Majestic Peru





Explore ancient sites and reach dazzling heights in Peru
Experience Peru in style on this 15-day adventure from coastal plains to mountaintop cities. Travelling through Lima, Puno, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, you’ll explore dramatic Andean landscapes and learn about traditional cultures. Visit the iconic Machu Picchu – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – and see the citadel from different angles on an optional One Day Inca Trail trek. Share a classic pachamanca meal with the locals in the highlands community of Huilloq. And spend time with the Uros people on their floating islands on Lake Titicaca. With a local leader by your side, you’ll go beneath the surface and come away with a deeper understanding of Peru and its people.
4.9
101 reviewsStart: Lima, Peru
End: Lima, Peru
- Duration
- 15 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Comfort
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- See the incredible Machu Picchu – sitting at 2430 m in the Andes and surrounded by misty rainforest – and learn about the ancient Inca people who lived there.
- Spend time with the Uros people on Lake Titicaca and discover how they live on floating islands made entirely of totora reeds.
- Witness the giant desert inscriptions of the Nazca Lines – one of Peru's greatest mysteries – from a viewing tower, then share a traditional pachamanca dinner in a traditional mud home.
- Travel through the Sacred Valley to eat lunch in the Huilloq community, join a Pachamama blessing ceremony, hear stories about life in the Andean highlands and watch a traditional textile demonstration.
- Choose to trek the One Day Inca Trail – an excellent option to get a taste of hiking in Peru – and arrive at the Sun Gate, just as the Incas once did.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. Kick off your adventure in the coastal capital of Lima with a welcome meeting at 2 pm, where you'll meet your leader and fellow travellers. After, join on a walking tour of the vibrant Miraflores area with your leader. Enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace, then perhaps regroup for an optional dinner. Whether you dine together or sample the city's renowned food scene on your own, don't miss the chance to try Peru's national dish – ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime juice, often served with hot peppers). If you're not a fan of seafood, there are plenty of other excellent options – just ask your leader for tips on the best local eats.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Lima - Leader-led Miraflores walking tour
- Lima - Coast Biking Urban Adventure (minimum 2 participants) - USD65
- Lima - Bohemian Barranco (Based on 4 participants) - USD75
- Lima - Lima Discovery Urban Adventures (minimum 2 participants) - USD39
- Lima - Private: Home Cooked Tour Ceviche experience Urban Adventure (Based on 2 Participants) - USD85
- Lima - Lima Water Show (Based on 4 participants) - USD40
- Lima - Lima Pisco Making (Based on 4 participants) - USD35
- Lima - Lima Eat Street (Based on 4 participants) - USD75
- Lima - Private Larco Museum (Based on 4 participants) - USD50
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
The arrival transfer is only valid if you arrive on Day 1 or have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking or at least 14 days before travel.
Start the day with a walking tour of Lima's historic centre. Stroll atmospheric streets lined with ornate mansions, palaces and Spanish churches, taking in Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral of Lima, the San Francisco Monastery and the central market. Your leader will guide you through the market, where you'll find vendors selling fresh produce and regional specialties like cuy (better known as guinea pig) – a Peruvian delicacy! Then, head away from the tourist trail and visit Alameda de Chabuca Granda – a pedestrian strip where Limenos (locals from Lima) go for street food and entertainment. Later, travel by minivan to the port town of Paracas. The rest of the evening is free to relax or explore.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lima - Guided tour, including San Francisco Monastery, the Catacombs and Central Market
- Lima - Cathedral of Lima (entrance fee) - PEN12
Your total travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Take a two-hour boat tour to Islas Ballestas – home to diverse wildlife, including pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingos, sea lions and penguins. Then, hop in a private van to one of the world's most mysterious archaeological sites – the Nazca Lines, stopping at the oasis town of Huacachina for lunch. Nazca dates back to the 2nd century BC, and thanks to dry desert conditions, mummies, textiles, ceramics and other relics have been remarkably well-preserved, providing archaeologists with insights into the pre-Inca civilisation. Head to the viewing tower or take an optional flight for even better views! At sunset, drive south through the desert to meet a local in their traditional mud house where you’ll share a pachamanca dinner (in the Quechua language, ‘pacha’ means earth and ‘manka’ means pot) – a classic dish of potatoes, meat and herbs baked with hot stones. Before digging in, you’ll experience a brief ceremony thanking Pachamama with chicha, or corn beer.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Islas Ballestas - Guided tour
- Nazca Lines - Viewing tower
- Nazca - Pachamanca dinner
- Nazca - Scenic flight over the Nazca Lines (excluding 77 PEN Taxes at Nazca Airport) - USD100
Your total travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Paracas’ port is sometimes closed due to weather conditions between June and September. An alternative land-based tour of the Paracas National Reserve will be arranged in this instance.
Nazca Lines flights are very popular. Please let your booking agent know in advance if you’d like to do this optional activity. Alternatively, speak to your leader on Day 1. Nazca Lines flights may be cancelled due to poor weather conditions. Should this happen, your flight will be rescheduled to the following morning (Day 4). The flight can be bumpy, but we’ll only recommend and book with operators who meet safety requirements. Maximum weight per passenger is 120 kgs/ 264 pounds, extra fees apply if over this weight limit.
Leave Nazca behind this morning and travel to Arequipa in a private vehicle. Standing at the foot of El Misti Volcano and filled with baroque buildings, Arequipa vies with Cusco for the title of Peru's most attractive city. Built out of a pale volcanic rock called sillar, the old buildings dazzle in the sun, giving the city its nickname – the 'White City'. Upon arrival, maybe take a stroll to stretch your legs after a long driving day – the main plaza, with its cafes and nearby cathedral, is lovely to wander.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your total travel time today will be approximately 11 hours.
Get to know Arequipa with the help of a local guide. Visit the main plaza, Santa Catalina Monastery and San Ignacio Chapel on a walking tour. After, head for lunch with your group at a picanteria for some Arequipa favourites like rocoto, relleno, solterito and queso helado. Have a go at practising your Spanish with the locals, then you're free to explore at your own pace. Maybe return to the main square to take a closer look at the cathedral, cafes and eateries or explore the Yanahuara neighbourhood. You may also like to visit the Juanita Museum, which houses Peru’s famous ‘Ice Maiden’ – the Inca mummy of a girl who died in the 1440s. Your leader will happily share tips to make the most of your free afternoon.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Arequipa - Walking tour
- Arequipa - San Ignacio Chapel
- Arequipa - Santa Catalina Monastery Admission Fee
- Arequipa - Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa
- Arequipa - Juanita Museum Admission Fee - PEN20
This morning you’ll travel by minivan to Puno – a town on the shores of Lake Titicaca. It's a long drive, but the views of the high plateau of the Andean Altiplano make it an exceptionally scenic one. As you approach Puno, stop to visit the ruins of Sillustani. Tucked between small villages on a scenic peninsula near Lake Umaya, the pre-Inca ruins comprise circular towers called chullpas that served as burial sites for noblemen. Continue to Puno, a melting pot of Aymara and Quechuan Indigenous culture. Traditional Andean customs are still strongly represented here, earning the town the title of Folklore Capital of Peru.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Puno - Sillustani archaeological site
Your total travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
The Sillustani visit will take approximately 90 minutes and includes walking to a hilltop to view the chullpas.
Puno continues to experience some occasional ongoing political unrest. With safety always our priority, on some departures, we may need to use alternative transportation to avoid affected areas. Your tour leader will advise you of any specific changes to transport or the itinerary.
Start the day with a tour of Lake Titicaca. At 3820 m above sea level, this is the world’s highest navigable lake. Cruise the waters in a motorboat and learn about the lake’s spiritual significance for the Quechua. Then, stop off at Uros Titinos – floating islands made from totora reeds. Reeds are used to make everything on the island, including the boats to get to the mainland, which can last up to 12 months. Continue to Taquile Island, where the locals make a living from textiles. Here, knitting is strictly men's domain, while women do the spinning. To reach the main part of the island, there’s a one-hour uphill walk on a paved path with great views of the lake. Sit down to an optional set lunch of quinoa soup, washed down with a cup of muna tea (Andean mint tea), then descend about 500 steps and jump back on the boat to Puno.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Puno - Lake Titicaca day tour
Your total travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Take a scenic bus ride across the Altiplano towards Cusco today. You’ll travel by public tourist bus, and while there’s a rest stop along the way, it’s best to stock up on snacks before the journey. Cusco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and colonial buildings are built upon foundations that remain from Inca times. Set out to discover some of the city's lesser-known sights on a guided walking tour – visiting the facade of Qoricancha temple, San Pedro market, the main square, 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. For dinner tonight, why not try adobo cusqueno (pork stew) or alpaca steak? If you need recommendations, just ask your leader.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk
Your total travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Enjoy a free day in Cusco, the heart and soul of Peru. You may like to visit the city’s many museums and archaeological sites with your included boleto turistico (tourism ticket). This includes the Contemporary Art Museum, Regional History Museum, Qosqo Native Art Museum, and the Inca ruins of Q'enqo, Pica Pakara, and Pisac. The most easily accessible among these sites is Qoricancha, which was once the Inca empire's richest temple until the Spanish built a Dominican church on top of it.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included)
- Cusco - Humantay Lake Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD130
- Cusco - Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 paticipants) - USD100
- Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class - USD70
- Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure - USD35
- Cusco - Full Day Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Based on 4 participants) - USD85
- Cusco - Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD105
Tonight, you’ll need to prepare a smaller bag to take with you for the next two nights in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. This includes your visit to Machu Picchu, so be sure to pack any photographic equipment or chargers you might need. You’ll leave your main luggage in Cusco.
Take a bus through the Sacred Valley today. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, it has been a source of livelihood for the locals for hundreds of years, with maize crops covering the terraced valley walls. On the way, stop for a guided tour of Sacsayhuaman – an imposing Inca fortress built from massive stone blocks, and the ultimate example of the Incas' military strength. Then, visit the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba – a cafe that provides employment opportunities for single mothers. Enjoy a snack and learn how this inclusive enterprise supports economic growth and gender equality, then continue onto the Huilloq community – tourists are an uncommon sight here! Be welcomed with an offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth), learn about ancestral textile techniques and tuck into a guinea-pig lunch (vegetarian option available upon request). Then, drive to the day’s final stop – Ollantaytambo. Do a guided tour of the town’s archaeological site, followed by free time to relax.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Sacred Valley - Community visit
- Sacred Valley - Coffee & cake
Your total travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
This morning, catch a train through the winding Urubamba Valley, climbing to Aguas Calientes – this seriously scenic journey will surely give your camera a good workout! If you’d like to give your legs a workout too, your leader can recommend some great walks around Aguas Calientes. The city is in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu, so it’s the perfect place to kick back and take in your surroundings.
One Day Inca Trail
You can choose to trek the One Day Inca Trail today (11 km or 7 miles) with a local guide. Keep in mind that you must pre-book this option at least 30 days before departure. The day begins bright and early with a 6:30 am train ride to the starting point. The trail is a mix of up and downhill, passing a few archaeological sites, including Chachabamba and Winay Wayna (2680 m altitude) –also known as 'Forever Young'. Considered the most impressive site on the whole Inca Trail, it’s made up of a terraced agricultural centre, religious sector and urban sector. From here, it's about a 1.5-hour trek to Intipunku (the Sun Gate), where you'll enjoy unforgettable views (weather permitting) over the Lost City of the Incas. Depending on how long the trek takes, you'll have time to snap some pics and look around before taking a short bus ride down to Aguas Calientes to rejoin the group and go to your hotel.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- 1 Day Inca Trail guided hike - USD465
Your total travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Take an early bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu at 5.30 am. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for the Inca nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Inca site for much longer. Another school of thought is that this was an astronomical observatory. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters and decide for yourself. After the tour, catch the bus back to Aguas Calientes, followed by a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo and a drive to Cusco where you’ll spend the night.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Machu Picchu - Entrance and guided tour
Your total travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
The first bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu departs at 5.30 am. The estimated arrival time is between 6-6.30 am. The sun rises at Machu Picchu at approximately 5.30 am. Therefore, it's not possible to be there in time for sunrise.
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 when the guided visit starts, exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. After the guided visit, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.
Enjoy free time today to delve deeper into all Cusco has to offer. You might like to use your boleto turistico to check out any sites you missed the last time you were here, or just grab a coffee from a cafe at Plaza de Armas and do some people-watching. For those seeking an active adventure, the hills surrounding Cusco are well-suited for mountain biking. Ask your leader about optional activities and how to make the most of your day.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Take a short flight from Cusco to Lima today. You’ll be unescorted on your flight today, and when you arrive in Lima, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and met by a new local leader who can assist with any optional activities or final arrangements. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. Visit some of the sites you missed at the beginning of the trip or maybe do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Tonight, why not gather the group for one final night out on the town? Your leader will be happy to give you pointers to make the most of your last day in Peru.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your total travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
With no activities planned, your adventure comes to an end today. If you’d like to extend your stay in Lima, just get in touch with your booking agent in advance.
- Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Plane, Train, Private vehicle, Public bus, Boat
Hotel (14 nights)
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Lima - Leader-led Miraflores walking tour
- Lima - Guided tour, including San Francisco Monastery, the Catacombs and Central Market
- Islas Ballestas - Guided tour
- Nazca Lines - Viewing tower
- Nazca - Pachamanca dinner
- Arequipa - Walking tour
- Arequipa - San Ignacio Chapel
- Arequipa - Santa Catalina Monastery Admission Fee
- Arequipa - Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa
- Puno - Sillustani archaeological site
- Puno - Lake Titicaca day tour
- Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk
- Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included)
- Sacred Valley - Community visit
- Sacred Valley - Coffee & cake
- Machu Picchu - Entrance and guided tour
- Lima - Coast Biking Urban Adventure (minimum 2 participants) - USD65
- Lima - Bohemian Barranco (Based on 4 participants) - USD75
- Lima - Lima Discovery Urban Adventures (minimum 2 participants) - USD39
- Lima - Private: Home Cooked Tour Ceviche experience Urban Adventure (Based on 2 Participants) - USD85
- Lima - Lima Water Show (Based on 4 participants) - USD40
- Lima - Lima Pisco Making (Based on 4 participants) - USD35
- Lima - Lima Eat Street (Based on 4 participants) - USD75
- Lima - Private Larco Museum (Based on 4 participants) - USD50
- Lima - Cathedral of Lima (entrance fee) - PEN12
- Nazca - Scenic flight over the Nazca Lines (excluding 77 PEN Taxes at Nazca Airport) - USD100
- Arequipa - Juanita Museum Admission Fee - PEN20
- Cusco - Humantay Lake Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD130
- Cusco - Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 paticipants) - USD100
- Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class - USD70
- Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure - USD35
- Cusco - Full Day Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Based on 4 participants) - USD85
- Cusco - Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 participants) - USD105
- 1 Day Inca Trail guided hike - USD465
This trip generates 43 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- This trip visits places that are at high altitude, where it’s common to experience altitude sickness. Regardless of your age, gender and fitness, please see the ‘Medical and Health Information’ section in the Essential Trip Information for more details.
- Visitors are not permitted to explore Machu Picchu without a Machu Picchu guide (this doesn’t include your trip leader) and must follow set routes within the site. This trip includes one guided visit of Machu Picchu (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours). Your leader will provide more information to ensure you get the most out of your visit to this incredible site.
- According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined circuit within the site to relieve crowding. The circuit-based entrance tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We’ll do our best to get everyone travelling in a group on the same route, but be aware that it’s possible that members of the same group might be visiting Machu Picchu on a different circuit and not be together during this visit. After the guided tour, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
PERU
Due to local energy supply and infrastructure issues, please be prepared for some cold showers while travelling in Peru.
Hotel El Tambo II
720 La Paz Ave - Miraflores
Miraflores
Lima
PERU
Phone: +51 12000100
Description
Hotel El Tambo 2 is located in Miraflores just 800 metres from Kennedy Park. The rooms feature air conditioning, cable TV and a private bathroom. The hotel also offers wifi, a 24 Hour front desk and luggage storage.
Instructions
A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
For your confirmed arrival transfer, International arrivals you’ll be met in the Arrivals Hall outside gate 3 on the first floor by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. Please ask them who they’re picking up to confirm you’ve met the correct transfer representative.
For your confirmed arrival transfer, Domestic arrivals you’ll be met in the Arrivals Hall outside gate 1 on the first floor by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. Please ask them who they’re picking up to confirm you’ve met the correct transfer representative.
Depending on traffic, the journey to your hotel will take between 30 and 90 minutes.
In case of flight cancellations, changes, or unforeseen delays, please contact our local office on the number in the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section. Free wifi is available at the airport. Alternatively, please go to the information booth located on first floor, between the domestic and international arrivals gates, inside the terminal in front of the escalators. If required, they can make a phone call for you. This is also where our transfer representatives will go if they don’t meet you as you exit customs.
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. This trip starts in Lima on Day 1 at 2pm. This allows time after the welcome meeting to explore Miraflores with your leader.
4. This trip includes domestic flights. The luggage allowance is 23kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
5. Full passport details are required at the time of booking. These details are used to obtain entrance and transport tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
6. The Inca Trail closes in February to allow cleaning and restoration works. If the 1 day -Inca Trail portion of your trip starts in February you will be unable to add on the 1 day Inca Trail optional add on.
7. According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations all visitors must follow a pre-determined circuit within the site as a way to relieve crowding. The circuit-based entrance tickets are available on a first come first serve basis. For travellers who opted for the Quarry Trail and Train options we will endeavour to get everyone traveling in a group on the same circuit. Regardless of the circuit you will enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the site. Travellers completing the Inca Trail will enter Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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