Best of Peru Tour
15 Days
PERU HIGHLIGHTS
- Machu Picchu
- Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Vistadome Train Ride, Andes Mountains
- Cusco, 16th century Spanish Culture
- Puerto Maldonado
- Tambopata Reserve
- Amazon River
- Manu National Park
- Puno, Historic Plaza de Armas
- Lake Titicaca
- Floating Islands of Uros
- Arequipa, Historic Old Town
- Colca Canyon
- Lima, Historic Old Town
Best of Peru Tour
15 Days
Dates
- May 2018
Pricing
- Tour Pricing: $3,295
- Discount: 5% Returning Volant Customer
Best of Peru Tour
15 Days
DAY 1: HOLA! WELCOME TO LIMA, PERU
A Volant representative will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. We will spend the remainder of the day exploring Lima. Larcomar is a modern shopping center in the Miraflores District located right on the coast. After a long day of travel we can grab a bite to eat and walk along the Pacific Ocean. Make sure to stop by Parque del Amor, the home to a giant sculpture of a couple kissing as well as beautiful mosaic walls.
DAY 2: LIMA
We will spend our day in the historic city center of the “City of Kings.” At the heart of it all, Plaza de Armas contains many different roman catholic cathedrals as well as colonial architecture. We will visit the Government Center, San Fransisco Monastery, enter the catacombs, and perhaps even stop by the Archbishop’s Palace of Lima to witness the changing of the guard. Take advantage of the modern comforts of Lima as we dive deeper into the cultures and history of South America.
DAY 3: LIMA – PUERTO MALDONADO
Early this morning we will transfer back to the Jorge Chávez International Airport and fly down to the Padre Aldamiz International Airport in Puerto Maldonado. There are a number of different activity options available to us while in this region. You may choose to observe the colorful macaws at the salt lick in Tambopata National Reserve or i Manu National Park. Or maybe you would prefer to explore Lago Valencia, a lake situated near the Bolivian border that is home to the giant river otter and the squirrel monkey. Whatever you decide just know that you are officially in the Amazon Rainforest.
DAY 4: PUERTO MALDONADO – AMAZON BASIN
Don’t be frightened, that deep rumble noise off in distance is just a howler monkey starting his day. Once we have decided to do the same we will take a boat tour of the Madre de Dios river. This paradise of biodiversity is home to an abundance of wildlife, winding rivers and never-ending forests. Your nature guide will open your eyes to the many different species of flora and fauna. For those who may be interested your afternoon can be spent in any one of the nature reserves in the area. Tonight will be our last night in Puerto Maldonado.
DAY 5: SACERD VALLEY OF THE INCAS – OLLANTAYTAMBO
After our short flight to Cusco we will explore many different archeological sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Some of which are called Saqsaywaman, Rodadero, Humedal Wayllarqocha, Tambomachay and Pisac. We will also see spectacular views of the Urumbamba River. Tonight we will rest in Ollantaytambo, the only Inca settlement that has been inhabited since its inception.
DAY 6: OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
Waking up in the Sacred Valley we will spend our morning visiting the archeological sites of Ollantaytambo. We will witness the massive Incan Fortress that includes large stone terraces. Next, a 90 minute ride aboard the Vistadome train will take us to Aguas Calientes. Along the way peer outside for incredible views of the Sacred Valley. In the afternoon we will have time for an optional dip in the hot springs. Our evening will be spent in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 7: MACHU PICCHU
For our seventh day of adventure we will catch an early morning bus ride (20 minutes) to Machu Picchu. The early morning sun will magnify the beauty of the citadel. Our day in this “Lost City of the Incas” will be spiritually awakening as the history here is immeasurable. The majority of our day in this region will be spent hiking around the ruins. For those willing and able we will have the option to hike the Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain later in the day. In the evening we will return to Aguas Calientes.
DAY 8: MORAY – MARAS – CHINCHEROS – CUSCO
Once we have returned to Ollantaytambo by way of the Vistadome train we will take a private car to Maras. The hour drive follows the Urumbaba River and passes through more ruins. Once in Maras we will visit the ancient site of Moray. These Incan ruins consist of concentric depressions measuring 30 m at their deepest. From Maras we will drive to the Chincheros District. Known to the Incas as the “Birthplace of the Rainbow,” the old town of Chincheros is a small Andean Indian Village. Before our drive back into Cusco we will see a demonstration of cultural and historical agricultural practices. Be sure to soak up the our final views of the Sacred Valley.
DAY 9: CUSCO
In the heart of the former capital of the Incas we will tour the Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral, Iglesia De La Santo Domingo and the Iglesia De La Compania De Jesus. We will also check out sites that date back to the 15th century including the Temple of the Sun and Qorikancha. As we explore this colonial city we will encounter local shopping markets as well as buildings that were once covered in gold. Much like in Lima the Plaza de Armas is considered the center square of Cusco. Here there are picturesque gardens as well as a central fountain to see. Colonial paintings inside the Cusco Cathedral are also a must. Our comfortable accommodations tonight will be in Cusco.
DAY 10: CUSCO – PUNO
Today will be dedicated to traveling to Puno, a city situated on Lake Titicaca. While on our scenic drive through southern Peru we will make several historically relevant stops. Our first stop will be made at the Pikillacta, a large Wari culture and archaeological site. Our next stop in Checacupe will allow us to visit the Templo de la Virgen Inmaculada de Checacupe. After lunch at an alpaca ranch in the countryside we will stop to stretch our legs at the Raqchi Temple, an Incan archaeological museum dating almost 2,000 years old. This afternoon you may choose to rest in your hotel or explore downtown Puno.
DAY 11: LAKE TITICACA – FLOATING ISLANDS OF UROS
Hop aboard a reed boat and cruise out to the Floating Islands of Uros. The Uros are an indigenous people of Peru and Bolivia that have fashioned 42 floating islands in Lake Titicaca. Expect to have lunch on Taquile Island and to learn how to make your very own floating island. There will be the opportunity to buy handcrafted art objects from the locals. In the afternoon we will return to Puno for the night.
DAY 12: PUNO – COLCA CANYON
Today’s destination is Colca Canyon. As Peru’s third most visited tourist destination, Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world. This picturesque canyon draws bird-watchers from all over the world. The canyon is home to the Andean condor, giant hummingbird and the Chilean flamingo to name a few. Spend the afternoon hiking around the canyon and exploring the scenic landscapes.
DAY 13: COLCA CANYON – AREQUIPA
Take a ride through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reservation to arrive in the capital of the Arequipa region. Not only is Arequipa framed by three volcanoes but it is also filled with baroque buildings constructed by white volcanic stone. The day is yours to explore the city. You may choose to start at the heart of it all in the Plaza de Armas and work outwards towards Rio Chill, a river that runs through Arequipa. There are an abundance of museums and churches in the area including the Basílica Catedral de Arequipa, Museo de la Catedral and Monasterio de Santa Catalina.
DAY 14: AREQUIPA – LIMA
Take one last opportunity to stroll through the historical center of Arequipa. Make sure to visit Claustros de La Compañia as well as the Iglesia de la Compañíato to gaze upon the building’s astounding architecture. In the afternoon we will catch our flight to Lima where we will spend our last night in South America.
DAY 15: DEPART – TOUR ENDS
International flight home from Chavez International Airport, Lima, Peru.
DAY 1: HOLA! WELCOME TO LIMA, PERU
A Volant representative will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. We will spend the remainder of the day exploring Lima. Larcomar is a modern shopping center in the Miraflores District located right on the coast. After a long day of travel we can grab a bite to eat and walk along the Pacific Ocean. Make sure to stop by Parque del Amor, the home to a giant sculpture of a couple kissing as well as beautiful mosaic walls.
DAY 2: LIMA
We will spend our day in the historic city center of the “City of Kings.” At the heart of it all, Plaza de Armas contains many different roman catholic cathedrals as well as colonial architecture. We will visit the Government Center, San Fransisco Monastery, enter the catacombs, and perhaps even stop by the Archbishop’s Palace of Lima to witness the changing of the guard. Take advantage of the modern comforts of Lima as we dive deeper into the cultures and history of South America.
DAY 3: LIMA – PUERTO MALDONADO
Early this morning we will transfer back to the Jorge Chávez International Airport and fly down to the Padre Aldamiz International Airport in Puerto Maldonado. There are a number of different activity options available to us while in this region. You may choose to observe the colorful macaws at the salt lick in Tambopata National Reserve or i Manu National Park. Or maybe you would prefer to explore Lago Valencia, a lake situated near the Bolivian border that is home to the giant river otter and the squirrel monkey. Whatever you decide just know that you are officially in the Amazon Rainforest.
DAY 4: PUERTO MALDONADO – AMAZON BASIN
Don’t be frightened, that deep rumble noise off in distance is just a howler monkey starting his day. Once we have decided to do the same we will take a boat tour of the Madre de Dios river. This paradise of biodiversity is home to an abundance of wildlife, winding rivers and never-ending forests. Your nature guide will open your eyes to the many different species of flora and fauna. For those who may be interested your afternoon can be spent in any one of the nature reserves in the area. Tonight will be our last night in Puerto Maldonado.
DAY 5: SACERD VALLEY OF THE INCAS – OLLANTAYTAMBO
After our short flight to Cusco we will explore many different archeological sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Some of which are called Saqsaywaman, Rodadero, Humedal Wayllarqocha, Tambomachay and Pisac. We will also see spectacular views of the Urumbamba River. Tonight we will rest in Ollantaytambo, the only Inca settlement that has been inhabited since its inception.
DAY 6: OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
Waking up in the Sacred Valley we will spend our morning visiting the archeological sites of Ollantaytambo. We will witness the massive Incan Fortress that includes large stone terraces. Next, a 90 minute ride aboard the Vistadome train will take us to Aguas Calientes. Along the way peer outside for incredible views of the Sacred Valley. In the afternoon we will have time for an optional dip in the hot springs. Our evening will be spent in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 7: MACHU PICCHU
For our seventh day of adventure we will catch an early morning bus ride (20 minutes) to Machu Picchu. The early morning sun will magnify the beauty of the citadel. Our day in this “Lost City of the Incas” will be spiritually awakening as the history here is immeasurable. The majority of our day in this region will be spent hiking around the ruins. For those willing and able we will have the option to hike the Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain later in the day. In the evening we will return to Aguas Calientes.
DAY 8: MORAY – MARAS – CHINCHEROS – CUSCO
Once we have returned to Ollantaytambo by way of the Vistadome train we will take a private car to Maras. The hour drive follows the Urumbaba River and passes through more ruins. Once in Maras we will visit the ancient site of Moray. These Incan ruins consist of concentric depressions measuring 30 m at their deepest. From Maras we will drive to the Chincheros District. Known to the Incas as the “Birthplace of the Rainbow,” the old town of Chincheros is a small Andean Indian Village. Before our drive back into Cusco we will see a demonstration of cultural and historical agricultural practices. Be sure to soak up the our final views of the Sacred Valley.
DAY 9: CUSCO
In the heart of the former capital of the Incas we will tour the Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral, Iglesia De La Santo Domingo and the Iglesia De La Compania De Jesus. We will also check out sites that date back to the 15th century including the Temple of the Sun and Qorikancha. As we explore this colonial city we will encounter local shopping markets as well as buildings that were once covered in gold. Much like in Lima the Plaza de Armas is considered the center square of Cusco. Here there are picturesque gardens as well as a central fountain to see. Colonial paintings inside the Cusco Cathedral are also a must. Our comfortable accommodations tonight will be in Cusco.
DAY 10: CUSCO – PUNO
Today will be dedicated to traveling to Puno, a city situated on Lake Titicaca. While on our scenic drive through southern Peru we will make several historically relevant stops. Our first stop will be made at the Pikillacta, a large Wari culture and archaeological site. Our next stop in Checacupe will allow us to visit the Templo de la Virgen Inmaculada de Checacupe. After lunch at an alpaca ranch in the countryside we will stop to stretch our legs at the Raqchi Temple, an Incan archaeological museum dating almost 2,000 years old. This afternoon you may choose to rest in your hotel or explore downtown Puno.
DAY 11: LAKE TITICACA – FLOATING ISLANDS OF UROS
Hop aboard a reed boat and cruise out to the Floating Islands of Uros. The Uros are an indigenous people of Peru and Bolivia that have fashioned 42 floating islands in Lake Titicaca. Expect to have lunch on Taquile Island and to learn how to make your very own floating island. There will be the opportunity to buy handcrafted art objects from the locals. In the afternoon we will return to Puno for the night.
DAY 12: PUNO – COLCA CANYON
Today’s destination is Colca Canyon. As Peru’s third most visited tourist destination, Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world. This picturesque canyon draws bird-watchers from all over the world. The canyon is home to the Andean condor, giant hummingbird and the Chilean flamingo to name a few. Spend the afternoon hiking around the canyon and exploring the scenic landscapes.
DAY 13: COLCA CANYON – AREQUIPA
Take a ride through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reservation to arrive in the capital of the Arequipa region. Not only is Arequipa framed by three volcanoes but it is also filled with baroque buildings constructed by white volcanic stone. The day is yours to explore the city. You may choose to start at the heart of it all in the Plaza de Armas and work outwards towards Rio Chill, a river that runs through Arequipa. There are an abundance of museums and churches in the area including the Basílica Catedral de Arequipa, Museo de la Catedral and Monasterio de Santa Catalina.
DAY 14: AREQUIPA – LIMA
Take one last opportunity to stroll through the historical center of Arequipa. Make sure to visit Claustros de La Compañia as well as the Iglesia de la Compañíato to gaze upon the building’s astounding architecture. In the afternoon we will catch our flight to Lima where we will spend our last night in South America.
DAY 15: DEPART – TOUR ENDS
International flight home from Chavez International Airport, Lima, Peru.
Best of Peru Tour
15 Days
Inclusions
- All internal flights (while on tour)
- All scheduled accommodations (2-3 star)
- All scheduled meals
- Transportation throughout tour
- Airport transfers
- Machu Picchu entrance fee
- Vistadome Train Ride, Peru Rail
- Luxury tour bus ride to Puno
- Personal guide
Exclusions
- International airfare (to and from Lima, Peru)
- Entrance fees to museums and other attractions not listed in inclusions
- Personal items: Laundry, shopping, etc.
By email: info@Volant.Travel
By phone: 801.651.7208
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