- Peru Escorted Tours
- Sacred Peru with Amazon Adventure Extension
View 22 Photos
Sacred Peru with Amazon Adventure Extension
11 Day Escorted Tour with 6 Day Extension
Peru, Latin America
28 Meals Included
13 Excursions
Active Pace
This tour offers a fantastic taste of the various highlights Peru has to offer. Starting in the cosmopolitan capital city of Lima, journey through elegant colonial cities, awe-inspiring ancient ruins and snow-capped mountain scenery whilst experiencing the region's colourful traditional culture and stunning landscapes.
Discover the lush Peruvian Amazon, an area with some of the richest bio-diversity on the world. Travel by motorised canoe to your lodge, located at the heart of a large private ecological reserve. Trekking deep into the Tambopata National Reserve, marvel at the never-ending forests and abundant wildlife that is native to this area. Explore nocturnal activity in the Amazonian creeks, listen to the sounds of nature and observe the intriguing wildlife behaviour patterns found here.
Highlights
- Embark on a tour of Lima's UNESCO-listed historic area and the 'White City' of Arequipa
- Discover the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
- Visit the incredible Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons
- Explore Lake Titicaca, the largest and highest navigable lake in the world
- Marvel at the Sacred Valley of the Incas and their fortress of Ollantaytambo
- Explore Cusco's Incan palaces, cathedrals and plazas
- Journey to the open plains of Pampa Canaguas and Salinas
- Journey along the Madre de Dios River
- Trek through the Tambopata National Reserve
Map Key
Train
Coach
Boat
Airplane
Walking
1
Itinerary
Day 1
UK to Lima
Depart on your scheduled flight to Lima.
Day 2
Lima
On arrival in Lima, you will be met by your local representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 3
Lima to Arequipa
Breakfast
Enjoy a half-day tour of Lima, exploring both the colonial and modern districts of Peru’s capital. Begin in the historic centre, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, where you will visit the Main Square, home to the Government Palace, Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall. Continue to the Santo Domingo Convent before travelling to the modern district of San Isidro and the popular area of Miraflores. Here, stop at the Parque del Amor and take in views across the Pacific Ocean.
Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Arequipa. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 4
Arequipa
Breakfast
With its large traditional square and colonial buildings, Peru's second largest city Arequipa has a very Spanish feel. Known as the 'Cuidad Blanca' (White City) and set against the backdrop of the misty volcano, Arequipa offers some truly wonderful cultural and historic sites including the Church of the Society of Jesus, the frescoes of America's Sistine Chapel at the San Ignacio Dome and the labyrinth Santa Catalina Convent. The tour ends with a relaxed walk around the local areas of Cayma and Yanahuara. The rest of the afternoon and evening are at leisure.
Day 5
Arequipa & Colca Canyon
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today the tour moves on to the open plains of the Pampa Canaguas and Salinas where you will see llamas, alpacas, and guanacos roaming in the wild. The wetlands are teeming with different species of birdlife, and Patapampa, a high point offers stunning vistas of volcanoes. After about a five hour drive you arrive at Chivay, your base for the night where dinner is included.
Day 6
Colca Canyon to Puno
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
An early start from Chivay sets you up for a spectacular scenic tour of the Colca Canyon with its terraced fields, and deep gorges, all culminating with a chance to see the majestic condors as they rise deep from within the canyon. You will then make your way back to the hotel and after lunch, commence your journey to Puno, arriving in the evening where dinner at your hotel is included.
Day 7
Puno
Breakfast & Lunch
Today's highlight is a trip to Lake Titicaca, the highest and largest navigable lake on earth. The views from Taquile Island that, on a clear day, can stretch to Bolivia are stunning and well worth the hour or so walk to the top from the port. Have a 'coca tea' break half way up before lunch is taken in a simple restaurant that overlooks the lake. Later you will walk back down to the port and board a boat for a brief visit to one of the floating reed islands to visit a local family home. Overnight is in Puno.
Day 8
Puno to Cusco
Breakfast & Lunch
This morning you will travel from Puno to Cusco and be able to appreciate the surrounding valleys' wonderful landscapes en route. The journey includes a stop at La Raya pass, 4,300 metres above sea level, from where you will be able to take in some amazing vistas of the Andean snow-capped mountains. You will also stop at the Raqchi ruins, known as the Temple of the God Wiracocha, and Andahuaylillas village where there is a beautiful church from the 17th century. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before arriving in Cusco and transferring to your hotel.
Day 9
Cusco to The Sacred Valley
Breakfast & Lunch
Today the tour heads for Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where one of the highlights is a visit to the imposing Inca Fortress at Ollantaytambo. En route you will visit a camelid compound to see these unique animals at close quarters as well as the colourful Pisac market where local Indians display and sell their handmade artefacts. Lunch is in a comfortable restaurant then the journey continues to reach your hotel for an overnight stay in the valley.
Day 10
The Sacred Valley to Cusco
Breakfast & Lunch
Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and this morning you will be taken to the station to board the train to start your adventure to this incredible site. The train will take you to the city of Aguas Calientes where you disembark and board a bus to the archaeological site. Constructed on a saddle between two Andean peaks, Machu Picchu was one of the greatest achievements of South American civilisation. Enjoy a guided tour, then descend back to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then catch the train back to Ollantaytambo and return to Cusco by coach. On return to your hotel your stored baggage will be returned to you.
Day 11
Cusco to Lima
Breakfast
This morning's tour of Cusco will introduce you to this amazing colonial city built on the foundation of Inca palaces. Visit the 'Temple of the Sun' where you can appreciate the incredible masonry of the Incas, the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral with its carved woodwork and paintings. Later, you will drive to the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, then to the underground cave and temple of Kenko - one of the largest wakas (holy places) in the region. Experience a panoramic view of Puca Pucara and, finally, stop at the living art workshop to admire how the local artisans create wonderful silver pieces, paintings and wood carvings. Later this afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima.
Day 12
Lima to Amazon Jungle
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
2026 Departures:
Upon your arrival in Puerto Maldonado, Peru’s capital of biodiversity, you will be warmly welcomed at the airport. From there, your adventure begins with a visit to the local city before heading to Puerto Capitanía, where your riverboat awaits. You will then set sail along the winding Río Bajo Madre de Dios toward your lodge, located 30 km from Puerto Maldonado. Along the way, you’ll pass rural landscapes dedicated to agriculture and livestock. If weather conditions allow, you may spot vibrant flora such as large-flowered heliconias, as well as a variety of wildlife including capybaras, caimans, water turtles, herons, cormorants, carrion birds, and birds of prey.
Upon arrival at the lodge, you will be greeted with refreshing Amazonian tropical fruit nectars and escorted to your room. Once you’ve settled in, a hearty lunch will be served in a warm, rustic dining room. In the afternoon, your specialized guide will lead you along a well-marked interpretive trail to Caiman Cocha, a small lagoon where you may observe black caimans and common caimans—powerful predators at the top of the food chain. These reptiles feed on the rich aquatic life found in the lagoon, primarily fish. After returning to the lodge, a delicious dinner will be prepared for you. You’ll then have free time to relax and enjoy the bar and its excellent game room. As night falls, the sounds of the Amazon’s nocturnal wildlife will create a soothing natural symphony to accompany your rest.
2027 Departures:
Depart Lima early this morning for your flight to Puerto Maldonado. Here you will be welcomed by the friendly staff and transferred to the nearby wharf where you will board a motorised canoe. Journeying along the beautiful Madre de Dios River, marvel at the never-ending forests and abundant wildlife that is home to this area with some of the richest biodiversity in the world. Upon reaching your lodge and getting back onto dry land you will enjoy lunch before taking a stroll through some of the property’s nature trails to learn about primary and secondary rainforests in the region. When dusk falls, an exciting twilight river excursion awaits you. A motorised canoe will again take you along the Madre de Dios River where your guide will explain about its ecosystem, Amazonian creeks, nocturnal animals inhabiting the area and the southern sky’s stellar constellations. Return to the lodge for dinner and your overnight stay.
Day 13
Amazon Jungle
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
2026 Departures:
After breakfast, you’ll set out on a guided hike along signposted trails into the heart of the rainforest. The route takes you through a variety of ecosystems - from riverside paths to high forest and floodplain areas - offering a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Along the way, you’ll encounter medicinal plants and towering trees such as mahogany, cedar, and moriche palm, while keeping an eye out for wildlife including monkeys, capybaras, giant otters, tapirs, colourful birds, and countless insects. Your journey leads to the impressive Lake Apu Victor, surrounded by swamps and towering trees. From an observation deck, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the lake and spot parrots, macaws, toucans, and other wildlife, along with aquatic species that thrive during the rainy season. Returning to the lodge, a refreshing lunch will be served. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Monkey Island, just minutes away in the Madre de Dios River. This lush island is home to several primate species, including squirrel monkeys, capuchins, and spider monkeys, as well as coatis, squirrels, and vibrant birdlife. As the day ends, take in a stunning Amazon sunset before heading back to the lodge for dinner.
2027 Departures:
This morning you will prepare for a long trek deep into the Tambopata National Reserve and towards the sparkling, palm-fringed Lake Sandoval. Navigating across the tranquil, oxbow lake by dugout canoe you may be able to spot one of the many species of wildlife that call the area home, such as the endangered giant river otters, macaws, red howler monkeys and one of the world's biggest freshwater scaled fish, the paiche. After returning to the lodge for lunch you will take a 20-minute canoe ride to a canopy walkway where you can cross the seven hanging bridges connecting the treetops at a height of 90 feet before to gain a birds-eye appreciation of the vast jungle. Descend to walk along the 650-foot wooden bridge over the swamps which are home to the legendary anaconda. This evening get ready to further explore the nocturnal activity of the Amazon rainforest with an excursion into the surrounding jungle areas where you will listen to the sounds of nature and observe the intriguing behaviour patterns of the wildlife found here.
Day 14
Amazon Jungle
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
2026 Departures:
After breakfast, you’ll venture into the virgin rainforest with a local guide, following well-maintained interpretive trails deep into the forest. Crossing small tributaries by bridge, you’ll encounter a remarkable diversity of flora, including ornamental, medicinal, and fruit-bearing plants that sustain Amazonian wildlife. With a bit of luck, you may spot animals such as monkeys, capybaras, giant otters, tapirs, and even elusive predators like the jaguar, along with colourful birds and reptiles. Your journey leads to the beautiful Lost Cocha, a wetland ecosystem rich in biodiversity and surrounded by swamps and towering moriche palms - an important symbol for local cultures. From an observation platform, take in sweeping views of this tranquil landscape before enjoying a walk around the lagoon, where you may glimpse the impressive giant otter. Afterwards, return to the lodge for a well-earned lunch. The afternoon is yours to relax, explore the botanical garden, or photograph the surroundings. In the evening, enjoy dinner followed by the option to unwind at the bar and games room.
2027 Departures:
Rising early after daybreak, visit a native farm to learn local techniques of cultivation and even sample some of the products. Continuing on to the botanical gardens, discover the immense variety of medicinal plants considered part of the 'natural pharmacy' and used by the locals in the Amazon region. This afternoon you will take a dugout canoe ride on the lake by your lodge to try your hand at the native 'catch and release' fishing technique whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery and wildlife.
Day 15
Amazon Jungle to Lima
Breakfast
Today journey back to Puerto Maldonado and transfer to the airport there to board your flight to Lima. On arrival, you will be met and taken your hotel to spend the evening.
Day 16
Lima to UK
Breakfast
After breakfast transfer to the airport to catch your indirect flight back to the UK.
Day 17
Arrive in the UK
Your flight lands back in the UK today.
What's Included
Hand-picked Accommodation
28 Meals
13 Excursions
Expert Local Guides
All entrance fees
International Return Flights
Overseas Transfers and Transport (as per itinerary)
Hold Luggage for all flights
ABTA & ATOL Protection
Special Offers
Use discount code TOUR232 at the checkout to save £232 per person on selected tours departing in August 2026, September 2026 and November 2026
Your tour of Peru is just a phone call away
Call our Travel Specialists today on 1800 804 006
Opening Times
Mon - Fri: 9.00am - 8.00pm, Saturday: 9.00am - 7.30pm, Sunday: 9.00am - 7.30pm, Bank Holidays: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Your Next Adventure Awaits! We've been arranging award-winning, expertly crafted hoildays and tours since 1980. We're also ABTA protected and ATOL bonded for your total peace of mind. Call us today to book your next unforgettable holiday!
Accommodation
The hotels listed below are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before you travel
Casa Andina Standard Benavides
1 nights
Miraflores, Peru
Casa Andina Standard Arequipa
2 nights
Arequipa, Peru
Tour Testimonials
The performance of our main tour guide, Hans, was exceptionally good. His enthusiasm, empathy, communication skills, knowledge, and organisational skills were excellent. Your local agent is very lucky to have the benefit of his services, and so were we.
Christine Fearnley
26 OctoberSuperb holiday, one of the best we have done yet with Mercury. So many highlights to enjoy, outstanding guides throughout, and great value for money.
Christopher Bull
09 SeptemberEnjoyed all hotels during the tour! All were in good locations with good facilities! Thank you so much for a fabulous trip. We will book with Mercury again if the dates are suitable for us.
Jessica Williams
24 JulyImportant Information
The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.
Please note it has been recommended by our representative in Peru for our guests to take an overnight bag with them on the journey from Cusco to Sacred Valley, this will make the journey easier, without the need to carry large suitcases on & off the train before continuing your journey to Machu Pichu.
Your local guide has arranged for secure storage at the hotel in Cusco, whilst you travel onwards to the Sacred Valley for your overnight stay. You will then return to the hotel in Cusco for your overnight stay before completing the rest of your tour.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of €342.20pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
British passport holders are not currently required to obtain a visa in order to travel to Peru. To enter Peru, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you to check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.
Please note your final documentation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. Weight restrictions will be finalised on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0333 188 0407, quoting HX313.
IMPORTANT: A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you. Please note that you should carry your invoice with flight details on it as you will need to show this at the airport.
Please note all passport information must be submitted 4 months prior to departure. Tickets for Machu Picchu will be purchased at 120 Days prior to departure. Should we not have your passport information, or for any for any bookings made after 120 Days prior to departure, we cannot guarantee you will explore Machu Pichu with the group, and this may be done separately with a guide.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
Altitude sickness is a common condition that can occur when you ascend to a high altitude (generally higher than 2,500 metres above sea level) quickly. The decrease in atmospheric pressure can make breathing more difficult as the body is not able to take in as much oxygen. Most cases are mild with symptoms that can include: a headache, nausea, dizziness and exhaustion. Several of the places in Peru are located at high altitude (over 2,500 metres above sea level) including Puno, Lake Titicaca and Cusco. Therefore, you may find you experience some symptoms at this altitude. It is advised that at these high altitudes, you keep hydrated and avoid alcohol. If you do experience symptoms of altitude sickness during your tour, ensure you tell your guide immediately who will be able to advise the best thing for you to do. You can contact your GP before you travel for advice on medication for altitude sickness.
This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and includes some climbing of steps, getting on and off coaches and at times long walks often across uneven paths and hills. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties
The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol, the symbol is S/. We recommend that you exchange your currency before you depart. US Dollars are widely accepted in Peru should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. Cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency. Major Credit and Debit Cards can be used in the larger towns and cities.
As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels as well as American Express.
You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals that are not mentioned on your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £200-£400 will be sufficient for the duration of the tour.
Tipping
Tipping is common practice in South America and it is customary to tip approximately $4-$5 USD per person per day, for the driver and the local guide. Tips can be given at the end of each day, or at the end of the tour. Tips are accepted in US dollars and local currencies.
The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 30. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
A Tour Leader will be with you on your trip starting in Arequipa on Day 3, ending in Puno on Day 12. Day 1, Day 2, Day 11 and Day 12 in Lima do not include a tour leader, however, transfers will be provided by a local English speaking guide.
For groups of 7 people or less you will have an English speaking Driver Guide or a Driver and Local/Monument Guides in each city.
Private Tour: If you have booked a private tour then you will be accompanied by a Driver Guide or a Driver and Local Guides. These will be available to you during all scheduled sightseeing. Private Tours can depart on any day of the week depending on flight and train schedules and the opening days of the attractions. They will follow the itinerary as described in the brochure unless you have been advised otherwise and you will still have all of the same meals, sightseeing and local excursions included.
This is an escorted tour extension, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you during your stay in the Amazon, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
To visit Macchu Pichu you will travel by train. Please be advised that hand luggage only is permitted on this train. One bag or backpack per person no more than 8Kg and maximum dimensions of 157cm (Height+Length+Width).
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist compared to what you might expect in the UK. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs.
Meals will be provided as per the detailed itinerary. When included Breakfast will be of western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and dinner when included will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited to give you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours. For those days when Lunch or Dinner is not included your guide will be able to offer recommendations if you wish.
Vegetarian and Vegan meals can be catered for.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed counties water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way as the UK. Bottled Water will be available to purchase at Shops, Hotels & Lodges.
On your arrival in Lima you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Pure Peru, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/Pure Peru representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries.
If you need to contact Pure Peru during your stay the details are: Pure Peru Telephone Number: 0051 998754080 Email: customer-service@pure-peru.com
Emergency contact information: Please find below the emergency contact details for Pure Peru 24 hour telephone number: 0051 99 875 4080 Email: customer-service@pure-peru.com
- Warm clothes in case of cold weather
- Rain wear for rainy season
- Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers
- Insect repellent & personal toiletries
- Suncream & a hat with a big brim for sunny days
- Comfortable walking shoes such as trainers
- A pair of light boots and sandals
- A torch with batteries and binoculars
- Sunglasses and plastic bags
- Towel and swimsuit
- Antibacterial hand gel
- Ruck sack or light bag per person
- Medicine to arrest or prevent the so-called ‘Soroche’ or altitude sickness; please seek medical advice
- An electric plug converter - three different plug sockets are used, so it is best to bring a multi adapter
- Personal first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc
