Summary
Short description
Take in Peru's iconic sights in just eight action-packed days
Highlights
- Visit Machu Picchu – a world wonder
- Take the Vistadome train through spectacular Andean landscapes
- Marvel at ancient Incan ruins of Cusco and the Sacred Valley
- Delve into Lima’s Spanish-colonial heritage
- Scope out the restaurants in trendy Miraflores
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Bucket-list holidays | History & culture | Natural world
Short but perfectly formed, this superb-value holiday might last for just over a week, but it still manages to encapsulate the very best of Peru’s ancient wonders, colonial heritage and spectacular Andean landscapes. It all begins in the capital, Lima, where you’ll be introduced to a blend of Spanish-colonial grandeur and trendy neighbourhoods complete with stunning Pacific Ocean views. You’ll then head for the Andes, taking in the wonders of the Sacred Valley before taking the Vistadome train to that iconic world wonder – Machu Picchu. Lastly, enjoy two nights in Cusco – a treasure trove of Spanish and Incan architecture, hidden between snow-dusted mountains.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK/Lima
Start your holiday in relaxed fashion with included VIP airport lounge access before your flight to Lima, arriving the same day. On arrival, you’ll be met for a private transfer to your city-centre hotel. Once you’ve settled in, perhaps take the chance to head out for dinner – for delicious seafood and a wonderful pier location in upmarket Miraflores, La Rosa Nautica comes highly recommended.
Stay: Atemporal Hotel Boutique
Days
2-3
The Sacred Valley
This morning you'll enjoy a private city tour, exploring Lima’s rich array of Spanish-colonial architecture, from atmospheric convents to grand cathedrals and leafy squares. Then, in the afternoon, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco and a transfer on to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. You’ll have a full day to take in the sights, and your included private tour will take in the best of it, from the Maras salt mines and the ancient sites of Ollantaytambo to spectacular viewpoints looking out across the verdant Urubamba Valley. Finally, check into your hotel – the delightful Sol y Luna – or perhaps splash out on an upgrade to the stunning Explora Valle Sagrado to mix in regional gourmet dining with spa treatments and stylish blonde-wood rooms.
Stay: Hotel Sol y Luna, Sacred Valley (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
4
Machu Picchu
Today is a real trip highlight, as you board the Vistadome Train at Olllantaytambo station for a scenic journey though the Andes to the village of Machu Picchu Pueblo – gateway to the ruins of Machu Picchu itself. In the company of an expert guide, you’ll take in the temples and chambers of this 15th-century Incan citadel, learning about its unique history, from its construction to its abandonment at the time of the Spanish Conquests and the ‘lost city’s’ eventual rediscovery by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.
Stay: El Mapi by Inkaterra
Meals: B L D
Days
5-6
Cusco
With a free morning, and entry included, you’ll have the chance to return to Machu Picchu, perhaps trekking to the summit of Huayna Picchu for spectacular views over the ruins. Or, for an alternative viewpoint and to escape the crowds, take the bus and a short walk to Machu Picchu Mountain for equally impressive vistas. You’ll then return by Vistadome Train to Cusco for the final two nights of your holiday. And, with time on your side, you’ll have the chance to discover the city’s unique mix of Spanish and Incan architecture on an included private tour, and perhaps enjoy the sights by night as well, taking in the twinkling lights from the San Cristobal lookout before meeting local artisans in San Blas and tucking into a delicious dinner at a top restaurant. The evening tour is optional, so speak to our specialists for details and the latest price.
Stay: Quinta San Blas by Ananay Hotels (Superior)
Meals: B
Days
7-8
Depart for UK
Transfer to the airport for your flight home via Lima, arriving back in the UK the next day.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
8-day tailor-made holiday
from £3,890 pp incl. flights
Superior
Low Season
from £3,890 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £4,290 pp. incl. flights
Includes:
- Complimentary UK airport lounge access
- Return flights from London to Lima
- Domestic flights between Lima and Cusco
- Private transfers and touring
- Return Vistadome train journey
- 5 nights accommodation in 4* (Superior) hotels/lodges on a B&B basis
- 1 night accommodation in 4* (Superior) lodge on a full-board basis
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on
Adjust your itinerary with our recommended extensions
Following the coast south from Lima you’ll pass deserts and oases on your way to your three-night luxury getaway, complete with spa, watersports, private terraces, fine dining excellence and that all-important beach.
A flight from Lima to Chiclayo will take you off the beaten track to the remote delights of Peru’s wild north. Start with a tour of Sipan’s Royal Tombs where adobe edifices hide mausoleums filled with gold pieces and precious stones before travelling on to Trujillo the next day.
Hop borders to get a taste of Bolivia’s ancient culture and sublime natural world. You’ll start on Lake Titicaca where a hydrofoil cruise will bring you to colonial shrines, Incan temples, handicraft markets, alpaca farms and ‘mud igloo’ villages before an overland transfer to La Paz.