Peru is among the most inspiring travel destinations in the world, and this incredible 13-day journey shows you why. You can’t help but be in awe from start to finish as you experience everything from the wonders of the Sacred Valley and Machu Pichu to the formidable fortresses and temples, picturesque plazas and cobbled streets in and around Cusco. From here, dive deep into the myths and legends of Lake Titicaca before exploring both the modern and ancient sides of the capital, Lima. You’ll finish on the dramatic western coast of Peru for beachside luxury and an overflight above the mysterious Nazca Lines. Perfection.
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INQUIRE NOW >Upon arrival at Lima International Airport you’ll be met by an Atelier concierge who will help with your bags, give you a snapshot of life in Lima, and assist with hotel check-in.
Your first full day of Inspiring Peru takes you to Cusco and the Sacred Valley, for some of the most iconic wonders in South America. You’ll fly to Cusco from Lima, where a driver will be waiting to take you to your boutique hotel in the Sacred Valley for check-in.
Begin your tour of the magical Sacred Valley at the perfectly preserved ruins of Moray and Ollantaytambo, before exploring the hypnotic salt pools of Maras for a real trip back in time. These hillside pools have been used to extract salt in the same way since ancient times. After a gourmet picnic amongst the fantasy-like backdrop of the Sacred Valley, you’ll be taken back to your hotel for another a night in this mythical region of Peru.
Often voted the World’s Top Travel Destination, day 4 of your tour takes you to Machu Picchu, a place that has captured the imagination of countless visitors over the years. Once here, it’s easy to see why. Having travelled on a scenic train journey via Aguas Calientes, you’ll get to enjoy The Lost City on a private guided tour, before having free time to explore on your own, taking in those Sacred Valley views all the while. Later, return to your boutique lodge or stay overnight near the Citadel itself.
Today, either relax and enjoy the hotel facilities or take some time to explore further afield with a hike to Huayna Picchu, or re-visit Machu Picchu for a second time – with or without your guide. Later, return to Cusco by rail on a breathtaking train journey, one of the most scenic in South America.
Day 6 of your Inspiring Peru tour is left completely at leisure to enjoy the fine restaurants, boutiques, and many cultural highlights of Cusco your own way. You may wish to explore Sacsayhuaman Fortress, visit the Qorikancha Temple (the most important of its kind in the Inca Empire), or lose yourself around the atmospheric – and historic – streets of Downtown Cusco.
The next leg of your inspirational journey through Peru takes you from the ancient secrets of Cusco to the mythical shores of Lake Titicaca. You’ll travel by road, stopping off at viewpoints and lesser-visited towns and ruins like Andahuaylillas, Racchi, and Pucara. The journey will take most of the day but it’s an absorbing experience in itself – with a boutique hotel in Puno, beside Lake Titicaca itself, your reward on the other side.
Lake Titicaca has been a sacred place for Peruvians over many centuries. Some say the floating islands of the lake even kept native peoples safe from invading Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century. It’s a beautiful location too, the highest navigable lake in the world that straddles the borders of Bolivia and Peru. You’ll get to see it all on a scenic boat ride through the reeds and on to the islands of Taquile and Uros to meet locals, learn the history, and admire the surrounding views.
Having enjoyed the tranquility of Lake Titicaca and the surrounding Andean foothills, it’s time to head back to Lima and get under the skin, history and gastronomy of this captivating capital city. Upon arrival and hotel check-in, the rest of the day will be left at leisure to explore Lima’s boutiques and restaurants, or take in a show.
Inspiration comes in a different form on day 10 of your Peruvian tour, first with the mesmerizing treasures of Lima’s Larco Museum, and then a walking tour of the bustling Colonial Old Town. Lunch is served during a live cooking demo at a top Lima restaurant, followed by an afternoon to enjoy dramatic coastal views from the upmarket San Isidro and Miraflores Districts. Tonight, find one of those fine dining restaurants Lima is so famous for.
The beauty of this tour is the variety of landscapes, local cultures, food and even climates you can experience throughout. And the final stop is no exception. Departing Lima by road, your destination is Paracas on Peru’s western coastline. Once here, check into your boutique beachside hotel, get sand between your toes and either head out on the high seas aboard a luxury boat ride, or simply relax.
The coastline and desert plains surrounding Paracas are home to many myths and legends. None more so than surrounding the Nazca Lines. This morning, transfer to Pisco Airport and be thrilled with an overflight above these giant, ancient desert carvings that, somehow, can only be seen from the sky. Archeologists are still unsure how the Nazca Lines were made at all, or their true purpose, making this the ultimate exhilarating end to your inspiring trip through Peru. Depending on the time of your tour, there’s chance to go dune buggying in the desert before heading back to your beachside hotel.
As your trip draws to a close, you may have time for one final excursion to the Ballestas Islands – known for their abundance of seabirds, sea lions, and even penguins – before your onward flight to Lima and home, full of priceless memories of Peru.
Make the most of your visit to The Lost City and upgrade your rail journey through the Sacred Valley to the Hiram Bingham Train, a truly 5-star experience.
Extend your tour with extra days in Cusco to visit sites such as Andahuaylillas and Tipon or hike to Humantay Lagoon, Rainbow Mountain, Palccoyo, Qeswachaca, and more.
To travel in even more comfort and style, take a luxury train from Cusco to Puno/Lake Titicaca and enjoy stops, service, and evening entertainment along the way.
Take a boat ride through the Paracas National Reserve to collect and taste delectable local scallops on the bay.