Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to Peru, one of the treasures of South America. Travel through this intriguing land visiting some of the world's most legendary sites, including Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas." Arrive late this evening in Lima, the "City of Kings." Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores (2 Nights)
Discover Lima's fascinating history during a colonial tour through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the artwork at San Francisco Monastery and enter the catacombs. View the elegant Cathedral at Plaza de Armas and visit the Casa de Aliaga – former house of the conquistador Jeronimo de Aliaga y Ramirez – where the energy of colonial and republican Lima comes to life. Get to know your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner featuring artfully crafted Peruvian dishes. (B/D)
Fly to Cuzco, in the heart of the Inca civilization. Journey through the Andes to the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas, the agricultural center of their grand empire. While en route to your hotel, explore different towns in the valley, each a representation of the region's unique culture.
After a short lesson on the local language, stop in Pisac village to browse the colorful handicraft market. Settle into your hotel nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley. (B) Stay: Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley (2 Nights)
This morning, visit the spectacular Ollantaytambo ruins, the only Incan settlement that has been continually inhabited since its inception. A uniquely terraced complex topped with carved stone panels, these ruins reflect ancient Incan architecture and heritage.
Then, head to the Pablo Seminario Ceramic Studio where you'll get first-hand knowledge of this internationally renowned artist's techniques and designs, inspired by ancient Peruvian cultures. Deep dive into the cultures of modern Andean people and experience an Impact Moment as you mingle with a nearby community. Thanks to their effort and teamwork, tourism has become an additional income to agriculture which has positively impacted their quality of life.
You'll get a true taste of their daily life when participating in small group workshops that teach you traditional methods of growing, harvesting and weaving. Celebrate their culture as you learn their dances and listen to their musical instruments before enjoying a home-hosted farm-to-table lunch featuring local specialties. (B/L)
Climb aboard your train to Machu Picchu for breathtaking views through panoramic windows as you ride through the Andes to the “Lost City of the Incas.” Hidden by mountains and semi-tropical jungle, Machu Picchu is considered the most spectacular sight in South America. Spend the afternoon with your guide uncovering the mysteries of these majestic ruins.
Tonight, stay at the base of Machu Picchu for a chance to further soak up its atmosphere. Enjoy an exclusive culinary demonstration and learn how to craft the perfect ceviche and pisco sour before your dinner featuring a Peruvian menu. (B/D) Stay: Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
This morning, take advantage of free time and explore the local markets in Aguas Calientes on your own, or you may choose to visit Machu Picchu at sunrise. Return to the Sacred Valley by train. Upon arriving in Cuzco, take time to explore the captivating city at your leisure. (B) Stay: Hilton Garden Inn (2 Nights)
Start your morning on a tour of Cuzco, visiting the San Pedro Market, the Koricancha temple, the central Plaza de Armas, and the Cuzco Cathedral. Later, it's your choice! Travel above the city to discover the important sacred Incan ruins of Sacsayhuamán Fortress -OR- embark on a walking tour of San Blas, the traditional old quarter of Cuzco, lined with restaurants and artisan shops. The rest of the afternoon is yours.
This evening, dine at your leisure at a local restaurant featuring the local flavors of Cuzco. (B/D)
This morning, fly to Puno, hugging the shores of Lake Titicaca. Known as the birthplace of the Inca Empire, ancient legends say that life began here. Have time to meet the locals and discover the history of this region as you explore the village center before checking into your lakeside hotel.
Tonight, enjoy an evening at leisure. (B) Stay: GHL Lago Titicaca (2 Nights)
The Titicaca area, steeped in tradition and folklore, is the center of Incan legends. Enjoy a morning cruise to the floating islands of the Uros people of Lake Titicaca; experience walking on the island's spongy surface made from compacted beds of tortora reeds and meet the locals, learning about their history and lifestyle.
Later, cruise to a local rustic village for a home-hosted meal and swap stories with Peruvian families before visiting the mystical Chullpas de Sillustani – an archaeological area boasting 13th-century funerary monuments. (B/L)
Spend the morning relaxing on the shores of Lake Titicaca before flying to Lima. Upon arrival, head to the Larco Museum, a former mansion built on the site of a pre-Columbian temple. The museum offers a collection of over 3,000 years of ceramic, textile, and precious metal artifacts.
After this incredible trip through history, your tour concludes with a farewell dinner on the grounds of the museum. (B/D) Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Lima Miraflores
Your tour comes to a close today. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Explore the colorful markets of Peru, including the famous Pisac village market.
- Discover the artist's techniques and designs at Pablo Seminario Ceramic Studio.
- Cruise to the floating islands of the Uros people of Lake Titicaca.
- Spend the afternoon with a guide uncovering the mysteries of Machu Picchu.
- Venture through the Andes in a train to Machu Picchu.
- Enjoy a culinary demonstration at your hotel at the base of Machu Picchu.
- Delight in a home-hosted farm-to-table lunch at a local Quechua community.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- To truly experience the program and destination, you need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs and periods of standing. Some of the touring days may be longer, with select included activities occurring later in the evening.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Pawtucket, RI. Cost: $345.
- You can now include pre-paid tipping into your guided tour purchase. You pay for your tipping up front, we handle the rest, and you can cross one more thing off your “To Do” list. No more running to an ATM at the last minute on tour, or carrying around cash you won’t spend. Transportation is not included Prepaid gratuities are only available to guests departing from Australia & New Zealand. This covers tips for the Tour Manager, driver(s), and local guides including optional tours. Airport transfer and extension gratuities are not included in this amount
- Location: Lima. Cost: $180.
- Ascend to Machu Picchu in the early hours of the morning on your own. Be one of the first to enter the sanctuary just as the sun rises over the high mountains encircling it. Spend time exploring the grounds at your leisure or merely pick a spot to sit and enjoy the morning serenity of this magical place. Duration approximately 5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 6 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option needs to be purchased at least 30 days prior to tour departure and is non-refundable after purchase. Option is self-guided and includes bus and entrance tickets. Departure will occur at approximately 5 a.m. and allows up to 4 hours on mountain. Guests will walk approx. 5-10 minutes from the hotel to the bus with TM to pick-up location where guests hop on the included roundtrip transfer to Machu Picchu themselves. Guests will have the opportunity to explore Machu Picchu on their own and will need to return to Aguas Calientes with sufficient time to board their group train departure. Tour Manager will advise on recommended return time. This optional tour is non-refundable after purchase.
Brochure
Collette Explorations (2025-26)
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
