Description of The Best of Peru in Luxury – 9 Days
The Best of Peru in Luxury – 9 Days offers a journey through the country’s most iconic destinations in world-class comfort. Start with Peru’s sophisticated capital, where you will find colonial architecture and some of the world’s best restaurants. Explore the cobblestone streets of the ancient capital of Cusco. Descend into the Sacred Valley, seeing natural beauty, ancient terraces, and charming villages. Travel to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu by luxury train before enjoying an informative tour with your private guide. Conclude this magical adventure in the high Andean town of Puno, where you will have an exclusive boat tour to the floating Uros Islands. The tour features private transfers, curated experiences, and exceptional accommodations.
The Best of Peru in Luxury – 9 Days at a Glance
Discover the Best of Peru in Luxury in 9 Days journey that combines world-class hospitality, ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences. From the vibrant city of Lima to the ancient wonder of Machu Picchu, this carefully designed luxury itinerary combines the balance between comfort, exploration, and exclusive experiences.
Day 1 – Welcome to Lima
Arrive in Peru’s capital and drive to your hotel in Miraflores. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the city at your leisure.
Day 2 – Discover the City of Kings
Explore the historic center of Lima, see colonial architecture, and discover the city’s most iconic neighborhoods.
Day 3 – Culinary Experience – Flight to Cusco
Discover the flavors of Peru with a visit to the market and preparing your own meals. In the evening, fly to Cusco and take time to acclimatize to the altitude.
Day 4 – Cusco the Ancient City
Explore the treasures of Cusco, including the impressive Inca temple of Qoricancha and nearby archaeological sites that reveal the city’s rich past.
Day 5 – The Sacred Valley Experience
Visit the beautiful Sacred Valley, visit traditional villages, explore ancient archaeological sites, and enjoy incredible views along the way.
Day 6 – Journey to Machu Picchu and Hiram Bingham Experience
Unveil the secrets of Machu Picchu, “the Lost City of the Incas,” on an exclusive tour. Later, travel back to Cusco on the luxurious Hiram Bingham Train through the spectacular Andean scenery.
Day 7 – Free Day
Explore the ancient city of Cusco at your pace; visit its ancient streets, museums, and the local markets.
Day 8 – Peru Rail Titicaca Train to Puno
Travel south to Puno on one of the most impressive train journeys in South America and admire Andean landscapes along the route.
Day 9 – Uros Islands and Farewell to Peru
Visit the floating Uros Islands. Enjoy your final leg of your journey in Peru before your private transfer to the Juliaca airport for your departure flight.
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Lima Airport – Transfer Lima Hotel
Most International Flights Arrive at Lima Airport in the Evenings. We will be waiting for you outside the Lima Arrivals Hall. Please keep a lookout for a person with a sign with your name on it. Your transfer is approximately 60 minutes depending on traffic. Transfer to a luxury hotel in the Miraflores district of Lima. Our representative will pick you up to drive you to one of the greatest restaurants for your dinner. Then we drive you back to your hotel.
- Accommodation
5* Hotels: AC Hotel, JW Marriott Lima, or Hotel B.
- Meals
Welcome Dinner (Isolina, Huaca Pucllana or Astrid y Gastón)
Day 2. Lima City Tour
This morning after a wonderful breakfast at your hotel, we will begin our tour of the city. Travel to central Lima and experience the main square with the government buildings and the cathedral. See the San Francisco church with its lovely patio and the fascinating catacombs and Casa Aliaga. Later travel to the seaside town of Miraflores for lunch and enjoy the seaside views. Take a walk along the Malecon to the Parque de Amor. Continue on to the arts district of Barranco before our lunch, and then we return to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your evening on your own and dine in one of Lima’s famous restaurants.
- Accommodation
5* Hotels: AC Hotel, JW Marriott Lima, or Hotel B.
- Meals
Breakfast at the Hotel, Lunch (Isolina, Huaca Pucllana or Astrid y Gastón)
Day 3. Cooking Class and flight to Cusco
Explore the superfoods of Peru with a unique Lima food tour. Follow your guide to a local fruit and vegetable market. See how the locals buy their daily food and see different types of produce, and your guide will explain their uses. At your cooking class learn how to prepare famous Peruvian dishes and Pisco cocktails. After relaxing over a gourmet lunch that you helped prepare at your private cooking class, travel to the airport for your flight to Cusco. On arrival, transfer to your luxury hotel in the heart of the ancient Inca city. Spend the night resting and acclimatizing before you start your adventures in Cusco.
- Accommodation
5* Hotels: Palacio del Inca, JW Marriott, or Aranwa Boutique
- Meals
Breakfast at the Hotel, Lunch by your own hands, Dinner in Cusco (Rúcula, Inka Grill or La Morena)
Day 4. Private Cusco City Tour
Discover the wonders of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, on this private city tour. We start in the morning at 10 am from your hotel. Explore the city’s most significant Inca and colonial landmarks with an expert guide, who will bring history to life through fascinating stories. Cusco, known as the “Navel of the World,” was the center of the Inca Empire. From here, the Incas ruled over vast territories stretching across Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and beyond. The city was meticulously designed with palaces, temples, and intricate stonework that still amazes visitors today. In 1533, Cusco fell to Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro. Step inside the magnificent Cusco Cathedral, one of the finest Spanish colonial churches in the Americas. Built atop the foundations of an Inca palace, the cathedral took nearly 100 years to complete, reflecting the immense wealth and religious dominance of the Spanish. The next stop is Coricancha, the most sacred temple of the Inca Empire. Once covered in pure gold, this temple was dedicated to Inti, the Sun God.
Travel outside Cusco to the impressive Sacsayhuamán, one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Inca Empire. Built over 70 years by an estimated 20,000 workers, this fortress-temple complex overlooks Cusco and showcases the Incas’ astonishing engineering skills. Your journey continues to Tambomachay, a sacred Inca site dedicated to water worship. This beautifully designed complex features stone aqueducts, terraces, and ceremonial fountains that still flow today. Next, visit Puca Pucara, an Inca military outpost with stunning views of the surrounding valleys. Its name, meaning “Red Fortress,” comes from the reddish hue the stones take on at sunset. A short drive brings you to Qenko, one of the most intriguing Inca ceremonial sites. The name Qenko means “zigzag” in Quechua, referring to the mysterious carved channels that run through the rock. Later, we enjoy lunch at one of the great restaurants in downtown. Finally, drive back to your hotel in Cusco and enjoy a night out on the town.
- Accommodation
5* Hotels: Palacio del Inca, JW Marriott, or Aranwa Boutique
- Meals
Breakfast at the Hotel, Lunch (Rúcula, Inka Grill or La Morena)
Day 5. Sacred Valley of The Incas
This morning’s adventure starts when we pick you up from your hotel lobby at 08:00 am in Cusco. Today we embark on the wonderful Sacred Valley tour. Visit 3 main sites of the Sacred Valley: Chinchero, the Moray terraces, and Ollantaytambo. First, we visit the archaeological site of Chinchero, and lastly, the Inca town of Ollantaytambo. We start with Chinchero to visit the archeological site and see the weaving exhibition that locals do. They demonstrate the process to obtain such vibrant colors from natural plant dyes.
Continuing through the valley, we arrive at the ancient site of Moray, a magnificent series of terrace circles set into the ground that was once used by the Incas for experimentation with crops. Your next stop is Urubamba for lunch.
Our final destination is the Ollantaytambo ruins, where we will spend an hour exploring and enjoying the views. The town is located at the foot of some spectacular Inca ruins that protected the strategic entrance to the lower Urubamba Valley. The temple area is at the top of steep terracing, which helped to provide excellent defenses. Stay the night in the Sacred Valley under the blanket of stars.
- Accommodation
5* Hotels: Tambo del Inka, Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness or Sol y Luna relais & chateaux
- Meals
Breakfast at the hotel, lunch (Wayra – Relais & Chateaux).
Day 6. Machu Picchu
Travel to the train station in Ollantaytambo to catch the Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes. The journey offers a unique and different way to travel to Machu Picchu. Each of the cars features panoramic windows, enabling you to feel part of your surroundings.
This first-class train ride into the spectacular land of the Inca is highlighted by amazing views of valleys, Inca farming terraces, snow-capped mountains, and sub-tropical jungle. Upon arrival at the station, your guide will be there to meet you and escort you to the bus that takes you to the entrance of the Machu Picchu site. Please remember to take your passports with you for inspection at the entrance to Machu Picchu; from there you will enjoy a lovely private guided tour of the citadel with your guide.
The enigmatic lost city of Machu Picchu is the most famous archaeological site in all of South America. The spectacular collection of temples, terraced hills, and plazas was the mountain-top citadel of the Inca under Pachacutec and Tupac Yupanqui. On your guided tour, visit the most famous sites, including the plaza, the royal sector, the residential sector, the temple of the condor, and the sacred stone, to name a few. Take in the Inca energy that surrounds Machu Picchu and enjoy the spectacular views of the Andes.
After you have enjoyed your wonderful guided tour, travel back down to Aguas Calientes for a wonderful lunch in one of the restaurants in town. If you have time, explore this quaint little town before boarding the luxurious Hiram Bingham Train to Poroy, where we will pick you up and take you back to your Cusco hotel. Step aboard the luxurious Hiram Bingham Train and enjoy one of the world’s most iconic rail journeys to Machu Picchu. As you travel through the breathtaking Sacred Valley, savor gourmet cuisine, live traditional music, and spectacular views of the Andes. Every detail of this elegant experience is designed to immerse you in the beauty, history, and charm of Peru.
- Accommodation
5* Hotels: Palacio del Inka, JW Marriott, or Aranwa Boutique.
- Meals
Breakfast at the hotel, lunch in Aguas Calientes. Dinner on your own.
Day 7. Cusco, Free Day
Today you are free to spend exploring the city of Cusco. There are many museums, like the Pre-Columbian Museum, full of ancient Peruvian treasures, or the Inca Museum, that will give you a great history of the civilization. Discover the local markets, like San Pedro Market, where you will get a great view into daily Peruvian life, or walk down Av. Sol, where you will find many great markets to purchase handcrafted souvenirs.
Don’t miss the small barrio of San Blas with its small church and the wonderful cobblestone streets. Explore the wonderful shops filled with art and collectables. Dine in one of the many terrific restaurants with a great variety of Peruvian and international cuisine, using your guide for recommendations. Spend the night in Cusco before the next part of the adventure.
- Accommodation
5* Hotels: Palacio del Inka, JW Marriott, or Aranwa Boutique
- Meals
Breakfast at the hotel, lunch and dinner on your own.
Day 8. Cusco to Puno by First Class Titicaca Train.
After breakfast, transfer to the Wanchaq train station for your wonderful journey across the Peruvian highlands to the lakeside town of Puno. This is the day for the train lovers among you. The PeruRail Titicaca is an unforgettable journey, traversing the breathtaking landscapes between Cusco and Puno. Over the course of a day, you’ll cross the towering Peruvian Andes, reaching the mystical shores of Lake Titicaca. Be captivated by the beauty of the highlands and altiplano, as the vibrant melodies and traditional dances of the region fill the air with life and culture. Savor exquisite onboard cuisine, including delicate snacks, a gourmet lunch, and a comforting afternoon tea. Along your route, you’ll make a stop at Abra La Raya, the highest point of the journey, where sky and earth meet at 4,300 meters above sea level.
Upon arrival, we will transfer you from the train station to the hotel. The hotel is on the shores of the lake with wonderful views, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and get a well-deserved rest after your wonderful train adventure.
- Accommodation
GHL Puno, Sonesta Posadas Del Inca, Puno
- Meals
Breakfast at the hotel, lunch on the train.
Day 9. Lake Titicaca and return to Lima
After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, head to the port of Puno for a tour of the fascinating islands of the Uros Islands. The Uros Islands are one of Peru’s most unique cultural treasures. Built entirely from layers of totora reeds that grow abundantly in the lake, these man-made islands have been home to the Uros people for centuries. The people constructed the islands and built their homes and boats all from the reeds.
Visiting the Uros offers a fascinating glimpse into the way of life of these people, where tradition remains strong despite modern influences. The community welcomes travelers with warmth and are happy to share their history, crafts, and daily life, making this tour a truly unforgettable experience on Lake Titicaca and the perfect end to your tour.
After lunch, travel to the airport in Juliaca for your flight to Lima, where the tour ends. For those wanting extra days in Lima, talk to our travel advisors about transfers and accommodation in Lima.
- Meals
Breakfast at the hotel and lunch (locally prepared).
What is Included?
Included
- All Luxury Hotels
- All Flights within Peru—Lima / Cusco, Cusco / Lake Titicaca & Juliaca / Lima
- All Private Tours with Qualified English-speaking Guides (Except Lake Titicaca)
- All Private Transfers
- First Class Vistadome Observatory Train—Ollantaytambo / Machu Picchu
- Luxury Hiram Bingham Train – Machu Picchu / Ollantaytambo
- Perurail Titicaca Train—Cusco/Puno
- Meals as specified on the itinerary.
- All Entrance Fees
- Pick-up & drop-off at your hotels
- Transfers from/to the airport in Lima, Cusco, and Puno.
- Private shuttles just for the Wayna Trekkers group.
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
- Machu Picchu guided tour.
- Round trip bus ticket from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes & vice versa.
- 24/7 support.
Not Included
- International Flights to Peru
- Personal expenses such as tips, telephone bills, laundry expenses, beverages, etc.
- Your Personal Travel Insurance
- Tips
Extras
- Experience at Maido or Central, (Ask your travel expert)
- Andean Explorer Train to Puno (from 3000 USD pp to 4000 USD pp—depending on accommodation) – Train runs on Thursdays only.
Price
$8499 USD Per person (Upgrades available)
Add-Ons
- Experience at Maido or Central, (Ask your travel expert)
- Andean Explorer Train to Puno (from 3000 USD pp to 4000 USD pp—depending on accommodation) – Train runs on Thursdays only.
IMPORTANT:
The package can begin on Wednesdays, Fridays, or Sundays because of the train dates.
If you plan to upgrade to the Belmond Andean Explorer train to Puno, we must start on Thursdays.
What to pack for “The Best of Peru in Luxury—9 Days”
- Original passport (it is compulsory to enter Machu Picchu) *
- Small daypack
- Fleece or sweater for early mornings and evenings; a jacket, pants, a hat, and gloves.
- Convertible pants: These can be adjusted for different weather conditions.
- Water storage: 2-3 liters
- Camelbacks.
- Good and comfortable walking shoes.
- Wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved shirts for sun protection
- Waterproof jacket or poncho for the rainy season
- Sun hat
- Insect repellent (15% – 30% Deets)
- Face cleanser, moisturizers & after-sun cream
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal medications
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruit
- Any necessary personal medications
- Cameras, chargers, extra cables, power banks
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips.
Important Information
Booking
We need you to fill out a booking form that includes everything needed for the trip. Our system will ask you for $??? USD deposit per person for booking (all payments are subject to a 5% transaction fee). If you are more than 2 hikers, you can pay separately. Once we receive your deposit, we go ahead with your permits and will send a formal confirmation to your email
Arrival
You will be picked up by one of our team members and be driven to your hotel. For this complimentary service, ensure you send your international flight details at least two weeks in advance. You have to exit the airport or bus terminal; your driver cannot enter inside.
Acclimatization to the altitude:
High altitude starts to have an effect on our bodies from between 1,500 m and 2,000 m (4,921 ft – 6,561 ft) when our bodies start to react differently to make up for the changes in oxygen levels. As you get higher, the air gets thinner, so with every breath there is less oxygen for your body. Your body gradually adapts to getting less oxygen—you breathe faster and deeper, and the body produces more red blood cells. This takes time, so this is why if you go from low to high altitude too quickly, you may feel symptoms of altitude sickness until your body acclimatizes.
The Cusco region is generally set at very high elevations. The cities of Cusco and Puno stand at a staggering 3,399 m / 11,152 ft. However, people react differently to altitude sickness, and it can present itself in a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, poor appetite, dizziness, and disturbed sleep and, in extreme cases, loss of oxygen.
There are numbers of ways to deal with altitude sickness. Firstly, you need to acclimate by spending a few days in the Sacred Valley or Cusco. The body does adjust to the thin air; it just needs time. There are a number of day tours you can participate in before your trip that don’t require much exertion. Secondly, get lots of sleep, relax, and take it easy. Another option is to watch what you consume; try to avoid alcohol and drugs and also drink lots of water and coca tea. Keep your meals light and high in calories with lots of carbs. Lastly, we recommend visiting your doctor before traveling to Peru and asking for recommendations for medication that can help with altitude sickness.
These are the recommended remedies for altitude sickness: WATER, COCA TEA, and OXYGEN, IF NEEDED.
Luggage.
We offer a free secure luggage store while touring with us.
How do I pay my remaining balance?
You can pay the rest of your bill upon arrival with a card or cash if you want to avoid any extra high credit card fees. Our representative will show you the invoice confirmed at the booking time. Otherwise, you can pay through PayPal or Visa, but you have to pay a 5% service fee charged by VISA and PayPal.
The Best of Peru in Luxury – 9 Days
