(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis) Lima, Cusco & Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Arequipa, Colca Canyon
Peru, with its natural beauty and cultural riches, is the perfect backdrop for romance, adventure and relaxation.
Begin with a few days of sophisticated touring in Lima. This cosmopolitan city is well worth a visit for the opportunity to experience its history as well as Peru’s best museums, shopping and restaurants. Enjoy personalized, private touring including special activities such as insider tour of the old colonial quarter, viewing spectacular pre-Colombian art collections, browsing at high-quality boutiques and art galleries, tours of the city’s excellent museums, time to explore the city’s food markets (including tastings of local specialties), and visits to nearby haciendas.
Next, fly to Cusco. Your guide will lead you through the narrow cobblestone streets as you learn about the fascinating Incan and Spanish history in the city. During your tour, also visit markets, galleries, boutiques and the best artisan workshops. There will also be an excursion to Inca ruins and a Peruvian dance performance.
Spend a day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Urubamba Valley) to experience the best of the local culture during visits to indigenous markets and villages, gentle hikes to important Inca and pre-Inca sites, and meetings with renowned local weavers. Active pursuits can also be incorporated, if desired, such as day treks, rafting, hot air ballooning and horseback riding.
Board the luxurious Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu and spend one night near the ruins. Your private guide will teach you about the fascinating history of the site and ensure that you have the opportunity to explore the grounds after most tourists have left. Spend the following day exploring the ruins with the option to hike trails to stunning viewpoints around the site before returning to Cusco by luxury train.
Next, continue to the colonial city of Arequipa, one of Peru’s most picturesque cities. Enjoy a private walking tour and visit the most interesting attractions in the area, including the Monasterio de Santa Catalina and other important religious and historic sites. Spend the next two days in the Colca Canyon at a luxury lodge on the edge of the canyon. With your private guide, explore villages in the area and see the flying condors. Other outdoor activity options include hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, or simply relaxing in your private Jacuzzi and taking in the dramatic canyon landscape.
Return to Lima for an overnight and time for flexible touring or shopping before transferring to the airport for your return flight.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Arrive Lima
Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights
Day 2
Lima
Full-day private city tour or excursion to private hacienda
Day 3
Lima – Cusco
Transfer and flight to Cusco for 2 nights. Afternoon walking tour. Evening art tour
Day 4
Cusco
Private tour of Cusco including nearby ruins. Evening traditional dance performance
Day 5
Cusco – Machu Picchu
Luxury Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu for overnight. Private tour of Machu Picchu
Day 6
Machu Picchu – Cusco
Time to explore Machu Picchu. Evening luxury Hiram Bingham train to Cusco for 2 nights
Day 7
Cusco & Sacred Valley.
Full-day private tour in the Sacred Valley
Day 8
Cusco – Arequipa
Transfer and flight to Arequipa for 2 nights. Private introductory tour
Day 9
Arequipa
Half-day private tour of Arequipa. Afternoon at leisure
Day 10
Arequipa – Colca Canyon
Transfer to Colca Canyon with touring en route. Accommodation at luxury lodge for 2 nights
Day 11
Colca Canyon
Early morning condor viewing and flexible private touring of local villages or activities in the valley
Day 12
Colca Canyon – Arequipa – Lima
Transfer to Arequipa and flight to Lima for overnight
Day 13
Depart Lima (always evening flights)
Private shopping and touring or appointments with art collectors in Lima . Evening private airport transfer
