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Peru Holidays

Ancient Peru and Andean Landscapes

10 Night Itinerary from  £2,731

Pucara Tour

Our essential tour of Peru, including the most important sites of Cusco, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Lake Titicaca.

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Tour Route

Travel Highlights

  • Our essential tour of Peru, a country steeped in ancient history and culture.
  • Discover historic Lima, its fascinating museums and excellent fusion cuisine
  • Head to Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, to discover the ancient peoples who still live on its islands.
  • Stunning train journey along the Andes from Lake Titicaca to Cusco
  • Explore Cusco, capital of the Inca Empire, and the Urubamba Valley, "Sacred Valley of the Incas", to find stunning landscapes, rural villages and ancient ruins.
  • Spectacular train journey to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas 

This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of route, duration, flights, hotels, transport and excursions.

Tour Itinerary

Plaza de Armas, Lima

Lima - 1 Night

Day 1 - Fly to Lima

Day 2 - Arrive in Lima

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Saturday, 09 December 2023

Fly to Lima

Depart the UK on a direct, overnight flight to Lima. You will be met at the airport by our guide and taken to your chosen hotel for a 1 night stay. Your guide will be able to show you the local area and answer any questions you may have.


Sunday, 10 December 2023

Arrive Lima

Arrive in Lima in the morning. You will be met at the airport by our guide and taken to your chosen hotel for a 1 night stay. Your guide will be able to show you the local area and answer any questions you may have.

Allpa

Lima - Tourist Hotel

This small contemporary hotel is located in the heart of Miraflores, with plenty of access to local conveniences such as restaurants and shops. The rooms are comfortable, spacious and modern although simple in character, and all with modern amenities such as WiFi, air conditioning and private facilities. The hotel has a bar and restaurant serving international dishes.

Accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis.

Allpa Hotel

Casa Andina Private Collection

Lima - First Hotel

The stylish Casa Andina Private Collection is located in the heart of Miraflores, close to many excellent restaurants. The 148 rooms are furnished in the modern European style, with modern amenities and private facilities. There is a lounge, swimming pool, bar, restaurant, and adjoining sandwich cafe for light snacks.

Accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis.

Casa Andina Private Collection

Hotel "B"

Lima - Deluxe Hotel

A superbly renovated family house in the bohemian area Barranco, Arts Hotel "B" is a fusion of high-ceiling historical elegance and modern cultural sophistication. The rooms are spacious and elegant with modern amenties, some with balconies overlooking the boulevard or the square. The restaurant offers excellent modern Peruvian cuisine, providing the highest levels of service.

Accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis.

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Picnic connecting with Nature on Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca - 2 Nights

Day 3 - Travel to Lake Titicaca 

Day 4 - Visit the Uros & Taquile Islands 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Monday, 11 December 2023

Travel to Lake Titicaca

This morning take a domestic flight to Juliaca and transfer to Puno, which stands on the edge of Lake Titicaca. Transfer to your chosen hotel for a 2 night stay. Afternoon to rest at your hotel and acclimatise to the altitude. 


Tuesday, 12 December 2023

Visit the Uros & Taquile Islands 

Enjoy an included full day excursion by boat exploring Lake Titicaca, beginning with the floating reed islands of Uros. Although the Uros Indians of these islands have intermarried with Aymaras and no pure-blooded Uros exist, many of the inhabitants of the islands still practice the old traditions of fishing, trapping birds and living on the lake plants. The totora reeds which grow abundantly in the shallows of the lake are used to build and maintain their floating islands, their boats and their houses.  

We continue by boat to the beautiful island of Taquile, 3 hours from the mainland. The island is rocky and requires a steep climb to the town. It is famous for its fine weavings (knitted by men!), the traditional dress of the inhabitants and spectacular views over the lake.

Titilaka Lodge

Puno & Lake Titicaca - Deluxe Lodge

Experience Lake Titicaca on a secluded private peninsula staying in a luxury lodge on the lake shore.

Titilaka Lodge features sumptuous lake view suites, intimate fireside dining, wraparound terraces, and a heated outdoor pool. A serene setting, surrounded by incomparably blue waters, graced with dramatic dawns and spectacular sunsets.

The lodge is all-inclusive, with 18 suites and includes private transport to and from the airport in Juliaca and from Puno train station, full board, bar and a choice of two, three or four day programmes with a choice of excursions in Land Rover or by boat. Rooms are facing the lake and all have private bathrooms with heated floors.

Daily included activities on offer are nature and archeology adventures, kayaking, visiting living cultures, bike excursions, colonial churches, islands like Taquile and the nearby man-made floating Uros islands, local markets, cloth weavers, canoeing, a reed boat ride, and a picnic overlooking the lake.

Overlooking Lake Titicaca

Casa Andina Premium

Puno & Lake Titicaca - First Hotel

The Casa Andina Premium, Puno is a few minutes’ walk outside of Puno city centre, including Lima Street which is very popular amongst tourists and locals alike.

The hotel lobby boasts a stone fireplace, ideal for warming up after being out in cold weather. It has 53 rooms, all with TV, FREE Wi-Fi, telephone, en-suite bathroom and mini-bar. The restaurant serves typical Andean cuisine.

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Casa Andina Private Collection

Puno & Lake Titicaca - First Hotel

Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, in the surroundings of Puno city, the Casa Andina Private Collection Puno sits at 3,800 meters above sea level. Each of the 46 rooms includes a cable TV, heating, telephone, safe deposit box and a large private bathroom with hairdryer. The hotel features an excellent restaurant with stunning views of the lake and Puno city, which serves delicious Peruvian food as well as international dishes.

Casa Andina Premium
The Beautiful Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley of the Incas - 3 Nights

Day 5 - Journey to Cusco and onto the Sacred Valley

Day 6 - Special Veloso tour of the Sacred Valley

Day 7 - At leisure in the Sacred Valley

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Wednesday, 13 December 2023

Road or train journey to Cusco - and onto the Sacred Valley

Today is one of the highlights of this tour, with a journey by bus (tourist class) or private vehicle (first class) to Cusco. Or travel by train aboard Peru Rail's scheduled service or upgrade to the luxurious Andean explorer with lunch, high tea and entertainment included. The trains and vehicles will stop at local stations and villages where you will meet the people who make this special part of the world their home. It is quite an unforgettable journey across the Andean altiplano, with dramatic mountain landscapes and gorgeous panoramic vistas. Lunch is included today if you travel by road.

On arrival in Cusco, you will be met by our representative and taken to your hotel in the Sacred Valley, staying for 3 nights. 


Thursday, 14 December 2023

Special Veloso Tour of the Sacred Valley

Enjoy our extensive, special full day tour of the Sacred Valley. We begin visiting the market at Chinchero, where locals come to barter and sell local produce and handicrafts. Also visit a local weaving collective to learn the traditions of weaving by hand on a back-strap loom. Next, we proceed to Moray, thought to have been an open-air crop laboratory of the Incas, followed by the pre-Inca salt pans of Maras. After an included lunch, visit the stunning fortress town and ruins of Ollantaytambo. This large archaeological complex is believed to have been a significant agricultural, administrative, social, religious and military centre. The town itself is geometrically perfect; with straight streets, trapezoidal doors, and Inca drainage systems. Finally, we travel to the colonial town of Pisac, built on the ruins of an Inca citadel and located at the entrance to the immensely fertile Urubamba "Sacred" Valley. Here you can see the bustling market and admire the beautiful sunset over the mountains from the ruins. 


Friday, 15 December 2023

At leisure in the Sacred Valley

A day at leisure in the Sacred Valley to pursue your own interests, relax at your hotel or take an optional excursion. 

Pakaritampu

Sacred Valley of the Incas - Tourist Hotel

The Pakaritampu Hotel is located in Ollantaytambo in the heart of the Sacred Valley; ideally situated for exploring the Sacred Valley, starting the Inca Trail, and taking the train to Aguas Calientes. The hotel has large gardens hosting a variety of local plants and flowers and is a series of four separate buildings, built according to the architectural style of Cuzco. From the hotel you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Ollantaytambo ruins. Each of the 37 rooms features its own private bathroom facilities and telephone. The hotel has a cosy living room with open fire, a reading room, restaurant and bar. There is also internet access and laundry service.

Accommodation includes room and breakfast.

Pakaritampu

Sol Y Luna

Sacred Valley of the Incas - Luxury Hotel

Located in Huicho in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Sol y Luna has a stunning setting between the snow-capped mountain ranges of the Cordillera del Vilcanota and the Cordillera del Vilcabamba. The hotel is a series of adobe bungalows, each with private facilities and a terrace, decorated in a rustic style and set in beautifully landscaped gardens. Each detail has been carefully chosen to reflect the ambience of the Andean culture in the Sacred Valley. The hotel also offers a unique combination of eco-tourism, adventure, sport and culture in a variety of outdoor activities. As well as hikes and treks in the surrounding areas, you can also choose from horseback riding, mountain biking and paragliding. Accommodation includes room and breakfast.

Sol y Luna - Relais & Chateaux

Explora Valle Sagrado

Sacred Valley of the Incas - Deluxe Hotel

Part of the Explora group of lodges the Valle Sagrado lodge offers all you would expect of a luxury hotel with a design inspired by the local environment and culture. Located in a secluded hacienda and ancient corn plantation, amidst the mountains that were once the centre of the Inca Empire, it includes all meals, drinks and a complete program of in-depth walks and excursions to explore the whole area. 

Explora Valle Sagrado
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Machu Picchu - 1 Night

Day 8 - Train journey to Machu Picchu

 

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Saturday, 16 December 2023

Train Journey to Machu Picchu 

Board Peru Rail's 'Vistadome' train at Ollantaytambo for a scenic journey to Machu Picchu. This is a spectacular journey through a dramatic and changing landscape with some fantastic views. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will be met by your guide and travel via a winding road up the mountain before finally glimpsing Machu Picchu. After an included lunch at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge you will have a private guided tour of the extensive archaeological site to learn about the history and culture of the Incas. 

 

El Mapi

Machu Picchu - Tourist Hotel

A smart and contemporary hotel, located in the heart of Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes); the perfect spot to start enjoying a once in lifetime experience to the Citadel of Machu Picchu: the Lost City of the Incas. El Mapi hotel is located just a few steps from the main square and the train station, this hotel of only 48 rooms, offers its guests the opportunity to admire and interact with the picturesque Andean town of Machu Picchu town. The hotel welcomes all of its guests with great service in a friendly and cozy environment. With all the facilities in mind, the rooms are modern equipped with two twins or one king bed, 100% cotton sheets, down duvets covers, 32'' TV and cable, hair dryers and naturally scented toiletries.

El Mapi by Inkaterra

Sumaq Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu - First Lodge

The brand new Sumaq hotel is located in Aguas Calientes, owned by a Peruvian family that have made reality their dream of building a luxury hotel close to the most emblematic archaeological site in Peru: Machu Picchu. The hotel provides guests with the highest levels of comfort in an appropriatel magnificent setting, and the design and decoration of the hotel have benefited from a continuous research and recreate many aspects of Inca culture.

Sumaq

Sanctuary Lodge, Belmond Hotels

Machu Picchu - Deluxe Lodge

Set in its own gardens and the only hotel in such close proximity to the magical ruins, the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge offers twenty-nine well-appointed rooms and two suites. Also located just outside the gates to the Lost city of the Incas, this beautiful hotel is the only one to command views of the site. An Orient Express owned hotel, the service is impeccable and the food is excellent. Accommodation includes room, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

In nearby Aguas Calientes hot springs you can enjoy a soothing bath at the end of a long day of exploring. Enjoy lunch in the cafeteria overlooking the citadel of Machu Picchu, where you can choose from a wide variety of dishes and enjoy a spectacular view. There is also an indoor dining room where a delicious breakfast buffet and international cuisineare available.

The Lodge has 31 rooms and one suite, bar, restaurant, self service autlet and a cliffhanging snack bar, with one of tha best views of the Sacred Mountain. All rooms have Television, laundry service, mini bar, Idd telephone.

 

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
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Cusco - 3 Nights

Day 9 - Explore Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

Day 10 - Guided tour of historic Cusco

Day 11 - At leisure in Cusco

Day 12 - Return to the UK

Day 13 - Arrive in the UK

  • Full Description
  • Accommodation

Sunday, 17 December 2023

Explore Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

The morning is free to explore. You may wish to climb Huayna Picchu, a steep climb but well worth it for the fantastic views of the valley and a different perspective of Machu Picchu. Alternatively, there is a gentle climb, back along the Inca Trail, to Intipunku: the Gate of the Sun, and the first sight one has of the complex if walking the Inca Trail. In the afternoon, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes and the train back to Ollantaytambo Station and on to Cusco, where we stay for 3 nights.


Monday, 18 December 2023

Guided tour of historic Cusco

Once the capital of the Incas before the conquistadors pillaged its treasures, Cusco has much to explore including Inca foundations supporting ornate churches and buildings. Our local guide will take you round the attractive historical centre and on to the ruins surrounding Cusco, including the massive Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman. 


Tuesday, 19 December 2023

At leisure in Cusco

Today is at leisure to explore the city and soak up the unique atmosphere. 

 


Wednesday, 20 December 2023

Fly back to the UK

Fly to Lima and connect to an overnight flight back to the UK.


Thursday, 21 December 2023

Arrive in the UK

Arrive in the UK in the morning.

Costa Del Sol Picoaga

Cusco - First Hotel

The Costa Del Sol Picoaga Hotel occupies an original Colonial mansion built for a Spanish nobleman, shown in its stonework arches and large courtyard. Located just 2 minutes from the main square, the hotel is an ideal base from which to explore the city. The 70 rooms are well decorated, comfortable and modern, all with private facilities.

Accommodation is on a room and breakfast basis.

 

Costa Del Sol Picoaga

La Casona

Cusco - Luxury Hotel

Enjoy superb cuisine, elegant furnishings, attentive service and spacious rooms in the first luxury boutique hotel in Cusco, with a unique mix of culture and tradition. Carefully restored from its former life as a 16th century mansion, La Casona presents modern luxury without sacrificing authenticity. Eleven spacious suites surround a sumptuous courtyard. Contemporary amenities create the ambience of comfort and exclusivity enjoyed by residents in centuries past.

The hotel has a restaurant, bar, spa and free Wi-Fi. The air-conditioned rooms have private bathroom, TV, minibar and a seating area. Each room features dark wood sculpted panels, elegant furniture, deep burgundy sofas and rich rugs and fabrics.

The rates include daily buffet breakfast with regional products. 

Luxury Hotel in Converted Colonial House

Price Guidelines

Season Low Season High Season
Travel Dates 25 Dec-21 Jun, 17 Aug-12 Dec 22 Jun-16 Aug, 13 Dec-24 Dec
Room Arrangement Tourist First Tourist First
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room £2,731 £3,449 £2,906 £3,656
Multiple Travellers - Own Room £3,348 £3,737 £3,543 £4,652
Single Traveller - Own Room £3,850 £4,753 £4,159 £5,277

Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.


What's Included

  • 13 Days/10 Nights
  • International flights (2 overnight)
  • Internal flights
  • Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
  • 10 breakfasts and 4 lunches 
  • Transfers to and from airports
  • Transport  throughout the itinerary
  • Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
  • Exclusive list of restaurant suggestions
  • Prices are per person
  • Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request

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