Read a sampling of what our
clients said about their trips
We really enjoyed our trip. Peru is blessed with many interesting destinations - two of which we visited - the Amazon rainforest and Inca ruins around Cusco including Machu Picchu. The Explorama staff were very accommodating which made for a wonderful adventure in the Amazon. The agent and guides ... more James Birchler
This tour includes accommodations for 9 nights (3 nights in Lima, 3 nights in Cusco, 1 night in Machu Picchu, and 2 nights in Puno); 14 meals (9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 1 dinner) and domestic airfare in Peru.
Elevations: Cusco is 10,912 feet (above sea level), the Sacred Valley of the Incas is 8,944 feet, Machu Picchu is 7,900 feet, and Puno is 12,566 feet.
Classic Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca
Appreciate Peru's fascinating cultures and history in one of our most popular tours. It includes Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, an overnight stay in Machu Picchu, and an excursion to Lake Titicaca. You will have city tours of Lima and Cusco, and visit the Indian artisan market in Pisac and the fortress of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. You will have a free day in Machu Picchu to revisit the site or enjoy the surrounding area, and then travel by train to Puno and Lake Titicaca to experience the unique cultures of the inhabitants of Peru's Altiplano.
Customization: This tour can be customized to suit your requirements.
Activities: Cultural/historical sightseeing and hiking.
Day 1: Lima
Depart to Lima. After passing through immigration and customs, proceed to the reception area, where our inbound services representative will be holding a sign with your name on it. You will be greeted and then transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Lima.
Day 2: Lima/City Tour/Folkloric Dinner Show
In the afternoon, you will have a city tour of Lima. You will visit downtown Lima and see several examples of the Spanish architecture of the colonial period including the Plaza de Armas, the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and the Church of San Francisco and Catacombs. After that, you will see Huaca Huallamarca, a restored adobe pyramid dating from the pre-Inca period located in San Isidro. You will tour the upscale residential and commercial district of Miraflores and see the Parque del Amor, a seaside park with a huge statue of a kissing couple, before returning to your hotel. In the evening, you will enjoy a Folkloric Dinner Show at Junius Restaurant. Overnight in Lima. (B,D)
Day 3: Lima/Cusco/City Tour
Early morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Because of the high altitude (10,912 feet above sea level), we recommend that you rest for a short period. In the afternoon, you will have a city tour that includes a walk through of the Cathedral, the Koricancha ('site of gold'), typical streets, and the four ruins that surround the city: the Sacsayhuaman Fortress, Kenko, Puca Pucara, and Tampumachay. Overnight in Cusco. (B)
Day 4: Cusco/Sacred Valley of the Incas/Pisac/Ollantaytambo
Full-day private excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including the Indian artisan market in Pisac and the fortress of Ollantaytambo. Lunch at a restaurant in the Sacred Valley. Overnight in Cusco. (B,L)
Note: The Indian market is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from October to March, and daily from April to September. On the days of the week that the market is not open, you will be taken to the Inca ruins above the village.
Day 5: Cusco/Machu Picchu
Early morning transfer to the train station for the ride to Machu Picchu, 'the Lost City of the Incas' (7,900 ft.). This mountaintop citadel, which served as both a center of worship and an astronomic observatory, is located in the middle of the cloud forest overlooking the Urubamba River. There are both agricultural and urban areas constructed with the precision stonework that the Incas are known for. The agricultural area consists of terraces and food storehouses, and the urban area contains temples, squares, and royal tombs. Guided tour followed by lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Aguas Calientes. (B,L)
Day 6: Machu Picchu/Cusco
This is a free day to explore Machu Picchu on your own. You may want to hike Huayna Picchu, visit the nearby hot springs of Aguas Calientes, or enjoy another activity. Mid-afternoon, you will depart from Machu Picchu by train to Poroy Station in the Sacred Valley, and then be taken to Cusco by private transportation. Overnight in Cusco. (B)
Day 7: Cusco/Puno
Early morning transfer to the train station for the train ride to Puno (12,566 ft.) on the Andean Explorer. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Puno. (B,L)
Note: The Andean Explorer operates every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday year-round. During high season from April to October, it also operates on Fridays.
Day 8: Puno/Lake Titicaca/Taquile Island/Floating Islands of Uros
Morning departure by boat to Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca. The island is known for the hospitality of its people, their distinctive knit clothing, and its landscape with Inca terracing where potatoes, corn, and quinoa are cultivated. Lunch is included. On the return to Puno, you will stop at the Floating Islands of the Uros people, which are part of the Titicaca National Reserve. These islands, as well as the houses and boats used by their inhabitants, are made of totora, a water reed that can grow to 10 feet tall. Overnight in Puno. (B,L)
Day 9: Puno/Chullpas of Sillustani/Lima
Morning transfer to the airport for your return flight to Lima. On the way to the airport, you will visit the chullpas of Sillustani on the shores of Lake Umayo. Some of these stone funerary towers stand nearly 40 feet tall. They house the remains of the nobility who were buried in family groups along with food and their possessions for the afterlife. Upon arrival in Lima, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Lima. (B)
Day 10: Lima
Check out at noon. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to your final destination. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Classic Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca
Single
Double
Triple
Economy
$2,309
$1,879
$1,819
3 Star
$2,769
$2,069
$2,029
4 Star
$3,399
$2,379
$2,329
Superior First
$3,639
$2,549
$2,469
5 Star
$4,579
$3,019
$2,899
Deluxe
$6,039
$3,759
n/a
All prices are in U.S. Dollars. Click here to see our prices in your currency.
The above prices are valid until December 31, 2010.
Notes:
Machu Picchu Pueblo, Hatuchay Tower, and Sanctuary Lodge accommodations include breakfast and dinner.
Room upgrades and additional nights in each destination are available upon request.
Upgrade to the Hiram Bingham train, which operates every day except Sunday, is available for $450 per person.
Oxygenated rooms are available at the Monasterio for an additional $50 per room per day.
Christmas Season and High Season (from June to August) surcharges may apply.
Classic Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca
The Price of This Tour Includes
South American Vacations' expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
Domestic airfare in economy class.
Airport/hotel transfers including baggage handling.
Hotel accommodations including taxes and service charges.
Excursion to Machu Picchu including overnight stay and transportation via Vistadome train.
Transportation to Puno via Andean Explorer train.
Other excursions as indicated on the itinerary including all applicable entrance fees.
Meals as indicated on the itinerary.
Local, English-speaking tour guides.
The Price of This Tour Does Not Include
International airfare.
International airport departure tax ($30.25).
Domestic airport departure tax ($6.05 each way).
Meals not indicated on the itinerary.
Gratuities to tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
Gifts, personal items, and travel insurance.
We will be happy to quote the cost of international airfare and travel insurance, and to make these arrangements for you.
