- Peru Escorted Tours
- The Very Best of Peru
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The Very Best of Peru
16 Day Escorted Tour
Peru, Latin America
28 Meals Included
11 Excursions
Active Pace
Encompassing the vast tropical Amazon rainforest, the arid desert region of Nazca, the dune-filled beaches of Paracas, and the snow-capped volcanic peaks of Arequipa, Peru offers a dramatically varied landscape and spectacular biodiversity: discover UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient Inca relics, and colourful local traditions.
Highlights
- Explore the ancient mountaintop ruins of Machu Picchu
- Discover the unique flora and fauna of the Amazon rainforest in Puerto Maldonado
- Fly over the mysterious etchings of the Nazca Lines
- Spot sea lions, penguins and dolphins on a Ballestas Islands boat ride
- Visit historic city sights on tours of Lima and Cusco
- Witness the awe-inspiring snow-capped volcanic peaks of Arequipa
- Visit a local winery and traditional pottery studio
- Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Titicaca, visiting Uros and Taquile Islands
Map Key
Train
Coach
Boat
Airplane
Walking
1
Itinerary
Day 1
UK to Lima
Depart the UK on your scheduled overnight flight.
Day 2
Lima
Dinner
On arrival into Lima, you will be transferred to your hotel before an afternoon city tour of Lima. Your tour of Lima takes you past the stately Government Palace, located in the Main Square, to the city cathedral, where the remains of conqueror Francisco Pizarro lie. Explore the highly embellished cloisters and entryway of San Francisco Monastery and its network of underground catacombs. Next, wander through the picturesque neighbourhood of San Isidro and the modern district of Miraflores. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.
Day 3
Lima to Puerto Maldonado
Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to the city of Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the Amazon rainforest. Travel by boat to your Amazonian lodge, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you will embark on a trip to Caiman Cocha, a small lagoon where you can see the black caiman and the white caiman, terrible predators at the top of the food chain eating the abundant fauna (many varieties of fish) of the Owbow Lake. At the end of the evening, you will witness the spectacular sunset in the Amazon. Return to the Lodge for a delicious dinner and enjoy free time
Day 4
Puerto Maldonado
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A 3-kilometre morning hike through the wildlife haven of Tambopata National Reserve takes you to Lake Sandoval where a ride in a rowboat allows you to appreciate the biodiversity capital of Peru. Spot parrots, toucans, caimans, water turtles and maybe the giant otter in its natural habitat. You will then return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon you will visit Monkey Island, in the heart of Madre De Dios River. You will see an exuberant flora and a variety of monkey species such as the spider monkey, the capuchin, the squirrel monkey, the howler monkey and other animal species such as the coati, the sloth bear and a great variety of birds. Finally, you will complete the visit of the island by enjoying the sunset. Complete the day with dinner back at the lodge.
Day 5
Puerto Maldonado
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, venture deep into the forest to Lost Cocha. On your journey you will pass a wide range of flora and with luck, the opportunity to spot native wildlife such as the jaguar or the Brazilian tapir, capybaras, and armadillo. Primates, reptiles, and birds adorn the forest giving you the experience of spotting squirrel monkeys. howler monkeys, iguanas, golden parakeets, and scarlet macaws in their natural habitat. Climb the observation platform and see the captivating area that it covers. After lunch at the lodge, the afternoon is spent visiting a local family and visiting their plantations of bananas, cocoa, yucas, and various fruits such as mango, cocona, papaya and others, before returning to the lodge in the evening for dinner.
Day 6
Puerto Maldonado to Cusco
Breakfast
This morning, travel back to the city centre of Puerto Maldonado before catching your flight to Cusco. On arrival, uncover the remnants of the city’s Incan and colonial past on an afternoon panoramic city tour. Marvel at the gold and silver leafed walls and skilful masonry of the Incas at Koricancha, the city square at the Plaza de Armas and visit the Cusco Cathedral. Next, explore the neighbourhood of San Blas, also known as the “Neighbourhood of the artists of the neighbourhood of craftsmen”, due to the shops and workshops within the area, and also houses one of the oldest churches in Cusco built in 1563. If time permits, visit San Pedro Market, one of Peru’s most colourful and vibrant markets, before checking into your hotel.
Day 7
Cusco
Breakfast & Lunch
Journey by train to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World - Machu Picchu. A full-day tour takes you around the tombs, temples and palaces of this ancient city of ruins, believed to be built for an Incan emperor. A city never uncovered by colonizing Spaniards, the structures and agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu are an untouched testament to the culture of this lost civilization. Set between two forested Andean peaks beneath swirling clouds, with llamas often roaming the mountainside, the 550-year-old site offers spectacular views in addition to its archaeological wonders. Have lunch in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes and journey home by train after the day's tour.
Day 8
Cusco to Puno
Breakfast & Lunch
Depart Cusco and travel to Puno, visiting a number of fascinating attractions along the way. Your first stop is Andahuayillas, the 'Sistine Chapel of America', which boasts church walls covered with frescoes and a gilded roof. Continue onward to Raqchi, an Inca archaeological park. Explore the towering Temple of Wiracocha, built to honour and appease the supreme god of the Incas before visiting The Raya, a well-placed viewpoint that provides panoramic vistas over the Andes. Arrive in Puno in the early evening, with the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 9
Puno
Breakfast & Lunch
Today's highlight is a trip to Lake Titicaca, the highest and largest navigable lake on earth. The views from the top of Taquile Island can stretch to Bolivia on a clear day and are well worth the hour-long walk from the port. After lunch in a simple restaurant overlooking the lake, follow 535 stone steps to a fantastic observation point. Later, walk back down to the port and board a boat for a brief visit to the floating reed island of Uros to visit a local family home before returning to Puno.
Day 10
Puno to Arequipa
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Witness the natural beauty of Peru on today's journey from Puno to Arequipa. Leaving in the morning, travel first to a lofty lookout point with far-reaching views over the Lagunillas Lagoon and the chance to spot rare Andean birds such as the giant Andean coot and the Andean goose. Stop at a restaurant for refreshments before visiting the plains of Pampa Canahuas where you can observe the unique 'vicunas', a local camelid, roaming the land. Arrive in Arequipa and check into your hotel before dinner.
Day 11
Arequipa to Nazca
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A scenic 12 to 14-hour drive along the coastline takes you past dazzling white beaches, laidback coastal towns, arid desert plains and lofty mountain passes as you follow the great Pan-American Highway to the city of Nazca for your overnight night stay.
Day 12
Nazca to Paracas
Breakfast & Lunch
The origin and purpose of the Nazca Lines - a multitude of intricate geometric patterns and figures etched into the rock of Peru's Nazca Desert - has been the subject of mystery and research for decades. The hundreds of figures range in complexity from simple lines to stylized hummingbirds, spiders, llamas and lizards, some as long as the Empire State Building. Get a bird's eye view of this fascinating archaeological feature on a 25-minute flight over the lines (subject to weather conditions). Back on land, trace your way to Paracas, stopping to visit a local winery and explore a traditional pottery studio. Stunning Huacachina Lagoon, your next stop, is a palm-fringed oasis nestled in the barren desert region of Peru. With a handful of quaint shops and dwellings lining the water's edge, the lagoon makes for a unique and quirky pit stop before your overnight stay in Paracas.
Day 13
Paracas
Breakfast
Board a shared boat for the morning's excursion to the Ballestas Islands, and the chance to see porpoises leaping through the surf, pelicans and cormorants swooping over the water and the famous prehistoric Paracas Candelabra petroglyph etched into the waterside dunes. An afternoon at leisure gives you time to relax or explore the sights of Paracas at your own pace.
Day 14
Paracas to Lima
Breakfast & Dinner
Start your day with a scenic 4-5 hour drive along the Pacific Coastline from Paracas to Lima, stopping for lunch along the way. Check into your hotel in Lima, with the remainder of the day at leisure. Later, enjoy a farewell dinner that marks the end of your Peruvian adventure.
Day 15
Lima to UK
Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight, or continue with your chosen extension.
Day 16
Arrive in the UK
Your flight lands back in the UK today.
What's Included
Hand-picked Accommodation
28 Meals
11 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
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
Ecoamazonia Lodge
3 nights
Puerto Maldonado, Peru
Tour Testimonials
We loved our holiday in Peru. It's a wonderful country. The service and support from everyone were excellent, and our fellow travellers were great fun. The memories will stay with us forever.
Nyree Grant
13 MayLoved exploring Peru with Mercury. Saw so much variety from the lush forest of the Amazon, to the high plains of the Andes, then the beautiful Pacific coast, and finally back to the hustle and bustle of Lima.
Jez Rudkins
11 JuneExtend Your Tour
Important Information
It is important that you bring only necessary clothing and equipment to your lodge during your stay in the Amazon. Due to weight and space limitations on the boat, passenger luggage is limited to 10 kg. (22 lbs.) per person.
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.
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 to travel to Peru. 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 that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. 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 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, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
Altitude Sickness:
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 leave the UK. 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 local currency.
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 personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £400 -£500 per person 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, which is split between 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.
Tourist Tax
Please note there is a tax payable locally of approximately USD15pp for the Nazca Lines flight on Day 12.
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.
This is an escorted tour, meaning that a knowledgeable, local, English-speaking guide will accompany you on all excursions. We do use additional local expert guides where required.
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.
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 between the UK and Peru. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and airconditioning, where needed. If you are staying in a lodge during your tour, plumbing and electricity supplies can vary and, in some cases, infrequent, with electricity only being accessible during certain times of the day. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs. If you have booked a triple share please note that your room will be a twin room with a rollaway bed or sofa bed added. This may limit the floor space in the room.
Amazon Lodge
An overnight bag is required for your Amazon stay. It is important that you bring only necessary clothing and equipment to your lodge during your stay in the Amazon. Due to weight and space limitations on the boat, passenger luggage is limited to 10 kg. (22 lbs.) per person. Your main luggage will be kept at the main office dring this time.
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 local guide will be on hand should you have any queries.
If you need to contact Pure Peru during your stay the details are: Pure Peru: Address: Av. Ejercito 250, office 703, Miraflores – Lima Office Phone Number: 0051 1 2417 537 E-mail Address: customer-service@pure-peru.com
Emergency contact information: Please find below the emergency contact details for Pure Peru 24-hour mobile phone number: 00 51 99 875 4080 E-mail Address: customer-service@pure-peru.com
- Insect repellent and sun cream
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Waterproof, lightweight jacket
- Sunglasses and hat
- Ruck sack
- Binoculars / torch
- Camera and charger
- Loo paper for public WCs
- Long sleeve shirt and long trousers
- Swimwear
- Personal toiletries
- Multi plug travel adapter - 3 different plug sockets are used, so a multi-plug adapter is best-suited
- Anti-bacterial hand sanitiser
- Altitude sickness medication
- First aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin, etc.
