More reasons to book with us

  • Flexible bookings: 30-day money-back guarantee & free date changes
  • Low 10% deposit
  • Services of your Expat Explore tour leader
  • Pay the remaining balance off in instalments
  • FREE Wi-Fi in hotels

Summary

This Lima to Lima tour has been tailored with adventurous travellers in mind. Explore the bustling Peruvian capital of Lima and discover Arequipa with its fascinating fringe of volcanoes. See the Uros' reed-woven islands on Lake Titicaca near Puno in person, and venture into the folds of the Sacred Valley to discover priceless monuments and ancient Incan culture including the ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo archaeological complex - the living Inca city! Choose to tick off bucket-list items like Machu Picchu with captivating optional excursions. This tour offers an immersive cultural experience unlike any other.  

Highlights

  • Start and end your tour in the striking Peruvian capital, Lima
  • Be charmed by the distinct beauty of Arequipa city
  • Explore the rolling hills and hidden gems of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
  • Pass through Cusco, a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site

Start Point

Hotel in Lima | Welcome meeting at 06:00 PM

End Point

Hotel in Lima | 10:00 AM
DAY 1: Start of tour in Lima

Hola Peru! Welcome to the first day of your tour of this amazing country. The first stop is Lima, Peru’s capital city. Arrive at the hotel, check in and freshen up. This evening, meet your tour leader and fellow Expat Explore travellers for a tour briefing and find out more about what to look forward to over the next 11 days! Afterwards, enjoy a welcome dinner with the group.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 1: Start of tour in Lima

Hola Peru! Welcome to the first day of your tour of this amazing country. The first stop is Lima, Peru’s capital city. Arrive at the hotel, check in and freshen up. This evening, meet your tour leader and fellow Expat Explore travellers for a tour briefing and find out more about what to look forward to over the next 11 days! Afterwards, enjoy a welcome dinner with the group.

Experiences

Welcome dinner: Celebrate the first night of the tour with a group welcome dinner in Lima!

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 2: Lima - Flight to Arequipa

Fuel up on breakfast before transferring to Jorge Chavez International Airport. Catch a short flight to Arequipa. Located in the south of Peru, this colonial town is filled with Baroque architecture and bordered by three impressive volcanoes! Arrive and check into the hotel. Next, explore this charming place on a city tour with a local guide. Spend your free time this afternoon wandering more of the streets and decide on a place to enjoy dinner. Choose from the variety of local restaurants and enticing street food vendors!

Experiences

Arequipa city tour: Walk along quaint cobbled streets to discover buildings made from a unique, pale-coloured volcanic material called sillar. Be charmed by the distinct beauty and charm of the lush and well-manicured plazas where all the locals hang out (the ideal place to grab a bench and enjoy a cup of queso helado, a traditional Arequipan ice cream). See top attractions like the Santa Catalina Monastery, the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa, the Museo Santuarios Andinos, and more.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 3: Arequipa - Puno

Take it easy this morning in Arequipa before transferring to Puno at lunchtime. En route, make comfort stops at Pampa Cañahuas and Lagunillas. During the stopovers, sip on local coca leaf tea and keep an eye out for indigenous wildlife and birdlife. See if you can spot vicuñas (similar to llamas). Arrive in Puna this evening and check into the hotel.

Experiences

Visit Lake Lagunillas: Stretch your legs and do some bird watching at Lake Lagunillas, where you can see flamingos, Andean Gulls and Mallards.

Visit Pampa Cañahuas Natural Reserve: Stop at Pampa Cañahuas Natural Reserve and spot some vicuñas (animals similar to llamas) and sample coca leaf tea, as the locals do.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 4: Puno

Wander Puno’s streets at your own pace this morning. Visit the Baroque cathedral, the Arco Deustua archway or the Museo Carlos Dreyer to see a range of archaeological artefacts. On this afternoon’s excursion, encounter a different way of life on Lake Titicaca. Jet off on a speed boat and visit the floating Uros Islands which are created by hand by the Uru people. Learn more about the Uru people who have been living off the lake for centuries. Return to Puno and the hotel in the late afternoon. Spend the evening as you wish.

Experiences

Uros Islands Tour: Catch a speed boat to the Uros floating islands. The islands are a top tourist attraction in Peru as they offer insight into a unique, survivalist way of life. The Uru people chose to create these floating islands away from the mainland and have been living here for many generations. Tour the islands and learn more about the way of life here. Meet the locals dressed in colourful traditional clothes, watch crafts being made by hand and see lively folk dances!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 5: Puno - Sacred Valley

Travel to Peru’s Sacred Valley today! Enjoy the views of the Peruvian countryside along the way. First stop of the day is Pucará. Explore the ancient Incan ruins - there is something noticeably spiritual about the many Inca sites! Pass through La Raya, sitting at 4300 metres above sea level, and enjoy the panoramic views. Do some shopping with locals at roadside markets. Next, visit Raqchi which was an Inca fortress in the past. The last stop is Urubamba. Here, see the “Sistine Chapel of Latin America”. Arrive in the heart of El Valle Sagrado (Sacred Valley) and check into the hotel this evening. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.

Experiences

Visit Pucará: This small but exquisite architectural sight is of substantial significance for the Inca! Pucará, as it’s also known, is known for its pottery, the Pucará Stone Museum with its selection of original and replicated ceramics, sculptures and other objects from pre-Inca culture.

Visit Raqchi: Raqchi is home to one of the biggest archaeological sites in the area. The ruins of Raqchi are mostly known as the Temple of Wiracocha which was built in honour of Wiracocha, a deity believed to be the giver of all life. Outside of the temple, there are also living quarters, ceremonial baths and a natural lake fed by spring water through stone fountains.

Explore the Church of Andahuaylillas: Taking our eyes off the Inca ruins for a moment, visit the Andean village of Andahuaylillas and its Baroque church. Named the “Sistine Chapel of Latin America”, or “The Sistine Chapel of the Andes”, this church was built according to Spanish traditions and dedicated to Saint Peter the Apostle. Expect painted ceilings, a gold-leaf altar and a shimmering, colourful display of murals.

Meals

BreakfastLunchDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 6: Sacred Valley

Tour the Sacred Valley today. Travel deep into the area, past local villages and striking mountain ranges. Learn about intriguing Incan history and culture on the way. Visit the town of Ollantaytambo and see the incredible Incan fortress. This was once a royal estate for an Incan emperor. Enjoy a look into local life during a stop at a local marketplace. Keep an eye out for llamas, alpacas, goats and sheep grazing lazily along the roadside. Experience the essence of the Sacred Valley! Arrive at the hotel in Urubamba at the end of the day and get some rest this evening.

Experiences

Guided Tour of the Sacred Valley: Follow a local guide and explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Explore the most significant Inca sites in the valley outside of Machu Picchu (the crown jewel!). The group will also stop at a local marketplace for lunch with time to do some souvenir shopping while mingling with the locals. This is the ideal spot to get a behind-the-scenes look at the art of Peruvian weaving and perhaps buy your own woven blanket or scarf. The locals you meet here might be descendants of the Incas, the sophisticated Andean tribe of South America. The local language is called Quechua which is mainly spoken here in the Andes mountains of Peru.

Guided tour of Ollantaytambo Archaeological Complex: Ollantaytambo is one of the most important towns in the Sacred Valley and the last major town before Machu Picchu. Built on the site of ancient ruins, its impressive terraces were the base for Incan ceremonies and the royal estate of the Incan Emperor. It was also the stronghold of the Incan resistance against the Spanish. Explore with a local guide and learn more about the history of the architectural sites and incredible vistas around Ollantaytambo.

Meals

BreakfastLunch

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 7: Sacred Valley (Machu Picchu optional excursion): Free Day

Join the optional excursion to Machu Picchu today! Enjoy a full day at the complex, on a fully-guided tour with a local expert. As it is nestled in the Andean mountains, the journey to Machu Picchu is quite a trek but definitely worth it! Travel by bus, train and on foot to reach the enthralling heritage site. Learn more about Machu Picchu’s intricate buildings and the mysterious history behind its creation. After being forgotten for many years, Machu Picchu was rediscovered in 1911 by American archaeologist Herman Bingham. Since then, it has drawn countless visitors from across the globe. After a day filled with exploration and discovery, return to the hotel. Guests not visiting Machu Picchu have a free day in the Sacred Valley.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 8: Sacred Valley - Cusco

Enjoy the last few views of the Sacred Valley en route to the next stop - Cusco. During the road trip there, see an excellent example of ancient Incan architecture at Sacsayhuaman. This fortress-temple is made of enormous, intricately stacked rocks.  Next up is Cusco, the former capital of the Incan empire. For lunch, try something local. Any restaurant packed with local Cusqueños guarantees a delicious meal. Explore Cusco with a local guide this afternoon. The city has the title of being inhabited for the longest continuous time in all of South America! Enjoy free time this evening to explore and experience some local flavour and culture!

Experiences

Guided tour of Sacsayhuaman ruins: Visit the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, perched 3 km above Cusco. See the huge rocks stacked with impressive precision. Don’t forget to take in the amazing views of Cusco and surrounds!

Cusco City Tour with a local guide: Some call Cusco the bellybutton of the Earth due to the reach of the Incan Empire. Others have called it the Rome of South America. It was once the capital of the Incan Empire, making Cusco an intriguing city to explore. A local guide will share insights into the local history and culture. Find out how the Quechua and Spanish cultures met to create a truly unique destination.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 9: Cusco - Flight to Lima

Travel to Peru’s capital city Lima this morning. Catch a short flight and arrive in the bustling city home to over 10 million people! A local expert will familiarise you with Lima on a city tour. See the city’s highlights including the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Lima and the Covent and Plaza San Francisco. Complete the tour with a stroll through the Miraflores neighbourhood for stunning views over the ocean. This afternoon, check into the hotel before heading out for a group dinner.

Experiences

Lima city tour: Lima is a striking city, built along the coastline on top of jagged cliffs. Join a local guide and discover Lima’s highlights, its riveting history and its cultural scene. Explore the colonial city centre and see the Presidential Palace, Archbishops Palace and City Hall on the Main Square. See the Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo, San Francisco and De Armas Plazas as well as the modern, upmarket district of San Isidro. The tour also includes Miraflores - a charming coastal suburb with great views of the Pacific Ocean.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 10: Lima: Free Day

Enjoy a free day in Lima! Why not take some time to further explore some of the sights seen on yesterday’s tour? Lima is also known as South America’s culinary capital and boasts many exceptional restaurants as well as delicious street food. Keen to explore natural scenery and see local wildlife? Join the Ballestas Islands day trip for a leisurely boat tour of the amazing Ballestas Islands. This area is home to pristine beaches, sparkling blue waters and incredible marine life. You could see dolphins, sea lions and penguins up close! At the end of an excitement-filled day, return to Lima for the final night of the tour.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 11: End of tour in Lima

After 11 incredible days on tour, this Sacred Peru trip comes to an end this morning. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and say farewell to your fellow travellers. Don’t forget to take down your new travel friends’ details to share mementoes and swap photos! If you would like to extend your stay in Lima, please contact our team and we will confirm with the hotel.

Meals

Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 10 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room

Meals

  • 10 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners
    *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Transport

  • Modern air-conditioned road transport
  • 2 internal flights

Tour Leader

  • Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
  • Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

13 Experiences!

  • Welcome dinner in Lima
  • Explore Arequipa on a city tour
  • Birdwatch at Lagunillas lagoon
  • Visit the Pampa Cañahuas Natural Reserve
  • Travel to the floating islands of Uros on a speed boat
  • Visit the town of Pucará
  • See the ruins of Raqchi and the Temple of Wiracocha
  • Visit the Church of Andahuaylillas
  • Take a guided tour of the Sacred Valley in Peru
  • Explore the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Complex with a local guide
  • Take a guided tour of Sacsayhuaman ruins
  • Tour Cusco with a local guide
  • Take a city tour of Lima, the capital of Peru

Accommodation

Hotels are chosen closer to departure date. We do use a variety of hotels in each destination, so you may stay in a hotel different to that listed here.

Lima

Photos of the tour

Machu Picchu Day Trip

Machu Picchu, also known as the Lost City of the Incas, is situated on a remote mountaintop in the Peruvian Andes and is a true icon of Inca civilisation. Machu Picchu was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and was also voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007. Travel by bus, train and on foot to make it to the ruins complex. Stepping into this ancient Inca city is sure to be a momentous travel experience! This optional excursion includes a fully guided tour, transport, transfers and permits. Lunch in Aguas Calientes restaurant is also included.

Please Note: This tour needs to be pre-booked. Day permits to get access to the ruins of Machu Picchu are limited and sell out months in advance. Our team will be in touch with you in the weeks leading up to your tour with more details. There’s a level of physical activity involved in this excursion. The area to be covered on foot is big and there’s a number of hills and stairs. The trip can also be more taxing than usual due to the high altitude. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

Optional Excursions

Unless marked as “Pre-Book”, all optional excursions can be booked on tour and paid for in cash (in the stated currency) to your tour leader.
Prices and availability are subject to change

Dates & Rates

Our Price Beat Promise is to give you the lowest prices for our tours - guaranteed! Show us the lower price and we’ll do more than match it, we’ll beat it! Learn More

Our pricing model: Lowest-priced seats are sold first, then the price increases slightly. The quicker you book, the less you pay. Select a date below to secure your seat.
Years
Start Date / End DateFlexible BookingStatusPrice Per Person
04 Mar 2024 - 14 Mar 2024Flexible booking date for 04 Mar 2024 - 14 Mar 2024Seats selling fast - Book now!€ 2,065 € 1,550
22 Jun 2024 - 02 Jul 2024Flexible booking date for 22 Jun 2024 - 02 Jul 2024New date, book now!€ 2,065 € 1,550
02 Nov 2024 - 12 Nov 2024Flexible booking date for 02 Nov 2024 - 12 Nov 2024New date, book now!€ 2,065 € 1,550
07 Dec 2024 - 17 Dec 2024Flexible booking date for 07 Dec 2024 - 17 Dec 2024New date, book now!€ 2,065 € 1,550

Number of travellers

Payment option

Flexible booking: flexible booking

Additional Information

For pre-departure and visa information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding preparing for and travelling on this tour, please visit our Help Centre.

Additional Information Help Centre

Reviews

Reviews powered by: Power Reviews

6 reviews
M
Mae Verified Buyer 2023-11-06
Once in a lifetime experience
My husband and I are both grateful for Xema's handling of a big group on this tour. It was a challenging one and stressful to handle all the bookings, from our flights to Arequipa and back to Lima, plus the local transport (buses and trains). It was such an amazing experience Peru with the careful planning of ExpatExplore and the tour director. Another experience, different from all the other tours we joined as we used only 1 bus everyday for the tour. A different set up, I should say. Adapt, adjust and just be glad that we are all safe.
H
Horby Verified Buyer 2023-11-05
5th tour and it's truly an adventure
I just trust that everything is taken care off to let us just experience and understand something of the culture. Even the altitude difficulties didn't deter the group pulling together for each other.
R
Raza Verified Buyer 2023-05-20
Great!
Excellent. Enjoyed the diverse country, accommodation, sites visited especially Titicaca and of course Machu Picchu. Zema is quietly confident and very competent. Handles diverse characters really well. Lunches included were at outstanding restaurants. Tolerable delays waiting for rides and minor inconveniences dragging luggage through narrow streets etc.
D
Dr. Jessi Hitchins Verified Buyer 2022-07-06
Zema is THE Tour Master for Peru
Zema is a sweet, kind man that gets it done! He employs the best tour guides around the country and makes sure we are all having a blast. He is a problem solver too. I literally only booked this trip because I wanted to go to Machu Picchu. The day before we were supposed to go on that excursion the local indigenous peoples began striking for equitable resources related to all the tourism that their lands bring into the country. My partner and I supported that effort and we were going to be highly disappointed if we did not get to go. With some creative work and networking, he was able to get us on the first day trip after the strike broke. This was our first post-Covid trip. Peru was super safe regarding masking and safety measures. Once again, cannot say enough about Zema and the people at Expat. This is my second trip with the company and I will continue to be a customer!
U
USTX Verified Buyer 2022-07-06
Wonderful experience
More than what I expected. Strongly recommended.

Why this tour?

Book an unforgettable Sacred Peru trip and discover the best things to do in Lima. Find must-see attractions, such as Santo Domingo Convent in Cusco, and the mesmerizing historic sights of the Sacred Valley. If you crave adventure, this tour is exactly what you need. 

Take an exciting trip to the enchanting site where Arequipa’s mysterious and ancient fringe of volcanoes lay. Enjoy one of the best day trips from Lima and embark on scenic Peru treks to see the renowned and sacred sites of this beautiful Peruvian capital city. See the best of Uros' reed-woven islands on Lake Titicaca. Gain unique insights into the rich Peruvian culture and uncover ancient wisdom surrounding the famously Incan Empire on a Sacred Valley tour. Journey from Lima, and along the way take in the unimaginable views and sights including Machu Picchu. During your exciting vacation, you’ll be guided to a local market place and the Ollantaytambo archaeological complex. 

Enjoy the best travel package deals, conveniently scheduled around the dry season, allowing for best times to visit Peru. Go on the adventure of a lifetime and experience an ancient culture like no other during your intimate tour of Peru. Not all Peru tours offer such a variety, which makes our vacation tour package a top choice.

Book a South American tour that focuses on your enjoyment. We also offer great rates with a small deposit to book your Peruvian holiday.