Peru Explorer

Starting in the gastronomic capital of Lima, sip Pisco Sours and admire colonial casas before heading to the rugged beauty of the Sacred Valley. Walk in the footsteps of the Incas as you admire one of the New Wonders of the World rising above the clouds, then finish your trip in ancient Cusco. Keen to stay longer? Extend your trip with a visit to Lake Titicaca.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Lima (2 Nights)
Welcome to the Peruvian capital and ‘City of the Kings', Lima. Rising above a long coastline of crumbling cliffs this city has a real sense of faded yet romantic grandeur, with historical sights a plenty and a culinary scene that is revered the world over. Settle in to your hotel and meet up with your Travel Director this afternoon, then the rest of the day is free to explore. Head to Parque del Amor to admire the Gaudí style architecture with beautiful views over Lima Bay, or take a wander around popular and bustling Miraflores.
Day 2 - Lima sightseeing and free time
Visit the famous Plaza Mayor and Cathedral as well as the Government Palace, Archbishop's Palace and City Hall. Delve into the dark history of the San Francisco Monastery, a museum featuring mysterious catacombs. Your afternoon and evening are free to join one of our exciting choice experiences. Take a walking tour with a local expert of the lively Miraflores district highlighting the Boardwalk of Miraflores, a cliff rising above the ocean at around 130 feet and the Larcomar shopping area. Or, indulge your taste buds on a food tour through Barranco or a street food tour – from coffee to churros - through Lima's city centre. In the evening, opt to visit the colourful, musical Magic Water Fountains of Lima.
Day 3 - Lima – Cusco – Sacred Valley (2 Nights)
Flying into Cusco, welcome to the Incan capital of the world! Boasting the richest heritage of any South American city, Cusco is a wealth of archaeological greatness and the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. It's also the gateway to Machu Picchu, so throbs day and night with visitors exploring its ancient streets. Take in the ornate temples and Incan ruins as you arrive here. On the way to Sacred Valley, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during your visit to Chinchero Sunday market, still a very original market where you can find fruit and vegetable vendors as well as the occasional souvenir stall. Your guide will introduce you to some local produce such as potatoes, and if you wish, you can also taste some of the fruit. Make your way to a local Chichería to enjoy a typical lunch from the region. Learn about chicha, a local drink made of corn, and admire llamas and alpacas before making your way to the hotel.
Day 4 - Machu Picchu excursion
Today's the day! Up bright and early this morning, you'll travel to the ancient little town of Ollantaytambo to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the Incan village at the base of Machu Picchu. Slowly chugging your way through the rugged lands of the Sacred Valley, feel the excitement levels build as you pass by village settlements and towering mountains, the landscape changing as you descend. Making the last leg of the journey via shuttle, you'll finally arrive at the most famous archaeological site of South America and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. Catching a first glimpse of this awe inspiring ancient city above the clouds is a moment you'll never forget, so be sure to take a few minutes just to soak it all in. Take your time exploring the vast complex of fascinating ruins and let the mind boggle at how it was all built, before descending the mountain and making your way back to the Sacred Valley. Visit the local home of Mrs. Rosa. Her house goes at least 7 generations back and is a fine example of Incan architecture. Learn more about how guinea pigs are raised, as well as ancient traditions kept alive until this day.
Day 5 - Sacred Valley – Cusco (2 Nights)
Begin your day in Pisaq, famous for its local market and empanadas. Taste the local food at a women-owned and operated empanada workshop. Learn from Mrs. Ernestina how to make empanadas out of seven different kinds of flour before enjoying the empanadas for lunch. Continuing on to Cusco you'll also stop by the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 13th century, before arriving at the Incan capital of Cusco. Embark on a sightseeing tour of ancient Cusco visiting Coricancha, the Temple of the Sun and most important temple in the Incan Empire, before admiring the bounty of colonial art on display in the Cathedral.
Day 6 - Cusco sightseeing and free time
Kick off the final day of your tour joining for an optional experience. Head to Moray and Maras to see Incan farming and salt mining techniques at play or visit 17th century Piquillacta to view the pre-Incan citadel built by the Wari people. Another option is to indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to the Choco Museum to learn more about the Peruvian chocolate making process. In town, tour Cusco after dark learning the secrets of this ancient city or experience Cusco off the beaten track visiting tiny stores and cemeteries with plenty of personal stories along the way. If you're looking for an all-day adventure, join a trip to Rainbow Mountain where you'll take a rigorous hike through breathtaking scenery of mountains and lakes.
Day 7 - Depart Cusco
One New Wonder of the World and an incredible seven days later, your trip will finally come to an end this morning. Leaving with priceless memories, a wealth of new knowledge and a wonderful group of new friends, you'll make your way to the airport today. Departure is at leisure from Cusco Airport.

Whats Included

• All internal air included in trip cost
• An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• Many meals included
• Audio Headsets provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
• City orientation tours
• Extensive variety of Choice Experiences
• On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

All Available Dates

Top Trafalgar Tours

8 day tour - 24 Nov 2025

Christmas Markets of Austria, Germany and Switzerland

€2625pp

View Details

8 day tour - 15 Sep 2024

Glorious Switzerland - Classic Group

€3895pp

View Details

7 day tour - 27 Sep 2024

Peru Explorer

€1395pp

View Details

9 day tour - 27 Sep 2024

Peru Explorer with Puno and Lake Titicaca Extension

€2450pp

View Details

11 day tour - 16 Sep 2024

Rhythms of the South

€2345pp

View Details

10 day tour - 06 Feb 2026

Tastes and Sounds of the South

€3950pp

View Details

8 day tour - 05 Oct 2024

The Big Apple, Niagara and Washington, D.C.

€1925pp

View Details

10 day tour - 29 Sep 2025

Wonders of the Canadian Rockies

€2150pp

View Details