Signature Peru

EARLY BIRD: Save up to 10%* off

Book by 31 March, unless sold out prior.

Tour Overview

Experience the magic of Peru on our 9-day handcrafted Signature Peru tour.

First explore the local eats in the buzzing Peruvian city of Lima, the 'gastronomical capital of the Americas',  then fly over the Andes to Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Start gently, with time to acclimatize in the picturesque Sacred Valley, also a fascinating place to delve into the culture and farming practices of the locals, whose roots trace back to pre-Columbian empires. Visit colourful market stalls, explore ancient Incan sites including Pisac, Intihuatana, Q’allaqasa and Kinchiracay, as well as the remains of a giant Incan fortress, Ollantaytambo. You will be engrossed in the history and culture, and eager for more as you board your train bound for the iconic Machu Picchu, where a private guided tour will help you appreciate the importance of these famous ruins.

The journey continues through stunning Peruvian mountains and valleys. You'll witness locals harvesting salt using traditional methods at the incredible Maras salt ponds then head to the capital of the ancient Incan Empire – Cusco. We have allowed plenty of time to explore with our expert local guides as well your own time to relax and soak up the atmosphere, as there is so much to enjoy - restaurants, markets and cultural sites. 

Highlights

• Step back into ancient worlds at Machu Picchu – ride through breathtaking Andean landscapes by train and explore the iconic Inca citadel with a private guide, uncovering its mysteries and jaw‑dropping stonework as the morning fog and crowds clear. 
• 
  Wander the vibrant Sacred Valley – from colourful Pisac markets and impressive Incan ruins to the mighty fortress of Ollantaytambo and the surreal salt ponds at Maras, every stop mixes awe‑inspiring history with moments that feel like you’ve stepped straight into a travel story.
• Live the soul of Peru in Lima and Cusco – savour fresh ceviche and pisco sours in Lima’s foodie hotspots, then wander Cusco’s cobblestone streets, colonial plazas and ancient temples with time to soak up local culture, markets and hidden corners at your own pace.

Pricing

9 Days

from

$4,852*

per person, twin share

What's Included

Standard accommodation with breakfast daily

Other meals where stated

Fees & Services

Private airport transfers

Internal flights as part of this itinerary*

Sightseeing with local English speaking guides

Machu Picchu by train, with entrance fees, tickets and private tour

What's Not Included

International Flights, Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable), tips, travel insurance

Upgrade to superior or deluxe accommodation

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Lima

Welcome to Lima, the capital of Peru. Lima is a bustling metropolis and one of South America’s largest cities. Home to a plethora of interesting museums and a foodie’s delight, being the ‘gastronomical capital of the Americas’.

Day 2  Lima

Join your local guide will take you on an exclusive half-day tour of Lima’s culinary and historical highlights, designed by us to help you get the most out of the city, starting with a visit to a local market to sample some local fruit and a scenic stroll through the city’s historic downtown with some tastings of famous local bites along the way. Enjoy a stop at the San Francisco catacombs, a tour of Casa de Aliaga, a stunning colonial style mansion. End your tour with a Chilcano or Pisco Sour cocktail - both are made with the local brandy, Pisco.

Day 3  - Sacred Valley

You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Cusco, where you will descend into the Sacred Valley below Cusco. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a region in Peru’s Andean highlands which, along with the nearby town of Cusco and the ancient city of Machu Picchu, formed the heart of the Inca Empire. The Sacred Valley’s elevation is 2,800 meters above sea level, so it’s recommended to take it easy for the afternoon as your body acclimatises to the altitude.

Day 4  - Sacred Valley

On today’s Sacred Valley of the Incas tour, you will be presented with plenty of photo opportunities of ancient Incan villages and ruins, whilst learning about the culture and beliefs of the Incan people. This tour is the perfect start to understanding the unique way of life, farming techniques, and archaeological design of the Incas. The first stop is the village of Pisac. Wander the colourful market stalls before heading uphill to the famous Pisac ruins, Intihuatana, Q’allaqasa and Kinchiracay ruins. Enjoy a fine buffet lunch in gardens overlooking the Valley before continuing along the River Urubamba, to Ollantaytambo, which is dominated by a giant Incan fortress.

Day 5  - Machu Picchu

Today will be one of your highlights in South America with a visit to Machu Picchu. A transfer will collect you and transfer you to Ollantaytambo train station to board a scenic train and arrive in one of the world’s most famous ruins after the morning fog and crowds have cleared. A guide will meet you on arrival and take you directly to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will spend the afternoon marvelling at the stunning display of ancient architecture and incredible surroundings. located 2,430 metres above sea level, your guide will explain the 15th-century Inca site before taking you to your hotel for the night in the local village of Aguas Calientes.

Day 6 - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Start your journey back to Cusco by boarding a return train to Ollantaytambo. A transfer will be waiting as you arrive back to Ollantaytambo station to continue onwards to Cusco. En route, you will visit the Maras Salt ponds, believed to pre-date the Inca period. These shallow pools, dug into the mountainside, are filled with salt water from an underground spring from an adjacent mountain. Continue to Moray, which boasts an impressive Inca ruin of giant circular terraces that are believed to have been used for agricultural experimentation. You will then be dropped to your hotel in Cusco, set at an altitude of 3,400 metres in the Peruvian Andes.

Day 7 - Cusco

Join the exclusive day tour and explore the city’s fascinating history. This specially designed tour has been perfected to show you the best of this incredible city without the crowds and other tourists. Learn about this city from the Inca times to colonial rule to the present day, winding through narrow cobble-stoned streets and visiting the market of Cusco. Visit the fascinating Koricancha Temple of the Sun, Cusco’s Plaza de Armas and Cathedral, built on the ruins of an Inca Palace and finish up at Sacsayhuaman, a former Inca fortress perched atop the hill above Cusco.

Day 8 - Cusco

Today is at leisure, allowing you to spend time wandering the cobble-stoned streets of the ancient Inca capital. With treasures around every corner, Cusco is a wonderful city to explore on foot. Vibrant markets and stores give the traveller a plethora of shopping opportunities set amongst fine Inca and Spanish colonial architecture. Included is a BTG ticket which provides access to most of Cusco’s attractions and museums, so you choose where you wish to spend your day.

Day 9 - Depart Cusco

After three days of soaking up one of South America’s best cities, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. If you would like to see more of Peru, we have several extension packages available such as a visit to the Amazon, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, or a flight over the Nazca Lines to show you more of this fantastic country.

Terms and Conditions

EARLY BIRD: Save up to 10% off (select dates and cabins only). Book by 31 March, unless sold out prior. 

Prices advertised are NZD but based on USD and are subject to change due to currency fluctuations. Prices are subject to change and subject to availability at time of booking. 

Prices are in NZD (unless specified otherwise) per person, in complete twin/double share accommodation (or single occupancy or family share where specified), valid for new bookings only, subject to availability. Offers are capacity-controlled and may be reduced, changed, extended or withdrawn at any time, without notice. Unless specified, airfares (and often transfers) are additional. Pricing variations may occur due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Prices include savings/discounts where applicable and all taxes/charges (which are subject to change). Offers valid for travel originating in New Zealand only. Required deposit amounts and deposit/final payment dates vary. Deposits may or may not be refundable. Amendment and cancellation fees apply. All products and itineraries are subject to change at the discretion of the supplier. Prices are based on cash, Eftpos, or Direct Credit payment only. We accept all major credit cards, however, processing fees apply. World Travellers reserve the right to correct any errors or omissions at any time. To be read in conjunction with the booking terms and conditions applicable to Viva Expeditions. Travel documents & vaccination requirements are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Professional service fees may apply. Airfares & transfers are additional (unless specified otherwise). Some staterooms are based on a 'guarantee' stateroom. The exact stateroom grade, number and location on the ship will be allocated at the discretion of the cruise line. Some staterooms have obstructed views.