Grandeur of Peru 12 Days

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Starting at | $ 2499 USD
Personalized experience with flexible start dates to enhance your stay.
Trip Duration: 2 Days

Tour Overview

Itinerary

DAY 1:

Depart USA / Arrive Lima, Peru

Fly to Peru’s capital, and transfer to your hotel. (B)


The mansions and churches of colonial downtown Lima and the modern suburbs of San Isidro, Miraflores, and Monterrico make Lima a study in contrasts. We’ll visit the Larco Herrera Museum, located in an extraordinary viceregal mansion of the 18th century built atop a pre-Columbian pyramid dating back to the 7th century. The museum features a remarkable collection of gold and silver artifacts from Ancient Peru, as well as a famous collection of erotic pottery. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers. (B, D)


Travel south by bus to Ica, a small city on the edge of the Pampa Colorada—a verdant oasis and home to Peru’s famous Pisco grape brandy. Just a little further south lie the mysterious Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs etched into the earth at least 1,500 years ago. A small plane takes you up for a bird’s-eye view of these enigmatic designs, including figures of a spider, condor, fish, and bird. After your flight, transfer to Hotel Paracas for the night. (B)


Begin the day with a visit to Peru’s largest coastal wildlife sanctuary, including the Ballestas Islands. Sail over to witness a thriving habitat of sea birds—pelicans, boobies, cormorants, terns, and gulls—that coexist with herds of sea lions and seals. In the afternoon, return by road to your hotel in Lima. (B, L)


Experience the legacy of the Inca Empire as you fly to Cuzco, the ancient administrative, military, and sacred center of the Incas and the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas. Upon arrival, transfer to the nearby Sacred Valley. Stop in Pisac to explore its vibrant market—a mosaic of colors, traditions, and people. After lunch, visit the Ollantaytambo Fortress and delve into its storied past, marveling at the narrow streets and canals that have remained unchanged since Inca times. Discover the architectural wonder of enormous stones (some weighing up to 50 tons) that were moved without the use of the wheel. Overnight in the Sacred Valley. (B, L, D)


Begin your two-day exploration of Machu Picchu with a scenic train ride along the Urubamba River. Enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, traditional Indian villages, and terraced fields as you approach the “Lost City of the Incas”—a mountaintop town carved from stone, complete with temples, houses, and baths, all enveloped by awe-inspiring scenery. Descend to the village of Aguas Calientes in the Cloud Forest, where you may observe some of the 300 local species, including multicolored lancers, the Inca wren, and the Torrent Duck. An overnight stay at the base of Machu Picchu offers a second, more relaxed day for independent exploration when most tourists have departed. Return to Cuzco on the evening of Day 7. (2B, 2L)


Discover the historic city of Cuzco by visiting its beautiful cathedral, main plaza, and the Temple of the Sun with its impressive Inca walls—massive stones fitted together without mortar. Later, stop at the hilltop fortress of Sacsayhuaman for expansive views of the valley, then continue to explore the ruins of Kenko, Puca-Pucara, and Tambomachay. In the evening, enjoy a folklore show and dinner. (B, D)


Journey to Puno, located at a breathtaking 12,400 feet above sea level, where the surrounding countryside and Lake Titicaca—the world’s highest navigable lake—serve as the cradle of the Aymara civilization and the legendary birthplace of the Inca founders. Along the way, visit the Raqchi Temple, the charming town of Andahuaylillas, and Piquillacta with its pre-Inca Huari adobe walls. (B, L, D)


Spend the day on Lake Titicaca with a boat excursion to the remarkable floating islands, constructed on layers of totora reeds and home to traditional Uros communities. Next, visit Taquile Island, where locals speak Quechua—the language of the Incas—and produce traditional textiles using centuries-old techniques. Return to Puno for a free evening. (B, L)


On the way to the airport, stop near Puno at Sillustani to see the famous chullpas (burial towers), once used as tombs for high-ranking Aymara lords. Upon arrival in Lima, enjoy some time at your hotel to freshen up before a farewell dinner at one of Lima’s premier restaurants. (B, D)




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Inclusions

  • Transportation:

    • Round-trip airfare and all on-tour flights
  • Transfers:

    • You will be personally met and transferred
  • Accommodations:

    • 11 nights in superior tourist class, superior first class, and deluxe hotels
  • Meals:

    • Daily breakfast (B)
    • 6 lunches (L)
    • 5 dinners (D)
  • Escorted Tour Highlights:

    • Services of General Tours Tour Managers and local guides
    • See Lima’s Plaza Mayor and the Larco Herrera Museum
    • Fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines
    • Cruise to the Ballestas Islands and observe their abundant wildlife
    • Stroll the lively market in Pisac in the Sacred Valley
    • Follow the path of the beautiful Urubamba River on a train to Machu Picchu
    • Overnight at Machu Picchu for additional exploration time during quieter hours
    • Explore Cuzco, the Temple of the Sun, and the fortress of Sacsayhuaman
    • Sail on Lake Titicaca and visit the Uros and Taquile Islands
    • Receive a General Tours travel bag, document folder, and luggage tags
    • Access to GeneralAssist, a network offering 24-hour toll-free emergency on-tour assistance
  • General Tours Expedition Highlights:

    • Stay in excellent hotels in prime locations
    • Visit both Lake Titicaca and the Nazca Lines
    • Enjoy Peru with outstanding tour managers and local guides who will make your experience unforgettable

 

HOTELS

  • LIMA: Marriott
  • PARACAS: Paracas
  • SACRED VALLEY: Posada del Inca
  • MACHU PICCHU: El Pueblo
  • CUZCO: Libertador
  • PUNO: Libertador

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