A journey through wild landscapes and ancient cultures.
Peru, the third-largest country in South America, has wild and enigmatic landscapes, a rich and mysterious history, and distinctive Incan and Spanish architecture. Offering a captivating journey of discovery to even the most seasoned of travellers – Lima, Sacred Valley, Chinchero, the Amazon Jungle and Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Cusco await you.
Highlights
- Colonial Lima, with a market tour and cooking class
- Three nights in the Amazon jungle at Ecoamazonia Lodge, Madre de Dios River
- The Sacred Valley: Chinchero, Ollantaytambo and the Salt Pans of Maras
- Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World
- Cusco: Sacsayhuamán, San Pedro Market and San Blas
- Pisac Market and a visit to Manos de la Comunidad
- Lake Titicaca: the Uros floating islands and Taquile Island
- Optional: Rainbow Mountains and the Nazca Lines
Fifteen nights across Peru, from Lima to the Amazon to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca.
Depart South Africa for Sao Paulo
Depart from Johannesburg to Lima with a layover in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
Sao Paulo
Upon arrival in Sao Paulo, we will make our way to our transit hotel, situated within Terminal 3 of the airport.
Sao Paulo – Lima
Early-morning check-out for the onward flight to Lima. Welcome to Peru! Our team will meet you outside the arrivals hall for your hotel transfer. After a light lunch, depart on an afternoon city tour focusing on colonial Lima. We start by exploring the Main Square on foot, taking in the exteriors of the Government Palace, the City Hall and the Cathedral of Lima. We will also visit Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion that currently holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited private residence in the Southern Hemisphere. Our tour ends with a visit to San Francisco Convent – the ancient underground cemetery of Lima. Tonight, the group enjoys a special Welcome Dinner together.
Lima
After breakfast, depart on a Lima Market Tour and Peruvian Cooking class. Stop at a local market, where we will learn about the local products and also taste some seasonal fruits, after which we will participate in a cooking class. Following this experience, enjoy a delicious lunch. Upon arrival back at the hotel, the day is at leisure. Dinner is at leisure tonight (dinner is excluded tonight and for your own account).
Lima to Puerto Maldonado
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the southern Amazon jungle. Upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado, drive through this interesting city before proceeding to Puerto Capitanía to board a motorised riverboat. Navigate the Madre de Dios River to our lodge set in the jungle, where you will be welcomed with a welcome drink before checking into our bungalows. During the course of the afternoon, a specialist tour guide will take you through an interpretive trail to the Cocha Caiman, a small lake with an abundant presence of black and white caimans. Here, enjoy your first spectacular sunset in the Amazon, an experience full of intensity and overwhelming colour ranges before returning to the lodge. Dinner at the lodge.
Puerto Maldonado
After breakfast, we hike into the depths of the forest on trails to observe the flooded forest and a variety of flora and wildlife, continuing to the majestic Lake Apu Victor, with its crystal-clear waters. Later, continue up to the observation deck, offering panoramic views of the lake and surroundings before returning to the lodge. Enjoy lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, we will visit Monkey Island, a unique place in the heart of the Madre de Dios River situated about five minutes’ away from the Lodge. During the walk, we may see a variety of monkey species in their natural habitat, coatis, and sloths and a great variety of bird species. After an impressive sunset in the jungle, return to the lodge. Dinner at the lodge.
Puerto Maldonado
After breakfast, we embark on a hike deep into the jungle, making our way to the Lost Lake (Lost Cocha or Cocha Perdida as it is also known). Here we will have a chance to observe a variety of animals such as otters, caimans, turtles, sachavacas, birds in every colour, and if we are lucky, possibly the majestic jaguar. From the observation deck, you will be able to appreciate the immense and magical rainforest. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a pleasant canoe ride around the lake before returning to the lodge for lunch. Dinner at the lodge.
Puerto Maldonado – Cusco – Sacred Valley
After breakfast, travel back to Puerto Maldonado by outboard motorised canoe before flying to Cusco. Situated in the Peruvian Andes, this city was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel situated in the Sacred Valley. Dinner at the hotel.
Sacred Valley
Following breakfast, we depart on a day tour of the surrounding region. We start with the Salt Pans of Maras. The stark white of the steeply descending salt pans against the green of the surrounding mountain slopes is sure to amaze you. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Our last stop of the day is Chinchero village with an altitude of 3,772 metres above sea level. Chinchero was a major centre during the Inca era and is renowned for its ancient agricultural terraces, temples, and Inca roads that connect it with other significant sites in the Sacred Valley. It also boasts an historic colonial church, some wonderful mountain views, a colourful Sunday market and textile centres where colourful garments are still made traditionally. Dinner is at leisure tonight (dinner is excluded tonight and for your own account).
Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu – Cusco
After breakfast, we transfer to Ollantaytambo. Time permitting, we do a short walking tour through this town before boarding the Vistadome train service to Aguas Calientes train station. From here, board a bus that will take us to the entrance gate of the Machu Picchu citadel. Rediscovered by Hiram Bingham more than a century ago, Machu Picchu is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Its architectural beauty, spectacular natural landscapes and the energy held in its enigmatic structures will take your breath away. We will follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas as we explore this magical citadel. Dinner is at leisure tonight (dinner is excluded tonight and for your own account).
Cusco
After breakfast, the day starts with a visit to the nearby Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. This citadel on the northern outskirts of the city is the greatest architectural work of the Tahuantinsuyo (Incan Empire). Continue our exploration of the Imperial City with a visit to the San Pedro Market, before heading to the artistic and bohemian neighbourhood of San Blas, home to many well-known artisan workshops, such as Mendívil, Olave, and Mérida. Visit the Church of the Society of Jesus. Built on an Inca palace, it is one of the best examples of Spanish Baroque architecture in Peru. Finally, head to Cusco Cathedral to discover its 17th- and 18th-century paintings of the Cusco school. After a special lunch, we spend the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner is at leisure tonight (dinner is excluded tonight and for your own account).
Cusco
Enjoy breakfast this morning before a visit to Manos de la Comunidad to meet the alpacas and llamas. Stop at the silversmith workshop, Callasi Joyeria. Next, the Pisac Market. Explore this quaint town, famous for its artisan markets where we find extraordinarily fine jewellery, ceramic and textile craftwork. Return to Cusco and spend the afternoon at leisure. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional full-day excursion to view the Rainbow Mountains. Dinner at a local restaurant, Callie Delmedio or similar.
Cusco – Puno
Today we will drive to Puno via Andahuaylillas, Raqchi and Pucara. This is a long day on the road passing through spectacular scenery, including a stop at the highest point of the Cusco-Puno route. Highlights of the day include a visit to the church of San Pedro Apóstol, also known as “The Sistine Chapel of the Andes” and the remains of the Temple of Wiracocha. In the village of Raqchi, we visit the remains of the Temple of Wiracocha. With its high walls, the archaeological site is one of Peru’s most impressive surviving Inca structures. Dinner at the hotel.
Puno
After breakfast, we depart on a full-day standard boat excursion to Uros and Taquile Islands, enjoying an extraordinary journey across the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca. Stop at the Uros floating islands, a peculiar grouping of around 40 small islands made totally of totora, a natural reed that grows around the lake. Continue towards Taquile Island, discovering a landscape distinct from the other islands thanks to the Incan terraces filled with local flowers and crops. Dinner at the hotel.
Puno – Lima
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the Juliaca Airport for our afternoon flight back to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, we are transferred to our hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner at the hotel.
Lima
After breakfast, the day is at leisure. You may choose to join an optional excursion to view the mysterious Nasca Lines. We enjoy a special farewell dinner in Lima tonight.
Departure
Early morning transfer to Lima Airport for our overnight flight to Johannesburg, via Sao Paolo.
Everything you need. Nothing you don’t.
Included
- Meet and greet on arrival
- Private transfers and excursions (Amazon lodge excursions run on a shared basis)
- English-speaking local guides in every region
- 15 nights’ accommodation in 4-star hotels
- 15 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as specified
- Lima Market Tour and Peruvian Cooking Class
- Return Vistadome train to and from Machu Picchu
- Round-trip coach ticket to the Machu Picchu ruins
- South African tour leader accompanying the group throughout
- Tips for luggage porters at airports
Not included
- All international and local flights (quoted and booked separately)
- Visa fees, if applicable
- Gratuities for guides and drivers (recommended USD 120 per person, total)
- Optional excursions (Rainbow Mountains, Nazca Lines)
- 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners & all beverages
- Telephone, laundry and other personal expenses
- Comprehensive travel insurance
Good to know
- South African nationals do not currently require a visa for Peru. Passports must be valid at least 6 months beyond your return date, with sufficient blank pages.
- Yellow fever occurs in parts of Peru. Proof of vaccination, obtained at least 10 days before departure, is compulsory. If you can’t be vaccinated for medical reasons, a doctor’s certificate is required instead.
- The Amazon falls within a malaria area. Precautions must be taken for this.
- Much of this tour runs at altitude. Most travellers feel the effects of thinner air from around 2,500m, regardless of age or fitness, and it typically takes a day or two to adjust. Speak to your doctor before you leave.
- A reasonable level of fitness is required. You’ll need to be able to walk unaided on uneven terrain.
- Prices for flights, airport taxes and park entrance fees may change without notice, and any increase is for guests’ account.
- Extend your trip with an optional three-night add-on to Iguazu Falls in Brazil and Argentina — ask your consultant for details.
Two departures in 2027.
Land package cost
Per person sharing: USD 4,460 (± ZAR 75,820). Single supplement: USD 925 (± ZAR 15,725).
Use a currency converter for an approximate figure in your local currency, noting that the final cost is determined by the exchange rate at the time of confirmation and payment. Flights are excluded from the land package. This price depends on at least 10 guests travelling together.
Flights (estimate only)
- International: Johannesburg to Lima. From R 29,500 per person including taxes.
- Domestic: Lima – Puerto Maldonado – Cusco and Juliaca – Lima. From R 11,000 per person.
Flight costs are estimates only and can only be confirmed on the day of booking, since airport taxes shift.
In their own words.
“An absolutely awesome trip, one we are going to remember for a long, long time, all for good reasons. A personal highlight was Machu Picchu, but the Amazon, the Rainbow Mountains and the culture of Peru and its people all stood out too.”
“What always stands out for me, besides the history and the natural beauty, is the vibrant colour everywhere you look: the food, the street markets, the cobbled streets, the traditional dress still woven and worn today. It’s a feast for the eyes and the soul.”