Majestic Peru
Experience Overview
Explore Peru in style on this 15-day adventure, journeying from coastal plains to ancient cities that sit on mountaintops. As you travel through Lima, Puno, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, and Aguas Calientes, uncover historic architecture, stunning Andean landscapes, Inca ruins, colourful markets and fascinating local culture. Visit the famed Machu Picchu – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – and opt to take the One Day Inca Trail trek to experience the ancient citadel from two angles. Rub shoulders with the locals with two pachamanca meals – one in the middle of the desert near the Nazca Lines in a local’s home and one in the Andean highlands community of Huilloq. With the guidance of a local leader, you’ll get beneath the surface of this captivating country and leave with a deeper understanding of Peru’s history, wildlife, cuisine and people.
Highlights
- See the famed Machu Picchu – perched high in the Andes on a mountaintop, surrounded by mountain rainforest – and discover the secrets and history of this iconic Inca ruin.
- Spend a full day exploring the floating islands of Uros (made entirely of reeds) on Lake Titicaca and make the most of the chance to meet the local Uru people who live here.
- Witness the giant desert inscriptions of the Nazca Lines – one of Peru's greatest unsolved mysteries – from the viewing tower. Then, head to a local’s home in the middle of the desert for a traditional pachamanca dinner.
- Visit the scenic Sacred Valley, where you’ll stop for lunch in the Huilloq community and participate in their ceremony blessing Pachamama. Listen to their life stories of the Andean highlands and learn more about their fascinating culture through a textile demonstration.
- Choose to trek the One Day Inca Trail – an excellent option for those wanting to experience trekking in Peru – and see the famed Wonder of the World twice.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1877
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Plane,Train,Private vehicle,Public bus,Boat
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: GGKP
Starts: Lima, Peru
Finishes: Lima, Peru
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (14), Lunch (2), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (14 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,060 ($337 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. Kick off your adventure in the coastal capital of Lima with a welcome meeting at 2 pm, where you'll meet your leader and fellow travellers. After, head out on a walking tour of the vibrant Miraflores area with your leader. Enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace, then perhaps meet back up with the group for an optional dinner. Whether you dine with the group or sample the city's renowned food scene on your own, don't miss the chance to try Peru's national dish – ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice, often served with hot peppers). If you're not a fan of seafood, there are plenty of other excellent options on offer – ask your leader for tips on the best local eats.
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Lima - Leader-led Miraflores walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Lima - Coast Biking Tour - Urban Adventure (Price based on 2 participants) (52 USD)
- Lima - Bohemian Barranco (Based on 4 participants) (75 USD)
- Lima - Lima Discovery + San Francisco and Pisco Sour - Urban Adventures (Price based on 2 participants) (39 USD)
- Lima - Private: Home Cooked Tour Ceviche experience Urban Adventure (Based on 2 Participants) (85 USD)
- Lima - Lima Water Show (Based on 4 participants) (40 USD)
- Lima - Lima Pisco Making (Based on 4 participants) (35 USD)
- Lima - Lima Eat Street (Based on 4 participants) (75 USD)
- Lima - Private Larco Museum (Based on 4 participants) (50 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, start with a guided walking tour of Lima's historic centre. Stroll atmospheric streets flanked with ornate mansions, palaces and Spanish colonial churches, taking in Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral of Lima, the San Francisco Monastery and the central market. Your leader will guide you through the market, where you'll find vendors selling a variety of fresh produce and regional specialties like cuy (better known as guinea pig) – a Peruvian delicacy! Head away from the tourist trail and visit Alameda de Chabuca Granda. This pedestrian strip is where Limenos (locals from Lima) go for street food and entertainment. Later, travel by minivan to beautiful Paracas.
Included Activities:
- Lima - Guided tour, including San Francisco Monastery, the Catacombs and Central Market
Optional Activities:
- Lima - Cathedral of Lima (entrance fee) (12 PEN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, take a 2-hour boat tour to Islas Ballestas – home to abundant wildlife, including pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingos, sea lions and penguins. After some awesome wildlife viewing, hop in a private van to one of the world's most mysterious archaeological sites – the Nazca Lines, stopping off at the oasis town of Huacachina to grab some lunch. Nazca’s origins date back to the 2nd century BC, and thanks to the dry desert conditions, mummies, textiles, ceramics and other relics have been remarkably well-preserved, providing archaeologists with clear snapshots of the highly developed, pre-Inca civilisation. Head to the viewing tower, or maybe take an optional flight over the lines for even better views! Leave Nazca at sunset, then drive south to a local’s traditional mud house in the middle of the desert. Among paintings of local flora, you’ll have a homemade pachamanca dinner (in the Quechua language, pacha means earth and manka means pot) – a traditional Peruvian dish of potatoes, meat and herbs baked with hot stones. Eat with your hosts after a brief ceremony thanking Pachamama (with chicha, otherwise known as corn beer).
Included Activities:
- Islas Ballestas - Guided tour
- Nazca Lines - Viewing tower
- Nazca - Pachamanca dinner
Optional Activities:
- Nazca - Scenic flight over the Nazca Lines (excluding 77 PEN Taxes at Nazca Airport) (100 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave Nazca behind this morning and travel to Arequipa by private vehicle. Standing at the foot of El Misti Volcano and boasting beautiful baroque buildings, Arequipa vies with Cusco for the title of Peru's most attractive city. Built out of a pale volcanic rock called sillar, the old buildings dazzle in the sun, giving the city its nickname – the 'White City'. The main plaza, with its cafes and nearby cathedral, is lovely to wander and stretch your legs after a long driving day.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Get to know this beautiful city with the help of a local guide. Visit the main plaza, Santa Catalina Monastery and San Ignacio Chapel on a walking tour. After, head for lunch with your group at a picanteria for some classic Arequipa favourites like rocoto, relleno, solterito and queso helado. Practice your Spanish with the locals and then you're free to explore Arequipa at your own pace. Maybe return to the main square to take a closer look at the cathedral, cafes and eateries or explore the suburb of Yanahuara. You may also like to visit the Juanita Museum, which houses Peru’s famous ‘Ice Maiden’, the Inca mummy of a girl who died in the 1440s. Ask your tour leader for other tips on how to make the most of your free afternoon.
Included Activities:
- Arequipa - Walking tour
- Arequipa - San Ignacio Chapel
- Arequipa - Santa Catalina Monastery Admission Fee
- Arequipa - Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa
Optional Activities:
- Arequipa - Juanita Museum Admission Fee (20 PEN)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you’ll travel by minivan to Puno – a town located on the shores of Lake Titicaca. It's a long drive, but the dramatic views of Peru’s highlands, the Altiplano, make it an exceptionally scenic one. As you approach Puno, stop to pay a visit to the ruins of Sillustani. Tucked between small villages on a beautiful peninsula near Lake Umaya, the pre-Inca ruins comprise circular towers called chullpas that served as burial sites for noblemen. Continue to Puno, a melting pot of Aymara and Quechuan Indigenous culture. Traditional Andean customs are still strongly represented here, earning the town the title of Folklore Capital of Peru.
Included Activities:
- Puno - Sillustani archaeological site
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Start the day with a tour of Lake Titicaca. It is 3820 m above sea level and holds the title of the highest navigable lake in the world. While cruising across its waters, hop in a motorboat and learn about the lake’s spiritual significance for the Quechua. Stop off at Uros Titinos – floating islands made entirely from layers of totora reeds. As you'll find out, the islands are constantly under construction – as the reeds closest to the water begin to rot, more layers are added. Reeds are used for making everything on the island, including the boats used to travel to the mainland, which can last up to 12 months. Continue to Taquile Island, where the locals make their livelihood out of textiles. Here, knitting is strictly a male domain, while women do the spinning. To reach the main part of the island, there is a one-hour uphill walk on a paved path with great views of the lake. Sit down to an optional set lunch consisting of a local staple, quinoa soup, washed down with a cup of muna tea (Andean mint tea). After a brief stay, a descent of about 500 steps brings you back to the boat, which will take you back to Puno.
Included Activities:
- Puno - Lake Titicaca day tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a scenic bus ride across the Altiplano towards Cusco. You’ll be travelling by public tourist bus, and while there’s a rest stop along the way, it’s best to stock up on snacks before your journey. Cusco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and colonial buildings are built upon foundations that remain from Inca times. Set out to discover some of Cusco's lesser-known sights on a guided walking tour – visit the facade of Qoricancha temple, San Pedro market, the main square, 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. Tonight, ask your leader for great restaurant recommendations for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a free day in Cusco, the heart and soul of Peru. You may like to visit the city’s many museums and archaeological sites with your included boleto turistico (tourism ticket). This includes the Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum, Qosqo Native Art Museum and the Inca ruins of Q'enqo, Pica Pakara, and Pisac. The most easily accessible among these sites is Qoricancha, which was once the Incan empire's richest temple until the Spanish built a Dominican church on top of it.
Included Activities:
- Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included)
Optional Activities:
- Cusco - Humantay Lake Hike (Based on 4 participants) (130 USD)
- Cusco - Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 paticipants) (100 USD)
- Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class (70 USD)
- Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) (57 USD)
- Cusco - Full Day Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Based on 4 participants) (85 USD)
- Cusco - Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 participants) (105 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll hop on a bus and drive through the Sacred Valley. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, the valley has been a source of livelihood for the locals for hundreds of years. You’ll see maize crops covering the terraced valley walls and the sacred river beneath. Just outside Cusco, stop off for a guided tour of the Inca fortress, Sacsayhuaman. Overlooking the city from its hilltop position, the fortress is built out of massive stone blocks and is the ultimate example of the Inca's military strength. Visit the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba – this cafe provides employment opportunities and job training for single mothers throughout the Sacred Valley. Enjoy a snack and learn how this inclusive enterprise focuses on economic growth, gender equality and the support of vulnerable communities. Travel further into the Sacred Valley to visit the Huilloq community, where tourists are an uncommon sight. Be welcomed with an offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and learn about the community’s ancestral textile techniques. Sit down for a guinea-pig lunch (vegetarian option available upon request) and then drive onwards to the day’s final destination – Ollantaytambo. Here, you’ll take a guided tour of the town’s archaeological site, including remnants of an Inca city and soaring views over the present-day settlement.
Included Activities:
- Sacred Valley - Community visit
- Sacred Valley - Coffee & cake
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, catch a train through the winding Urubamba Valley, climbing to Aguas Calientes – this seriously scenic journey will surely give your camera a good workout. If you’d like to give your legs a workout too, your leader can recommend some beautiful walks around Aguas Calientes. The city is nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu, so it’s the perfect place to kick back and take in your peaceful surroundings.
One Day Inca Trail
If you're the active type, you can choose to trek the One Day Inca Trail today (11 km or 7 miles). Keep in mind that you must pre-book this option at least 30 days before departure. If you choose this option, the day begins bright and early with a 6:30 am train ride to the starting point. With a local guide leading the way, the trail will lead uphill and downhill, passing a few archaeological sites. See Chachabamba and Winay Wayna (2680 m altitude), also known as 'Forever Young'. This impressive complex is considered by many to be the most impressive site on the whole Inca Trail and is made up of a terraced agricultural centre, religious sector and urban sector. From here, it's about a 1.5-hour trek to Intipunku (the Sun Gate), where (weather permitting) you'll enjoy unforgettable views over the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ as you enter Machu Picchu. Depending on how long the trek takes, you'll have time to snap some pics and look around before taking a short bus ride down to Aguas Calientes, where you'll re-join the group and spend the night at a hotel.
Optional Activities:
- 1 Day Inca Trail guided hike (465 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take an early bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu at 5.30 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for the Incan nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Another school of thought is that this was an astronomical observatory. Take a guided tour around the awe-inspiring ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters and decide for yourself. After your tour, catch the bus back to Aguas Calientes, followed by a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo and finally a drive to Cusco, where you’ll spend the night.
Included Activities:
- Machu Picchu - Entrance and guided tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy free time to delve deeper into all Cusco has to offer. You may like to use your boleto turistico to check out any sites you missed last time you were here or simply grab a coffee from a cafe at Plaza de Armas and do some people-watching. For those still seeking an active adventure, the hills that surround Cusco are well-suited for some mountain biking. Ask your tour leader for advice on optional activities and how to make the most of your free day.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a short flight from Cusco to Lima. You will be unescorted on your flight today. When you arrive in Lima, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and met by a local leader who can assist with any optional activities or final arrangements. When you arrive in Lima, the day is free to spend how you wish. Visit some of the sites you missed at the beginning of the trip, or maybe do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Why not gather the group for one final night out on the town? Your tour leader will be happy to offer tips on how to make the most of your last day.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay in Lima, just get in touch with your booking agent.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Patricia Anne - Traveled, March 2024
I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to get a great taste of Peru and its culture.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/16/2024
Steve - Traveled, March 2024
Our Majestic Peru Trip 2nd Mar 2024 was a trip of a lifetime. Thanks goes to Leo our tour leader for going above and beyond. Everything about the trip gave us memories for a lifetime. Especially goung up Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/16/2024
Richard - Traveled, January 2024
An excellent experience. The well qualified guides navigated the vagaries' of travelling in Sth America without any apparent problems. The kept our altitude sickness concerns under control. All the visits were well managed. A wonderful trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/30/2024
Mike - Traveled, January 2024
Magestic Peru was magnificent, made so by a combination of the most amazing scenery and historic sites on the planet and by our amazing tour leader Enrique. A true gentleman and legend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2024
Pamela - Traveled, January 2024
Our majestic trip allowed us the ability to engage in the culture and the people. Our group was amazing and our tour leader was awesome, very knowledgeable and helpful. We had an amazing experience, thanks Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2024
Pardaman - Traveled, December 2023
Very happy overall with arrangements and selections of places to visit , hotels and guide. We have been lucky to have a highly motivated people’s person team organiser guide who made our trip a pleasant one Good luck to him
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/04/2024
Noel - Traveled, December 2023
An outstanding trip full of colour , variety , beauty and history - vividly brought to life by our tour leader with his knowledge, enthusiasm, approachability and availability. Highly recommended
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/15/2023
Elizabeth - Traveled, September 2023
The trip was made for me by the guide Juan Palomino. His level of enthusiasm for his country and vast knowledge and his communications were wonderful However, on the downside the trips by bus were long and quite unpleasant and there are three big ones taking pretty much 3 days of your trip. This was not a comfortable trip at all with these long long bus rides. Juan tried to make the most of it my giving us commentary on anything that was interesting but they were still long To make it a "comfort" trip planes should be used wherever possible or perhaps look into using the train. To summarise the guide made the trip enjoyable and without him this would probably have been a very different review.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/12/2023
Anne - Traveled, September 2023
Peru is a revelation there is more to it than Machu Picchu, including wonderful Arequipa the White City, vibrant Cusco , and lively Lima.The people are friendly and more than happy to engage with strangers. Food to suit all tastes including Guinea pig for the adventurous. Little villages and towns with family run business ready to welcome strangers. Peru is a paradise for those interested in antiquities it abounds with ancient sites, and it’s Guides are happy to share their knowledge with the visitor
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2023
MARK - Traveled, September 2023
Our Majestic Tour of Peru was excellent. Very helpful and knowledgeable Tour guide who spoke good English, lovely hotels, breakfasts. Busy itinerary but learned a lot about culture and history. Aldo interacting with local people was wonderful. To achieve these some very long days traveling but in nice large minibusses. Thank you Intrepid for our holiday of a lifetime, Also celebrated 40 years being married during trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/21/2023
Steve - Traveled, August 2023
Peru is a beautiful Country and Intrepid’s tour is a top notch itinerary and experience to take it all in. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/19/2023
Brenda - Traveled, August 2023
Essential Peru with Intrepid was a wonderful experience. In 15 days we covered many beautiful cities and cultural sites. The attention to detail, the knowledge of guides and travel experiences and accommodation could not be faulted. Intrepid have taken great care to ensure that the Peruvian people and traditions are benefited in all encounters.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/20/2023
Dominic - Traveled, August 2023
Truly amazing trip. Leo was the best leader on a fantastic experience of Peru
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/19/2023
Kathryn - Traveled, August 2023
Definitely would recommend an Intrepid trip to Peru, we went everywhere I ever wanted to go and saw everything with dedicated guides who were knowledgeable and well informed. I felt very safe all though the whole trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/19/2023
Karen - Traveled, August 2023
An amazing trip, so many experiences and sights, a real insight into Peru, its culture, heritage and people. From the desert to the mountains a truly stunning country, brought alive by our amazing tour leader Leo and all the other local guides we met. I would thoroughly recommend this trip if you want to see real Peru.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/23/2023
Judith - Traveled, July 2023
Intrepid lived up to our expectations once again. Their support of local people and the local environment is an inspiration. Thank you Leo.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/09/2023
Mary - Traveled, June 2023
I arrived knowing only that Machu Picchu was in Peru. I departed knowing about the rich history and culture of pre-Inca and Inca civilizations, which still inform Andes peoples' lives today. I feel enriched - and transformed - by this knowledge, made possible with extraordinary leader (Frank), local guides, and van drivers: a great Intrepid team!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/01/2023
Jennifer - Traveled, June 2023
One of the best trips we have taken. It was well organized and we saw and learned so much about Peru and its beautiful people. Shirley our guide made the trip extra special. I can’t recommend this trip enough!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/25/2023
Constantine - Traveled, May 2023
This was a life changing experience for a 70yr old who has Never traveled! Would absolutely do this trip again
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2023
Lyn - Traveled, May 2023
An amazing trip! A real variety of activities and things to see. Don’t be too put off by long travelling days as these were quite enjoyable and allowed time to see the amazing scenery. We had the most fantastic tour leader and enjoyed everything.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2023
Download a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
