What to expect
Machu Picchu
Marvel at the lost city of the Incas
Cusco
Former capital of the Inca Empire
Puerto Maldonado
The gateway of the Amazon Rainforest
Sacred Valley
Discover the heart of the Inca Empire
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About this trip...
About the trip
It's only natural that Machu Picchu springs to mind when considering a tour of Peru, and though we experience this archaeological site in all its glory, we delve even deeper into this extraordinary destination to show our Solos the true meaning of adventure. As one of the seven Wonders of the World, the Inca ruins are the most visited in the country and will leave you speechless due to the sheer beauty. Famous for the Incas, with its former capital in Cusco, we explore the modern day city with a mix of archaeological sites surrounding, as well as the Sacred Valley. As well as the Incas, there are a whole host of reasons travellers flock to this fascinating country. A perfect starting point is the capital Lima, drenched in history. Perched on the Pacific coast, Lima has a rich cultural heritage with a spectacular array of historic monuments and prominent examples of colonial architecture. Peru also boasts landscapes that leave a lasting impression, from Lake Titicaca sitting at 13,000 feet, to the colourful mountains of Palcoyo, not forgetting the Andes mountain range. The Amazon covers a vast amount of South America, with Peru known as the gateway and is a superb way to step into nature, witness wildlife in its natural habitat and learn about the eco system of the rainforest. Joining Solos on this tour of Peru for an unforgettable journey through time, nature & culture.
What's Included
Return flights & Transfers-
Internal Flights
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Airport taxes & Charges
Single rooms
Solos Board - Breakfast daily, eight lunches and four dinners
Hike to Palcoyo Mountain-
Boat trip on Lake Titicaca to the floating island of Uros and to the island of Taquile
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Explore the Sacred Valley - Maras, Moray and Ollantaytambo
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Jungle activities when in Puerto Maldonado
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Tour the cities of Lima and Cusco
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Visit to Machu Picchu
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
Fully financially protected
What's extra:
- Insurance click here
Itinerary
- Depart UK with an overnight flight
- Arrive into Lima
- Tour or Lima
- Fly from Lima to Puerto Maldonado
- Puerto Maldonado
- Fly from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco
- Sacred Valley
- Machu Picchu
- Palcoyo Mountain
- Tour of Cusco
- Bus from Cusco to Puno
- Boat trip on Lake Titicaca
- Fly from Puno to Lima then onwards to the UK
- Arrive into the UK
What you'll be doing
Day One: Overnight flight from the UK
Day Two: Arrive into Lima
- Dinner Included
Day Three: Lima
After breakfast this morning, we transfer to downtown Lima. We visit Casa Aliaga - an old residence of the viceroyalty handed over by Francisco Pizarro in 1535 to one of his captains. We also see the Santo Domingo Convent, built during the 16th Century. We stop off at Larco Museum, located in the traditional district of Pueblo Libre. It was founded by Rafael Larco Hoyle in 1926 and is located inside a viceregal mansion. The museum boasts an impressive pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver pieces, as well as erotic art. After lunch at the Café del Museo Larco, we transfer to the district of Miraflores to visit the Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Hispanic truncated pyramid 25 meters high built by the Lima culture between 200 and 800bc. From here we continue to Barranco - the bohemian district of Lima known for its bars, museums, galleries and urban art.
- Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day Four: Flight, canoe rides, nature trails & boat trips
We head to the airport after breakfast for our flight to Puerto Maldonado, known as the 'Gateway to the Amazon'. Upon arrival, we board a motorised canoe and head along the Madre de Dios River to our accommodation for the next couple of nights. Following lunch, we enjoy a walk along the Concepcion Trails, winding through the property’s nature trails for an immersive introduction to the intricate eco-systems of the Amazon basin. Backed by the protected Tambopata National Reserve and built on the grounds of a former cacao and rubber plantation, Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion harbours primary and secondary rainforest inhabited with exotic wildlife and tropical plants. At dusk, we witness the enchanting transformation of the rainforest from a diurnal to a nocturnal environment on a guided Twilight River Boat Ride, as animals and birds of the daytime give way to species specially adapted to the shadows of the night. Following this, we will get together for this evening's dinner.
- Only medium-size luggage is allowed during the stay in the lodges of Puerto Maldonado. The maximum luggage weight allowed is 10kg (22lb). During the stay, larger luggage will remain stored
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day Five: Lake Sandoval and the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway
We begin the day early with a buffet breakfast before a visit to Lake Sandoval, a glassy, ox-bow lake located inside the protected Tambopata National Reserve, reached via a sun-dappled rainforest trail. We board a dug-out wooden canoe to quietly paddle through a stream and glide onto Lake Sandoval, flanked by picture-perfect palms. This lake is home to many species of birds, the endangered giant river otter, red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, side-neck turtles and black caimans, amongst others. We return to Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion in time for lunch. This afternoon we climb the exhilarating Inkaterra Canopy Walkway. The Canopy Walkway is a sophisticated and safe 344 metre (1,135 feet) network of seven ecologically constructed hanging suspension bridges, strung between eight treetop observation platforms above the forest floor. This is an unforgettable opportunity to observe the rainforest from the rooftop and gain a sense of its size. We ascend the first vertiginous tower 38 metres (124 feet) above ground, keeping an eye out for bright toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, monkeys and the three-toed sloth. Back at the lodge, we venture out onto the Hidden Forest excursion. Our senses heighten to the movements and sounds in the undergrowth of the forest, keeping an eye out for species that only emerge during the night. We also have the option to book for an indulgent therapy at the Nua spa, built in the middle of the rainforest .
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day Six: Fly from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco
We will have our final breakfast in the rainforest this morning, waking to the sounds of parakeets chattering away in the trees and monkeys swinging through the treetops. We head to the airport to fly to Cusco and on arrival, transfer to our hotel in Urubamba in the Sacred Valley (transfer approx. two hours).
- Breakfast Included
Day Seven: Sacred Valley - Maras, Moray and Ollantaytambo
This morning we enjoy breakfast before spending a day of discovering the Sacred Valley. We begin with the archaeological vestiges of Maras and Moray. Maras is an impressive salt mine complex - huge salt deposits that were exchanged for other products from other parts of the Inca Empire. Moray's archaeological vestiges are composed of mysterious concentric circular terraces which, according to some scholars, would be an agricultural research centre. After lunch, we continue to discover more of the Inca Empire by visiting Ollantaytambo, a typical example of the urban planning by the Incas, whose residents still live in accordance with their ancient traditions. We stop at various points to witness parts of Ollantaytambo - considered one of the most remarkable archaeological sites of the Inca Empire.
- Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day Eight: Marvel at Machu Picchu
Today will be one of the highlights of the tour - no journey to Peru would be complete without a visit to Machu Picchu. We start this memorable day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to the train station to catch the train to Aguas Calientes, which takes roughly an hour and a half. Upon arrival, we will see an artisanal market and take a short bus ride to Machu Picchu. A symbol of the Incan Empire and built around 1450AD, this masterpiece of engineering and architecture is believed to have served as a sanctuary and resting place for the Inca Pachacutec. Machu Picchu, which means 'Old Mountain', is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
- Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day Nine: Palcoyo Mountain Hike
Today's adventure involves hiking the impressive coloured mountain range of Palcoyo. Palcoyo acquires this colouration due to minerals such as iron, magnesium, calcium, among others, accumulated over millions of years, that nowadays offer a visual spectacle. Getting to the top of the Palcoyo mountain range is of a moderate level and very accessible as it is a two-hour walk without significant slopes, reaching a maximum elevation of 4,900 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, we marvel at the beautiful view of the mountain range and take time to appreciate the surroundings.
- Breakfast & Packed Lunch Included
Day Ten: Guided Tour of Cusco
This morning after breakfast, we enjoy a guided tour of the former capital of the Inca Empire - Cusco. We begin with a visit to the Convent of Santo Domingo, built over the Inca temple of Coricancha, and one of the most important precincts dedicated to the cult of the sun. Ancient chronicles say that its walls were covered with gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. We then head to the Cathedral, the most imposing building in the Plaza de Armas. Then its onto the hills of Cusco, where the fortress of Sacsayhuaman is located. Here we're treated to an impressive panoramic view of Cusco. We will continue to the archaeological site of Qenqo, where it is believed that the Incas practiced rituals related to agriculture. The tour then heads to Puka Pukara, known as the red fort, which boasts plazas, baths aqueducts and towers. It is believed to have been used by the Inca entourage while the leader rested in Tambomachay, which will be our final stop on the tour. The rest of the day can be enjoyed at leisure.
- Breakfast Included
Day Eleven: Scenic Route from Cusco to Puno
Today we journey by coach from Cusco to Puno. This scenic route will take us through the wonderful Andes. Our first stop will be in Andahuaylillas, located 40 kilometres from Cusco. Here stands the Church of Andahuaylillas, nicknamed the 'Sistine Chapel of America' due to its impressive art found within it. We continue our journey on to Racchi, where the Wiracocha Temple is located, a surprising 30-meters wide by 20-meters high construction of rectangular shape. After a stop for lunch in Sicuani, we enjoy a brief stop at La Raya, the highest point between Puno and Cusco, sitting at 4,313 meters above sea level. Another stop off point at Pucara, which was a town first developed between the years 100 and 300 AC, this town was the first proper urban settlement of the lacustrine highlands. After the scenic drive and stop off points of interest, we will arrive into the city of Puno.
- Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day Twelve: Lake Titicaca - Journey to Uros & Taquile
This morning we head to Lake Titicaca to take a boat trip to the islands of Uros and Taquile. After breakfast, we transfer to the port of Puno, and board a boat taking us to the floating island of Uros. The Uros are an ancestral society that populates a series of artificial islands built with the totora, a type of reed that grows in the Lake Titicaca. We even see houses built from this reed, before continuing onwards to the island of Taquile. This island was part of the Inca Empire and when here, we learn about the history of the island while enjoying lunch. This evening, we gather for a final get together dinner with our fellow travellers and reminisce about our epic adventure in Peru.
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day Thirteen: Fly from Puno to Lima and onwards to the UK
Today we have a final breakfast before heading to the airport to fly back to Lima, before an onwards journey back to the UK.
- Breakfast Included
Day Fourteen: Arrive back into the UK
We arrive back into the UK after a connecting flight from Lima.
Accommodation
- Lima - Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores - Two nights
- Puerto Maldonado - Inkaterra Reserva Inkaterra - Two nights
- Sonesta Posadas Del Inca Yucay - Urubamba - Two nights
- Sonesta Hotel Cusco - Cusco - Three night
- Hotel Posada Del Inca - Puno - Two nights
Dates & Prices
Frequently asked questions
- During the stay in the lodges of Puerto Maldonado, only medium luggage is permitted. The maximum luggage weight allowed is 10 kg. During your stay, your largest luggage will be stored in the hotel’s offices in Puerto Maldonado.
- While within this region, we will have a full day of exploring the salt mines of Maras, where ground can be uneven with loose stones, also an archaeological site of Moray where again, uneven ground, wet grass, boulders. Trip hazards on these visits so being able to walk comfortably and being fully mobile is a must.
- The current restrictions on visits to Machu Picchu allow a maximum stay of 4 hours in the citadel accompanied by a guide during the first entry. If the visitor tours an alternate route (Mountain Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu) the passenger will have 3 hours to for this purpose, additional to the 4 hours in the citadel. If the passenger wishes to enter the citadel again during the afternoon shift or the next day, he must acquire previously an additional ticket to enter in the new shift. There is no ticket sale in the archaeological zone.
- Carry the same document that you presented to the agency, given that the train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu will be issued with the same information.
- In all train services to Machu Picchu, the passenger can carry only hand luggage (backpack, bag or briefcase) weighing no more than 5kg / 11lb on the train to/from Machu Picchu. Allowed size: 62 linear inches 157cm (height + length + width).
- When on board the train, carry the same document that you presented to the agency, given that the train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu will be issued with the same information.
- There is a 2-hour walk without significant slopes, reaching a maximum elevation of 4,900 meters above sea level.
Passport validity
If you are visiting Peru, your passport should be valid for six months from the date you arrive. This is not applicable to foreign residents in Peru holding a valid Peruvian residence card (‘carné de extranjería’), as their passports will not require a minimum validity. Some airlines have been allowing non-resident passengers to travel to Peru without the six-month passport validity requirement. These passengers have not been allowed to enter Peru upon arrival.Visas
Normally, you don’t need a visa to travel if the purpose of the visit is tourism/visit. If you’re travelling for any other purpose, check entry clearance requirements with the Peruvian Consulate-General in London. If you have tourism status in Peru, you’ll need to apply online for a special permit in order to sign any type of contract, eg, purchase of a home, business contracts, at a notary public. For more information, please contact the Peruvian Immigration Office or the Peruvian Consulate-General in London. On arrival, you’re normally given permission to stay for up to 90 days. Double check the period of time you’ve been granted. If you overstay, you’ll need to pay a fine. In the worst case scenario you could be held in detention. While it is not required by the immigration authorities, some airlines require passengers to show proof of onward travel (e.g. an airline ticket) in order to travel to Peru.
