Trip Inspiration

14 Days: The Highlights of Peru

Natural Beauty + Cultural Wonder

Ancient, natural and wondrous, Peru offers a powerful travel experience. The the flora and fauna of the Amazon, your well-earned views atop Machu Picchu, the architectural masterpieces of Cusco, and the mystic allure of Lake Titicaca combine for an extraordinary journey.

Trip Highlights

Locations

  • 2 nights in the colorful city of Lima
  • 3 nights exploring the Amazon aboard the Aria Amazon
  • 2 nights amid the beauty of the Sacred Valley at Sol y Luna
  • 1 night at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
  • 2 nights at Inkaterra Palacio Nazarenas in Cusco
  • 3 nights on fascinating Lake Titicaca

Activities

  • Private guided city tours of Lima and Cusco
  • Interactive wildlife and cultural experiences on the Amazon
  • Kayak, boat, hike, bike and rail excursions
  • Local villages, colorful markets and historical highlights
  • Exploration at Machu Picchu
What does “Trip Inspiration” mean?

At Travel Beyond, we believe your trip should be designed just for you, not for the masses. Our travel consultants create a custom itinerary for each client, offering recommendations for places and experiences that best fit your style. The itinerary below was planned for a past client, but we’re sharing it for travel inspiration and as an example of what a trip to Peru might look like. Let us know when we can design a trip just for you!

Day 1

Arrive Lima, Peru

Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival in Lima, you will be met for your private transfer to Hotel B where you will spend two nights. Relax and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure!

Beautiful Hotel B originally served as a seaside retreat of president Augusto Leguia in the 1920s. Today it is situated in Barranco, one of Lima’s most vibrant neighborhoods and home to many of Peru’s best-known artists, musicians, designers and photographers. You will enjoy your time strolling the sidewalks and peeking into the local galleries and unique shops.

Hotel B Meals: N/A

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Day 2

Lima

This morning after breakfast, you will be met at your hotel by your guide for your private Lima city tour, including lunch. Visit the historic downtown with its colorful colonial government buildings and churches, including San Francisco Church. Museo Larco, with its fascinating collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, is your location for lunch. The rest of the day is yours, to explore the city.

Hotel B Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 3

Lima to Iquitos

(Embark Aria Amazon)

Today, you will be transferred to the Lima Airport for your flight to Iquitos, via Lima.

Upon arrival in the remote, colonial city of Iquitos, you will be met by for your shared transfer to the Aria Amazon, your home for the next three nights. Your luxury cruise will transport you in exceptional comfort, deep into the Amazon rainforest, along the Marañon River, the Amazon’s largest tributary, as well as other neighboring rivers (the Yarapa and Yanayacu-Pucate), each one rich in vibrant wildlife and thriving rainforests. Settle into your beautiful suite before meeting your naturalist guides and the cruise director, who will use videos, photos, and maps to explain the details of your adventure to follow.

Over the next three days, you will be on a spectacular journey to a place visited by only a very few of even the most experienced world travelers. Go fishing for the many species of Amazon fish, explore into the dense jungle on foot in search of three-toed sloths, toucans, macaws then come back to the comfort of our skiffs to meet taricaya turtles in their natural habitat and hunt for endangered pink dolphins, unique to the Amazon, at play. As the Aria Amazon journeys towards the union of the Ucayali and the Marañon Rivers, considered the birthplace of the Amazon, learn from our experienced, English speaking naturalist guides about the diverse Amazon wildlife and birds of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.

Tonight, sit down, relax, sip fine South American wine, toast to the beginning of a beautiful journey, and enjoy the innovative Amazonian cuisine created by Executive Chef, Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, whose restaurant, Malabar, is the one of Lima’s top ranked dining experiences. Schiaffino’s imaginative use of local products – fruit, fish, spices – makes every meal a delightful adventure.

Aria Amazon Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

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Day 4

Amazon

Be up early to catch your first glimpse of the majestic Amazon River, as you watch the sun come up over this green world filled with wonderful wildlife.

Board the state-of-the-art skiffs to sail from the Amazon River to the Yarapa River. Keep your binoculars ready to spot sloths and tropical songbirds, black collared hawks. You will have a chance to go fishing for Amazonia’s notoriously ferocious piranhas, while your naturalist guides share stories of Lake Moringo. After returning to the boat for lunch, you may attend a lecture on the flora and fauna of the region, or simply relax on deck or in your well-appointed suite.

As the sun sets, you will head off on an evening’s wildlife excursion with extraordinary stargazing on the black waters of Nauta Caño. Listen as the nocturnal animals of the jungle begin to make themselves known. Following your excursions, return to the boat to freshen up and sip a classic Peruvian pisco sour on the Upper Deck while watching the sunset.

Aria Amazon Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 5

 

Amazon

Rise with the sun to explore a ‘lost river’ along the Marañon River. After breakfast, take a jungle walk, crossing suspended bridges and bushwhacking into the high ground forest. Later, swim, canoe or kayak in Yanayacu-Pucate River as you look for legendary pink river dolphins.

Return to the Aria Amazon for a crew presentation, dinner, and your final night onboard. You may want to focus the boat’s hi-tech telescope on the night sky to identify the planets and constellations in the southern sky.

Aria Amazon Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6

Amazon to the Sacred Valley

(Dismbark Aria Amazon)

This morning after breakfast, you will be met for your transfer to the Iquitos Airport for your commercial flight to Cusco. En route, stop in Nauta where villagers from around Amazonia come to sell their harvest.

Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be met by your guide for your private transfer to the Sacred Valley. Along the way, you will pass through a spectacular panorama of patchwork fields and have a chance to see the ruins of Pisac. Stop at Awanakancha to see the iconic Andean llamas and alpacas. Late this afternoon, you will arrive at Hotel Sol y Luna where you will stay for two nights, including breakfast daily.

Hotel Sol y Luna Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

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Day 7

Sacred Valley

This morning after breakfast, you will be met at your hotel by your guide for another private day of exploration in the Sacred Valley. Marvel at the fascinating archaeological site of Moray, where you will find circular terraces descending to about 100 ft, creating microclimates to grow various food supplies. Explore the ancient colorful salt pools of Maras. Originally mined by the Incans, these pools are now individually owned and tended by the local people. After lunch, continue to Ollantaytambo, a charming village built on top of original Inca foundations. We will visit the ruins situated on a hilltop landscape with surrounding terracing, cyclopean rock carvings and extraordinary views of the countryside.

This evening, you will enjoy dinner at a charming little hideaway restaurant in Urubamba.

Hotel Sol y Luna Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 8

 

Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu

This morning after breakfast and checkout, you will be met by your Travel Beyond guide and driver for your transfer to Ollantaytambo to board the Vistadome train for your journey to Kilometer 104.

As the name suggests, the Vistadome train offers its passengers picturesque views though its panoramic windows, connecting you with nature like no other experience. Gaze at the bountiful scenery that surrounds you as you traverse the Sacred Valley. Whether you capture this experience mentally or by photo, this scenic adventure will leave a memorable impression.

As the Valley becomes a canyon, the cloud forest begins to appear with a marked vegetation. You will disembark the train at Kilometer 104 for the ‘Inca Trail Express’, where you will begin your three-hour trek to Machu Picchu. Visit the Chachabamba ruins and head to Wiñay Wayna, an important spiritual site. The trail cuts across the ridge above Machu Picchu and you will reach the Sun Gate, Intipunku, for fabulous views of the citadel. It is the most exquisite way to see Machu Picchu for the first time.

After your visit, you will check-in to the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel where you will stay for one night, including all meals. A wonderful dinner is included in the hotel’s restaurant this evening.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

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Day 9

Machu Picchu to Cusco

This morning after breakfast and checkout, you can choose to return to Machu Picchu for further exploration with your guide or climb the challenging Wayna Picchu Mountain. You may also choose to relax and enjoy the surroundings at your hotel, where you can wander the trails in search of more than 300 species of orchids and a variety of brightly-colored hummingbirds found on the property.

You will return to Poroy aboard the Hiram Bingham, traveling through the Peruvian Andes in opulent style. Named after the explorer who rediscovered the Inca citadel, and designed to emulate the Pullman cars of the 1920s, the train combines old-world class with modern day luxury. The train is equipped with four cars, including two dining cars, a bar and observation car, a kitchen, and a staff attentive to ensuring you receive the highest levels of comfort and personalized service. Sit back, relax and delight in the breath-taking scenery on your journey through the Sacred Valley and Andean villages aboard the train that is synonymous with luxury travel and truly is in a class of its own!

Upon arrival in Poroy, you will be met for your private transfer to Belmond Palacio Nazarenas in Cusco, where you will stay for two nights.

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

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Day 10

Cusco

This morning after breakfast, you will be met by your guide for your private half-day Cusco City Tour. Visit ancient Inca temples, Spanish churches and the surrounding ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Puca Pucara and Tambo Machay. Your guide will also direct you to shops, museums, markets and restaurants where you can shop, dine and explore on your own. Enjoy lunch at a popular local restaurant, then spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Belmond Palacio Nazarenas Meals: Breakfast

Day 11

Cusco to Lake Titicaca

After breakfast, you will be met by a Travel Beyond representative for your private transfer to the Cusco Airport for your commercial flight to Juliaca.

Upon arrival in Juliaca, you will be met for your transfer to the lodge on the western shore of Lake Titicaca, where you will stay for three nights, including all meals and activities.

When you arrive at the lodge, you will have time to rest and enjoy the scenery before lunch. This afternoon you will have a chance to participate in activities near the lodge. Explore the late and paddle through nearby totora reeds as you choose from a selection of water activities, including kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, and sailing. Or, if you prefer, ride a bicycle along the fields, take a walk on country paths, or watch the local birds. This evening’s dinner will be served at the lodge.

Titilaka Lodge Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

 

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Day 12

Lake Titicaca

This is a busy day! If you wish, get up at dawn to witness a magnificent sunrise. No matter when you wake, you will enjoy a healthy breakfast, either in your room or on the lodge terrace. After breakfast, you will join your guide in a visit to the famed Uros floating islands, near the Titicaca National Reserve. Here you will meet one of the traditional families that inhabit these unique islands.

The Uro-Aymara people are a proud culture, and while the men skillfully traverse the lake with rafts made from reeds, the women are expert weavers. Calling themselves kot-suña or, “people of the lake,” the Uro-Aymara were once persecuted by other groups and forced to relocate to Lake Titicaca, where they found refuge by creating the islands out of totora reeds. Considering themselves guardians of Titicaca, the Uro-Aymara claim to have black blood that supposedly makes them impervious to the cold.

You will then explore Quechua beliefs and culture through the rich weaving tradition on the island of Taquile. Declared a part of UNESCO’s Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, Taquile’s vivid textiles convey complex messages about the wearer’s social status and life. As the island enjoys a privileged microclimate, you’ll likely see men weaving wonderful pieces outdoors.

Enjoy a picnic against the stunning backdrop of Titicaca’s deep blue skies, the lake’s sapphire waters, and on the horizon, Bolivia’s Cordillera Real, or Royal Mountain Range.

Return to the lodge for cocktails and dinner.

Titilaka Lodge Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

 

 

Day 13

Lake Titicaca

It’s another active day on Lake Titicaca! Today after breakfast you will embark on the Aymara Route, with its landscapes, wildlife, villages and privileged views of the Chucuito Peninsula and the community of Acora.

Listen as your guide shares stories that will have you traveling back to back to pre-Inca times. Learn about Titicaca’s central role in shaping the Andean way of life and the intimate relationship between man and nature that survives to this day. Travel by car, bicycle, or foot as you set your own pace through the curving country paths that cross open farmland. From natural lookouts, drink in inspiring views of Lake Titicaca. Keep an eye out for native birds, archaeological remains and locals going about their daily chores. Lunch will be a picnic while enjoying open vistas of Lake Titicaca.

Return to the lodge for another scrumptious dinner.

Titilaka Lodge Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 14

Depart Peru

After breakfast you will participate in a short excursion before being met for your private transfer to the Iquitos Airport for your flight to Lima and your international flights home.

Overnight Flight Meals: Breakfast

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