Simply Peru

14 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
Discover the highlights of Peru on this two-week tour from Lima to Cusco. Tick a giant off your bucket list with a visit to Machu Picchu, witness the astounding beauty of the Colca Canyon, see the mysterious Nazca Lines and stay overnight on Lake Titicaca. From sipping pisco sours in Arequipa to soaking in hot springs in Aguas Calientes, this tour proves that...
$2,290
From$2,210
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Travel from Lima to Cusco on a budget, using some night buses and public transport
    • Spend a night with the locals on Lake Titicaca
    • Take the train to Machu Picchu and enjoy Cusco's nightlife

What's this trip about?

    Discover the highlights of Peru on this two-week tour from Lima to Cusco. Tick a giant off your bucket list with a visit to Machu Picchu, witness the astounding beauty of the Colca Canyon, see the mysterious Nazca Lines and stay overnight on Lake Titicaca. From sipping pisco sours in Arequipa to soaking in hot springs in Aguas Calientes, this tour proves that Peru's magic runs much deeper than its majestic Incan ruins. Why we love this trip Machu Picchu - Board a mountain train to the ancient citadel, one of the most astonishing sites in the world. Lake Titicaca - Visit the floating islands of Uros and spend the night in a local guesthouse on Taquile Island. Colca Canyon - Watch enormous condors soaring over this jaw-dropping canyon.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transport
Start CityLima
End CityCusco

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Aguas Calientes
  • Arequipa
  • Cusco
  • Lake Titicaca
  • Lima
  • Machu Picchu
  • Nazca
  • Ollantaytambo
  • Pisa
  • Puno
  • Sacred Valley
  • Urubamba

Activities

  • Hiking

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Lima

Our trip starts today in Lima, Peru's capital, which was founded in 1535 AD by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The modern cosmopolitan city is littered with reminders of its colonial and pre-Hispanic past, particularly in the historical centre. Located on ...

Day 2 Public bus to Nazca

Departing Lima early this morning, we'll board a modern public coach south, following the Pacific coastline before turning towards the fertile mountain valleys that lie around the town of Nazca. The journey is around seven hours and takes us through some of the driest...

Day 3 In Nazca; optional view of Nazca Lines from viewing platform or Chauchilla pre-Inca cemetery, overnight bus to Arequipa

We'll spend today getting to know Nazca. Some specialists have speculated that the Nazca Lines represent the world's largest astrological calendar. Huge birds, spiders, whales, other creatures and geometrical figures are represented in outline. There are several op...

Day 4 Arrive in Arequipa, free afternoon for sightseeing

We'll arrive in Arequipa this morning at around 9am. This beautiful city is located at the foot of the volcanic slopes of El Misti, a perfect conical peak that rises to 5,822 metres above this grand colonial city. The city itself was founded by the Spanish in 1540, on...

Day 5 Travel to Chivay, optional hot springs

After breakfast today we'll travel to Chivay by private bus. The journey takes around six hours and brings us into the world of the Altiplano, passing behind the volcanoes that ring Arequipa and on to Chivay. There are herds of llamas and alpacas en route, and if we'r...

Day 6 Visit the Colca Canyon, continue to Puno

We'll have an early start this morning as we head to the Colca Canyon. A spectacular river gorge, the Colca Canyon measures twice the depth of the more famous Grand Canyon and at one time it was believed to be the deepest gorge on earth (until it was eclipsed by the d...

Day 7 Boat trip on Lake Titicaca, visit Uros Islands and overnight on Taquile Island

From Puno, we'll take a boat trip on Lake Titicaca to explore the floating reed islands, home to the Uros people who live on the lake itself. Their islands are made from totura, a reed-like papyrus that grows in the shallows and is used in most aspects of their life, ...

Day 8 Morning on Taquile Island, afternoon return to Puno

This morning is free on Taquile Island. You might like to take a walk up to the Inca ruins, or visit the market and buy some of the locally-made embroidery. Later this afternoon, we'll return to Puno with a three hour boat journey, where the afternoon is free to take a stroll through the markets in search of llama and alpaca wool items.

Meals Provided : None

Day 9 Public bus to Cusco

Today we'll follow the legendary route taken by the first Inca ruler, Manco Capac, on his way to find Cusco. Rising early, we'll head to the public bus terminal where our coach awaits us. During the ten-hour bus trip, we'll make several stops including at the small...

Day 10 Orientation tour of Cusco, rest of the day free

This charming half-day walking tour of Cusco offers history, culture and art. The Main Square is a must, where we will see the colonial architecture that remains intact to this day, standing on the foundation stones of old Inca walls. Entering Cusco's main Plaza de Ar...

Day 11 Train to Aguas Calientes, visit Machu Picchu

This morning we'll transfer to the railway station to catch the train to Aguas Calientes, our gateway to one of the greatest of all archaeological sites. The train slowly meanders down the valley, following the tumultuous waters of the Urubamba River through a series ...

Day 12 More time to discover Machu Picchu (optional), train back to Cusco

This morning is free for you to either relax in Aguas Calientes, or to explore Machu Picchu more. There are several optional ways that you might like to choose from - each one requires an additional permit that should be pre-paid at the time of booking. The first o...

Day 13 Free day in Cusco; optional trips into the Sacred Valley

Today we'll have a full free day to explore Cusco, with optional excursions into the Sacred Valley. For water lovers there is the opportunity to go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the Piuray Lagoon in the heart of the area's spectacular scenery. No previous exp...

Day 14 Trip ends in Cusco

Our trip ends this morning at our hotel in Cusco. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Cusco at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport t...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,210
Price per day$158
Last Updated: 4/13/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
27 Apr 2025
10 May 2025
$2,450
$430
11 May 2025
24 May 2025
$2,740
$420
03 Aug 2025
16 Aug 2025
$2,410
$420
14 Sep 2025
27 Sep 2025
$2,540
$420
28 Sep 2025
11 Oct 2025
$2,410
$420
19 Oct 2025
01 Nov 2025
$2,740
$420
29 Mar 2026
11 Apr 2026
$2,210
$440
05 Apr 2026
18 Apr 2026
$2,210
$440
26 Apr 2026
09 May 2026
$2,210
$440
10 May 2026
23 May 2026
$2,210
$440

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
10,290
Great
3,299
Average
517
Disappointing
158
Terrible
82
J

James

Nov 2024

Written on

Simply Peru

Wonderful trip and Pavel was and brilliant leader.

E

Elaine

Nov 2024

Written on

Simply Peru

The trips are always amazing and well balanced. A lot depends on the trip leader and they need to be fully engaged with the group, arranging group meals regularly ot...

S

Sheila

Oct 2024

Written on

Simply Peru

As a solo traveller, this was my first experience in a group, and it won't be my last. The whole tour exceeded my expectations and every day had a 'Wow' factor. It w...

T

Trusted Customer

Aug 2024

Written on

Simply Peru

This wasan amazing trip, Peru far exceeded my expectati...

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Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Boat, Public Bus, Train,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Boat, Public Bus, Train
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Boat Crew, Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Peru: Visas are not required for UK, New Zealand, Australian, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 8
  • Lunch : 1
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
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Trip ID
explore-QPS

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