Let's Go To Peru
Updated: Jun 10, 2023
Peru is one of the world's most varied countries. It is a multicultural nation, filled with traditions, a unique gastronomy and vast natural reserves. It is home to 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 84 of the planet's 117 life zones. I am so excited about touring Peru with you!
Why you'll love this trip
Discover the breadth of Peru's diverse heritage, from the gorgeous Spanish colonial architecture of Lima to the Aymara and Quechuan Indian cultures of Puno.
Marvel at the mother of all Inca cities, magical Machu Picchu. Enjoy two days in the expansive ruins plus free time to explore on your own.
Enjoy plenty of time in gorgeous Cusco, exploring temples and taking a cooking class. Learn about Andean ingredients, and join a passionate local cook to prepare some classic Peruvian dishes.
The floating reed islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca are astounding in concept, construction, and history. Take a boat tour on the world's highest navigable lake and stay with a local family there.
Visit PALCCOYO RAINBOW MOUNTAINS and be rewarded with vistas of the snow-capped peak of Apu Ausangate, pastoral scenes of Quechua-speaking herders tending to their llamas and alpacas grazing on the land and impressive multi-toned mountains.
We specialize in tours for adults only. We take you away from your everyday world and the necessary distractions of family life.
Start Location Lima, Peru
Finish Location Lima, Peru
Accommodation
Hotel 9 Nights
Homestay 1 Night
Rooming Requirements Twin share
Included Meals
10 Breakfasts
01 Lunch
01 Box-Lunch
02 Dinners
Included Transport
Air conditioned vehicle transfers throughout.
Domestic flight
Leader/Guide 1 English speaking tour leader throughout.
Included Activities Refer to day by day itinerary below. Entrance/Admission Fees Where applicable with included activities
Exclusions • International flights • Airport taxes • Any visas required • Services not mentioned in the itinerary • Early check in or late check out at hotels • Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary • Drinks with included lunches and dinners • Tips for leaders, guide and driver • Expenditures of personal nature • Personal Insurance • Optional activities
*Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability. Therefore, quoted rates might change accordingly.
“You (and Wade) are just great people — honest, intelligent, down-to-earth, responsible, caring people. That matters to those of us who want someone we can trust to give us the opportunity for an enjoyable, interesting, and safe international experience.” Carolyn
Passport must be valid for six months beyond the duration of the Trip. We are not responsible if a customer is refused entry to a country because of incorrect travel documentation.
TRAVEL INSURANCE Travel insurance is compulsory for all travelers. Travel insurance must cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200,000 for each of the categories of coverage. We strongly recommend it also covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability, loss of luggage and personal effects.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL We are a proud partner of the sustainable development NGO, Pachamama Raymi. Since 2008 they have planted over 8 million trees, improving the ecology, and the economic situation of thousands of families, of the Sacred Valley region of Peru. For every one that travels with Intrepid DMC South America one more tree will be planted. For more information please visit here.
Day 1-May 24th, 2024
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Lima, Peru’s capital, and one of South America’s most beautiful cities. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm, where you’ll meet your fellow travelers and tour leader. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. After the meeting, stroll the streets of downtown Lima and check out some of its main attractions on a leader-led walking tour. Enjoy free time before an optional group dinner this evening. The unofficial food capital of South America, there’s no better place to sample Peru’s national dish, ceviche, than at one of Lima’s excellent restaurants. As there's little time spent in Lima, you may like to arrive a few days early to see the sights, including the chic suburb of Miraflores, Central Park, Lovers' Park, and the National Museum.
Accommodation Señorial Hotel or similar – senorial.com Standard check-in: 13:00 Hrs
Arrival Transfer • Not Included available for $35 per person
Included Activities
Lima – Leader-led walking tour
Day 2 / Date: May 25th 2024
Destination: Lima / Cusco
Meals included: Breakfast
Catch an early flight to Cusco. Spend a little time acclimatizing to the high altitude (3450 meters/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 characterizes 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.
Included Activities
Lima – Departure transfer. • Flight Ticket Lima – Cusco. • Cusco – Arrival transfer
Cusco – Leader-led orientation walk.
Cusco – Chocolate Museum visit and hot chocolate
Accommodation Hotel Ruinas or similar – www.hotelruinas.com
Day 3 / Date: May 26th 2024
Destination: Cusco / Sacred Valley / Aguas Calientes
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel by private bus 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 the next morning.
Included Activities
Sacred Valley – Community visit and lunch.
Sacred Valley – Train to Machu Picchu
Accommodation Inti Punku Machu Picchu or similar – www.intipunku.pe
Day 4 / Date: May 27th 2024
Destination: Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes
Meals included: Breakfast
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 Aguas Calientes town. 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 predetermined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only and once the guided visit commences exiting and reentering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.
Included Activities
Machu Picchu – Entrance and guided tour
Accommodation Inti Punku Machu Picchu or similar – www.intipunku.pe
Day 5 / Date: May 28th 2024
Destination: Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu / Cusco
Meals included: Breakfast
Rise before the sun and take the winding road back up to incredible Machu Picchu. On your second visit, explore more of the extraordinary architecture of the many temples, palaces and living quarters. Looking at Machu Picchu as it sits against a backdrop of forested mountains is a truly breathtaking experience. Its mortar-free design is particularly earthquake resistant and the stones are so precisely cut that, to this day, not even a knife fits between them. You'll have time along the way to take any photos you may have missed yesterday. Take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, then catch a standard train back to Ollantaytambo. From here, you will make the drive back to Cusco for the evening
Included Activities
Machu Picchu – Second visit (unguided).
Aguas Calientes – Train back to Ollantaytambo
Sacred Valley – Return transfer to Cusco
Accommodation Hotel Ruinas or similar – www.hotelruinas.com
Day 6 / Date: May 29th 2024
Destination: Cusco
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit the Coricancha Temple, once the most important temple in the Incan Empire. Formerly plated in thick gold, the Spanish built a Dominican church atop its walls. Meet with a local guide to uncover the secrets of the temple and the ancient civilization that first built it. Stop at the Manos Unidas cafe – no ordinary eatery, this Intrepid Foundation supported project provides those with intellectual disabilities vocational training and practical work experience to help with future employment. Enjoy a snack and one of the best coffees in Cusco while learning about the important work of this enterprise. In the afternoon, you will get a chance to get hands-on in the kitchen. Take a stroll around San Pedro market. Due to Cusco's location at the eastern edge of the Andes, there's ready access to locally-grown avocados, potatoes (thousands of different types), quinoa and aji picante (hot chili), to name a few products grown in the area. Learn about Andean ingredients, then join a passionate local cook to prepare some classic Peruvian dishes which you will enjoy over dinner.
Included Activities
Cusco – Walking tour
Cusco – Coricancha temple
Cusco – Cooking class
Accommodation Hotel Ruinas or similar – www.hotelruinas.com
Day 7 / Date: May 30th 2024
Destination: Cusco
Meals included: Breakfast, Box-Lunch
Today, you’ll explore “Palccoyo” known as the new mountain of colors. Depart from your hotel at 5:30am, driving for about 1 ½ hours to Cusipata Town where we have the first stop to use the restroom. Then continue the journey for 1 ¼ hours approx. until the community of Palccoyo (the starting point of the hike). On the way, enjoy an amazing view of the Andean landscapes, being able to see farm areas of potatoes, corn, alpaca farm as well as the “red river”, one of the most mesmerizing places in Peru.
Once in Palccoyo community, we will start hiking for about 45 minutes until we get to the viewpoint to appreciate three rainbow mountains (4900 meter-high), panoramic view of the Red Valley as well as the impressive Ausangate snow mountain (considered the highest mountain in Cusco). Then, continue walking for 20 minutes toward the “Bosque de Piedras” (Stone forest), a stunning rocky attraction that dazzles its visitors. Here you’ll spend 2 hours exploring this place. Go back to Combapata (1-hour hiking) to see a colonial bridge called Rumichaca built in 1604. Finish the tour at Checacupe village to appreciate three more bridges from different periods (Inca, Colonial and Republic times). Finally, return to Cusco by vehicle, arriving at your hotel at 5:00 pm approx. Minimum Altitude : 3.400 meters. Maximum Altitude : 4,900 meters Hiking time: Between 2 to 3 hours approx.
Included Activities
Cusco – Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
Accommodation Hotel Ruinas or similar – www.hotelruinas.com
Day 8 / Date: May 31st 2024
Destination: Cusco / Puno
Meals included: Breakfast
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 colorful evening parades, which see the streets filled with costumed dancers and musicians.
Included Activities
Cusco – Departure transfer
Cusco – Local bus to Puno
Puno – Arrival transfer
Accommodation Ciudad del Lago Hotel or similar - www.terramisticahoteles.com
Day 9 / Date: June 1st 2024
Destination: Puno / Lake Titicaca
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Included Activities: Lake Titicaca – Boat tour & homestay
Accommodation Homestay
Day 10 / Date: June 2nd 2024
Destination: Lake Titicaca / Juliaca / Lima
Meals included: Breakfast
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 travelers in Lima.
Included Activities:
Lake Titicaca – Departure transfer
Flight Ticket Juliaca – Lima
Lima – Arrival transfer
Accommodation Señorial Hotel or similar – senorial.com
Day 11 / Date: June 3rd 2024
Destination: Lima
Meals included: Breakfast
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Departure flights can be booked for any time as there are no activities planned for today. Standard check-out: 12:00 Hrs
Departure Transfer • Not Included but available for $35
“Our Intrepid guide was very knowledgeable and friendly and made us feel comfortable all of the time! It was a stress free trip with everything planned out perfectly thanks to the Penny Pinching Globetrotter.” Lisa
COST
This 11 day Peru adventure costs $2,925 per person.
As with all our trips, you will find this is cheaper than what you could book directly with Intrepid Travel. The trip that they offer that is closest to this trip is priced at $2,725 yet our trip includes 2 additional nights of accommodations, an additional trip to Machu Picchu, a trip to Rainbow Mountain, a cooking class and a temple visit for just $200 more.
Add a night before or after the trip for $72 a night
Add Airport transport upon arrival or departure add $35 (flight info needed 60 days before trip)
Want a single room? Add $355
A deposit of $500 per person is due to secure your spot.
Payment schedule is as follows:
8/15/23 25% of remaining balance
11/15/23 25% of remaining balance
2/15/24 final balance due
I accept PayPal, Venmo or I can send an invoice that you can pay with a credit card or ACH but there is a 3.5% fee for the invoice.
My PayPal is melissanance@yahoo.com and I ask that you please select sending to a friend or someone you trust so a fee is not deducted or add 4% to cover the fee.
My Venmo is Melissa-nance-19
Or if you want an invoice please just let me know. Note there is a 3.5% fee.
Interest free, monthly payment plans are available. Please inquire.
Our cancellation policy is as follows:
Should you cancel no more than 30 days after making your deposit you get a 100% refund minus a $150 admin fee.
Should you cancel between 30 days of booking to 180 days before the trip you will get a 50% refund minus the $150 admin fee.
Once we are within 180 days of the trip starting there are no refunds.
By making a deposit you agree to the above cancellation policy.
Note-should you find someone to fill your spot I can transfer your balance to them minus the $150 fee if it's 60 days before departure. Should you become sick or have other issues it’s highly likely the required travel insurance would kick in and reimburse you so be sure and check with your provider.
“The hosts Melissa and Wade are great! They were very prepared and were able to answer all questions and met all of the group's needs throughout the trip.” -Tammy
Travel insurance is required for all travelers. We use and recommend World Nomads. Over 70 or want an additional quote? Check out Insure My Trip.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Important notes
Travelers are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Peru requires travelers over 40 to also have a booster
1. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for train 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.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 07 (Lake Titicaca) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please let us know if you want a single room at time of booking. Cost is $300.
3. Mask wearing is mandatory in Peru during Covid period as part of the local regulation. Travelers will be required to wear masks in situations where they are unable to physically distance themselves from other group members, whether hiking, in public gathering areas such as campsites or when visiting local communities or on public transports.
4. Parts of your trip go above 2800 meters / 9200 feet where it is common for travelers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. Please consult your doctor for professional advice about traveling at high altitude if you have a health condition.
5. Please ensure you have a day pack or small overnight bag in addition to your main luggage. This will be needed for the Homestay at Lake Titicaca and the nights in Aguas Calientes, as you will be leaving your main luggage back at the hotels in Puno and Cusco respectively.
6. This trip includes two visits to Machu Picchu. According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a predetermined 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. Please refer to the itinerary for details.
7. Starting from 23rd Jan, the Peruvian government has enforced new regulations around movements in the country and access to public indoor venues by requiring anybody over 40 to show evidence of a booster shot. This includes catching domestic flights, trains, and going to restaurants, museums, banks, shops etc. We strongly advise you to book and complete your booster dose if you haven’t got it before your trip so that this new regulation won’t impact your experience and enjoyment in traveling in Peru
“Travelling can be so rewarding but so confusing as well. My trip with Penny Pinching Globetrotter took the confusion away and let me relax and enjoy every moment of my trip. They took care of every aspect of the itinerary so I didn't have to worry about planning days or dealing with difficult situations. I highly recommend Penny Pinching Globetrotters and look forward to traveling with them in the near future!” Pam
Not the trip for you? Check out our other group trips here.
If you have any questions please reach out to us at pennypinchingglobetrotter@yahoo.com
We hope to see you in Peru!
Melissa & Wade
