The Best of Peru 16 Days

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel today before transferring to Lima International Airport for your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, a representative from our company will be waiting for you at the airport. Please pay close attention to your name on the welcome sign outside. If you cannot find your representative, don't worry — they will contact you by phone.

After receiving a warm welcome in Cusco, you will be transferred to your hotel, which is located near the city center. You are free to spend the rest of the day resting and acclimatizing to the altitude. We recommend taking a short nap (about two hours) to help your body adjust. Drinking coca tea is also highly recommended, as it aids in acclimatization. Please avoid heavy, fatty, or spicy foods today, and remember to stay hydrated by drinking water regularly.

If you feel well enough later in the day, you may take a gentle walk around the Inca imperial city or enjoy a light, low-key activity.

Early in the morning after breakfast, our guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel for your journey to the Sacred Valley.

The first stop is the Pisac Archaeological Site, located high on a mountain in an area called Intihuatana. Before arriving, you will be able to take in the impressive agricultural terraces and the breathtaking views of the valley and the surrounding landscapes. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a guided tour of this important Inca site.

Then, we will visit the picturesque town of Pisac, which has a blend of Inca, colonial, and mestizo influences. There, you can explore the traditional market where locals wearing colorful ponchos sell handicrafts and souvenirs, perfect for remembering your trip to Peru.

As we continue through the Sacred Valley, you will see fertile fields of corn, potatoes, and other Andean crops. During the rainy season, the landscape turns vibrant shades of green. In the dry season, the land reveals golden and earthy tones.

Next, we will arrive in Urubamba, where you will enjoy a buffet lunch at one of the best restaurants in the Sacred Valley.

After lunch, we will continue to Ollantaytambo, an extraordinary Inca and colonial town. Once part of the Tahuantinsuyo Empire, Ollantaytambo was an important center for agriculture, administration, society, religion, and the military.

There, you will visit the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site and climb 125 steps to reach the upper terraces. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the town and the surrounding valley as your guide explains the site's significance.

After the tour, you will walk down to your hotel, which is located near the main square. You have the rest of the afternoon to explore the Inca and colonial streets, visit traditional restaurants, or simply relax.

It is important to rest tonight, as your trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu begins tomorrow. 

Our guide and trekking cook will pick you up from your Ollantaytambo hotel today and take you by private tourist bus to the trailhead at Km 82 (7,716 ft). We recommend having breakfast at your hotel before departure.

At the Inca Trail checkpoint, you will meet our team of porters who will assist you throughout the trek. After checking in, the hike officially begins. At the starting point, you will find a mural marking Km 82, the official beginning of the Inca Trail—a perfect spot for photos before crossing the bridge and starting your adventure.

During the trek, you will visit several important archaeological sites, such as Llactapata, Pacaymayu, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñaywayna, and Intipata. You will also enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way, including ancient stone paths, tunnels carved into the mountains, and sacred peaks surrounding you.

Our trekking cook will prepare nutritious meals with fresh, local ingredients while our porters set up your campsite each evening, allowing you to relax after a rewarding day of hiking.

On the last day, you will wake up early, say goodbye to your trekking team, and continue toward Intipunku (the Sun Gate). There, you will witness a spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, with its dramatic mountain backdrop. From Intipunku, continue down to the Guardian House, where you can take iconic panoramic photos of the citadel. Then, exit through the final checkpoint and re-enter Machu Picchu for your guided tour.

Please note that, according to the new Machu Picchu regulations, the Inca Trail permit does not include entry to Machu Picchu itself. However, with The Best of Peru Tour, we provide an additional entrance ticket to Machu Picchu. Depending on availability at the time of booking, our sales department will confirm your ticket and circuit.

Circuit 2 is the most complete route, allowing about three hours to explore the most important sites of Machu Picchu.

Circuit 3 covers the lower part of the citadel and includes a 2-hour guided tour.

Your guide will accompany you through the citadel and explain the fascinating history of this Wonder of the World.

After the tour, you may choose to descend to Aguas Calientes by shuttle bus. For those seeking an extra challenge, we recommend the optional Huayna Picchu Mountain hike, which offers a unique and stunning view of Machu Picchu.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, our porters will return your duffel bags. You will then have free time to have lunch at a local restaurant (not included). Later, you will head to the train station for your return journey to Ollantaytambo. Our driver will be waiting there to transfer you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Today is a relaxing day with free time to explore the fascinating Inca imperial city. You can visit local markets, shop for souvenirs, participate in optional activities, or simply enjoy your last evening in Cusco.

The city offers many nearby attractions. Popular day trips include Rainbow Mountain, Moray, and the Maras Salt Mines, among other destinations. If you would like to book an additional activity, please contact our sales department, and they will be happy to arrange it for you. Otherwise, you are free to explore the city at your own pace.

We recommend visiting the San Pedro Market and the Coricancha (Temple of the Sun), as well as the four nearby Inca archaeological sites: Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara, and Tambomachay.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the bus station, where you will board the tourist sightseeing bus from Cusco to Puno via the famous Sun Route. A professional tour guide will accompany you on the journey, explaining the different sites along the way.

First stop is the Church of San Pedro Apóstol in Andahuaylillas, often called the 'Sistine Chapel of the Andes' thanks to its stunning murals and sacred art. Next, you will visit Raqchi (the Temple of the God Wiracocha), one of the largest surviving Inca structures.

After learning about its history and admiring the impressive landscapes, you will enjoy a buffet lunch featuring a variety of national and regional dishes at a local restaurant.

Continuing the journey, you will reach La Raya, the highest point on the route and the natural border between Cusco and Puno. Here, you can take in breathtaking views of the Andes, including the Chimboya Glacier, and meet local people selling products from both regions.

Your final stop is the Pukara Lithic Museum, where you can discover the remarkable ceramics and stone sculptures of the pre-Inca Pukara culture. En route, you will also have the opportunity to take in the scenic highlands of Cusco and Puno, and observe llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the port of Puno. There, we will board a motorboat and begin our journey on Lake Titicaca. Our first stop is the Uros Islands, which are small, floating islands made entirely of totora reeds, an aquatic plant that grows in the lake. The islands are constructed with blocks of totora roots and successive layers of dried reeds on top. The Uros people, who are of Aymara origin, maintain a traditional lifestyle based on fishing, reed crafts, and tourism here. You will learn about their daily lives and see their handmade textiles and products.

After visiting the Uros, we will continue by boat to Amantani Island. During the journey, you will take in the vastness of the lake and its flora and fauna, as well as the sight of Andean ducks flying overhead.

Upon arrival, your guide will introduce you to a local family dressed in traditional clothing who will host you for a homestay. Enjoy lunch prepared with fresh, local ingredients, followed by time to relax and take in the beauty of Lake Titicaca. In the afternoon, you will hike up to the Pachamama or Pachatata temples, where you will witness a breathtaking sunset over the lake. Afterwards, you will return to the homestay for dinner with the family. In the evening, the community will host a welcome gathering featuring traditional music and dance, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in Andean culture. You will spend the night at the homestay.

The next day, after breakfast, we will continue our boat journey to Taquile Island. A gentle two-hour hike will take you to the island’s main square, where the locals will share their traditions, dances, and textiles, which are recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Here, you will gain insight into the community’s unique way of life. Lunch is available at a local restaurant (not included).

In the afternoon, we will descend to the port and return to Puno by boat, where our driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. In the evening, you can explore the city of Puno, stroll around its main square, and shop for souvenirs.

Today is a relaxing day, free time to explore Puno, visit its market, buy souvenirs, take optional activities, and get ready for one last night in the city.

Transfer to bus station of Puno, drive to Ciudad Blanca, Arequipa is known as “Ciudad Blanca” because to its white color of the stone “sillar” used on its colonial buildings, is surrounded by the Andes Mountains and lies in the shadow of El Misti Volcano. The next two days are dedicated to the Colca Canyon. With walls towering (3280ft) over the valley floor, it is home to nesting condors and is one of the best locales to spot these majestic birds. We spend one night in the Colca area, where we may also enjoy a relaxing dip in the Calera thermal pools. Return to Arequipa on 15 day.

Today is a relaxing day, free time to explore Arequipa, visit its market, and buy souvenirs. You may visit the peaceful Santa Catalina Monastery or watch the local activities, get ready for one last night in the city.

Fly back to the capital city, Lima, to enjoy our last night with the group.

Transfer from hotel to Lima airport for your flight home.

• Airport arrival and departure transfer.
• Accommodation: Hotel 3 star (13 nights), Camping (03 nights) and Homestay (01 night).
• All entrance fee according to itinerary.
• Meals: 17 breakfasts, 04 lunches, 04 dinners and 03 afternoon hot drinks.
• Local guide throughout as per itinerary.
• Porter for carry back packs, food, tents and cooking stuff.
• One cook for the Inca Trail.
• Camping equipment: Double tent, sleeping roll mat on the Inca Trail.
• Communal dinner tent, cooking tent, toilet tent on the Inca Trail.
• All eating and cooking stuff, stools and tables on the Inca Trail.
• Sleeping bag (-5 grade) on the Inca Trail.
• Domestic flight (LIM - CUZ / AQP - LIM).
• All land transport along the route.
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes town to Ollantaytambo town.
• Motorboat on Titikaka Lake.

• Local payment USD 450
• Pre accommodation and post tour
• International flights and departure taxes
• Travel insurance
• Meals not detailed
• Tips and extra expenses unspecified

Meals budget: Allow USD200-250 for meals not included

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. There are no activities planned, so that you can arrive at any time. You are free to unwind at the hotel or amble around the town of Miraflores,

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you can not commence your trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel or to the contact details provided in this emergency contact.

All Tierras Vivas adventurous group tours are accompanied by a Tierras Vivas Tour Guide, a Representative or an expedition team. The aim of our Tour Guides is to take a hassle out of our customers’ trips and to help them to have the best trip possible. The Tour Guides provide information on places visited, offer suggestions of what to see and to do, recommend a good place to eat and introduce to his/her colleagues. The Guides have a broad general knowledge of each country visited during a tour, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local Tour Guides where we think that more specific knowledge could add more enjoyment to visited places.

Accommodation during the Best of Peru

These following hotels are used to accommodate you during your tour:

Accommodation in Lima:

Hotel Las Palmas

Address: Calle Bellavista N 320

Tel: (+51) 1 4446033

Accommodation in Cusco:

Hotel Prisma

Address: Calle Matara N 394, Cusco

Tel: (+51)  84 224466

Accommodation in Ollantaytambo:

Hostal Las Orquidea Real

Address: Av Ferrocarril , Ollantaytambo

Tel: (+51) 84 204032

Accommodation in Puno

Casona Plaza Puno

Address:

Tel: (+51) 84

Accommodation in Arequipa:

Hotel Casa Consuelo

Address:

Tel: (+51)

Accommodation in Colca Canyon:

Hotel Colca INN

Address:

Tel: (+51)

During the tour, we request our hotels to get ready your rooms for time of your arrival, especially, if you arrive prior to standard check-in time. Nevertheless, this is not always possible. In this case, you just store your luggage in that hotel storage room and you can explore around your new destination in between.

Please note! If you have purchased pre or post trip accommodation, you might be asked to change your room during your trip.

Inca Trail Accommodation

Camping Equipment included

• Double Tent
• Therma-a-rest Mattress
• Sleeping Bag (-5 Grade)

A kind of luggage you need to take with depends on a kind of tour you plan to undertake, a part of the country you like to visit, a year season and a length of your trip. In general, you should pack as lightly as possible because you carry your own luggage during most of our tours (however, there are not long walking distances – up to 30 minutes). We recommend you to keep weight of your luggage under 10 kg (22 lb.).

Most of travelers use a suitcase. However, a big backpack would be more suitable. In any case, please do not forget a small rucksack that you will need for daily travels (to carry your bottled water, camera, snacks, etc.). It is better to avoid a wheeled luggage and use luggage with shoulder straps.

What Kind of Clothing to Pack to Peru

Clothing to take with you depends on a year season in Peru and a part of country you plan to visit.

When visiting coastline of the Northern Peru and surroundings of Lima, then you need to pack some light cloths (for example, shorts, skirts, dresses, T-shirts), flip-flops, sandals, a head cover as a protection against the Sun (a hat or a cap), sun protection cream, sunglasses, mosquitos repellent and swimsuit, of course.

If you plan to visit Peruvian mountains (Andean mountain range or Altiplano), then we recommend you to take some trousers suitable for hiking, shorts, T-shirts and trekking shoes for the days; and sweaters, fleeces, hats, scarves and warm jackets for the nights. You also should take a sun protection cream, sun glasses and in some cases, mosquito repellent (depending on a route chosen). It is very convenient to have a light rain-gear available in a daypack (e.g. a waterproof poncho or jacket and/or waterproof trousers) as weather changes quickly and rains can suddenly occur. For more details, please check the below link of “What to Bring”.

What to Bring on the Best of Peru

• Passport Original and copies
• Travel insurance(+ copies for a case of lost),
• Flight tickets,
• Cash in USD or credit cards,
• Our service voucher (sent by us to you),
• Entry visa and a proof of vaccination (if applicable),
• Day pack (to carry your personal items during daily travels),
• Rain gear (a rain-jacket and a waterproof trousers or a rain poncho - this can be purchased in Cusco),
• Resistible footwear, waterproof trekking shoes are recommended,
• Sandals (for a higher comfort while at a campsite),
• Warm clothes such as a jacket, a fleece (thermal clothing is also recommended for cold nights during camping),
• Hat or a cap (to protect you against the Sun, rain as well as cold),
• Sun cream or sun block,
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body,
• Insect repellent– recommended minimum is 20% DEET (please note that no malaria has been reported during this trip!),
• Camera and its charger/batteries (please note that batteries are consumed quickly under cold conditions),
• Flashlight/headlamp + batteries,
• Handkerchiefs and toilet paper,
• Small towel and toiletries,
• Sufficient reserve of underwear,
• Swimsuit (to visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes),
• Snacks (biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.)
  Please note: we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied. The recommendation of taken own snack applies only for customers who like a specific snack that might not be in our menu.
• Bottled water for the first morning and a water bottle.
  Important: plastic bottles are not allowed on the Classic Inca Trail!); you can also rent it from us,
• Please note: we provide with filtered boiled water during entire Inca Trail, but if you like to use water from streams along the trail, you need to take some water-purifying tablets with you.