Classic Peru

Visiting: Peru

Classic Peru

Meet Peru's locals on a Lake Titicaca homestay, Step back in time in the Sacred Valley, Be awestruck by Ollantaytambo, Witness the glory of ancient Peru in Machu Picchu, Bask in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes, Get a feel for Cuzco in the Plaza de Armas

Visit South America and travel to Peru on an adventure from mountains to jungle, and seasides to great plains. Visit Peru's incredible natural and historical highlights on this awesome adventure. Retrace the steps of the Incas to Machu Picchu, admire colonial cities, explore vibrant markets and meet the locals in this South American country with a difference. Return home with incredible memories of the panoramas and people of Peru.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

While Peru's capital officially began life in 1535, when Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded the city on the Day of the Three Kings, settlements had been scattered through the valley since before the Incas. The city was built on top of an existing palace and temples that belonged to the local chief who had little choice but to move on. Lima was in its prime during the Spanish colonial days and much of the city's attraction now lies in its well-preserved historical centre.

Your leader will take you on a walking tour of downtown Lima, including the city's historical centre - so there's no need for you to visit the downtown area prior to the trip. Flanked by streets of ornate colonial mansions, palaces and churches, Plaza Mayor is the best place to start any exploration of Lima. Take a walk through the old streets to get a feel for colonial life. On one side of the plaza is the Cathedral, which houses the remains of Lima's founder, Francisco Pizarro.

If you arrive early, we recommend you take a walk around Miraflores. Go from Central Park (Parque Kennedy) to LarcoMar via Larco Avenue. Alternatively go to Parque del Amor (Love's Park) for a nice view of Lima's beaches.  Limenos (Lima's residents) are friendly and there are plenty of great restaurants and cafes to sample ceviche, a local seafood speciality.

Explore the 16th-century monastery of San Francisco which boasts a fresco of the Last Supper that has a distinctly Peruvian flavour: the disciples pictured dine on guinea pig and drink from gold Inca cups. The monastery's catacombs are the real drawcard - they've been Lima's underground cemetery for hundreds of years.

There are many fine museums in and around the city including the Museo del Tribunal de la Santa Inquisicion, which gives a fascinating insight into the Spanish Inquisition.

Visit the Archaeological Museum, which offers a look at Peru's succession of ancient cultures.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS:

Parts of your trip go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse

health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary!

Before your trip: Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to severely worsen at high altitude and be difficult to adequately treat on the ground, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition/s with your doctor. We understand certain medications are reported to aid acclimatizing to high altitude. Please discuss these options with your doctor.

During your trip: While our leaders have basic first aid training and are aware of the closest medical facilities, it is very important that you are aware of the cause and effects of travelling at altitude, monitor your health and seek assistance accordingly.

Included Activities

Leader-led walking tour

Optional Activities

Archaeological Museum, Lima - PEN11.00

Catacombs, Lima - PEN10.00

City Tour Lima, Lima - USD25.00

Gold Museum, Lima - PEN35.00

Museo de la Nacion, Lima - PEN10.00

Museum of the Inquisition, Lima - Free

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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We travel to Juliaca by plane (approx 1.5hrs) and by minivan to Puno (approx 1hr).

Take a tour of the lake by slow motor boat, stopping off to visit the Uros floating islands. The Uros originally built their islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes. The islands are built from many layers of totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake. As the reeds closest to the water begin to rot, more layers are added on top. These reeds are used for making everything on the islands, including the boats which can last up to 12 months.

To get a closer look at daily life on the islands, we'll be welcomed into local homes for an overnight stay on a community island. Make the most of your visit by helping your host family with their daily activities or trying to chat in the local language, Quechua. A game of soccer is also a great way to make local friends.

Our homestay is a mudbrick house. Rooms have beds and many blankets, there are shared drop toilets but no showers.

After breakfast the next day, board the boat again for a visit to Taquile Island (approx 1 hour), where knitting is strictly a male domain and women do the spinning. This is a great place to pick up some high quality, locally knitted goods. An uphill trek of about an hour brings us to the main area of the island and after the visit we descend about 500 steps back to our boat.

Transfer back to Puno by boat (approx 3 hrs).

Included Activities

Lake Titicaca boat tour & homestay

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts), Homestay (1 nt)

 

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We travel to Juliaca by plane (approx 1.5hrs) and by minivan to Puno (approx 1hr).

Take a tour of the lake by slow motor boat, stopping off to visit the Uros floating islands. The Uros originally built their islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes. The islands are built from many layers of totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake. As the reeds closest to the water begin to rot, more layers are added on top. These reeds are used for making everything on the islands, including the boats which can last up to 12 months.

To get a closer look at daily life on the islands, we'll be welcomed into local homes for an overnight stay on a community island. Make the most of your visit by helping your host family with their daily activities or trying to chat in the local language, Quechua. A game of soccer is also a great way to make local friends.

Our homestay is a mudbrick house. Rooms have beds and many blankets, there are shared drop toilets but no showers.

After breakfast the next day, board the boat again for a visit to Taquile Island (approx 1 hour), where knitting is strictly a male domain and women do the spinning. This is a great place to pick up some high quality, locally knitted goods. An uphill trek of about an hour brings us to the main area of the island and after the visit we descend about 500 steps back to our boat.

Transfer back to Puno by boat (approx 3 hrs).

Included Activities

Lake Titicaca boat tour & homestay

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts), Homestay (1 nt)

 

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We travel to Juliaca by plane (approx 1.5hrs) and by minivan to Puno (approx 1hr).

Take a tour of the lake by slow motor boat, stopping off to visit the Uros floating islands. The Uros originally built their islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes. The islands are built from many layers of totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake. As the reeds closest to the water begin to rot, more layers are added on top. These reeds are used for making everything on the islands, including the boats which can last up to 12 months.

To get a closer look at daily life on the islands, we'll be welcomed into local homes for an overnight stay on a community island. Make the most of your visit by helping your host family with their daily activities or trying to chat in the local language, Quechua. A game of soccer is also a great way to make local friends.

Our homestay is a mudbrick house. Rooms have beds and many blankets, there are shared drop toilets but no showers.

After breakfast the next day, board the boat again for a visit to Taquile Island (approx 1 hour), where knitting is strictly a male domain and women do the spinning. This is a great place to pick up some high quality, locally knitted goods. An uphill trek of about an hour brings us to the main area of the island and after the visit we descend about 500 steps back to our boat.

Transfer back to Puno by boat (approx 3 hrs).

Included Activities

Lake Titicaca boat tour & homestay

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts), Homestay (1 nt)

 

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The journey by local bus across the spectacular Altiplano to Cuzco lasts approx 6hrs. The Cuzco region truly is the heart and soul of Peru. The city itself is the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city and was the home of the Incas for two centuries before the Spanish built their first capital here. Today Cuzco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. Inca-built walls line the central streets and many of the elegant colonial buildings are built on or around Inca foundations. This is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend and is a perfect base for explorations into the Inca world or to enjoy a range of outdoor activities.

Take the time to acclimatise to the city's 3,450 m (11,150 ft) altitude and explore the many Baroque churches and ancient temples that dot the city.

Your leader will take you on a walking tour including a visit to the Coca Musuem - where you can learn more about this infamous plant which has been an essential part of life in the Andes for centuries - and the local San Pedro market.

Get a Boleto Turistico (tourist ticket) to explore some of the many churches and ancient ruins that dot the city and its surrounds.

The Cathedral, built on top of an Incan palace, dominates the Plaza de Armas - Cuzco's picturesque heart. It's one of the city's greatest repositories of art and houses an elegantly carved choir stall and a gold-covered Renaissance altar.

The stone fortress of Sacsayhuaman is also worth a visit. Looking over the city from its hilltop position, the fortress is built out of massive stone blocks and is the ultimate example of the Inca's military strength. Other nearby ruins are Qenko and Tambo Machay.

Optional Activities

Boleto turistico (general), Cuzco - PEN135.00

City tour, Cuzco - USD15.00

Mountain biking, Cuzco - USD35.00

Whitewater rafting, Cuzco - USD25.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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Our journey by private bus through the Sacred Valley takes approx 1.5 hrs. Known as Wilcamayo by the Incas, the lush, fertile valley has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Maize crops can be seen surrounding the river and covering the terraces carved high into the valley walls.

The town of Ollantaytambo has been built over an ancient Inca town, which is a magnificent example of Inca urban planning. This is one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish.

Ollantaytambo's archaeological site is located to the east of the Plaza de Armas. The upper terraces of this site offer great photo opportunities of the squared grid town below.

Optional Activities

Ollantaytambo Ruins, Ollantaytambo - PEN70.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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Our journey by train through the winding Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes lasts approx 90 mins.

Aguas Calientes is nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu.

While away your free time in the natural hot springs that give the town its name.

Optional Activities

Hot springs, Aguas Calientes - PEN10.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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The winding bus journey up to Machu Picchu takes approx 30mins. While it's thought Machu Picchu was built around 1440 as a country retreat for Incan nobility, there is evidence this had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Another school of thought is that this was an astronomical observatory. There's plenty of time for you to decide for yourself as you wander around the many temples, palaces and living quarters. You will have a guided visit (approx 1.5-2 hrs) with plenty of free time afterwards.

WAYNA PICCHU: Due to Imaginative Traveller's internal safety policy our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking this activity.

Board a train back to Ollantaytambo (approx 90 mins).

Return to Cuzco by minibus (approx 90 mins).

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

!item

The winding bus journey up to Machu Picchu takes approx 30mins. While it's thought Machu Picchu was built around 1440 as a country retreat for Incan nobility, there is evidence this had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Another school of thought is that this was an astronomical observatory. There's plenty of time for you to decide for yourself as you wander around the many temples, palaces and living quarters. You will have a guided visit (approx 1.5-2 hrs) with plenty of free time afterwards.

WAYNA PICCHU: Due to Imaginative Traveller's internal safety policy our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking this activity.

Board a train back to Ollantaytambo (approx 90 mins).

Return to Cuzco by minibus (approx 90 mins).

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner