Peru on a shoestring

Peru on a shoestring Overview

If you want to visit the highlights of Peru but want to keep the costs down, then this could be the perfect trip for you. We have chosen small and simple accommodations with character, and a couple of shared services but ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the sights along the way!

Day 1: Welcome to Lima
Your private driver and English-speaking guide will give you a warm welcome when you land in Lima. They will then drive you through the bustling capital to your boutique hotel in Miraflores where you can relax and enjoy the evening at your leisure. We love Calima for a trendy boutique hotel in a great area.

Day 2: City tour of Lima
Today you will be met by your private guide to take you out to explore the streets of Peru’s capital, Lima. This includes entrance to Lima’s Cathedral and San Francisco Convent as well as learning about the culture and history of the country whilst spending time walking through the various different neighbourhoods.

Day 3: Travel to the white city of Arequipa
Today we will fly you to Arequipa. Surrounded by 3 volcanoes and home to beautiful baroque buildings and an endless, sprawling historic monastery, it is a delightful city to spend a couple of nights. Upon landing, your driver and guide will meet you and take you to the lovely Hosteria Hotel where you will check into your Double Room.

Day 4: Exploring Arequipa
This morning is devoted to exploring and walking through Arequipa with your private guide, also known as “the White City” due to the predominance of the white volcanic rock called “sillar” used in its buildings and also the Santa Catalina Convent, founded in 1579 as a cloister. Walk through its beautiful buildings as your guide takes you on a journey back in time through one of the largest holdings of colonial art in the Americas.

Day 5: A beautiful road trip to the Colca Canyon
Today is a shared journey to the scenic Colca Canyon (15 passengers). On the way you enter the Pampa Cañahuas Reserve, an extensive plain where you may see vicuñas, the Andean camelid that is considered a national symbol, and pass through the district of Yura, characterised by its rugged geography of ravines, hills and canyons. Upon arriving to Colca you will be transferred to the Killawasi Lodge(double room).

Day 6: Visit the incredible Colca Canyon
Continue with your shared journey (15 passengers) to the Cruz del Cóndor to see the Colca Valley (the second deepest canyon in the world, more than 4 kilometres deep) followed by an astonishing sight: the great and majestic condor flying only a few metres away. Pass the villages of Maca and Yanque, and the vantage points at Antahuilque and Choquetico. Continue to Lagunillas, Juliaca and finally Puno, where you will check into Casa Andina Premium (standard room).

Day 7: Kayak out to the floating Uros islands
Today is sure to be another unique experience. Head out on Lake Titicaca, the highest largest lake in the world, by canoe. Your guide will show you the way across these clear waters to the floating islands of Uros this part of the world is famous for. You will be back in your property early afternoon and the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Day 8: Shared bus journey to Cusco
This morning you will transfer to the train station to board the Titicaca Train to Cusco – pardon the cliche but today really is all about the journey (and the destination). If you are a landscape lover this is the train for you. Enjoy the best views of the Andes on board of the train, 10 hours journey to relax. Lunch on board. Arrive in Cusco and transfer to the lovely Ninõs Hotel.

Day 9: A walk through Cusco
Without a doubt this city needs a while morning just to enjoy walking its gorgeous stone streets, listening to Andean music and falling in love with a glorious past. In the tour you will also visit the Coricanchathe Temple of the Sun and Cusco’s Cathedral. This afternoon you may want to do some shopping and pick up some Alpaca clothing Peru is so famous for.

Day 10: A full exploration of the Sacred Valley
Start your day at the colourful Pisaq Market, where the local quechua communities set up shop on the main square before continuing through the Valley of Urubamba to Ollantaytambo to visit the Archaeological Complex, used fortress during the time of the Spanish conquest. A picnic lunch with great views will be served before visiting the impressive salt pans of Moras and the archaeological wonders of Moray. Spend the night at El Albergue.

Day 11: Visit to Machu Picchu
Board the incredible Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes (about 2 hours) where you will have some time for lunch before visiting Machu Picchu. The Lost City of the Incas will astonish you with its terraces, ceremonial shrines, steps and urban areas. Energy is all around us. Afterwards take the bus again to go back to the town, where you will spend the night hotel El Mapi (superior room, dinner included).

Day 12: Return to Machu Picchu and final night in Cusco
This morning visit Machu Picchu one more time to see this beautiful site again in a different light and have a chance to explore it in greater depth. Following this take the train back to Cusco for a final night. You may wish to do some last minute shopping and choose one of the many fantastic restaurants here for a final Peruvian meal. We have chosen El Mercado as great hotel to end your trip.

Day 13: Safe travels
Today is at leisure until your internal flight back to Lima (included) which we will book in time for you to catch your international flight home. Safe travels!