Best of Peru - Premium Adventure
Experience Overview
Discover Peru: home of the Inca empire and packed with natural wonders. Guided by an expert tour leader, we see the very best bits: the floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca, the colossal Colca Canyon, and the culture-packed cities of Lima and Cuzco. There’s also time to explore Machu Picchu, one of the New Wonders of the World, while each night ends in the comfort of Premium accommodation.
Profile
— Accommodation: 13 Premium nights (hotels and lodges) — Travel by internal flight, train, boat and private air-conditioned bus — Time spent at altitude
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 13 Premium nights (hotels and lodges) — Travel by internal flight, train, boat and private air-conditioned bus — Time spent at altitude
Trip For You
This trip is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Journeys: This is a busy itinerary encompassing the main highlights of southern Peru. The size of Peru means this trip involves some long drives and early starts. The private buses used are comfortable and the scenery is outstanding. There are several stops to break the long journeys.
Altitude: Although graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate), the altitude can make physical activity feel more tiring. As this trip spends considerable time at altitude, we ask you to refer to the Altitude Warning within the Trip Notes for more information and advice on how to limit the effects of altitude sickness.
Please note, it is essential you read the Machu Picchu regulations in the Important Information section of the Trip Notes before you book this trip.
Climate: It can be cold at these altitudes, particularly from May to August (although these months benefit from lower rainfall), and you need to bring appropriate clothing.
Walking: Cuzco, Arequipa and many of the Inca sites (including Machu Picchu) are built on hillsides and sightseeing often involves walking up and down steep streets or on uneven steps or terraces. As such, you should have a good level of mobility and a reasonable fitness levels.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, seven lunches and five dinners are included.
Free drinking water is provided in large containers, as Peruvian tap water is not safe to drink; please bring a refillable bottle with you.
Hotel breakfasts are normally simple buffet-style affairs, usually including bread/toast and jam, cereal, sometimes eggs or a cooked dish, sometimes fruit, tea/coffee and fruit juice. Regrettably, we cannot guarantee that wheat-/gluten-free products will be available for breakfast in all locations – if you have an intolerance you may wish to bring your own breakfast food from home.
Where lunch and dinner are not included, we visit a variety of local cafes and restaurants.
Peruvian cuisine has developed a reputation for exceptional flavours and originality and it’s well worth trying a few of the local delicacies. Among these are ceviche (a spicy dish of seafood or fish marinated in lime juice), lomo saltado (a Peruvian take on a beef stir-fry) and various hearty soups such as the delicious quinoa soup. Other dishes include roasted cuy (guinea pig) and Alpaca steak. To drink, there’s pisco sour, the national beverage.
Transportation
We use a variety of transport for this adventure: train, boat, minibus/coach and an internal flight.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Casa Republica Barranco Boutique Hotel, Jirón Sáenz Peña 208, Barranco 15063
Phone: +51 1 4886059
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately.
Airport: Lima Airport (LIM)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 50 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for everyone. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
We provide free departure transfers for all customers to Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Weather Information
The diverse geography of Peru results in a very varied climate between regions. Here’s what you can expect.
Lima: The capital falls within the coastal desert region of Peru, with a mild climate and very little rain all year.
April to November: The sky is almost always grey and the air humid. Average daytime temperatures in Lima are about 18C and 24C (64F and 75F), with July and August typically being the coolest. Nights are also mild, typically 15C-18C (59F-64F). FromDecember to March: The skies are clear and temperatures warmest but elsewhere in the country this is rainy season.
Cuzco and the Andes: They have a temperate climate.
April to November: The dry season, characterised by clear skies and strong sunshine in the mornings, sometimes clouding over as the day progresses. Daytime temperatures are usually pleasant (approximately 20C/68F on average) but nights only 5C-10C (41F-50F), except for May, June, July and August when days are cooler and nights are often close to, or just below, freezing. In the Andes, however, anything is possible at any time of year, including cloud, rain or even snow, and rapid and unexpected changes.December to March: The rainy season in Cuzco/the Andes
Lake Titicaca and the Colca Canyon: These are high (at 12,470ft/3,800m and 11,810ft/3,600m above sea level respectively), so the sun is strong but the air can be cold, and nights can be close to freezing. You should bring warm layers and a waterproof or wind-stopper.
Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu: Within the cloud forest, so attract large amounts of precipitation all year as clouds move up from the Amazon Basin. Rain here can be heavy but is seldom prolonged. Cold fronts sometimes occur from July to August.
Worth knowing
Peru is also affected by El Niño, where warming of Pacific Ocean surface water off South America drives a shift in the atmospheric circulation resulting in abnormally high levels of rainfall over parts of South America. These events occur at irregular intervals of two to seven years, and last nine months to two years. In El Niño years, temperatures in Lima can be much warmer than described above but it still rarely rains in Lima.
Spending Money
It is a good idea to take enough money with you to last the first few days because you set off early on Day 2. However, the bus can stop at an ATM en route if needed.
Food, drinks and similar incidentals can vary in price enormously in Peru and are relatively expensive compared to other developing nations. Allow about US$15‐US$20 per meal (where meals are not included) to eat at good restaurants, price noted does not include alcohol. Cheaper food is abundant at small local cafes, although sanitary conditions at these places cannot be guaranteed. Bottled water and soft drinks are readily available for around US$1‐US$2 each.
Please note, there is a possibility the Peruvian Ministry of Tourism may increase entrance fees to archaeological sites at any time. If this happens, we will inform you of the increase and the additional amount will be payable locally.
Peruvian airport taxes are included in the price of your flight ticket, and there will be no need to pay these locally.
Peruvian Passport or Identity Card Holders
Please note, the cost of Exodus holidays in Peru is based on the assumption you do not hold a Peruvian passport or resident’s card. If you are officially resident in Peru or are a Peruvian passport holder, you will be liable to an additional 18 percent tax on most services, and this extra sum will be payable locally to our local partner. Other nationalities are exempt from this tax. Please notify us at the time of booking if you are legally resident in Peru or hold a Peruvian passport so we can advise you of the total cost of these taxes.
Optional Excursions
Your tour leader can tell you about the full range of optional excursions available throughout your holiday; however, the most popular are:
Cuzco: City tour and four ruins (five hours): From US$48 per person (based on four participants), excludes BTG. This includes visits to the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay and Puca Pucará plus a city tour, which includes the Plaza de Armas, where the cathedral is located; Koricancha ‘Sun Temple’ (entrance included); and San Pedro Market.
Cuzco: Sacred Valley tour (eight hours): From US$58 per person (based on four participants), excludes BTG. Drive to the Sacred Valley, stopping at El Mirador viewpoint en route. Visit Pisac Market and fortress and Ollantaytambo; return to Cuzco.
Stand-up paddleboarding (four hours): From US$82 per person (based on two participants). Includes private transfer, specialised guide, fruit, water and hot drinks. Price can vary if there are more participants.
Zip-line (eight to nine hours): From US$60 per person. Includes transport, security equipment, specialised guide, and box lunch.
Via ferrata (eight to nine hours): From US$60 per person. Includes transport, security equipment, specialised guide, and box lunch.
Via ferrata and zip line (eight to nine hours): From US$100 per person. Includes transport, security equipment, specialised guide, and box lunch.
Mountain biking excursion in the Sacred Valley (seven hours): From US$130 per person (based on two participants). Includes private transfer, security equipment, specialised guide, and box lunch.
White-water rafting (eight hours): From US$140 per person (minimum of two participants). Drive to the Chiquicahuana area of the Southern Valley to start rafting in Vilcanota river. Spend two to three hours rafting and experiencing rapids level III and III+. Finish your adventure with a picnic lunch before heading back to Cuzco. Activity available from April to December.
Excursion prices vary depending on the number of people taking part. The prices given within these Trip Notes are based on four participants (unless otherwise stated) and are intended as a guideline only. Actual prices will differ depending on group sizes. All tours use private transport and there will be an English-speaking guide. Please note, cash is the preferred method of payment for the optional activities.
For some activities, a minimum number of participants may be required. Some activities may not always be possible due to weather, seasonality, national holidays or unforeseen circumstances.
Tipping
On this Premium Adventure, tipping for any local support staff is included and will normally be taken care of by your tour leader (or in some cases through our local agent). So no need for any tipping kitty contributions, or to make your own tips during the trip.
Our ‘included tips’ will normally cover drivers, local specialist guides, certain hotel staff, and serving staff for included meals. Amounts will be in line with the local standard. Of course, if you wish to make a further tip for some extra special service you may do so.
Tips for the tour leader are not included. Whether to tip at all and the amount is entirely at your own discretion, but as a starting point we suggest around US$6 (25 Peruvian soles) per person per day for the duration of the trip.
Highlights
— Explore the once-lost city of Machu Picchu, a New Wonder of the World — See Andean condors glide on an exploration of the mighty Colca Canyon — Explore the floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca, meeting the indigenous population — Take an unforgettable heritage train ride to Cuzco — Tuck into the flourishing food scene, enjoying traditional cooking and modern gastronomy — Enjoy the comforts of Premium accommodation – our selection upgraded in 2025
Trip Details
Product Code: 4137
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: provided.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: APJ
Starts: Lima, Amazon Rainforest
Finishes: Lima, Amazon Rainforest
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
— All breakfasts, seven lunches and five dinners — All accommodation — Arrival and departure transfers — Tour leader throughoutAccommodation
Premium hotels and lodgesRefreshed in 2025 to provide even more luxury, the accommodations on this adventure were chosen for their excellent locations, comfort and style. You can see the full list on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below is a selection of the standout properties on this trip. Lima: Casa Republica Barranco Boutique Hotel (night 1) Sitting within the bohemian Barranco district, this boutique property is close to some of the best restaurants and galleries in the city – an excellent reason to speak to your sales representative about adding pre-tour nights to your trip. The property itself is a converted 1920s mansion on a quiet street with tastefully renovated rooms. Arequipa: Casa Andina Premium Arequipa (nights 2-3) Occupying what was the National Mint from 1836 to 1841, this Casa Andina Premium property is now a five-star hotel. The colonial-style rooms nod to its heritage, while the Alma bar and restaurant serves Peruvian fusion dishes. If you’d like to explore a little, the Plaza de Armas is a little over five minutes’ walk away. Cuzco: Palacio del Inka (nights 8-10 and 13) Enjoy a delightful blend of historic elegance and modern comforts at the Palacio del Inka. It sits in a 500-year-old mansion with a design influenced by Peruvian culture and colonial decor. You can also sample traditional Peruvian cuisine at the Inti Raymi restaurant, sip a pisco sour or two at the Rumi bar, or wander through the Mantay Gallery to see Peruvian works from the 20th and 21st centuries. Worth knowing The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We will inform you of any changes, which could (in rare circumstances) be at late notice.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $9,655 ($690 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Lima, the busy capital of Peru. You are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the trendy Barranco district. For dinner, we gather as a group and head to Cala, a renowned restaurant by the Pacific shores to enjoy contemporary Peruvian cuisine and get to know each other. Premium accommodation: Casa Republica Barranco Boutique Hotel
Begin with a tour of Lima, the epicenter of Spanish power until the city was all but destroyed by an earthquake in 1746. Many of the colonial buildings were rebuilt and we see some of them today. Our exploration takes in the Plaza de Armas (main square), central market (where we try Peruvian fruits and street food), and Chinatown, where we eat chifa cuisine, a Peruvian-Chinese fusion that’s very popular among Peruvians. After, we head straight to the airport for our evening flight to Arequipa, a picturesque city surrounded by giant volcanoes, including the near-perfect cone of El Misti. Premium accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Arequipa
Explore the historic centre of Arequipa on a morning tour, visiting the Plaza de Armas and Santa Catalina convent, which was built in 1580 and is still cared for by the resident nuns. Lunch is at a picanteria (a traditional lunchtime restaurant), after which you have free time to explore further or to enjoy the hotel facilities. Premium accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Arequipa
A spectacular drive over the Andean high plains, known as the Altiplano, brings us to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. On the way, we pass volcanoes and almost certainly see vicuñas (relatives of the lama) in the highlands, before we cross the Patapampa Pass (16,110ft/4,910m), which marks the descent into the canyon itself. As we take the winding road to the town of Chivay for a short stop, the sight of the fertile canyon terraces is a contrast to the barren yet beautiful Altiplano landscapes. This is the first day we may feel the effects of altitude. We don’t linger at the top of the pass, but spend the night around 11,810ft (3,600m), so take it easy on arrival. Premium accommodation: Aranwa Pueblito, Encantado del Colca
Spend today exploring the Colca Canyon, starting with a visit to the Cruz del Condor, the best place to see Andean condors as they glide on the morning thermals. We also see ancient tombs that line the cliffs on one side of the canyon and stop in villages along the way, which house several interesting colonial churches. In the afternoon, we set off to visit the pre-Inca ruins of Uyo Uyo. Start with a 10-minute transfer to Coporaque village, where we begin our hike, which includes uphill and downhill sections. We take it easy and stop along the way, including at the San Antonio viewpoint to gaze over the valley and an amphitheater built into the hillside by the Collaguas people. Arriving at Uyo Uyo, we have 30-45 minutes for a guided tour, before returning to the hotel with time to relax before dinner. Premium accommodation: Aranwa Pueblito, Encantado del Colca
Drive (6hr 30min) through the high mountain plains to Puno, a city on the shores of Lake Titicaca. En route, we can spot vicuña herds and enjoy a one-hour visit to the pre-Inca burial towers (chullpas) of Sillustani. Our hotel tonight is ideally situated on the Lake Titicaca shores – the perfect place to watch sunset. Premium accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Puno
Start early today (pickup is 6.40am) and jump in a boat for an adventure on Lake Titicaca, visiting two floating islands close to Puno. These human-made structures are crafted from dried reeds (totora) and have provided a home to the indigenous Uro people for centuries. First stop is Uros, where we are welcomed by the residents and learn about their daily life. You can also take a ride around the floating islands (15 soles/US$4.50 per person, payable in cash). Next is Amantani, one of the largest Lake Titicaca islands. First, we walk uphill for around 30 minutes to enjoy a traditional lunch in a family home. Next, we walk (one hour) to the summit of Pachamama (4,120m/13,550ft), with the chance to explore ancient ruins and enjoy incredible views – it is often possible to see the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real in the distance. Finally, we walk (1hr 30min) back down to the harbour, where we take a motorboat to Puno. Please note: Our boat is private to our group, and we are joined by a guide from one of the island communities. The boat is enclosed, as it can get cold at this altitude, but there are large windows on all sides and an outside deck to the rear. Life jackets are provided. Premium accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Puno
Board the Titicaca Train for a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Cuzco – the 10hr 30min route, which crosses the Peruvian Andes, is among the most beautiful in the world. We also enjoy excellent service, dining on gourmet food and enjoying afternoon tea in 1920s-style Pullman carriages, while the open-air observation car is a dream for photographers keen to capture the panoramas. Premium accommodation: Palacio Del Inka
Explore Cuzco, the heart of the Inca empire, seeing the highlights both in and above the city. First head to Saqsayhuaman, a grand ceremonial center overlooking the city. Then return to the city centre to explore on foot, including a visit to Qoricancha (Sun Temple) and the Plaza de Armas to explore inside the beautiful cathedral with an expert historian guide or curator. After a rest at the hotel, we head to the ChocoMuseo for a chocolate workshop, in which we make chocolates right from the cacao bean and sip drinks like the Mayas and Conquistadores used to. Finally, we leave with our own handmade chocolates – either a great gift or a treat for yourself. Premium accommodation: Palacio Del Inka
Today has been left free for exploring Cuzco, one of the most beautiful cities in South America. The Plaza de Armas is a fantastic spot for people-watching. The Mercado San Pedro is the place to try local produce and there are many handicraft markets to shop for souvenirs such as alpaca jumpers and scarves. Choose to enjoy a Peruvian cooking class, including a market visit; learn about traditional food and drink, and then feast on your self-prepared food. If you fancy something more active, there is an array of other optional activities available from Cuzco including paddleboarding on a lake, mountain biking, or a combination of via ferrata and zip-lining in the Sacred Valley. Premium accommodation: Palacio Del Inka
Travel to the Sacred Valleyon the outskirts of Cuzco. First stop is an Andean community in the middle of the valley, where we learn from local women how they use ancient weaving and dyeing techniques to create textiles from alpaca hair.This activity also helps the women to financially support their home and families, acting as a vital income source. With our new friends, we also help to prepare a pachamanca, a traditional Peruvian dish, in which hot stones are used to cook marinated potatoes, lamb, mutton, pork, chicken or guinea pig. Enjoy the meal while you relax in a unique Andean landscape, surrounded by mountains and farmlands. After, we continue through the Sacred Valley and visit the Maras Salt Ponds, where salty springs emerge from the hillside and the Incas built terraces to capture the flows and harvest salt. Then continue to Moray, where huge circular agricultural terraces were built by the Incas to plant various crops. It is said to have a cosmological significance; however, the Incas also used the terraces as an agricultural laboratory to determine the optimum conditions for each species. Premium accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado Hotel or Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel
Drive along the Urubamba River towards the town of Ollantaytambo, a magnificent example of Incan urban planning and one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish. Here, we visit an immense Inca fortress and explore the town streets, which still follow the pre-conquest grid plan. Afterwards, we board the 360° Train by Inca Rail towards Aguas Calientes, a modern town close to Machu Picchu. The 1hr 45min train ride is one of the most beautiful journeys in Peru. After passing the Sacred Valley, it descends gradually alongside the Urubamba River until it reaches the cloud forest. The afternoon is free to explore the town. Premium accommodation: El Mapi by Inkaterra Hotel
To beat the daytrippers from Cuzco and reach the ruins as early as possible, we book early morning buses and entry tickets to Machu Picchu. The Inca citadel is one of the architectural and engineering marvels of the ancient world, enhanced by a mountain backdrop of staggering immensity. The Spaniards never found it, the Incas left no records of it, and so Machu Picchu remained a great enigma, a city lost for centuries in the jungle until it was rediscovered in 1911 by American historian Hiram Bingham. After the tour, we catch our afternoon train to Ollantaytambo (1hr 30min) in Voyager class, and then continue to Cuzco for our farewell dinner at MAP Café in the central courtyard of the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. Premium accommodation: Palacio Del Inka
The adventure ends after breakfast. There are free transfers to Cuzco Airport for all today, which must be booked at least two weeks prior to the trip starting. Alternatively, if you’d like to continue your adventure, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in this fascinating city.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Kelly Ann Markowitz - Traveled, December 2023
Everything Was Amazing I spent the last year trying to decide what I wanted to do for my 50th birthday. I wanted to go someplace “different” and nothing lit a spark. I thought it might be fun to do Galapagos and Machu Picchu and I happened up on Exodus Travels while trying to find that exact trip, but after stumbling upon the Premium Peru itinerary I was hit with that spark I was looking for. This was a last-minute decision for us as we booked barely two months before departure and the Exodus folks and website were so easy to work. I was able to book it in a snap. The trip was perfectly planned with great hotels, food, transportation and experiences. We were spoiled from Day 1. We didn’t have to worry about anything other than making sure we didn’t leave anything behind, that our water bottles were filled, and we were on time for our next day’s adventure. From the ocean to the mountains to the rainforest, we saw and learned about the rich history and culture of the Peruvian land and peoples. The itinerary was filled with fascinating stops, such as Arequipa, Lake Titicaca and Pun, Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu, the rain forest. We learned about the ancient peoples and how their traditions continue today despite the European influences that have taken hold since the 1600s. The Peruvian culture is a beautiful blend of both. William, our phenomenal group leader, imbued us with his vast knowledge of the ancient and modern cultures all while ensuring our trip was all we had hoped for. Most Inspirational Moment The boat trip to the floating islands on Lake Titicaca was incredible. We visited these people who lived such a simple life on these man-made reed islands with reed huts, fishing and hunting and ensuring their necessities. They held on to their traditions while embracing the modernity of trading on the mainland for other needs such as solar power and other foodstuff as well as ensuring their children had a good education. It was absolutely beautiful learning about their history and seeing how they live. Thoughts on Group Leader I can't say enough good things about William without sounding like I'm gushing. We are grateful to have had William as our group leader. He was attentive and kind. He went out of his way to ensure our trip was perfect. My husband and I were having a difficult time with the altitude and we couldn't do the one-day Inca trail hike. It would have been a nightmare. But he waited for us to make the call, and I am positive he would have supported us in whatever decision we made. I imagine had we gone, he would have patiently helped us every step of the way. But we did decide to not do it and William made sure we were well-cared for while he and our tour mate went on the hike. Not only that, but the next day during our trek to Machu Picchu, he went out of his way to make sure we had a special experience and view of the ruins. William also went above and beyond to add experiences that weren't on the itinerary -- stops for delicacies during our road trips, additional stops that he though were important like the salt pools and the circle terraces. He wasn't just going through the motions. Peru is his country and he wanted us to experience it as much as possible. Advice for Potential Travellers Don't overpack. Trust me, you won't need everything on the packing list. Suggestions This was a Premium adventure and it definitely felt like it. We ate so well -- breakfast, lunch and dinner -- and I'm not complaining at all. You definitely won't go hungry. I do think it might have been fun to experience more small-town street type food for lunches. Some of my favorite stops were the lamb and potatoes during one of our rest stops during a road trip, or the yummy sweet bread at a roadside vendor, or the fresh empanadas at the convenience store.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
David M - Traveled, December 2023
Best of Peru - Premium Adventure Just to reaffirm how much we enjoyed it. We have so many wonderful memories! Most Inspirational Moment Machu Picchu, of course. But meeting a native community and having a native style lunch was a wonderful afternoon. The floating islands and meeting the native people who lived there. The rain Forrest was incredible. The boat ride on Lake titcacca was enjoyable. Thoughts on Group Leader William was fantastic, went above and beyond. The trip was in advance of my wife’s birthday and William made sure local bands serenaded her at a couple of meals and twice hotels had special desserts awaiting us. We felt such a great bond with our fellow traveler, William and our guest guides.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/27/2023
Peter F - Traveled, November 2023
Best of Peru - Premium Adventure I really enjoyed this trip and would highly recommend it to anyone, my guide William and all of the local experts were so knowledgeable and really wanted to give us an authentic experience. Most Inspirational Moment "The main highlight for me was Machu Picchu! I loved the 1 day Inca trail upto the site, I found it challenging but worth while. The floating reed islands of lake titikaka was so fascinating, I really enjoyed that day so much! The couple of nights at Inkaterra lodge in the rainforest was fantastic (I would have loved to spend another day there)." Thoughts on Group Leader My guide William was absolutely fantastic, he made the trip so much more than I expected. His attention to detail was 10/10 and really wanted us to have the best experience possible. He was friendly, knowledgeable and very professional. Always giving us information and insight about everything he possibly could, he really is an asset to Exodus travel and a great ambassador for Peru.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
Steve K - Traveled, November 2023
Trip of a Lifetime Peru is a fascinating country and this trip explores varied terrains including urban areas, mountains, high plains, lake and rainforest. The local people we met on the trip were extremely welcoming and friendly. The country does have an issue with litter on the roadside, even in the National Park areas which is sad to see. Hopefully in time this will improve. Most Inspirational Moment Has to be Machu Picchu! That first sighting as you reach the Sun Gate on the Inca Trail really does take your breath away, an image to live long in the memory. Thoughts on Group Leader Our tour leader Paul Garrido did an amazing job of organising, guiding, informing and assisting. He was with us from arrival at Lima airport to departing for home. Nothing was too much trouble and he made it clear he was contactable 24 hours a day. His lively personality really made it feel as though he was one of the group, and I genuinely believe he was a significant factor in the trip being so memorable. Advice for Potential Travellers Don't underestimate the potential issues related to being at altitude. You may experience some mild effects - I woke up in the mornings with a headache, but this could be alleviated with a couple of paracetamol. Embrace the culture. Dine on alpaca and guinea pig (unless you're vegetarian) even if you don't order it a second time. Drink at least one Pisco sour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
Mindel L - Traveled, November 2023
Best of Peru - Premium Adventure Everything from the moment we arrived was brilliant and well planed and delivered. Most Inspirational Moment Too many there was no downsides to the trip Thoughts on Group Leader Make this man in charge of all your trips he is the best guide I have ever had
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2023
Sarah Carter - Traveled, October 2023
Peru Very well organised , introduction to altitude was staggered and well coordinated . Most Inspirational Moment One day Inca trail to macchu picchu. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent group leader , very knowledgeable , went above and beyond to ensure we experienced Peru at its best , was always there to answer questions , reassure explain. Advice for Potential Travellers Book it , trip of a life time
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2023
Bertina C - Traveled, September 2023
Best of Peru - Premium Adventure Wonderful itinerary with the amount of variety and time to acclimate without having to take any meds. Most Inspirational Moment I enjoyed exploring every city with the local guides providing a wealth of local color Thoughts on Group Leader "Uvaldo was phenomenal. He was concerned about our well being and health and demonstrated knowledge in how to avoid altitude sickness. He has encyclopedic knowledge of Inca and pre-Inca history. He was a master logistician to arrange each day's schedule and manage every detail from getting us through the servicios hygenicos most quickly to ensuring we got through all the airport lines to board our planes most efficiently. We laughed together and genuinely enjoyed his company. He encouraged us on the Inca Trail and kept us moving along steadily. I would recommend Uvaldo unconditionally to any visitor to Peru."
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2023
Nigel Turner - Traveled, July 2024
Five great and different experiences of Peru! This is a first class itinerary which gave us five ‘mega day’ experiences of Peru, each of which was quite different from the others: seeing the wonderful condors in Colca Canyon; visiting the families on a reed island in Lake Titicaca; walking the last part of the Inca Trail and seeing Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate; seeing the great colonial religious art and architecture in Cuzco and spending time in the rain forest on a tributary of the Amazon. These memorable experiences were separated by other days travelling through scenic landscapes, visiting interesting sites and staying in some great hotels. The Colca Lodge and ICH Lodge on the river were both wonderful. Bar one that I’ve reported to Exodus, the others were all solid four star hotels with comfortable rooms and good food and locations. The food in Peru is generally good and we had tasty lunches and dinners out. I’ll pass on the guinea pig next time though! Most Inspirational Moment The day on the Inca Trail and reaching the Sun Gate to see Machu Picchu below us bathed in sunlight. My wife and I had been booked to do the whole Inca Trail in 2020 (and covid put paid to that) but this one day experience was brilliant and gave us great mountain views, a super Inca site in the middle of nowhere (Winay Wayna) and viewing MP at the end of the afternoon when most tourists had departed. A fabulous day! We concluded that this experience was probably better for us than doing the whole trail. We personally had no problem with the altitude although for a couple of us the trail was hard and needed to be taken slowly - but we all got the big buzz and celebration at the Sun Gate! Thoughts on Group Leader William was super (see previous review) but had to travel home for an emergency and was replaced by Raul - another very experienced and expert guide. Raul was excellent - great knowledge, sociability and problem-solving. He always went the extra mile for us. For example he made a real difference to the end of our own trip when we were flying on to Bolivia in middle of the night. Both these guides were first class. They took good care of those who experienced altitude effects. Thank you William and Raul. We also had three additional top class local guides in Arequipa/Colca, Lake Titicaca and the rainforest. We were well looked after through the whole trip. Advice for Potential Travellers We went in July so it was winter in Peru. Although it was hot during the day, it got pretty cold at night so we did need our layers - but the plus point was that we had no rain during the trip and plenty of blue skies. Make sure you drink a lot of water/soft drinks/ coca tea in Colca and take it easy. To help with jet lag, we flew into Lima early and had an enjoyable day visiting the old city centre and the excellent Larco Museum.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/30/2024
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