Peru general information and map
Capital: Lima
Getting there: There are no direct flights to Lima from the UK, but there are regular flights with major airlines via several European cities including Amsterdam and Madrid. Flying time from Madrid to Lima is approximately 12 hours.
Time: GMT minus 6 hours
Try not to miss: The sacred valleys surrounding Cusco including the Inca site at Ollantaytambo, the Andean town of Pisac, and the Urubamba valley. You must not miss the legendary ruins of Machu Picchu, which were only discovered in 1911. The well preserved Inca citadel can be reached after a 4 day trek along the Inca trail, or by the Hiram Bingham train (complete with champagne brunch) having spent the night in one of our preferred hotels in Cusco, our favourite being the 16th century Monasterio hotel.
Lake Titicaca the highest navigable lake in the world, famous for floating reed islands that are home to Uros Indians. En route visit the cathedral town of Lampa, an unspoilt and charming Andean village with many fine examples of colonial architecture. We recommend the private island of Suasi for your stay at Lake Titicaca, where the wildlife of the surrounding high antipano includes vicuna, llama and guanaco.
The Peruvian Amazon rainforest, where are selected eco-lodges offer guided and informative explorations of the jungle, excursions by canoe, and walkways high up amongst rain forest canopies to better view some of the 33 species of parrot and macaw that inhabit this pristine environment.
Visas: No visa is required for visits of up to 90 days for UK citizens.
Why Peru: The epicentre of the lost Inca civilisation, and the best preserved examples in the world of Inca architecture.
Wild and Exotic Peru sample itinerary
This bespoke itinerary takes you through the most beautiful regions of Southern and Western Peru. The itinerary starts in Cusco surrounded by the sacred valleys including the Inca site at Ollantaytambo, the Andean town of Pisac, and the Urubamba valley. You will also visit the legendry ruins of Machu Picchu having enjoyed a journey on the Hiram Bingham train from Ollanta as well as visiting the cathedral town of Lampa, an unspoilt and charming Andean village with many fine examples of colonial architecture. Please note that this itinerary is a sample only and can be extended or modifies to suite your requirements.
Day 1: On arrival into Lima you will be met and transferred to Hotel Casa Andina San Antonio for an overnight stay (B). Alternatively guests arriving in Puno from Bolivia will be transferred to Sonesta Posadas del Inca Lago Titicaca Puno hotel (B).
Day 2: This morning you will have breakfast at the hotel before being transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Cusco. If travelling from Puno you will be transferred by car to Cusco along the dramatic landscapes of the highland plateau, only spotted by little Andean villages and hers of llamas and alpacas. En route, get acquainted with the “pink town” of Lampa and it;s colonial heritage. Experience the beauty of La Piedad Temple, with it’s wonderful carved pulpit and marble covered Chapel, where you may see a replica of Michelangelo’s statue of “La Pieta”, as well as good Cusquena school paintings. You will be able to visit the colonial bridge spanning the river before you leave. Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be transferred to San Agustin El Dorado Hotel. Overnight: San Agustin El Dorado hotel (B,L)
Day 3: After breakfast you will explore the magical capital of the Incas on a tour including the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and the Santo Domingo Convent Monastery. This monastery was built over the Joricancha temple, one of the most important temples devoted to worship of the sun. You will then proceed to visit the remarkable Inca ruins in the area, which are the cult centre of Sacsayhuaman, the temple and amphitheatre of Kenko and the Red Fortress of Puca Pucara.
After visiting the Inca ruins you will be transferred to the Urubamba Valley by road to visit picturesque Andean village of Chinchero. You will be able to wander around its colourful Indian market and bargain with vendors for a variety of handicrafts. The main square of the town is bordered by a wall constructed by the Incas, and its church is decorated with unique frescoes on the portico. Overnight Sol y Luna Lodge Spa in Urubamba (B,L)
Day 4: This morning you will be transferred to Ollanta station to board the Orient-Express luxury train, the Hiram Bingham, named after the man who discovered Machu Picchu in 1911. The journey will take approximately one and a half hours, during which you will have brunch whilst enjoying the spectacular Andean scenery. You will arrive at the Lost Citadel of the Incas around 13:00hrs, at an hour when you will be able to visit this stunning place practically on your own. You will have a guided tour of the citadel and stroll through the archaeological site before enjoying an afternoon tea at Sanctuary Lodge. As the sun goes down you’ll return to the train for your departure. Back on board, you will receive VIP treatment: you will be served a cocktail accompanied with live entertainment. After that you will be escorted to the dining car for a 4 course gourmet dinner making your trip to Machu Picchu an unforgettable experience. Upon arrival in Ollanta, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight: Sol y Luna Lodge Spa (B,L,D)
Day 5: After breakfast you will be transferred on an excursion in Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. First you will visit the town of Pisac, where the Incas built an observatory to study astronomy as well as an impressive network of cultivated terrace. You will enjoy lunch at a nice hostelry in the countryside and continue to the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. The site was built as the Spaniards arrived and evidence of how it was constructed is still visible. After admiring the site’s magnificent past, stroll through the quaint streets of today’s town. After the visit, you will continue to Cusco. Overnight: San Agustin El Dorado (B,L)
Day 6: After breakfast at the hotel you will be transferred from the hotel to the airport for your flight to Lima. On arrival in Lima, you will be met and transferred to the hotel Casa Andina San Antonio. Overnight Hotel Casa Andina San Antonio (B).
Day 7: This morning you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your onward journey.
Notes:
The price is inclusive of all activities described, together with meals as shown on the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, and D = Dinner), transfers, tours and sightseeing on private basis with English speaking guides (Machu Picchu tour in shared basis), entrance fees, Cusco tourist tax and return train tickets to Machu Picchi in the Hiram Bingham luxury service.
The price does not include international flights, items of a personal nature and gratuities.
Neither Wild and Exotic nor the operators or suppliers can accept any responsibility for changes to itineraries or dates that may arise due to weather or unforeseen circumstances such as changes, disruptions or delays to airline flights for whatever reason. This holiday is subject to Wild and Exotic’s terms and conditions, a copy of which is available on this website under the general info tab.
