Home > Tours > Latin America Tours > South America Tours > Amazon Tours > Premium Peru in Depth with Ica Valley

Premium Peru in Depth with Ica Valley

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Adventure Small Group Walking & Hiking Inca Trail
Our Price From 11,498 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 1,406 Per Person
 Trip Length
18 Days
 Trip Starts
Lima
 Trip Finishes
Lima
18 Day Premium Peru in Depth with Ica Valley Itinerary (Intrepid)
Countries Explored: Peru
Trip Style
Premium
Departures
Accommodation
4 Star
Max. Group Size
12
Pace
Moderate
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
GGPPC

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 18 Day Premium Peru in Depth with Ica Valley. Fall under the spell of beautiful Peru on an in-depth 18-day Premium adventure. Discover the winelands of Ica, stroll the streets of Arequipa, marvel at the landscapes of Colca Canyon and venture into the wild heart of the Amazon. Stand in awe of Machu Picchu and search for wildlife in the Ballestas Islands in a land that truly has it all. From the myths of the Incas to historic culture, an experienced local leader will bring the country’s history to life.

Itinerary

Welcome to Peru! Your adventure begins in Lima. Peru’s colourful capital is equal parts cosmopolitan and chaotic. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel where you will meet your fellow travellers and local leader for an important 6pm welcome meeting. If you arrive before this time, perhaps head out for a walk in the historical centre to appreciate its fine colonial architecture. After your meeting, get your first taste of Lima’s world-renowned food scene during a welcome dinner with your small group and leader. Head out to a fantastic restaurant that’s popular with the locals and get acquainted with some of Peru’s best dishes. From enticingly fresh ceviche to pisco sours – you’ll soon find out why Lima is hailed as the culinary capital of South America. (D)

Depart Lima and travel to the fabulous Vinas Queirolo, the only hotel in Peru located within a vineyard and your accommodation for the next two evenings. Sitting in the Ica valley at the foothills of the Andes and surrounded by more than 500 hectares of vineyards, the setting couldn’t be more spectacular, and the comfort and service of this hotel are every bit as impressive. Enjoy traditional bodega charm, spacious and stylish rooms, three swimming pools, tennis courts and a marvellous restaurant. On arrival, you may like to take a dip in one of the pools, play a game of tennis or simply relax poolside and soak in the stunning scenery. The vineyards that surround your hotel produce Peru’s most famous wine along with the national drink, pisco. This afternoon you will have the option to take an aerial tour of the mysterious Nazca Lines. Etched into the landscape some 22 kilometres north of Nazca, these mysterious wonders are an assortment of perfectly straight lines, trapezoidal zones, and strange symbols of birds and beasts on a giant scale. Speak to your leader about arranging this unforgettable activity. (B)

Travel to the coast this morning to the Paracas Peninsula for an excursion to the Ballestas Islands. These islands are home to an abundance of wildlife, including pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingos, sea lions and even penguins. You'll have the chance to get up close and personal with wildlife on an exciting boat tour of the islands. Return to your accommodation in the afternoon where you’ll have the special opportunity to explore the vineyards during a private tour with an expert sommelier. Hear the history of the vineyard and hotel, from the settlement of the Queirolo family from Italy in 1877 to the renovations and modernisations enacted by the third generation of the family in the 21st century. Learn how the brilliant wine and pisco is produced, then cap off the day with drinks at a lookout point, watching the sun set over the gorgeous landscape. (B)

This morning you will return to Lima and will be introduced to any new members of your group joining the trip here. After, join your leader and small group for a welcome dinner. Lima has one of the world’s most revered culinary scenes, and this evening, you'll head to one of the city’s best restaurants, with views surrounded by ancient ruins. The creative chef offers traditional Peruvian dishes with modern twists. (D)

Start the day with a walking tour with your leader through downtown Lima. Admire the buildings of Plaza Mayor and visit the eerie catacombs of the Saint Francis Monastery, then head away from the tourist trail to Alameda de Chabuca Granda – an area popular with the locals. Later, catch a flight to Arequipa – a beautiful Spanish colonial city. When you arrive, head out for an orientation walk with your leader. Known as La Ciudad Blanca (The White City), Arequipa’s buildings have been built almost exclusively from a white volcanic material called sillar, giving the city an appearance like no other. Situated in a valley at the foot of the El Misti volcano, the city also boasts a truly remarkable backdrop. (B)

This morning, meet a local guide who’s an expert on all things Arequipa and set out on a tour of the city. Explore Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square, then continue to the Santa Catalina Monastery while your guide shares stories of the city’s history along the way. Stop by the San Ignacio Chapel to appreciate its mural paintings. Visit the beautiful Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa with another local expert guide who will discuss the many layers of the building’s history – from its construction in 1656 to its subsequent destructions and rebuilds. The afternoon is free your own discoveries. Why not pick up an Alpaca jumper and meet the llamas and alpacas of Mundo Alpaca or take part in an active adventure in the surrounding hills and rivers. Or maybe visit the museum that houses 'Mummy Juanita' – the well-preserved body of a young Inca girl who died sometime between 1450 and 1480. (B)

This morning, drive through the Altiplano high plains to the Colca Valley and Canyon. On the way you'll see grazing vicunas, llamas and alpacas, as well as stone cairns built by local Indigenous communities. More than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the Colca Canyon provides some breathtaking views. The pre-Inca terraces carved into its walls are still cultivated today, and the area is dotted with traditional Indian villages with locals in colourful dress. Stop at the highest point (4910 m) to enjoy views of the landscape below. Drive to the town of Chivay, where you'll have some time to soak up the local hot springs, then continue to the Aranwa Pueblito Encantado del Colca Hotel – your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening. With a prime location along the rugged Colca River, this resort offers tranquillity and comfort. The grounds feature tumbling waterfalls, organic gardens and pools, making this the perfect spot to explore. With modern rooms, first-class service and fantastic amenities, this stay is one to remember. (B)

Rise early this morning to visit the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where Andean condors, one of the world's largest flying birds, can often be seen soaring in the air. After lunch, begin the drive to Puno. On the way, you'll stop off at the Sillustani archaeological site for about an hour, where you'll climb to the top of the hill to appreciate the ruined 'chullpas', or funeral towers. These towers were built by a pre-Inca civilisation centuries ago to house the remains of noble men. Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Puno is full of Aymara and Quechuan Indian culture. The town is known as the folklore capital of Peru and is renowned for its traditional dances. (B)

See the striking scenery and unique cultures of the area on a cruise around Lake Titicaca today. This morning, depart from the port in Puno for the floating Uros Islands. The Uros people constructed these islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes in ancient times. They are built completely from multiple layers of totora reeds, which grow in the shallows of the lake. Call into Taquile Island, where you'll spend an hour walking to the top of the hill to see local traditional clothing and shops for woollen handicrafts. Explore this extraordinary place before traveling back to Puno for the evening. Back at your hotel, enjoy sunset over Lake Titicaca, while you sample wine and cheese in the garden. (B)

Rise early and travel to Cusco. The journey will be broken up with plenty of stops, including a visit to the Raqchi Archaeological Site. Arrive in Cusco by late afternoon. Cusco is South America's oldest continuously inhabited city, and was the home of the Inca for two centuries before the Spanish built their first capital here. Today Cusco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. At 3450 m above sea level, it’s important to take time to acclimatise to the city’s altitude. After settling in at the hotel, take a casual walk around Plaza de Armas with your leader and pick up some excellent dinner recommendations along the way. (B/L)

This morning, discover the best of Cusco on a walking tour. First, enjoy a special tour of the World Heritage-listed Cusco Cathedral with a local historian guide. Built on top of an Incan palace, the building is now one of Cusco’s greatest repositories of art, and your guide will share its history from past to present. Then, tour the Coricancha Temple with another local guide. The temple was once covered in sheets of gold that were eventually removed to raise a ransom for the life of Atahualpa, and later the Spanish demolished the temple to build a Dominican church on its foundations. Soon after, head to the colourful San Pedro market. The rest of the day is yours – speak to your leader about the option to arrange a cooking class at a local restaurant using fair trade products, or the half-day Inkilltambo trek, exploring an archaeologic site on the city’s outskirts. (B)

Today you'll head for the Sacred Valley. Treasured for its climate, fertile land and the Urubamba (Sacred) River, the valley has long been the main source of food in the high Andes. Afterwards, visit AMA – a local restaurant specializing in organic produce, and learn how they support single mothers in the Sacred Valley while enjoying a snack and drink. Continue to Willoq community to take part in an ancient cooking ritual known as pachamanca. This cooking method, which dates back to the time of the Inca empire, sees meats and vegetables marinaded in spices cooked slowly in the earth. You will also learn about traditional textile techniques that are used by the community – and you’ll even have the chance to make your own bracelet with the local women! Later, continue to the town of Ollantaytambo. Built over an ancient Inca settlement, this is one of the few places where the Inca defeated the Spanish. Explore the archaeological site with an expert local guide who will discuss the evidence of the Incas' engineering skills in the ruins of ancient aqueducts, irrigation canals, dams on the Urubamba River and towering sets of terraces. (B/L)

Today’s journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes will reveal some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. Board the 360 Machu Picchu Train – with high domed windows in each carriage, there’s few better ways to view the magical Andes Mountains. The train also features an open-air observation carriage so you can marvel at the landscape from every angle. Disembark the train in Aguas Calientes, briefly drop your belongings off at your hotel, then take a short bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu, where you will be joined by a guide who will take you through the ruins and tell you stories of its history and the ancestral people of the region. The true purpose behind Machu Picchu may always be a mystery, since no historical records of the complex exist. Most archaeologists, however, believe it to be the 15th-century headquarters of Emperor Pachacuti. Your leader can advise how to get the most out of your visit. Later, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes to spend the night before heading back up to Machu Picchu first thing in the morning for your second visit. (B)

Rise before the sun and take the winding road back up to Machu Picchu for another morning uncovering its secrets. On your second visit, explore more of the extraordinary architecture of the many temples, palaces and living quarters. The sight of the ruins of Machu Picchu against a lush backdrop of forested mountain is one you’re sure to remember. You'll have time along the way to take any photos you may have missed yesterday. Take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, then catch a standard train back to Ollantaytambo. From here, you'll make the drive back to Cusco for the evening. (B)

Today you will catch a flight to Puerto Maldonado. When you arrive in the afternoon, take a bus to the port where you will board motorised canoes and head into the Amazon rainforest. Keep an eye out for macaws, herons, alligators and capybaras along the way. Here you’ll find Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion – your Feature Stay for the next two nights. Built in the heart of a 380 hectare-private ecological reserve, this unique resort is focused on the conservation of local habitats and features 25 private cabanas plus an on-site team of expert local guides. Enjoy lunch at the lodge then explore the Concepcion Trails with an expert guide. As darkness begins to fall, join a guided Twilight River boat ride and see how many caimans you can spot lurking on the riverbanks. Dinner is a la carte and draws on local Amazon ingredients to create a meal to remember. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, board a dug-out wooden canoe to quietly glide across Lake Sandoval, keeping an eye out for red howler monkeys, giant river otters and colourful macaws along the way. After lunch you may like to walk along the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway – a 344 m network of suspension bridges that take you high above the forest floor to some of the best places to spot toucans, woodpeckers, monkeys and three-toed sloths. Join a night walk to discover the nocturnal activity in the surrounding areas or book into the lodge’s spa, before you meet your group for dinner. (B/L/D)

This morning, travel back to Puerto Maldonado, then take a flight to Lima, arriving in the early afternoon. Enjoy a few hours at leisure to explore any of the city’s sights you may have missed the first time around, then get back together with your fellow travellers and leader for dinner. Overlooking an ancient pre-Inca archaeological site and serving up a delectable menu of Peruvian delights, this final dinner is sure to leave you with a lasting memory of your time in Peru. (B/D)

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend some more time in Lima, just speak to your booking agent. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Taste the flavours of Peru during Exclusive Experiences, including dinner at one of Lima’s best restaurants, a snack from a cafe supporting single mothers, and a home-cooked pachamanca lunch in the Sacred Valley.
  • Uncover the country’s best sights during Exclusive Experiences, including a sunset tour of a wine and pisco vineyard and two guided visits to remarkable Machu Picchu, reached by 360 train offering unbeatable views of the Andes.
  • Soak in truly stunning surroundings at your Feature Stay hotel along the Colca River, offering grounds dotted with tumbling waterfalls, organic gardens and gorgeous pools, plus modern rooms, first-class service and fantastic amenities.
  • Set out in search of pelicans, flamingos, sea lions and penguins on an exciting boat tour around the Ballestas Islands.
  • Take a walk on the wild side when you stay deep in the Amazon and enjoy a full day of wildlife activities, including a boat tour, night jungle walk and more.

  • Comfortable hotel (17 nights)
  • Feature Stay (1 night)

  • 16 Breakfasts included
  • 4 Lunches included
  • 5 Dinners included

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Play Youtube Video

Availability

Cyber Sale
Friday 03 Jan 2025
Monday 20 Jan 2025
Status
From: $12,904 $11,498
Save $1,406 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 28 Feb 2025
Monday 17 Mar 2025
Status
From: $12,530 $12,279
Save $251 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 14 Mar 2025
Monday 31 Mar 2025
Status
From: $12,655 $12,402
Save $253 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 21 Mar 2025
Monday 07 Apr 2025
Status
From: $12,530 $12,279
Save $251 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 02 Apr 2025
Saturday 19 Apr 2025
Status
From: $13,290 $13,024
Save $266 Enquire
Friday 16 May 2025
Monday 02 Jun 2025
Status
From: $14,885
  Sold Out
Exclusive Savings
Friday 06 Jun 2025
Monday 23 Jun 2025
Status
From: $13,290 $13,024
Save $266 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 27 Jun 2025
Monday 14 Jul 2025
Status
From: $12,530 $12,279
Save $251 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 02 Jul 2025
Saturday 19 Jul 2025
Status
From: $13,030 $12,769
Save $261 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Sunday 06 Jul 2025
Wednesday 23 Jul 2025
Status
From: $13,030 $12,769
Save $261 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 01 Aug 2025
Monday 18 Aug 2025
Status
From: $13,030 $12,769
Save $261 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 15 Aug 2025
Monday 01 Sep 2025
Status
From: $13,030 $12,769
Save $261 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 05 Sep 2025
Monday 22 Sep 2025
Status
From: $14,205 $13,921
Save $284 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 26 Sep 2025
Monday 13 Oct 2025
Status
From: $13,530 $13,259
Save $271 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 03 Oct 2025
Monday 20 Oct 2025
Status
From: $14,205 $13,921
Save $284 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 17 Oct 2025
Monday 03 Nov 2025
Status
From: $13,530 $13,259
Save $271 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 24 Oct 2025
Monday 10 Nov 2025
Status
From: $13,530 $13,259
Save $271 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 14 Nov 2025
Monday 01 Dec 2025
Status
From: $13,030 $12,769
Save $261 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 12 Dec 2025
Monday 29 Dec 2025
Status
From: $12,530 $12,279
Save $251 Enquire
Cyber Sale
Friday 03 Jan 2025
Monday 20 Jan 2025
Status
From: $15,404 $13,973
Save $1,431 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 28 Feb 2025
Monday 17 Mar 2025
Status
From: $15,030 $14,779
Save $251 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 14 Mar 2025
Monday 31 Mar 2025
Status
From: $15,155 $14,902
Save $253 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 21 Mar 2025
Monday 07 Apr 2025
Status
From: $15,030 $14,779
Save $251 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 02 Apr 2025
Saturday 19 Apr 2025
Status
From: $15,790 $15,524
Save $266 Enquire
Friday 16 May 2025
Monday 02 Jun 2025
Status
From: $17,385
  Sold Out
Exclusive Savings
Friday 06 Jun 2025
Monday 23 Jun 2025
Status
From: $15,790 $15,524
Save $266 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 27 Jun 2025
Monday 14 Jul 2025
Status
From: $15,030 $14,779
Save $251 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 02 Jul 2025
Saturday 19 Jul 2025
Status
From: $15,530 $15,269
Save $261 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Sunday 06 Jul 2025
Wednesday 23 Jul 2025
Status
From: $15,530 $15,269
Save $261 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 01 Aug 2025
Monday 18 Aug 2025
Status
From: $15,530 $15,269
Save $261 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 15 Aug 2025
Monday 01 Sep 2025
Status
From: $15,530 $15,269
Save $261 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 05 Sep 2025
Monday 22 Sep 2025
Status
From: $16,705 $16,421
Save $284 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 26 Sep 2025
Monday 13 Oct 2025
Status
From: $16,030 $15,759
Save $271 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 03 Oct 2025
Monday 20 Oct 2025
Status
From: $16,705 $16,421
Save $284 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 17 Oct 2025
Monday 03 Nov 2025
Status
From: $16,030 $15,759
Save $271 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 24 Oct 2025
Monday 10 Nov 2025
Status
From: $16,030 $15,759
Save $271 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 14 Nov 2025
Monday 01 Dec 2025
Status
From: $15,530 $15,269
Save $261 Enquire
Exclusive Savings
Friday 12 Dec 2025
Monday 29 Dec 2025
Status
From: $15,030 $14,779
Save $251 Enquire
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
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 Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Intrepid. 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.

Similar Tours

18 Day Ecuador Highlands & Galapagos (Intrepid)

18 Days Quito Quito

Operated By: Intrepid

From 6,679
Save 162
18 Day Explore Peru, Argentina & Brazil (Intrepid)

18 Days Lima Rio de Janeiro

Operated By: Intrepid

From 10,089
Save 234
18 Day Best of Peru & Galapagos (Intrepid)

18 Days Lima Quito

Operated By: Intrepid

From 10,126
Save 249
24 Day Nicaragua to Belize Discovery (Intrepid)

24 Days Granada Caye Caulker

Operated By: Intrepid

From 6,218
Save 153