Majestic Peru
Experience Overview
Experience Peru in style on this 15-day adventure from coastal plains to mountaintop cities. Travelling through Lima, Puno, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, you’ll explore dramatic Andean landscapes and learn about traditional cultures. Visit the iconic Machu Picchu – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – and see the citadel from different angles on an optional One Day Inca Trail trek. Share a classic pachamanca meal with the locals in the highlands community of Huilloq. And spend time with the Uros people on their floating islands on Lake Titicaca. With a local leader by your side, you’ll go beneath the surface and come away with a deeper understanding of Peru and its people.
Highlights
- See the incredible Machu Picchu – sitting at 2430 m in the Andes and surrounded by misty rainforest – and learn about the ancient Inca people who lived there.
- Spend time with the Uros people on Lake Titicaca and discover how they live on floating islands made entirely of totora reeds.
- Witness the giant desert inscriptions of the Nazca Lines – one of Peru's greatest mysteries – from a viewing tower, then share a traditional pachamanca dinner in a traditional mud home.
- Travel through the Sacred Valley to eat lunch in the Huilloq community, join a Pachamama blessing ceremony, hear stories about life in the Andean highlands and watch a traditional textile demonstration.
- Choose to trek the One Day Inca Trail – an excellent option to get a taste of hiking in Peru – and arrive at the Sun Gate, just as the Incas once did.
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 $4554 ($304 /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, join on a walking tour of the vibrant Miraflores area with your leader. Enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace, then perhaps regroup for an optional dinner. Whether you dine together 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 – just 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)
Start the day with a walking tour of Lima's historic centre. Stroll atmospheric streets lined with ornate mansions, palaces and Spanish 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 fresh produce and regional specialties like cuy (better known as guinea pig) – a Peruvian delicacy! Then, head away from the tourist trail and visit Alameda de Chabuca Granda – a pedestrian strip where Limenos (locals from Lima) go for street food and entertainment. Later, travel by minivan to the port town of Paracas. The rest of the evening is free to relax or explore.
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)
Take a two-hour boat tour to Islas Ballestas – home to diverse wildlife, including pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingos, sea lions and penguins. Then, hop in a private van to one of the world's most mysterious archaeological sites – the Nazca Lines, stopping at the oasis town of Huacachina for lunch. Nazca dates back to the 2nd century BC, and thanks to dry desert conditions, mummies, textiles, ceramics and other relics have been remarkably well-preserved, providing archaeologists with insights into the pre-Inca civilisation. Head to the viewing tower or take an optional flight for even better views! At sunset, drive south through the desert to meet a local in their traditional mud house where you’ll share a pachamanca dinner (in the Quechua language, ‘pacha’ means earth and ‘manka’ means pot) – a classic dish of potatoes, meat and herbs baked with hot stones. Before digging in, you’ll experience a brief ceremony thanking Pachamama with chicha, or 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 in a private vehicle. Standing at the foot of El Misti Volcano and filled with 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'. Upon arrival, maybe take a stroll to stretch your legs after a long driving day – the main plaza, with its cafes and nearby cathedral, is lovely to wander.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Get to know Arequipa 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 Arequipa favourites like rocoto, relleno, solterito and queso helado. Have a go at practising your Spanish with the locals, then you're free to explore at your own pace. Maybe return to the main square to take a closer look at the cathedral, cafes and eateries or explore the Yanahuara neighbourhood. 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. Your leader will happily share tips 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 on the shores of Lake Titicaca. It's a long drive, but the views of the high plateau of the Andean Altiplano make it an exceptionally scenic one. As you approach Puno, stop to visit the ruins of Sillustani. Tucked between small villages on a scenic 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. At 3820 m above sea level, this is the world’s highest navigable lake. Cruise the waters in a motorboat and learn about the lake’s spiritual significance for the Quechua. Then, stop off at Uros Titinos – floating islands made from totora reeds. Reeds are used to make everything on the island, including the boats to get to the mainland, which can last up to 12 months. Continue to Taquile Island, where the locals make a living from textiles. Here, knitting is strictly men's domain, while women do the spinning. To reach the main part of the island, there’s a one-hour uphill walk on a paved path with great views of the lake. Sit down to an optional set lunch of quinoa soup, washed down with a cup of muna tea (Andean mint tea), then descend about 500 steps and jump back on the boat 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 today. You’ll travel by public tourist bus, and while there’s a rest stop along the way, it’s best to stock up on snacks before the 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 the city's lesser-known sights on a guided walking tour – visiting the facade of Qoricancha temple, San Pedro market, the main square, 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. For dinner tonight, why not try adobo cusqueno (pork stew) or alpaca steak? If you need recommendations, just ask your leader.
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 Inca 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)
Take a bus through the Sacred Valley today. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, it has been a source of livelihood for the locals for hundreds of years, with maize crops covering the terraced valley walls. On the way, stop for a guided tour of Sacsayhuaman – an imposing Inca fortress built from massive stone blocks, and the ultimate example of the Incas' military strength. Then, visit the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba – a cafe that provides employment opportunities for single mothers. Enjoy a snack and learn how this inclusive enterprise supports economic growth and gender equality, then continue onto the Huilloq community – tourists are an uncommon sight here! Be welcomed with an offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth), learn about ancestral textile techniques and tuck into a guinea-pig lunch (vegetarian option available upon request). Then, drive to the day’s final stop – Ollantaytambo. Do a guided tour of the town’s archaeological site, followed by free time to relax.
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 great walks around Aguas Calientes. The city is in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu, so it’s the perfect place to kick back and take in your surroundings.
One Day Inca Trail
You can choose to trek the One Day Inca Trail today (11 km or 7 miles) with a local guide. Keep in mind that you must pre-book this option at least 30 days before departure. The day begins bright and early with a 6:30 am train ride to the starting point. The trail is a mix of up and downhill, passing a few archaeological sites, including Chachabamba and Winay Wayna (2680 m altitude) –also known as 'Forever Young'. Considered the most impressive site on the whole Inca Trail, it’s 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 you'll enjoy unforgettable views (weather permitting) over the Lost City of the Incas. 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 to rejoin the group and go to your 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 Inca nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Inca site for much longer. Another school of thought is that this was an astronomical observatory. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters and decide for yourself. After the tour, catch the bus back to Aguas Calientes, followed by a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo and 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 today to delve deeper into all Cusco has to offer. You might like to use your boleto turistico to check out any sites you missed the last time you were here, or just grab a coffee from a cafe at Plaza de Armas and do some people-watching. For those seeking an active adventure, the hills surrounding Cusco are well-suited for mountain biking. Ask your leader about optional activities and how to make the most of your day.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a short flight from Cusco to Lima today. You’ll be unescorted on your flight today, and when you arrive in Lima, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and met by a new local leader who can assist with any optional activities or final arrangements. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. Visit some of the sites you missed at the beginning of the trip or maybe do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Tonight, why not gather the group for one final night out on the town? Your leader will be happy to give you pointers to make the most of your last day in Peru.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned, your adventure comes to an end today. If you’d like to extend your stay in Lima, just get in touch with your booking agent in advance.
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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
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