The morning clouds rising above Machu Picchu
Caption: The morning clouds rising above Machu Picchu
Caption: Locals in traditional colourful Peruvian dress
Caption: Travelling the waterways at Reserva Amazonica
Caption: Ollantaytambo's bustling market
Caption: Birdlife in the Ballesta Islands
Caption: The Nazca Lines, giant geoglyphs etched into the soil of the Nazca Desert some time betwen 500 BC and AD 500
Caption: Cuzco's vibrant centre
Caption: Taking the train through stunning scenery up to Aguas Calientes
Caption: Colourful local wares available in Peru's markets
Caption: The stunning ruins of the Machu Picchu citadel
BEST VALUE
Journey Price from: $7,569
7,569 Points Applied: -$3,028
Cash Remainder: $4,541
Prices per person sharing a room.
40% @40c per point. Centum & Centum Plus Members Members

 Deposit 20%.
Prices are per person based on 2 people sharing a cabin/room. Single room supplement $1,029.00.

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Book online or call Call us on:Toll Free US and Canada: 1.855.624.4386 Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 8:00pm, Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm (London time)

Book your journey

Choose from the list below to book your journey

Available journeys:

  • Cash Only Option 10 Sep - 21 Sep 2024 from $7,569 Book Now
  • 100% Centum & Centum Plus points benefit:
    $7,569 per person = 37,845 points per person redeemed at $0.20 per point. A booking total of 75,690 points for 2 people sharing a room.
    10 Sep - 21 Sep 2024 from $7,569 Book Now
  • Centum & Centum Plus Members:
    Apply 7,569 points per person at $0.40 per point leaving a cash remainder of $4,541 per person
    10 Sep - 21 Sep 2024 from $4,541 Book Now
  • Cash Only Option 07 May - 18 May 2025 from $7,949 Book Now
  • 100% CENTUM & Centum Plus points benefit:
    $7,949 per person = 39,745 points per person redeemed at $0.20 per point.
    Apply a booking total of 79,490 points for 2 people sharing a room.
    07 May - 18 May 2025 from $7,949 Book Now
  • Centum & Centum Plus members:
    Apply 7,949 points per person at $0.40 per point leaving a cash remainder of $4,769 per person.
    07 May - 18 May 2025 from $4,769 Book Now
  • Cash Only Option 10 Sep - 21 Sep 2025 from $7,949 Book Now
  • 100% CENTUM & Centum Plus points benefit:
    $7,949 per person = 39,745 points per person redeemed at $0.20 per point.
    Apply a booking total of 79,490 points for 2 people sharing a room.
    10 Sep - 21 Sep 2025 from $7,949 Book Now
  • Centum & Centum Plus members:
    Apply 7,949 points per person at $0.40 per point leaving a cash remainder of $4,769 per person.
    10 Sep - 21 Sep 2025 from $4,769 Book Now
Book online or call Toll Free US and Canada: 1.855.624.4386

Journey Snapshot

Activity level: Level 2 Requires moderate physical activity. You need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing steps and be comfortable with some periods of standing. Not suitable if you have limited mobility or require a wheelchair/mobility scooter.
Destination: Classic Peru
Duration: 12 days / 11 nights
Flight information: Please arrange flights to arrive into Lima Airport [LIM] on Day 1 and depart from Cusco Airport [CUZ] on Day 12
Pickup location: Lima Airport [LIM]

Overview

Sep 10 - 21, 2024

May 07 - 18, 2025
& Sep 10 - 21, 2025

May 07 - 18, 2024 - SOLD OUT

Explore the Inca citadel Machu Picchu, Paracas and the Nazca lines and the amazing Amazon Jungle

You have chosen one of the most rewarding places in the world to visit… Peru’s rich tapestry of cultures and landscapes promises enriching and unforgettable travel experiences. The country has a unique and dramatic historical legacy, encompassing both the mighty Inca Empire and the enduring influence of its Spanish Colonial heritage. We will start in the capital city of Lima before heading north to Paracas to get a view of the mysterious Nazca lines. We'll get a chance to see a wide variety of wildlife when we visit Ballestas Island and the Paracas National Reserve - Humboldt penguins, sea lions, dolphins, flamingoes & many sea birds. Next we'll head to the Amazon for a rainforest experience of a lifetime! Our next flight takes us to Cuzco and then on to what is often a highlight of the trip for many - the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. 

Whatever your passions, Peru will delight you. You’ll encounter friendly people, sample great cuisine, discover vibrant artistic traditions, journey through captivating landscapes, and explore some of the greatest architectural achievements of humanity. So no matter where your travels take you in Peru, whether it’s mountain, city, valley or jungle… get ready for one of the most memorable trips you’ll ever have!

Itinerary

Itinerary summary: DAY 1 - Welcome to Lima
DAY 2 - Larco Museum & Paracas
DAY 3 - Paracas
DAY 4 - The Ballestas Islands
DAY 5 - Puerto Maldonado & Reserva Amazonica
DAY 6 - Reserva Amazonica
DAY 7 - Cusco & The Sacred Valley
DAY 8 - The Sacred Valley and Pisac
DAY 9 - Ollantaytambo Fortress & Train to Aguas Calientes
DAY 10 - Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco
DAY 11 - Cusco Cultural City Tour
DAY 12 - Farewell to Peru
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Full Itinerary

DAY 1 - Welcome to Lima

On arrival you will be greeted at the airport by our local representative and transferred to our hotel in Lima.
There will be the opportunity to take part in a city tour of Peru’s capital, a rich kaleidoscope of colonial architectural jewels, revered pre-Columbian sites, charming residential areas, and vibrant shopping districts perched over the blue Pacific. Not to be missed are the Cathedral and the San Francisco Convent, built in the 17th century. The catacombs - an ancient underground cemetery of Lima - is a highlight of the tour.

Your Big Journey Tour Director will be on hand to discuss the rest of the trip with you at a welcome dinner together this evening.

Included meals: Welcome Dinner 
Accommodation: Casa Andina Select, Lima 

DAY 2 - Larco Museum & Paracas

We begin the day with a visit to the Larco Herrera Museum - always an entertaining an enlightening visit. Walking through the exhibition halls of the Larco Museum, the largest private collection of pre-Columbian art of the World, with our Curator makes the visit an inspiring experience. There is a wealth of information about the collection and the peoples that made the beautiful archaeological objects.

We enjoy lunch together at La Rosa Nautica before continuing along the city’s lovely Pacific coastline through the enchanting neighbourhoods of San Isidro and Miraflores, departing Lima to head south to Paracas (approx. 4hrs drive).

We enjoy dinner together this evening.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: La Hacienda Bahia Paracas 

DAY 3 - Paracas

There is an opportunity today to purchase the optional excursion of a flight from Pisco Aerodrome, to pass over the giant, puzzling Nazca Lines.

The rest of the day will be spent at leisure, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the ocean views and the tranquillity of this coastal setting. However you choose to spend your day, we will meet together this evening over dinner.

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner 
Accommodation: La Hacienda Bahia Paracas 
Optional extras: Nazca Lines Flight. Transfer to Pisco Aerodrome. From here, you will begin your overflight of the enigmatic Nazca Lines. Behold the incredible creative abilities of the ancient Peruvians as you discover one of humanity's greatest mysteries: geoglyphs and lines of colossal magnitude etched in the desert sands by the Nazca people. A monkey, a spider, a hummingbird, and more than 20 other figures occupying an area of approximately 190 sq. miles (500 km²), wait to be admired from above in an unforgettable experience (the flight is in a small plane and is an optional extra with additional cost). 

DAY 4 - The Ballestas Islands

Together today, we board a boat to the beautiful Ballestas Islands. The uninhabited Ballestas Islands are home to thousands of birds and mammals including penguins, sea lions, Inca terns, pelicans and dolphins. The spectacular Paracas National Reserve is a must for all wildlife lovers and we shall enjoy a guided tour to see and hear more about this very special place.

Afterwards we'll return to Lima to prepare for tomorrow’s flights to the Amazon rainforest.

Included meals: Breakfast 
Accommodation: Costa del Sol Wyndham, Lima Airport 

DAY 5 - Puerto Maldonado & Reserva Amazonica

This morning we travel from Lima Airport to Puerto Maldonado. We begin our rainforest experience as soon as we arrive with a 45 minute boat ride along the Madre de Dios River- what a way to arrive at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica lodge! On arrival, we will meet our local guide and you are free to choose from the different included excursions available during our stay.

We recommend a guided walk along the Trail system, into the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica natural area, where you will discover the Amazon Basin. This trail offers an excellent introduction to the forest environment, winding past impressive trees such as the Shihuahuaco, and the strangely beautiful strangler fig. Prepare to be totally absorbed, observing the birdlife and exotic insects.

The Twilight River excursion should not be missed. Witness the transformation from a diurnal to a nocturnal world: animals and birds of the daytime give way to species specially adapted to the night. As you enjoy searching for nightjars, owls, capybaras and big caimans in their paradise, you will learn about their habits and habitat.

We gather for dinner this evening, served in the main dining room from 7.30pm. to 9.30pm. After dinner, you may retire early to your own cabaña, or join us to talk about the experience of life in the rainforest, as you listen to the intriguing sounds of the jungle at night.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Reserva Amazonica 

DAY 6 - Reserva Amazonica

Rest in bed or rise early — the choice is yours. Breakfast is served from 5.30am, for those who want to avoid the heat and enjoy nature to its fullest. A full buffet breakfast is served from 7:00am to 9.30am.

This morning we enjoy the Lake Sandoval excursion into the Tambopata National Reserve. Glide in a wooden canoe across a mirror-like lake, home to the endangered giant river otter, red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, side-neck turtles and black caimans. Return to the Inkaterra lodge for lunch.

After lunch, consider the remarkable Inkaterra Canopy Walkway and Anaconda Walk. Ascending the first tower, 29 meters above the forest ground, you begin your encounter with the treetop realm. For more than a quarter of a mile, walk through the rainforest canopy on a suspension bridge network linking eight observation platforms. During this hour-and-a-half expedition, be on the lookout for bright toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, monkeys and the three-toed sloth. If you wish you may extend your excursion and appreciate the sunset from one of the towers.

After your descent from the Canopy, experience the Anaconda Walk for about 30 minutes along the 200-meter wooden bridge over the Aguajales swamps. In this lush eco system, you may observe the various species of amphibians, birds, mammals, abundant flora, trees and there is a possibility to see serpents of this flooded marshland. The walk finishes by returning to the lodge. Once at the lodge, enjoy the daily nature presentation in the Eco Centre.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Reserva Amazonica 

DAY 7 - Cusco & The Sacred Valley

After a restful morning, today we bid a fond farewell to the rainforest and are transferred to Puerto Maldonado Airport for our flight to Cusco.
Upon arrival, we will be greeted and transferred to the Sacred Valley. The rest of the day is at leisure before dinner is served at the hotel.

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner 
Accommodation: Aranwa Valle, Urubamba 

DAY 8 - The Sacred Valley and Pisac

Today we visit Pisac, a picturesque town located 19.8 miles or 32km northeast of Cusco. Colourful fairs take place in Cusco every day. Here merchants offer for sale all sorts of handicrafts, the most interesting of which are the textiles and ceramic goods such as ceremonial goblets called “Q’eros”, plates, ashtrays, necklace and replicas of pre-Hispanic pottery. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Dinner will be enjoyed together at the hotel this evening.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Aranwe Valle, Urubamba 

DAY 9 - Ollantaytambo Fortress & Train to Aguas Calientes

This morning we visit the remarkable Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. A very steep stone staircase leads into the fortress. Inside we find imposing esplanades and monoliths forming the Temple of the Sun. We will be fascinated to learn how the huge blocks were moved and used for building without the use of modern day machinery.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

This afternoon we take a private transfer to Ollantaytambo train station to take the vistadome train to Aguas Calientes and a short walk to the hotel. We have dinner at the hotel this evening.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: El MaPi, Aguas Calientes 

DAY 10 - Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco

Machu Picchu was never discovered by the Spaniards. For centuries it was buried in the jungle until Hiram Bingham found it in 1911. The Holy City of Machu Picchu was built in stone among the flanks of two hills belonging to the eastern mountain range of the Andes, descending into the Amazonian upper sylvan. There is no doubt that Machu Picchu represents an extraordinary example of architecture and engineering. Today starts early with a short walk to the bus station where the buses will wait to transfer you to the top of the Machu Picchu ruins (30 minutes). A full day guided tour of this iconic World heritage Site gives you some idea of what the city must have looked like in its glory days. Lunch is included.
After lunch, the train takes us back to Cusco. Upon arrival at the station, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch 
Accommodation: Costa del Sol Cusco 

DAY 11 - Cusco Cultural City Tour

Today's tour visits the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a colossal structure built with huge carved rocks jointed with absolute accuracy. This is an astounding sample of Incan military architecture. We also enjoy the best view of the city of Cusco from atop Cerro Pukamoqo (Red Peak), a natural scenic overlook from which the outstretched arms of Cristo Blanco, a massive white statue of Christ, embrace the city in a benevolent gesture. Today we will also visit San Pedro Market, the Qoricancha (the Golden Temple) and Cusco Cathedral.

This evening we will have a farewell dinner together.

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner 
Accommodation: Costa del Sol Cusco 

DAY 12 - Farewell to Peru

Enjoy a full breakfast before transferring to Cusco Airport to meet departure flights.

Included meals: Breakfast 
Accommodation: none 

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More information

What's includedWhat's not includedImportant information

What's included

  • Meet & Greet at Lima Airport on arrival 
  • Two domestic flights: Lima [LIM] - Puerto Maldonado [PEM]; Puerto Maldonado [PEM] - Cusco [CUZ]
  • Accommodation as detailed in the itinerary (or similar standard)
  • Meals as detailed in the itinerary
  • Transport in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle
  • Return Cusco-Aguas Calientes Vistadome train
  • English speaking tour guide throughout
  • All activities, visits and excursions as detailed in the itinerary.

What's not included

  • Please arrange your flights to arrive into Lima Airport [LIM] on Day 1 and depart from Cusco Airport [CUZ] on Day 12
  • Drinks
  • All entrance fees to non-stipulated attractions.
  • Visas, travel insurance.
  • Any personal items and anything not mentioned under included in price above.
  • Any meals not mentioned in itinerary.
  • Any optional activities offered.
  • Gratuities 
  • Any COVID tests or related entry & exit requirements

Important information

  • Please let The Big Journey Company know prior to travelling if you have any medical needs or take any medication that we need to be made aware of to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant journey.
  • Check in is after 2-3pm and check out is before 10am unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.
  • Cancellation 90 - 0 days prior to departure cancellation fee is 100%. It is your responsibility to ensure the correct travel insurance in place to protect you against the need to cancel your holiday. Deposits are non-refundable.
  • A non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking. Full balance will be due 14 weeks prior to departure.
  • Further terms and conditions apply and will be provided upon request or at the time of booking. The Big Journey Company reserves the right to withdraw any offer prior to accepting a reservation request. This does not affect your statutory rights. This offer is subject to availability and space is limited.
  • Please consult your doctor letting them know your travel plans so that they can advise you about any vaccinations/medications you may need to take.
  • Please let The Big Journey Company know prior to travelling if you have any medical needs or take any medication that we need to be made aware of to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant tour.
  • Prices are based on two people sharing and do not include increases in government taxes, fuel surcharges.
Once in a lifetime

Book your journey

Choose from the list below to book your journey.

Available journeys:

  • Cash Only Option 10 Sep - 21 Sep 2024 from $7,569 Book Now
  • 100% Centum & Centum Plus points benefit:
    $7,569 per person = 37,845 points per person redeemed at $0.20 per point. A booking total of 75,690 points for 2 people sharing a room.
    10 Sep - 21 Sep 2024 from $7,569 Book Now
  • Centum & Centum Plus Members:
    Apply 7,569 points per person at $0.40 per point leaving a cash remainder of $4,541 per person
    10 Sep - 21 Sep 2024 from $4,541 Book Now
  • Cash Only Option 07 May - 18 May 2025 from $7,949 Book Now
  • 100% CENTUM & Centum Plus points benefit:
    $7,949 per person = 39,745 points per person redeemed at $0.20 per point.
    Apply a booking total of 79,490 points for 2 people sharing a room.
    07 May - 18 May 2025 from $7,949 Book Now
  • Centum & Centum Plus members:
    Apply 7,949 points per person at $0.40 per point leaving a cash remainder of $4,769 per person.
    07 May - 18 May 2025 from $4,769 Book Now
  • Cash Only Option 10 Sep - 21 Sep 2025 from $7,949 Book Now
  • 100% CENTUM & Centum Plus points benefit:
    $7,949 per person = 39,745 points per person redeemed at $0.20 per point.
    Apply a booking total of 79,490 points for 2 people sharing a room.
    10 Sep - 21 Sep 2025 from $7,949 Book Now
  • Centum & Centum Plus members:
    Apply 7,949 points per person at $0.40 per point leaving a cash remainder of $4,769 per person.
    10 Sep - 21 Sep 2025 from $4,769 Book Now
Book online or call Toll Free US and Canada: 1.855.624.4386

The big journey promise

The big journey company was set up with one goal in mind, to share our passion for inspirational cultures, destinations and experiences. Over the last 10 years we have had the privilege to escort thousands of travellers on awe inspiring and sometimes life changing journeys. Our promise to every guest who joins us is that we will do everything possible to make sure your journey not only exceeds expectations but delivers at least one moment of true amazement.

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Holiday tours are operated by The Big Journey Company Limited. Registered in England. Registered office: Marron Bank, Branthwaite, Cumbria, CA14 4SZ. Registered number: 6532140. The Big Journey Company Limited is a member of The Travel Trust Association member number U5675 and holds an Air Travel Organiser’s License number T7282.

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