from pp Twin Share
20 Day Complete Peru Small Group Tour
This tour includes return international airfares. See the Fine Print section for further details.
You will be accompanied by various multi-lingual local guides during the tour, who will be responsible for guiding you through the various cities and attractions that you will be visiting. In each new city that you visit, you will likely be introduced to a new local guide who is an expert in that region. Depending on the itinerary chosen and your group size, your local guide may provide commentary in multiple languages.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Includes return international airfares
✓ Small group tour, up to 20 guests only
✓ Incredible sightseeing including the Inca treasures of the Sacred Valley, the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, islands of Lake Titicaca, and two days exploring Peru’s Amazon Jungle
✓ All internal flights, coach, boat and rail transportation
✓ Ride the iconic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, on the foothills of Machu Picchu
✓ 17 nights in hand-picked, quality, 3 and 4-star accommodation including a feature homestay in Lake Titicaca and 2 nights at a stunning eco-friendly lodge in the Amazon
✓ Breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 5 dinners
✓ Beat the crowds, arrive early to Machu Picchu and be astounded by the grandeur of this bucket list archaeological site with a guided tour
✓ Fully escorted by an expert, English-speaking guide in each country (excluding internal flights)
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
🛏️ Shared room available for solo passengers. This tour offers solo passengers the option to share a room with a fellow passenger of the same gender and avoid the Single Traveller supplement.
For 2024 departures please click HERE
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Today fly from your home airport to Lima to begin your Peru vacation.
Welcome to Lima! On arrival, make your own way to your hotel located in the chic neighbourhood of Miraflores.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Note: Check-in at the hotel is at 3.00pm. If arriving before this time, you are welcome to leave your bags at the hotel until your room is ready.
Note: Some flights may depart a day earlier
Enjoy breakfast before meeting your tour leader for a welcome briefing & some tips during your stay in Peru. Following this, we enjoy a walking tour of the city starting with a panoramic view of the “Huaca Pucllana Pyramid” a magnificent ceremonial and archeological centre built in the 4th century A.D. Then, you’ll visit the colonial side of the city where you'll see attractions like the Cathedral, the Viceroyalty of Peru, the main places of Lima's Plaza Mayor (Main Square), the Government Palace, the City Hall, and other important monuments.
After our tour, we continued for approximately 4 hours by road to Paracas. Paracas Bay, with its southern end lying within the Paracas National Reservation is well known for its abundant wildlife. On arrival, you are transferred to your hotel located on the oceanfront where every room overlooks the sea. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
This morning, enjoy a tour of the spectacular Ballestas Islands by boat. Inhabited by amazing marine life, with over 200 types of migratory and resident birds, including Peruvian Pelicans, Peruvian boobies and turkey vultures, among others. In addition, you will also see hundreds of sea lions resting at the beaches, sleeping on the rocks or swimming nearby. The islands also provide shelter to the shy Humboldt penguins which are usually seen at the entrances of small caves near the cliffs.
Following our tour, we return to the hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure to take advantage of the hotel’s facilities.
Alternatively, you may wish to book an optional tour to see the incredible Nazca lines by air.
The mystery surrounding the Nazca Lines enigma continues to go unanswered. Buckle up and get ready to be amazed by the splendour and magnificent art of the Nazca lines in the comfort of a fixed wing Grand Caravan Cessna aircraft . Unfolding beneath you are dozens of animal figures, trapezoids and hundreds of ruler-straight lines that lie across the rocky Nazca plateau, visible only from the air. Some say it is an ancient solar calendar. Others suggest the Lines acted as ritual pathways for religious processions. Still others believe it was just an ancient culture’s way of asking for water during a long drought.
Note: The Ministry of Culture touristic entrance ticket for the Nazca Lines must be paid locally. The current charge is PEN 47.00 (approx USD12.00) per person.
In the morning, after breakfast, you will be transferred approximately 4.5 hours by road to Lima airport in time for your included flight to Arequipa. A delightful colonial city, Arequipa is situated at the foot of El Misti Volcano, a snow-capped perfect cone of 5,822 metres. Known as the White City, Arequipa is teeming with fine Spanish buildings and wonderful natural landscape.
On arrival you will be transferred to your historic hotel located in front of the main square of Plaza de Armas.
After breakfast, meet your local guide for a walking tour of the main historic sites of Arequipa. Visit the Plaza de Armas (Main square), one of the most beautiful and stunning of Peru. Here you will visit the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa with its neo classic style with French influences. We then take a visit to the Compañia de Jesus church, with its interior adorned with beautiful colonial paintings and golden altars. Finally, visit the local market of San Camilo as we taste our way through its exotic fruits, vegetables, and prepared dishes to get a better understanding of the culinary culture of Arequipa.
This evening enjoy a traditional dinner, Peruvian style, at a local picanteria. The restaurants in Arequipa are known as “Picanterias” a word that comes from “pick”, as people come together and sit around a table and “pick” from a large sharing plate filled with local specialties.
Leave Arequipa behind as we travel towards the Colca Canyon this morning. On the way we make a stop at Pampas Cañahuas (3,500m/11,482 Ft), a National Reserve where you may spot some Vicuñas and Alpacas that can be seen running freely on these high plateaus.
Continue your journey to the Colca Canyon as we ascend to the highest point of the trip (4,800 m /15,748 Ft). From here look over the incredible landscape across the Andes with the volcanoes Ubinas, Mismi, Misti, Chachani, Sabancaya (active) and Ampato all dotting the background. Arrive this afternoon at the quaint village of Chivay (3,600 m /11.811 Ft) where you will check into your charming hotel made up of rustic stone cottages located at the edge of the Canyon. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the village on your own.
After breakfast, we travel towards the “Cruz Del Condor”, a natural lookout point where you can see Condors flying over the canyon and spectacular views of the canyon with hundreds of ancient agricultural terraces carved onto the slopes of the mountains. Afterwards, you will return to the village of Chivay and travel approximately 4 hours towards the city of Puno, crossing the Altiplano (high Andean plateau).
Upon arrival into Puno, you will be dropped off at your hotel located in the historic centre of the city. Located between the shores of Lake Titicaca and the mountains surrounding the city, Puno is the gateway to the famous floating islands of the Uros, an amazing archipelago of Totora islands, inhabited by the Uros, descendants of one of the oldest cultures of the continent.
Start the day with a tour of Lake Titicaca. Sitting 3820 metres above sea level, it holds the title of highest navigable lake in the world. Hop in a motorboat and learn about the spiritual significance the lake holds for the Quechua while cruising across its waters. Stop off at Uros Titinos, a floating man-made islands made entirely from reeds and home to several families. Later, head to your homestay in the Lake Titicaca region. To get a better understanding of daily life, why not help your host family with some of their daily activities. Your hosts will be happy to teach you a few words of their language, Quechua, and a friendly game of soccer may also be on the cards!
After breakfast, take a 1-hour boat ride to Taquile Island. The locals here make their livelihood out of textiles, with the women doing the spinning and men doing the knitting. Browse the handmade goods sold here including warm, high-quality items. Next, take an uphill trek for about an hour to visit the main area of the island. After a brief stay, the boat will take you back to Puno (about 3 hours).
We’ll set off for Cusco today, a ten-hour bus journey. This is a gorgeous scenic journey where along the way, we’ll visit charming landmarks rich with natural beauty and history including the Pukara Museum, and "La Raya" the highest point on this route at 4335 metres high. Afterwards you will descend towards the picturesque "village of Sicuani", where you will enjoy an included buffet lunch at a local restaurant, which is served with native products of this region. Later on, you’ll continue your tour at the famous "Inca Temple of Racchi", considered the only Inca place where visitors can see circular constructions, and walls of mud bricks, something you won't see anywhere else on your trip. Then, continue to the traditional town of Andahuaylillas, where you will visit an impressive Cathedral built in the colonial era. Finally, you will arrive in Cusco in the late afternoon.
Cusco is the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city and was the home of the Inca Empire for two centuries before the Spanish built their first capital here. Today Cusco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. Inca-built walls line the central streets and many of the elegant colonial buildings are built on or around Inca foundations. This is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend and is a perfect base for explorations into the Inca world or to enjoy a range of outdoor activities.
In the morning, set out to discover some of Cusco's lesser-known sights on a guided walking tour. Visit the facade of Qoricancha temple, San Pedro market, the main square, 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. End the walking tour at Xapiri Café where you will be able to taste traditional snacks
In the morning, travel approximately 2 hours through the Sacred Valley on the outskirts of Cusco. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, the lush, fertile valley has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Maize crops can be seen surrounding the river and covering the terraces carved high into the valley walls. You will head to a community in the Valley to learn about local lifestyle and activities and if our visit coincides with market day you can spend time browsing the stalls in search of hand-painted beads or warm ponchos and maybe practising some of the local language, Quechua. You will enjoy regional lunch with the community. Later you will continue the tour visiting the town of Ollantaytambo which has been built over an ancient Inca town. This is a magnificent example of Inca urban planning and one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish. Ollantaytambo's archaeological site is located to the east of the Plaza de Armas. The upper terraces of this site offer great photo opportunities of the squared grid town below.
By the afternoon, you will be transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.
Today enjoy a guided trip to Maras Salt Ponds and the circular terraces of Moray. On the way you will see some of the most scenic spots in the Sacred Valley. First, visit the ancient salt ponds near the village of Maras, where salty springs emerge from the hillside and the Incas built terraces to capture the flows and harvest salt. Continue to Moray, where huge circular agricultural terraces were built by the Incas on limestone sinks served to plant various crops. It is said to have a cosmological significance, however, the Incas used the terraces as an agricultural laboratory to determine the optimum conditions for each species in varying altitudes.
After your tour, head to the local train station to board the tourist train towards Aguas Calientes, a modern little town close to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The train ride to Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful journeys that visitors can experience in Peru. After passing the Sacred Valley of the Incas the train starts to descend gradually along the edge of the Urubamba River, till finally reach the cloud forest.
After approximately 1 hour 45 minutes you will have arrived in Aguas Calientes town, where you will be taken to your hotel for the night.
Dinner is included at the hotel.
After breakfast, you will be taken to Machu Picchu, the impressive Lost City of the Incas. Upon arrival, we’ll enter the archaeological zone of Machu Picchu and the tour guide will show you the most important sectors of this great Inca City, such as the great Intiwatana (solar clock) and the Sun Temple, among others. Machu Picchu is divided into two sectors, the urban sector in the northern part and the agricultural sector on the south-east side.
Now the most recognisable icon of the Inca civilisation, Machu Picchu was long thought to be legendary. Then, in 1911, explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon its remains. At 2430 metres above sea level, Machu Picchu is in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing creation of the Inca Empire at the height of their reign. The stonework has to be seen up close to truly comprehend its intricate beauty. Giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments.
After the tour, we’ll return to Aguas Calientes by bus before taking the tourist train back to Ollantaytambo town, followed by a transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
Today you will be transferred to Cusco airport for your included flight to Puerto Maldonado, your gateways to the incredible Amazon Jungle and coined the Capital of Biodiversity. Begin your authentic Amazon adventure with a 25-minute boat ride navigating the clay-coloured Madre de Dios River to reach hidden jungle lodge, Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion. Settle into your stylish stilted wooden cabaña built in a former cacao and rubber plantation located in an enchanting and serene lush setting within 819 hectares of natural rainforest. Enjoy lunch at the lodge before exploring the depths of the jungle on foot. Take a walk along the Concepcion Trails, winding through the property’s nature trails for an immersive introduction to the intricate ecosystems of the Amazon basin. Backed by the protected Tambopata National Reserve, Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion harbours primary and secondary rainforest teeming with exotic wildlife and tropical plants. At dusk witness the enchanting transformation of the rainforest from a diurnal to a nocturnal environment on a guided Twilight River boat ride, as animals and birds of the daytime give way to species specially adapted to the shadows of the night. See if you can spot caiman lurking on the riverbanks and stars of the southern hemisphere. In the evening enjoy à la carte dining, drawing on local Amazon ingredients for inspiration. Retreat to your cabaña room to listen to the curious calls and croaks of the rainforest at night.
After an early breakfast, we make the most of our day by heading out to visit Lake Sandoval, a glassy, ox-bow lake located inside the protected Tambopata National Reserve, reached via a sun-dappled rainforest trail. Board a dug-out wooden canoe to quietly paddle through a stream and glide onto Lake Sandoval, surrounded by picture-perfect palms. This lake is home to many species of birds, the endangered giant river otter, red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, side-neck turtles, black caimans amongst others. Return to Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion in time for lunch and a rest.
In the afternoon we recommend climbing the exhilarating Inkaterra Canopy Walkway. The Canopy Walkway is a sophisticated 344 metre (1,135 feet) network of seven ecologically constructed hanging suspension bridges, strung between eight treetop observation platforms above the forest floor. This is an unforgettable opportunity to observe the rainforest from the rooftop and gain a sense of its size. Keep an eye out for bright toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, monkeys and the three-toed sloth.
After dinner, you can venture out onto the Hidden Forest excursion. Armed with flashlights, as your senses heighten to the movements and sounds in the undergrowth of the forest, keep an eye for species that only emerge during nighttime.
Enjoy your last morning waking to the sounds of the rainforest as parakeets chatter away in the trees and monkeys swing through the treetops. After breakfast we travel by boat for the 25-minute return trip along the Madre de Dios River until arriving at the airport for your included flight to Lima.
Upon arrival at Lima, you will be transferred to your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure
Your Peruvian adventure ends today at the hotel after breakfast.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
This flight takes you across the International Date Line so today will be spent flying to your home destination.
Welcome home, we hope you had a truly inspiring vacation.
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
This package includes international airfares or has the option of adding international airfares to your booking when selecting your departure city.
If international airfares are included this will be stated in the ‘Inclusions’ section
Alternatively, if international airfares can be added to your booking you will be able to select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’ and a cost will be stated next to your selected departure city. This cost will then be added to your booking and flights will be added to your booking.
Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:
Baggage
Included baggage differs based on your country of origin. Included baggage will be as per the following:
|
Country of Origin |
Carry-on Baggage |
Checked Baggage |
|
Australia |
7kgs |
20kgs |
|
New Zealand |
7kgs |
20kgs |
|
United States of America |
15lbs |
45lbs |
|
Canada |
15lbs |
45lbs |
|
India |
7kgs |
20kgs |
|
United Kingdom |
7kgs |
20kgs |
Baggage allowances provided by the airline might differ to the values stated above. However limitations are required due to transport storage restrictions on your selected tour or package.
Flight requests, amendments or preferences
We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalised quote tailored to your specific requirements.
To make a flight request, please click ‘Book Now’ and select Would you like us to contact you around our flight service? By selecting this option you will be sent a request form after completing your purchase to make your request.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:
If we can’t fulfill your request and you still wish to proceed with the booking, please select Land Only (excluding UK customers). This will allow you to travel on the land portion of the package without the included airfares. You will then be able to arrange your own flights separately.
FAQs
For more frequently asked questions please view our FAQs section.
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a”3”
Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Travelling at altitude
Several areas visited on this tour are located at approximately 3700-4000 metres (approx. 13000 feet) above sea level where it’s common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to altitude – regardless of age, gender and fitness. It's important that you discuss this itinerary and your travel plans with your doctor beforehand. Prescription medication to prevent altitude sickness is available. If left untreated, altitude sickness can lead to serious health complications or even be fatal. While on tour, safety is paramount and it’s important that you discuss any altitude sickness symptoms with your local guide, so that appropriate medical attention can be provided. Follow this link for more helpful information on altitude sickness.
Home Stay - Lake Titicaca
This itinerary includes one night at a homestay where the facilities are basic. There is no heating, but you will be provide many heavy blankets to keep warm. It is advisable to bring a sleeping bag liner.
The rooms do not have private bathrooms. The toilet is shared for the house and is usually located outside. The toilet has a manual flush system (a large container of water and a bucket are provided for flushing) since there is no running water in the toilets.
It is recommended to bring thermal clothing as nights can be cold at altitude. Bring a flashlight/torch for the evenings.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with three options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $1,695.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
3- Shared Room with a fellow traveller
In this trip you can opt to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same gender – as specified in your passport - and avoid paying a single supplement.
If you believe you may prevent your travelling companion from enjoying a peaceful night’s rest, please refrain from selecting this option.
You will meet your rooming companion at the beginning of your trip.
Changes to room configuration during the trip must be organised by travellers directly with the hotel, subject to availability and additional charges.
This option is not available on additional accommodation booked before or after the tour.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Visas may be required.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Group Size
Minimum of 4 and maximum 20 people
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
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