Highlights of Peru | Trip Itinerary

Below you'll find our recommended custom itinerary for the Highlights of Peru.  It uses group tours where available, such as Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, and private tours in other areas. The itinerary can be modified to include all private tours, or to add additional days or tours, different hotels, etc.

Day 1: Travel to Lima. You will need to clear customs and immigration before exiting the airport. Our local representative will meet you outside, and transfer you to your hotel.

Day 2: Breakfast is included at your hotel. Today you will enjoy a half-day private tour of the historical and colonial areas of Lima, including a visit to the Larco Museum. This museum showcases chronological galleries that provide an overview of 5,000 years of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. Other museum visits can be substituted, or added on request. Your afternoon is free to explore further on your own. Optionally we can arrange for a shared bike tour around the Miraflores district this afternoon. (B)

Day 3: You will be met and transferred to the airport for your morning flights to Cusco. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. You have some free time to rest and acclimatize to the 11,600' elevation. Later this afternoon, you will meet your guide for a tour of the highlights of the city of Cusco and to nearby surrounding archaeological sites.  Visits in the city include the Cusco Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, and Koricancha—“The Temple of the Sun”.  Archaeological sites visited will be Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.  (Tour options for either small group or private basis).  Rest of the afternoon and evening free. (B)

Day 4: Today you will have a full day tour to the Sacred Valley. First, explore the Pisac market, with its bright stalls full of local textiles and other handicrafts.
The main market day in Pisac is Sunday, with Tuesdays and Thursdays being popular as well. To a lesser extent, you will  find  handicraft vendors in the market on  a daily basis.  Continue through the valley to a local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon, tour the ruins of Ollantaytambo. You will be dropped off at your selected hotel, where you will spend the night. Note:  Tour options for either small group or private basis.  With a private tour, additions can be made for additional stops such as Pisac ruins, Awanacancha textile exhibit, or trade out for Chincheros market if you are traveling on a Sunday. A Peruvian Paso horse demonstration and/or upgraded restaurants can be added for your lunch stop. Additional charges may apply, please consult us for a specific quote.  (B, L)

Day 5: You will be transferred by local transfer service to the train station at Ollantaytambo, where you will depart on the Vistadome tourist train for the 90 minute ride through the valley to Machu Picchu. Meet your guide on arrival and transfer to ruins + entrance fee + guided  private tour + lunch at the nearby Sanctuary Lodge are all included. Be sure to note the time for the last bus down to Aguas Calientes, which is usually around 5:00 PM. Spend the night in this town, conveniently located to restaurants & the bus stop for Machu Picchu, and the train station back to Cusco. Dinner is included at most Machu Picchu hotels (except 3 star option). (B, L, D)

Day 6: Entrance fee to ruins, transportation and breakfast are included to use this morning. Tickets will be for a specific hour of the morning entrance:  6:00 AM to 12:00 noon. Optional hiking permits can be arranged on request.   Free time for lunch & to wander the Machu Picchu village before your late afternoon return by train/vehicle to Ollantaytamboo or Poroy/Cusco.  On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your Cusco hotel, where you stay for the next two nights.  (B)

Day 7: Day at leisure to enjoy the markets, shops, restaurants and museums of Cusco. (B)

Day 8: You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your return flights to Lima. Connect to your local or international flight. (B)

B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner