranco, a charming city district that has attracted writers and artists since the early 20th century. Today, it's still a vibrant cultural enclave with thriving studios, galleries and cafes. At the Larco Museum, you'll peruse a renowned collection of Pre-Columbian artifacts - the perfect introduction to the ancient sites you'll explore in the days ahead. After lunch at the stylish Café del Museo, you'll explore the centuries-old landmarks in the Colonial heart of Lima . Stand in the historic Plaza Mayor, still a popular gathering place, and tour the Cathedral; built in the 1700's on the site of an earlier 16th-century church, this handsome landmark is the oldest on the Square. Right next door, the Archbishop's Palace is easily recognized by its grand wooden balcony. You'll also tour the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo, a vast complex with lovely courtyards and Baroque paintings. This evening, learn how to make a classic Pisco Sour before sitting down to dinner in a private room at the luxury Hotel B, a distinguished member of Relais & Châteaux. Meals B+L+D
Day 3: To Cuzco + Into the Sacred Valley of the Inca
This morning, you'll be escorted to the airport for your included flight to Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, where you`ll meet our resident expert on Inca history and contemporary Peruvian traditions.Head to Manos de la Comunidad, where you'll witness native weavers from different communities preserving centuries-old textile techniques. Explore their workshops and meet the alpacas, vicuñas, llamas, and guanacos whose wool is used to create these beautiful garments and blankets.For lunch, enjoy a farm-to-table meal at Hacienda Huayoccari, a 17th-century garden estate that has been home to the Orihuela family for over 100 years. Savor fresh Andean dishes prepared with local ingredients, then take time to explore the estate's private collection of pre-Columbian, Inca, and Colonial artifacts, including a rare set of Qeros, traditional drinking vessels crafted from wood, ceramic, or gold.Next, visit the hummingbird gardens at Ensifera Camp, one of the most enchanting spots in the Sacred Valley to observe these tiny, mesmerizing birds. An expert birder will guide you through their habits, unique characteristics, and the vibrant ecosystem they inhabit.Finally, travel deeper into the Sacred Valley and check in at Tambo del Inka, a luxurious hotel set amidst verdant fields and soaring mountains, offering a seamless blend of modern comfort and traditional Andean charm.Meals: B+L+D
Day 4: Exploring Andean History + Culture
This morning, visit the colorful local market in Urubamba. Then head to Maras to see the salt mines; worked for generations by the same families, these remarkable terraced pools cascade down the mountainside and across the valley. Nearby, you'll spend time in the workshop of a famed Andean milliner - where his daughter carries on the family tradition. Then journey across the highlands to the circular terraces of Moray, perhaps one of Peru's most fascinating and enigmatic sights. Scholars speculate that the ancient Inca may have used these terraces a type of agricultural testing station to study the effects of temperature and wind upon their crops. After exploring Maras and Moray, you'll visit Manuel Choque's ancestral potato fields, an intimate journey into Andean agricultural traditions. Manuel, known as the "Potato Whisperer," has devoted his life to preserving over 4,000 heirloom potato varieties. Walk through the vibrant terraced fields, learn about ancient cultivation techniques, and hear the fascinating stories behind each unique variety. Your visit concludes with a lunch, enjoying fresh, local ingredients and gaining a deeper understanding of Peru's millennia-old potato heritage. Meals: B+L+D
Day 5: To Machu Picchu by Luxury Train
Early this morning, head to Ollantaytambo, an Inca-built town with a strategic fortress that was successfully defended against the Spanish in 1537. This is one of the most significant Inca sites in Peru, and its location in a narrow mountain valley framed by rugged peaks is truly breathtaking. In the shadow of the ancient fortress, the community of Ollantaytambo provides a vivid illustration of Inca urban planning. Laid out in a simple grid with cobblestone streets, perfectly constructed stone walls, and canals, many of the buildings and residences date back 600 years or more.Your two-day visit to Machu Picchu begins in style aboard the first-class train through the scenic Urubamba River Valley, enjoying a delicious lunch with wine on board as you travel through this timeless region of snow-capped Andean peaks, quiet villages, and terraced fields cultivated for centuries.On arrival in the beguiling town of Aguas Calientes, you'll board a coach for the 30-minute ride up the switchback mountain road to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The fabled Lost City is undoubtedly one of Peru's greatest landmarks. Accompanied by your expert guide, your visit will bring to life the ancient Inca civilization, revealing the breathtaking grandeur and enigmatic aura of this iconic citadel.After sightseeing, return to Aguas Calientes for an overnight at the luxury Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, nestled in a riverside cloud forest below the Lost City. Meals: B+L+D
Day 6: Morning at Machu Picchu + Back to Cuzco by Train
This morning, we've included your transportation and entry ticket so you can ascend again with your guide to explore Machu Picchu. At this early hour, the day-visitors from Cuzco and the Sacred Valley have yet to arrive. With fewer people and the softer light of morning just breaking over the mountain peaks, an early-morning visit to Machu Picchu is one of the most memorable travel experiences you will ever have.After sightseeing, return to Sumaq Hotel for a leisurely à la carte lunch and some free time to relax.In the afternoon, board the Vista Dome Observatory train for your return journey through the Sacred Valley. Enjoy the scenic ride and the attentive onboard service as you make your way back to Cuzco. On arrival, check in at the luxurious Palacio del Inka Hotel, where you'll have dinner and the evening to unwind. Meals: B+L+D
Day 7: Inca Sites of Cuzco
After breakfast, we head towards the outskirts of Cuzco and stop at the Pachacutec Lookout, an iconic monument overlooking the city. Next, you'll explore the magnificent ruins of Sacsayhuaman. Built in the 1400's by the Inca Emperor Pachacútec, the massive limestone blocks of this venerated complex were cut with such precision that they fit together without mortar like the interlocking pieces of a jigsaw puzzle! With some individual stones towering more than 10 feet tall and weighing several hundreds of tons, Sacsayhuaman is a monumental achievement of architecture and masonry. Here at this sacred and mysterious site, we've arranged for you to witness an Andean purification ritual. Then sit down to lunch at La Princesita and return to town where the rest of your afternoon and evening are at leisure. Your luxury hotel is in the heart of town making it easy step out and explore Cuzco's inviting boutiques, galleries, cafes and restaurants. Meals B+L
Day 8: Culture, History + Cuisine in Cuzco
This morning's visit to the Almudena Cemetery offers both a fascinating contrast and complement to yesterday's focus on Cuzco's centuries-old Inca sites. Here at this seemingly commonplace setting, your expert guide will offer thoughtful cultural perspectives and personal insights into how ancient traditions - some dating back to Inca times - still endure in the life of local residents. Continue your sightseeing with the Cathedral and the other Colonial-era landmarks that line the Plaza de Armas. At the Temple of the Sun and Convent of Santo Domingo, you'll discover one of Peru's most architecturally fascinating sites. It also demonstrates the rich layering of history here in Cuzco, where a sacred structure of one culture, the Convent, literally sits atop and practically encloses another, the Inca-built Temple of the Sun! Your morning ends on the 11th floor of a Cuzco building where our stylish and gleaming rooftop kitchen awaits. Take in the views of the city and then join our skilled chef for a hands-on cooking class where you'll learn to make both an appetizer and a luncheon entrée. Enjoy additional free time this afternoon to shop, relax and explore as you wish. This evening, you'll dine at MAP Café, one of Cuzco's finest restaurants. Meals B+L+D
Day 9: Scenic Rail Journey to Lake Titicaca
After breakfast, you'll be escorted to the train station where you'll be welcomed aboard PeruRail's Titicaca Train for one of South America's most spectacular rail journeys. This leisurely overland route will allow you to experience the changing landscapes of the Andes at a more gradual pace, as the train makes its way from Cusco to the shores of the world's highest navigable lake. The journey is far more than a means of transportation; it promises to be an unforgettable chapter of your Peruvian adventure. As the train climbs through the dramatic scenery of the Altiplano, you'll pass remote Andean villages, snowcapped peaks, and vast open plains that stretch toward the horizon. Attentive onboard hosts are there to enhance your journey, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable experience.Stopping at La Raya, the highest point along the route at 14,200 feet, you'll have time to explore a colorful local handicraft market and take in sweeping views of the surrounding Andes. Back onboard, an elegant three-course lunch with wine is served in the dining car as the scenery transitions from rugged mountains to the expansive landscapes of the high plateau.In the afternoon, enjoy the lively traditions of the Andes with a performance of music and dance in the bar car, along with a demonstration and tasting of Peru's iconic Pisco Sour. Later, afternoon tea provides a gracious finale to the journey as the train continues toward Puno. As evening approaches, your first views of the shimmering waters of Lake Titicaca come into sight. Upon arrival in Puno, you'll be warmly greeted and escorted to your hotel. Meals B+L+D
Day 10: Across the Sacred Waters of Titicaca
Lake Titicaca is one of the highest lakes in the world and the largest in South America. Its beauty is breathtaking to behold and its sacred waters have been revered since pre-Inca times. Titicaca is perhaps best known for its amazing floating islands - made of Totora reeds and home to small but vibrant communities of the Uros people. This morning, you'll set out with our expert guide to cross the waters and step ashore on these remarkable manmade structures. As you learn firsthand about their construction and maintenance, and the secrets behind their buoyancy, you'll also gain insight into the history, traditions and daily of the Uros. You'll also visit Taquile Island, famed for ancient agricultural terraces that climb the hillside from the lakeshore; its residents still speak the language of the Inca and weave beautiful textiles using techniques that have changed little over the centuries. Meals B+L+D
Day 11: Back to Lima for Departure
Visit the remarkable towers of Sillustani that dot the rolling hills of the Lake Umayo peninsula. Erected by an ancient warlike people that pre-dated the Inca here in the region, these cylindrical structures, some reaching heights of more than 30 feet, were used as burial towers for entire noble families, along with food and belongings that would be needed for the journey into the next world. Then fly to Lima where a day-use room has been reserved for you at the conveniently located Wyndham Grand Costa del Sol Airport Hotel, just steps from the terminal. You'll be escorted to the hotel on arrival and later escorted back to the terminal for your onward flight. Meals B
Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, is a world unto itself—a definite must-see. It's located 560 mi/900 km southeast of Lima, on the Peru/Bolivia border, at an altitude of 12,500 ft/3,812 m. One way to see Titicaca is on the 12-hour train ride from Cuzco to Puno through the Andes, a trip that reaches an elevation of more than 14,000 ft/4,265 m as you pass by farms, people's backyards, waterfalls and bleak but wondrous scenery—clear blue sky, deep blue water and dry, barren landscape.
This is an expensive tourist train and runs three or four times a week; the local train, which was notorious for thievery, no longer operates. Tourist buses also cover this route, stopping at major sights en route. They are faster and have English-speaking guides. Peruvians and tourists on a time limit take normal buses between Cusco and Puno, usually a six-hour trip.
Don't neglect the attractions on the Bolivian side of the lake. Stop overnight in Puno, an uninspiring town near the border that's one of the best places in Peru to buy Andean handicrafts—alpaca sweaters, rugs, ponchos and tapestries. (The town is also known for its colorful fiestas and folk dances.) Then continue by bus or car to Copacabana, just across the border, for Bolivian customs formalities and to tour the cathedral or take a day trip to the Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna. With its small-village atmosphere and charm, this town is a nice overnight stay from which you can see more of the lake.
From Puno, tours or public transport are available to Taquile Island (small Inca ruins and very nice woven goods), Sillustani on Lake Umayo (to see chullpas, the funerary towers of the ancient Colla people) and the Floating Islands (actually enormous floating reed mats that support the Uros people's villages of reed huts—you can buy reed souvenirs there).
Excursions
Huacas and Shrines on a bike (Lima - 4 hours)
Huacas and Shrines on a bike (Lima - 4 hours)
Lima is a big and modern city, it has been in continuous occupation for almost 2,000 years. Scholars have found more than 30 archaeological sites at different locations within the city limits. “HUACAS” are pyramidal constructions with superimposed platforms ending on a flat top, they were used for religious and administrative purposes by prehispanic civilizations along the Peruvian coast.
Our specialized Guide and his assistant will pick you up at the hotel with the bikes and the necessary equipment for the activity. After the briefing you will ride along one of the principal avenues of Lima towards the heart of Miraflores while enjoying the architecture and everyday life of the city folks. The first stop is at Huaca Pucllana, built 1,300 years ago, this visit is a great introduction to the history of Lima, traditions, cuisine and economic activities of ancient inhabitants. Then, we continue to the commercial and financial district, San Isidro, to visit Huaca Huallamarca, which has been through a magnificent restoration by the City Hall, you´ll appreciate the contrast between history and modern life. Finally, we return to the hotel completing a 12 km circuit on the bike. This activity is offered for mornings and afternoons. It lasts for 4 hours. The advantage of being at sea level and our moderate weather is that we can provide it all year round. We include a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour.
Highlights:
- Huacas, pyramidal constructions
- Bike to admire the arquitecture
Tour can operate: the morning or afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate/Heavy (we provide a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour)
Inclusions:
- Transportation from/to hotel (as back up)
- Guide
- Bikes
- Assistant
- Bottle of water
- Items not mentioned in the Included section
Historical and Natural Sanctuaries (Lima - 6 hours)
Historical and Natural Sanctuaries (Lima - 6 hours)
Highlights:
- Villa Wetlands, a natural reserve
- Pachamac, a historical sanctuary and important ceremonial center
The south limits of Lima house two important sanctuaries for the visitor: Villa Wetlands, a natural reserve holding a great variety of flora and fauna, its bodies of water attract a good array of biodiversity, they have identified more than 200 species of resident and migratory birds. And Pachacamac, historical sanctuary and important ceremonial center of the central coast in Perú, it was occupied by 4 consecutive civilizations before the arrival of the Spanish.
Our specialized guide and the vehicle will pick you up at the hotel. It´s necessary to reach Villa Wetlands early in the morning to enjoy the ecosystem. You walk for 2 km. around a lagoon facing the ocean with good opportunities for pictures and a clear understanding of the migratory patterns. The next stop is Pachacamac, the highlights of this massive archaeological site are visited. You will also enter the Site Museum displaying important pieces found during excavations, one of them is the wooden idol of Pachacamac, the most important prehispanic god in this area, carved in local wood more than a thousand years ago.
Return to the hotel is after noon, the activity takes almost 6 hours and you walk almost 5 km during the visits.
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can operate: daily (excepts Monday)
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Transportation from/to hotel
- Guide
- Entrance Fees
- Bottle of water
Not Included:
- Items not mention in the Included section
Walking the history center of Lima (4 hours)
Walking the history center of Lima (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
Depart the pier to Lima's main square where the Spanish conqueror, Francisco Pizarro, founded the "City of Kings" in 1535. The Government Palace, Lima City Hall, Archbishop's Palace, and the Lima Cathedral surround the square.
Lima was founded to be the capital and most important town of the Spanish domain in South America until the 18th century. The Historical Center represents the model of architecture and urban planning of Spanish colonial cities with high political, economic and cultural importance, as devised by Charles V in 1542.
Our expert Guide will take you to the colonial section of Lima, you will walk among historical monuments, religious and political buildings located within the perimeter declared Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1988. This learning experience will allow you to appreciate typical examples of Hispanic American baroque style as well as some other different styles like Art Nouveau.
Besides the stops for great pictures of Limenian architecture, you will have the opportunity to visit Casa de Aliaga, a mansion still inhabited by the same family since the foundation of the city, an extraordinary experience that will take you back in time. To finish the experience, we will visit the Dominican Convent, which was the first catholic order to arrive in Perú with Francisco Pizarro and they have a lot of history, traditions, and sainthood to impress our travelers.
Highlights:
- Colonial section of Lima
- Visit Casa Aliaga, a mansion still inhabited by the same family since the foundation of the city
- Dominican Convent
Tour can operate: daily
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light/Moderate
Inclusions:
- Transportation from/to hotel
- Expert Guide
- Entrance fees
- Bottled water
- Snack
Not Included:
- Items not mention in the Included section
The Amano Textile Museum (4 hours)
The Amano Textile Museum (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
This excursion brings us to the Amano Textile Museum, renowned globally for its extensive collection of archaeological artifacts from pre-Columbian Peruvian civilizations, as well as the significant efforts of Mr. Yoshitaro Amano in safeguarding the world's global textile heritage. The museum's inception followed Mr. Amano's decision to settle in Peru, leveraging his success as a Japanese entrepreneur.
During his journeys across Peru, Mr. Amano encountered relics abandoned by grave robbers. Recognizing their cultural importance, he dedicated a substantial portion of his time to recovering and preserving these artifacts scattered throughout Peru's coastal deserts. These treasures were then exhibited in his residence in Miraflores.
The Amano family remains deeply committed to advancing conservation and research initiatives centered on Peru's textile legacy, in accordance with the vision of the museum's founder, while also paying homage to his memory.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances/stairs)
DURATION: 4 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 10:30 and/or 14:30
Note: Filming and photography are not permitted in the Amano Textile Museum, we suggest leaving your cameras in the bus.
Museo Larco (4 hours)
WHAT YOU'LL VISIT
This excursion brings Larco Museum, founded by Rafael Larco Hoyle in 1926, to showcase ancient Peruvian history through its extensive collection of artifacts spanning 5000 years. Housed in an 18th-century viceroyalty mansion built atop a pre-Columbian pyramid, the museum is renowned for its erotic pottery, accessible archives, and beautiful gardens. Andres Alvarez Calderon, actual owner of the collection, emphasizes the importance of museums in preserving humanity's heritage and engaging the public through immersive experiences.
Since it was established in 1926, the Museo Larco has been acknowledged as a pioneer in terms of public access to its collections. It was one of the first museums in the world to open its storerooms to the public, and to provide online access to its entire collection, encouraging in this way the multidisciplinary research first promoted by its founder.
Larco Museum in focused on storytelling, allowing visitors to connect with Peru's ancient civilizations and their profound relationship with nature and the cosmos.
After this stop reboard the motor-coach to return to the pier.
WHAT YOU'LL SEE ALONG THE WAY
Museo Larco´s collections
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate level of activity (easy walking for short distances)
DURATION: 4 Hours
(Suggested) Departure Time(s) 09:00 and/or 14:00
Flash photography is not permitted in the Museum.
Includes:
- Pick up/drop off at the Port of Callao.
- Touring in a private vehicle with air-conditioning. All vehicles are fitted with cellular phones.
- Qualified, registered English-speaking tour guide.
- Entrance fees.
- Bottled Mineral Water and Tissues and hand wipes provided to all guests.
- Tips to drivers and guides.
- Any services not mentioned above.
Lima - Half-Day Colonial City Tour & Larco Museum
Lima - Half-Day Colonial City Tour & Larco Museum
Discover downtown Lima’s most significant architectural gems from the viceroyalty period, including the Government Palace and the Cathedral. Your tour will also take you to the Convent of San Francisco, where you’ll marvel at priceless artwork and explore the famous catacombs.
No visit to Lima is complete without a stop at the Larco Museum. Set in a former mansion built on the site of a pre-Columbian temple, the museum houses a remarkable collection spanning 3,000 years of ceramics, textiles, precious metals, and mummies showcasing ancient preservation methods.
What makes the Larco Museum truly unique is its access to storage rooms, where you can see thousands of ancient Peruvian ceramic objects, including pots shaped like animals, plants, and people. Additionally, the museum features a special room dedicated to erotic artifacts—an exceptional collection of ceramic pots depicting various sexual positions, some of which survived despite being destroyed by Spanish conquerors.
Lima - Gourmet Experience: Half-Day Culinary Tour
Lima - Gourmet Experience: Half-Day Culinary Tour
Embark on a food lover's adventure through Lima’s exclusive restaurants, where you'll savor exquisite gourmet dishes and learn to prepare your own ceviche and pisco sour with a professional chef. This tour is designed to immerse you in the rich culinary culture of Peru, taking you through vibrant traditional markets, renowned eateries, and districts that showcase the city’s gastronomic excellence.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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