Compare Essential Perú by Inka Rainbow vs Peru in 19 days - Ultimate Inca & Amazon Adventure - Charm by Exoticca

Day 1: Arrival Peru

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Libertador, Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel

An English-speaking representative will be expecting you from your international arrival will greet you and give you your customized welcome pack with a booklet of your trip itinerary and other useful information before whisking you off to your hotel, assisting you with all check-in procedures.

Day 2: Lima

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Libertador, Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel

City tour Lima

One of the main fascinations of Lima is the concentration of ancient history in the area; not only do the origins of the city pre-date the Spanish foundation of the city by several millennia, its museums are full of the artistic treasures of magnificent pre-Columbian civilizations that flourished throughout the coastal deserts of Peru. Begin to unravel this multifaceted history and discover the complex past of this fascinating city accompanied our specialist guide. Visit an ancient adobe pyramid right in the middle of the city, Huaca Huallamarca, which dates back to around 200 BC. Journey to the Larco Herrera Museum, where thousands of years of complex ancient history will be turned into an easy-to-understand story, for kids and adults alike. Continue on to the colonial area of Lima, featuring the Cathedral, the Convent of Santo Domingo, and the Main Square with its beautiful baroque style buildings. You will also have a chance to visit Casa Aliaga, reportedly the oldest home on the Continent and still family-owned after 17 generations. The sites visited today can be tailored to alternatively include: La Casona de San Marcos; the Convent of San Francisco and its catacombs; Huaca Pucllana; and the Museo de la Inquisition. It is also possible to organize cocktails at Casa Aliaga (supplement price applies).

Day 3: Lima  - Cusco – Urubamba Valley

Meals: Breakfast*

Overnight: Luxury Collection Tambo del Inka, Inkaterra Hacienda Hotel

Flight to Cusco, Awanacancha, Pisac Market & Ruins

Our Inka Rainbow representative will pick you up from your hotel for your private transfer to Lima airport, where he will assist you with check-in procedures for your domestic flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, your personal guide and private driver will greet you at the airport to head straight to the Urubamba Valley - also known as the 'Sacred Valley'. Your guide will accompany you throughout the Urubamba Valley, Cusco and Machu Picchu.

En route, stop for a short visit of Awanacancha where you will have the opportunity to see the different camelids that live in the Andes such as llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos. In Pisac experience the sights and sounds of the town’s famous market, with its variety of handcrafts and fresh produce. Continue on to the Pisac ruins. With Inca masonry of superlative quality, the stunning terracing following the contours of the mountain and superior view of the valley will leave you in awe. After lunch (own cost), check-in to your chosen hotel.

Day 4: Sacred Valley

Meals: Breakfast and Picnic Lunch

Accommodation: Luxury Collection Tambo del Inka, Inkaterra Hacienda Hotel

Today, you will visit Maras, the site of the remarkable and unusual Salinas, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley and not far from Urubamba. This site consists of a huge number of watered terraces that collect salt by evaporation from the saline waters that gush from an underground stream. Built in a similar way to agricultural terraces seen throughout the Andes, the Salinas have been in use since pre-Columbian times. Visually, the shining, salt-encrusted terraces are extraordinary. Nearby Maras lie the most enigmatic Inca terraces at the site of Moray. This unique site, probably used for agricultural experimentation, consists of several enormous terraced circular depressions. Following your visit, enjoy lunch (at own cost) before transferring back to your hotel.

For lunch, enjoy an elaborate picnic, for an unforgettable, first-class dining experience in the heart of the Andean outdoors. Following lunch, you will be escorted to your hotel.

Day 5: Urubamba Valley – Machu Picchu

Meals: Breakfast*

Accommodation: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Belmond Sanctuary Lodge

Machu Picchu visit, arriving by the Hiram Bingham Train

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel this morning to transfer to the train station to board the luxurious Hiram Bingham train - a must for those seeking the higher level of luxury - to Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a gourmet brunch during the spectacular journey descending into the Sacred Valley and passing through lush landscapes and Andean villages. On arrival in Aguas Calientes you will have the afternoon at leisure you can visit Machu Picchu by your own or you can spend the day exploring your beautiful hotel

Day 6: Machu Picchu – Cusco

Meals: Breakfast*

Accommodation: Casona Inkaterra, Belmond Monasterio hotel

Second Day at Machu Picchu, Vistadome train

This morning you will visit Machu Picchu with your guide. “Magnificence” is the only word to describe the scene, as you gaze upon the Inka city of Machu Picchu. The main destination on many travellers’ lists, the ‘lost city of the Incas’

Optionally climb to Huayna Picchu or climb to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, located south of the Citadel and offering spectacular panoramic views. Following your visit, take the bus back to the town of Aguas Calientes to catch the Vistadome train (approx. 1.5hrs) back to Ollantaytambo, where a private vehicle will be waiting to transfer you by road to Cusco (approx. 2hrs) to check in to your hotel.

Day 7: Cusco

Meals: Breakfast*

Accommodation: Casona Inkaterra, Belmond Monasterio hotel

Since its narrow alleyways were originally designed by the Incas as a city for walking, start your exploration of Cusco on foot. Begin at the Plaza de Armas, the Main Square, which is marked by the exquisite Spanish Colonial architecture and ornamentation imposed by Spanish colonists to exert religious and political influence. Underneath it all, however, you can clearly see remnants of Inca Cusco in the solid stonework. Visit Koricancha, the most sumptuous “Sun Temple” in the Inca Empire, and the breathtaking Cathedral, a repository for Cusco’s colonial art, as well as many other important archaeological relics and artifacts. You will also stop by the colorful San Pedro market and pass through the charming neighborhood of San Blas. Next, visit Sacsayhuaman, an Inca citadel atop a hill, on the outskirts of the city. Not only are the imposing terraces of masterful stonework a sight to behold, but the vistas overlooking the sienna rooftops of Cusco provide a whole new perspective to the city you traversed. Afterwards, return to your hotel.

Day 8: Cusco – Puno

Meals: Breakfast*

Accommodation: Libertador Lake Titicaca Hotel, Casa Andina Private Collection

Flight to Juliaca, Transfer to Puno

An Inka Rainbow representative will meet you at your hotel to transfer you to Cusco airport for your domestic flight to Juliaca. Upon arrival at the Juliaca airport, you will be welcomed by an Inka Rainbow representative and transferred approximately 1 hour to you hotel.

Lake Titicaca, at nearly 4000 feet above sea level between the Peruvian and Bolivian highlands, is the highest navigable lake in the world. This gentle lake is home to a myriad of communities, each with their own specific customs and traditions and with folklore often considered to be the richest in Peru. With rugged landscapes, gentle lapping water, and the crisp air of the highlands, a visit to Lake Titicaca is both a serene and educational experience, providing a unique look into the cultural variety and native wildlife that exists here.

Day 9: Titicaca Lake

Buffet breakfast at your hotel. Early in the morning, we will have an unforgettable motorboat excursion on the waters of Lake Titicaca to the unique "Floating Islands" of the Uros. These ancient inhabitants of the lake, known as the Water Tribe, have built their own "islands" by periodically adding new layers of a type of reed called "totora" (Scirpus Totora), vegetable fiber of the Papyrus family. Their homes and boats are also made from th is material. We continue our motorboat trip to Taquile Island, inhabited by Quechua-speaking natives who have developed efficient and unique social systems down through the generations, as well as fine hand weaving techniques.

Upon arrival at the Town of Taquile we will have a lunch. Then we will walk through the various hills and archaeological sites of this 6 km long Island. In the afternoon, return to Puno. Lodging.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Libertador Lake Titicaca Hotel, Casa Andina Private Collection

Day 10: Puno - Colca Valley

Meals:  Breakfast*

Accommodation: Aranwa Colca, Colca Lodge

Transfer by road to Colca Canyon

The Colca Valley and Canyon (3,650m/11,975ft) constitute one of Peru's most dramatic and spectacular natural landscapes.

You will depart from your hotel by Lake Titicaca by private car setting out for the Colca Valley, a journey of approximately six hours. Along the way, pass the towns of Juliaca, Santa Lucía, and Imata. Drive along the coast of Lake Lagunilla, hoping to catch a glimpse of its variety of wild birds and flora. Continue your journey through picturesque Andean farms, dotted with sheep, llama, and traditionally dressed workers. Stop to take a photo of the natural landscape with the surrounding Peruvian Andes acting as the perfect backdrop. Upon arrival at the Colca Valley you will be transferred to Colca Lodge to check in.

Day 11: Colca Valley & Canyon

Meals:  Breakfast

Accommodation: Casa Andina Private Collection Arequipa, Libertador Arequipa Hotel

Depths of the Canyon

In the morning, you and your guide will journey firstly to the recently renovated colonial church of Lari before driving further down the valley toward the famous Condor Cross to view the majestic condor in flight. The Andean condor has an average wingspan of 3m (10ft) and is one of the largest land flying birds in the world. Although it cannot be 100% guaranteed that they will show up, you will have a very high chance of observing the condor from this vantage point.

In the afternoon, we will start the journey through wonderful scenery and traditional towns, leading you to a lookout point from where you can see snow-capped mountains. You will continue through a forest filled with interesting rock formations and the Pampa of Cañahuas. The mountains surrounding the area provide the quintessential scene of the Peruvian Andes, dotted with farms, sheep and llamas along the way. Following this, you will make the return journey to Arequipa, a journey of approximately four hours.

Following your excursion, you will be transferred back to your hotel for dinner (at own cost) and to enjoy your evening at leisure.

Day 12: Arequipa

Meals:  Breakfast*

Accommodation: Casa Andina Private Collection Arequipa, Libertador Arequipa Hotel

The White City

Peru’s second largest city is commonly referred to as “The White City” as it is constructed from sillar,

Begin your morning on the outskirts of Arequipa, where you will visit the Ruta del Sillar. Dating back to Colonial days, the sillar rock was used to build casonas, churches, public buildings and more. Back in the center, visit impressive main square, the Plaza de Armas then head to the Jesuit church of La Compañía, a unique example of American baroque architecture. Next, take in the Santa Teresa convent, a former religious Center that has been converted into a Colonial Art Museum. After lunch (own cost) – we recommend you try local specialties such as rocoto relleno - visit the Santa Catalina monastery, the pride of Arequipa. This expansive 29,426 square meter convent was founded in 1580 and is a masterpiece of Colonial architectural design. Afterwards, you will be taken to the Santuarios Andinos Museum, where the body of Juanita, a frozen mummy, is on display. Uncovered atop Ampato Mountain in 1995, Juanita was a teenage girl sacrificed to the Inca gods in the 1400s and is eerily well-preserved.

Day 13: Arequipa - Lima

Departure from Arequipa.

An Inka Rainbow representative will meet you at your hotel for your transfer to Arequipa airport for your domestic flight to Lima.

Day 1: US - Lima

Ready to discover Peru? Head to your departure airport to check-in for a flight to Lima*. Touch down in Lima, the capital of Peru, situated on the Pacific Coast. Transfer to the hotel, and spend the rest of the day exploring the city's colonial streets and magical plazas at your leisure. Overnight stay in Lima. *If your inbound flight departs in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Lima

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy an informative and interesting city tour of Lima, including its Historic Center and the Santo Domingo Convent. Start by exploring the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro before heading to the Historic Center. Visit the impressive Convent of Santo Domingo and walk to the Plaza de Armas to admire the exquisite colonial architecture that surrounds it. Finally, stop in the Parque del Amor, from where you can take beautiful photos of the Peruvian coastline. Overnight stay in Lima.

Day 3: Lima - Paracas

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, transfer to the bus station to catch a bus to Paracas and enjoy a scenic journey heading south along the coast. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and get out and explore this small port town, which boasts beautiful beaches and fascinating wildlife. Overnight stay in Paracas.

Day 4: Paracas - Nazca

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, take a boat to the Ballestas Islands, where you can see thousands of birds, sea lions and seals in their natural environment. From Humboldt penguins and South American sea lions to a multitude of marine birds, be in awe of the beauty of these tranquil islands. The famous Candelabra design, a figure of the Nazca culture engraved in the desert, can also be seen from the boat. In the afternoon, transfer to the bus station to catch a bus to Nazca. Arrive in Nazca, famous for its mysterious lines, although the city is named after the civilization that flourished here between 100 BC and 800 AD. This region also has a strong heritage of viticulture, although today, it is one of the driest places on earth, with only 4 millimetres of rain, on average, a year. Overnight stay in Nazca.

Day 5: Nazca - Arequipa

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have the unmissable opportunity of taking an optional flight over the Nazca lines.* In the afternoon, transfer to the bus station to catch a bus to Arequipa, one of the most important economic and industrial centres in Peru. Arequipa's city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to various religious monuments and historic buildings such as the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa. The city sits at the foot of the Misti volcano which provides a beautiful skyline backdrop. Overnight transfer. * Optional Nazca Lines Flight: Experience the mystery of the Nazca lines from the sky, with a flight over the ancient lines, some measuring 30 metres in width, which depict strange images, shrouded in conspiracy and speculation. See the Astronaut, the Monkey and the Condor, among other depictions and decide for yourself the meaning of these ancient messages to the Gods. Minimum 3 pax. $180 approx per person to be paid at the destination. Please note: the transfer to Arequipa is through the night and you will arrive at the destination the following morning.

Day 6: Arequipa

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you have the opportunity to take an optional city tour of Arequipa.* Alternatively, spend the day at your leisure, exploring this historic city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Arequipa. * Optional City Tour of Arequipa: Visit the sights of Arequipa such as the Plaza de Armas, the Monastery of St Catherine and the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa. The Monastery of St Catherine is the most important and impressive religious construction in Peru. Next, head to the beautiful Barrio del Solar to visit the Church of La Compañía de Jesús, a temple that constitutes the oldest and most important testimony of religious architecture made with ashlar volcanic stone.

Day 7: Arequipa - Colca

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, travel to the Colca Valley, an ancient area that boasts sweeping valleys and is home to the famous giant Andean Condor. On the way, pass through the town of Yura, the spectacular landscapes National Reserve of Aguada Blanca and stop in Patapampa. Pass through Chivay before arriving in Colca. Get settled at the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, enjoying the facilities of your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Colca.

Day 8: Colca - Puno

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, head into the valley for an unforgettable visit to the Cruz del Condor, the best viewpoint for watching the iconic giant Condors take flight across the sky. With an average wingspan of 9 foot, the Andean Condor is the unmissable attraction of this part of the world and is shrouded in much mystery and legend. After watching the birdlife, transfer from Colca to Puno, past stunning Andean landscapes. Arrive in Puno, home of the world-renowned Lake Titicaca. Overnight stay in Puno.

Day 9: Puno

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day relaxing at your leisure, soaking up the views of Lake Titicaca or simply enjoying the facilities of your hotel. We recommend an optional excursion to the Taquile and Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca.* Overnight stay in Puno. * Optional Taquile & Uros Islands Excursion: Depart by boat to Taquile Island, which dates back to pre-Inca times. The Islanders are famous for their beautiful clothing and textile industry. Next, visit the community of Huayllano, on the same island, where the locals show their traditional crafts and agriculture, to enjoy a traditional lunch. Afterwards, visit the floating islands of Uros, situated in the middle of the national reserve of Lake Titicaca.

Day 10: Puno - Cuzco

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Puno station to take a bus to Cuzco. Leave the station and start your journey to Puno, enjoying the marvelous landscapes of the South Valley of Cuzco. Visit Andahuaylas, a beautiful 17th-century church, featuring an impressive organ decorated with angels and cherubs. Continue on the road and visit the ruins of Racqui, also known as the Temple of the God Wiracocha. After lunch, discover La Raya, the highest point on the highway between Cuzco and Puno for amazing views of the landscape. Arrive in Cuzco and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Cuzco.

Day 11: Cuzco

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you have the opportunity to take an optional half-day tour of Cuzco.* Alternatively, spend the day at your leisure, soaking up the atmosphere of the city and sampling the local cuisine. Overnight stay in Cuzco. * Optional Half-Day Tour of Cuzco: Begin in the iconic Plaza de Armas, and visit the Cathedral. From here, walk to the Koricancha Temple, an impressive ancient Inca palace, in honour of the Sun God. Today, a Dominican church stands on the site. Finally, visit the lively San Blas neighborhood, known for its artists, shops and artisan workshops. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking up the atmosphere of the city and sampling the local cuisine.

Day 12: Cuzco - Sacred Valley

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on an exciting excursion to the Sacred Valley today. Begin in Chinchero, where you can visit the PARWA Center, dedicated to beautiful Andean textiles. Explore Chinchero Church and the fascinating nearby Inca ruins before continuing to Raqchi Viewpoint, for an unforgettable panoramic view across the Sacred Valley. Stop for lunch* and continue to Ollantaytambo, famous for its ancient Incan streets and the traditional dress of the locals. Explore the town and visit the local market for a taste of traditional Andean culture. Overnight stay in Sacred Valley. *Lunch included.

Day 13: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes

Breakfast at the hotel. An exciting day at Machu Picchu awaits you this morning as you set off for the train station to board the Voyager or Expedition Train* to Aguas Calientes, admiring the landscape along the way. Arrive and transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu**, a true wonder of the world and the ultimate bucket-list destination. Spend some time discovering the ruins and being amazed by the terraces as you enjoy a tour of the different sections of the site. Soak up the special atmosphere and make sure to take some photos! Finally, you will descend to the town of Aguas Calientes, transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes. * You can choose to upgrade to a different train for this journey in the next step of the booking process. Note: The baggage policy on board the train is 1 bag or backpack per person weighing a maximum of max. 5kg / 11lb. ** Backpacks or bags taken into Machu Picchu must not exceed 40x35x20cms or have a capacity larger than 20Lts and must not contain single-use plastic bottles or bags. Backpacks or bags that exceed the indicated measurements can be left in storage for approx. $2 per bag.

Day 14: Aguas Calientes - Cuzco

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a morning at your leisure with the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu for a second time, (additional cost at the destination) to contemplate the unforgettable views and take some beautiful snapshots. You will board the return train to Cuzco at the appointed time. The city comes to life as the sun goes down, so be sure to experience the atmosphere of the city's lively plazas at night. Overnight stay in Cuzco.

Day 15: Cuzco - Iquitos - Amazon

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Iquitos, a port city and gateway to the Northern Amazon. After meeting your guide and receiving some advice on exploring the jungle, transfer to the port to enjoy a boat trip on the Amazon River, headed for your lodge in the heart of the Amazon. Look out for local wildlife along the way before arriving at the lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, set off on a jungle hike into the Yanamono rainforest reserve with an expert guide to introduce you to the many flora species and point out the different bird and wildlife along the way. If you are lucky you might spot small families of monkeys, such as marmosets or even Squirrel monkeys. Return to the lodge for a magical sunset boat trip on the Amazon river. Dinner and overnight stay in the Amazon. *Please consider this relevant information about your stay which can be found below in the important notes section.

Day 16: Amazon

Rise early for an early morning bird-watching excursion by boat, and spot a number of unique species such as the Ringed Kingfisher and the Black-Collared Hawk. Return to the lodge for breakfast and a short rest. Later, head out on a Native Fishing Expedition, along one of the tributaries of the Amazon River. Learn local fishing techniques and even try and catch an elusive Piranha. Keep an eye out for the weird and wonderful Pink River Dolphins, unique to the Amazon. Return to the lodge for lunch, where anything you caught can be cooked for you. In the afternoon, board a boat for an excursion to Yanamono Island, the best place to see the beautiful Giant Water Lillies, which can grow to an amazing 40cm in diameter. As night falls, enjoy a night-time nature hike around the periphery of the lodge to witness the transformation of day to night in the Amazon. This is the best time of day to spot tree frogs, snakes and other nocturnal animals, such as night owls. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay in the Amazon. *Please consider this relevant information about your stay which can be found below in the important notes section.

Day 17: Amazon

Breakfast at the lodge. Today, visit a local riverside town to meet an indigenous tribe of the Yaguas community. Learn about their way of life on the Amazon River and see their community buildings. The locals will share their fishing and farming techniques with you as you enjoy a fascinating insight into life on the Amazon. Return to the lodge for lunch and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in the Amazon. *Please consider this relevant information about your stay which can be found below in the important notes section.

Day 18: Amazon - Iquitos - Lima

Breakfast at the lodge. This morning, take a short boat ride on the Amazon River to visit a traditional family-run Sugar Cane Distillery. Learn the local techniques for processing sugar cane and enjoy a tasting session of the varied exotic beverages made from the sugar cane liquor. Return to the lodge for lunch before leaving the Amazon behind as you transfer by boat to Iquitos and continue your journey by road back to Lima. Arrive, get settled at the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the final evening in Peru at your leisure. Overnight stay in Lima.

Day 19: Lima - US

Breakfast at the hotel. Sadly, it's time to bring your adventure through Peru to an end! At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to catch a flight back to the US. Night on board.

Day 20: US

Arrive in the US and end your trip.