Start and end in Lima, the Classic Peru tour is a guided sightseeing tour that takes 9 days. You will travel through Aguas Calientes, Puno and Cusco in Peru.
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.
Day 01: Arrive Lima
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Lima, Peru’s capital, and one of South America’s most beautiful cities. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at airport. Meet-assist and transfer to hotel.
Enjoy free time. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Lima / Cusco
Catch an early flight to Cusco. Spend a little time acclimatising to the high altitude (3450 metres/11,320 feet) and then get acquainted with this charming town on a walking tour with your leader. Check out Cusco’s vibrant main square (Plaza de Armas). Witness the flurry of activity that characterises the San Pedro market. Stroll past the slew of quaint restaurants and artisans found in San Blas Square. See Qoricancha (an Inca Sun Temple) and the famous 12 Angle Stone, then end your tour at the chocolate museum, where you’ll get a chance to sample hot chocolate made from local cacao beans. This might be a good opportunity to purchase some gifts or souvenirs. There’s a small store where you’ll find various handicrafts and a variety of artisanal chocolate products.
Day 03: Cusco / Aguas Calientes
Travel by private car through the Sacred Valley (approximately 2 hours) on the outskirts of Cusco. This lush valley was known as Wilcamayo to the Incas and 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. You will visit a community in the valley to learn about local lifestyle and activities. If your visit coincides with market day you can browse the stalls in search of hand-painted beads or warm ponchos, and perhaps practice your newfound language, Quechua. Later in the afternoon, board a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, which is nestled in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu. This extra journey ensures that we can travel to Machu Picchu as early as possible tomorrow morning.
Day 04: Machu Picchu / Cusco
Take a bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu (approximately 30 minutes). This is your chance to decide for yourself whether Machu Picchu was built around 1440 as a country retreat for Incan nobility or is an ancient astronomical observatory. Enjoy a guided visit of the incredible site (1.5–2 hours) taking in the many temples, palaces and living quarters. After taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, return to Cusco.
Note: Due to Intrepid’s internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking climbs of Wayna Picchu.
Visiting Machu Picchu:
According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only and once the guided visit commences exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.
Day 05: Cusco
Enjoy free time to relax, shop and explore more of Cusco’s sights, or simply rest your legs at a cafe on Plaza de Armas. For those who can’t get Denough active adventure, a mountain bike adventure into the surrounding hills is recommended.
Day 06: Puno
Travel by local bus across the spectacular Altiplano to Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca (approximately 7 hours). Mingle with the locals in this melting pot of Aymara and Quechuan cultures and see how traditional Andean customs are still strongly represented here. If you’re lucky your visit might coincide with one of the colourful evening parades, which see the streets fill with costumed dancers and musicians.
Day 07: Lake Titicaca (Homestay)
Take a tour of the lake by slow motorboat, stopping off to visit the Uros floating islands. Using the versatile totora reeds found in the shallows of the lake, the Uros originally built their islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes. To get a closer look at daily life in the Lake Titicaca region, you’ll be welcomed into the home of a local community and stay the night. Make the most of your visit by helping your host family with their daily activities, communicating with them in Quechua, or perhaps trying your luck with them at soccer.
Day 08: Lima
Depart your homestay this morning and take a bus to Juliaca airport (approximately 2 hours). In the afternoon take an included flight back to Lima (approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes). Enjoy a last night out with your fellow travellers in Lima.
Day 09: Depart Lima
Final departure transfer to airport for flight back to home.
| City | Nights | Hotels |
| Lima | 01 | JW Marriott Hotel Lima |
| Cusco | 01 | Hilton Garden Inn Cusco |
| Aguas Calientes | 01 | Hotel Vista Machu Picchu |
| Cusco | 02 | Hilton Garden Inn Cusco |
| Puno | 01 | Casa Andina Premium Puno |
| Lake Titicaca | 01 | GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca |
| Lima | 01 | JW Marriott Hotel Lima |
– Meeting and assistance by our representative.
– 08 nights accommodation as per program
– English speaking guide
– Meals: Breakfasts & Dinners
– All transfers sightseeing, excursion by A/c Vehicle.
– Entrance fee as per program
– All present government taxes
INCLUDED ACTIVITIES
(A). Lima – Leader-led walking tour
(B). Cusco – Leader-led orientation walk
(C). Cusco – Chocolate Museum Visit & Hot Chocolate
(D). Sacred Valley – Community visit & lunch
(E). Machu Picchu – Entrance and guided tour
(F). Lake Titicaca – Boat tour & Homestay
• International Flights.
• Personal Expenses.
• Camera / Video Camera Fees.
• Medical Aid.
• Tips.
• Travel Insurance.
• Accommodation in good hotels.
• Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
• Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost. – Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
• A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
• If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
• In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
• While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
• Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
• In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.
