Overview
On your first day in Lima, your first Local Host will meet you at your hotel and give you materials to familiarise you with the city. The next morning, after an included breakfast, your guided sightseeing with a local expert features the historic city centre and Santo Domingo Convent with its relics—not to mention insider stories to make the experience really come alive. Then you’re off to Cusco, high in the Andes.
In Cusco, among many sights, your included sightseeing tour features the Santo Domingo Monastery, an important temple devoted to the sun, and the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, built in the early 12th century with some stones weighing more than 350 tons—built without the use of modern technology and machinery! Cusco offers some fantastic gastronomic delights, so be sure to ask your Cusco Local Host for recommendations. In the Sacred Valley, visit the market town of Pisac, where you can find local wares at bargain prices, and Ollantaytambo, a great example of Inca town planning and with some of the finest examples of Inca masonry.
No trip to Peru is complete without a visit to Machu Picchu, built in 1450 at the height of the Inca Empire and without a doubt one of the most magnificent settings in South America. You’ll take a train to Machu Picchu, receive an included tour, and if you desire, you’ll have the opportunity to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu and hike to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas, with your second included entrance to the ruins. Plus, you’ll have access to a Local Host in Machu Picchu—someone who can tell you the history and the culture like no one else.
Explore more of Peru’s magic with a full-day sailing on Lake Titicaca and its mesmerising islands. and take a motor boat to some of the more unique islands, including the fascinating Uros Islands—made entirely of reeds! Just one of the unexpected and fascinating experiences on this Peruvian tour.
Itinerary
Arrive in Lima.
Your included city tour focuses on Lima's rich colonial history as well as the modern city. Lima was the bastion of Spanish South America from its founding in 1535 until the independence of the South American republics in the early 19th century. See the cathedral, where the remains of Francisco Pizarro are sealed in a wooden coffin, and the Santo Domingo Convent to see the relics of three famous Peruvian saints-Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martin de Porres, and San Juan Macias. (B)
Fly to Cusco, high in the Andes. Your guided tour visits the Santo Domingo Monastery, one of the most important temples devoted to worship of the sun. It is said it was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. At Plaza de Armas, see the cathedral before taking a short drive outside the city to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman with its intricate stone walls, the amphitheatre of Kenko, and the red fortress of Puca Pucara. (B)
Today, a short drive into the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, brings you to Awanakancha to learn about the importance of the alpaca for Inca cultures, as well as the ancient weaving techniques still in use today. Continue to the market town of Pisac, where you can buy handmade rugs, alpaca sweaters, and jewellery at bargain prices. At the other end of the valley, visit Ollantaytambo to see some of the finest examples of Inca masonry. (B/L)
Embark on a train trip bound for Machu Picchu and cut a path through the Sacred Valley to this "Lost City of the Incas," discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. On a guided tour, explore this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct. For hikers, a brisk one- hour walk leads to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas. (B/L/D)
A morning at leisure allows you to wake up early to see sunrise over Machu Picchu with your second included entrance to the ruins. Return to Cusco by train. (B)
Arrive in Juliaca, where you will be transferred to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. (B)
Today, enjoy a full-day sailing on Lake Titicaca and take a motor boat to some of the more unique islands. Start with Taquile Island, once part of the Inca Empire and one of the last areas of Peru to be conquered by Spain in the 16th century. The Spanish banned traditional dress on the island, which is why the Spanish peasant dress can still be found today. Next, travel to the fascinating Uros Islands, home to the Uros Indians, who were forced to live on the lake as the Inca Indians pushed farther into their territory. These islands are completely made by reeds, which are continually added to as they disintegrate to the bottom of the lake. (B/L)
Depart for Juliaca this morning, visiting the ruins of Sillustani en route. At this pre-Incan burial ground, see where the ancient Aymaras buried their high priests in chullpas, aboveground, cylinder-shaped tombs dating back to the 1400s. Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)
Your holiday ends after breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 9 Breakfasts
- 3 Lunches
- 1 Dinners
- Price does not include the cost of flights within this itinerary
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land and cruise. International flights not included.
Enjoy VIP access to iconic sights, skipping the que at major landmarks and locations. Read more
Your own friendly, knowledgeable Local Host has all the info to maximise your holiday. Read more
Monograms has carefully selected hotels that put you in the heart of each destination. Read more
Availability
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Monograms.
