The Essence Collection: Itineraries
 

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Itineraries

Essence of Peru 8D/7N
ESSENCE OF PERU 14D/13N
ESSENCE OF PERU 16D/15N
ESSENCE OF PERU 21D/20N

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Extensions

Tambopata Reserve 3D/2N
TAMBOPATA RESERVE and HEATH MACAW CLAY LICK 5D/4N
Northern Kingdoms (Chiclayo and Trujillo) 3d/2n
Nazca Lines and Ballestas Islands 2d/1n
Manu National Park 4d/3n - Manu Wildlife Center
Arequipa and the Colca Canyon 4d/3n
Lake Titicaca and Suasi Island 4 days / 3 nights
Homestay in Lake Titicaca 4 days / 3 nights

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Program alternatives
(no extra days needed)

SHORT INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU
HIRAM BINGHAM Luxury Train Service

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Customize Your Itinerary
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Lima Cathedral - Promperu / Mylene D´Auriol

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Andean Boys in the Sacred Valley - Enigma / Silvia Rico

Essence of Peru 8d/7n (ECMIT8)
Lima - Cusco - Machupicchu - Lima

This itinerary includes all of the most important highlights in the country, the “must-sees” in any visit to Peru. Lima, Cusco and Machupicchu are covered in this 8-day program, as we explore the country’s history, its stunning geography and scenery, and the impressive Inca and colonial legacy.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Lima

You are met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 Lima

Today we embark upon a full day guided tour of Lima, visiting the historical center, the Plaza de Armas and the San Francisco Monastery. Lunch at one of the most renowned restaurants in Lima to taste the gourmet seafood specialties offered by the rich Peruvian cuisine. In the afternoon, we visit the fascinating Larco Herrera Museum, which houses the most extensive collection of Pre-Columbian art in the country, including fine examples of textiles, pottery and gold and silver pieces set with semiprecious stones.
B, L

Day 3 Lima - Cusco - Sacred Valley

Morning flight to Cusco, where we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant upon arrival. We are then driven to the Sacred Valley, visiting the archaeological site of Sacsayhuamán on the way. We also stop to learn the ancient weaving techniques used to create Andean clothing at Awanacancha, a breeding center for South American camelids. The Sacred Valley, at a lower elevation than Cusco, enjoys a mild climate and offers the visitor a chance to acclimatize to the region in a less physically demanding environment.. Surrounded by varied and dramatic landscapes, it has become a prime tourist destination in Peru.
B, L

Day 4 Sacred Valley

Today we explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with visits to Pisaq archaeological site and its colorful market. Lunch at Casa Hacienda Orihuela, a private residence with an impressive collection of Inca and colonial art and artifacts, where the Lambarri-Orihuela family will be our hosts. In the afternoon, we visit Ollantaytambo, a still-thriving Inca village set below an ancient Inca fortress and temple with stunning views over the valley that makes us feel as if we have stepped back into the 15th century.
B, L

Day 5 Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu

Early this morning we board the Vistadome train to Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas”. We spend the rest of the morning visiting the Sacred Inca citadel, exploring its main temples and hidden corners. We enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the famous Machupicchu Sanctuary Lodge Hotel, in its unequaled location at the entrance of the Inca Citadel ruins. In the afternoon, we may choose to continue visiting the main ruins, the fabulous Inca Bridge or climb the Huayna Picchu, offering impressive views over Machupicchu.
B, L

Day 6 Machu Picchu - Cusco

Free day to optionally continue to explore the pathways of the sacred city before the crowds arrive. Alternatively, we also suggest to stay in Aguas Calientes and visit the local handicraft market before we return to Cusco in the evening on the Vistadome train.
B

Day 7 Cusco

Free morning to wander around the charming colonial streets of Cusco and maybe shop for souvenirs or the beautiful alpaca textiles found in several shops around the city. In the afternoon, we visit the legendary Koricancha, the most important temple devoted to worshiping the Sun deity and whose walls were once plated with sheets of gold. We continue to the Plaza de Armas or main square to visit the Cathedral, and end our tour in San Blas, the bohemian quarter of the city, home to the workshops and stores of the most renowned artisans in Cuzco, including Mendivil and Merida, before we return to the hotel. At dinnertime, you may enjoy any of the plenty attractive and delicious gourmet restaurants the city offers.
B

Day 8 Cusco - Lima

Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Lima. Continuation of your journey home or connection with another extension.
B

Highlights

  
  • Monumental remains of the Inca empire and the Spanish colony in Cusco and Machu Picchu
  • Lunch at a private Hacienda in the Sacred Valley, housing an impressive collection of arts and artifacts
  • Gourmet food in Lima
 

Recommended for

  

Everyone: individuals, groups of friends, families, couples, and people coming to Peru with little time wanting to make the most out of their visit.
 

Difficulty degree of this program

  

Low
 

Rates 2010

  

This customized tour is available from (*):

  • US$ 1435.00 per person - Private Service
  • US$ 1040.00 per person - Mixed Service (**)
     
  • Single Supplement: US$370.00
     
  • Estimated cost of air fare: US$280.00 per person (***)

(*) Price based on a party of four, double accommodation, 3* hotels

(**) Mixed services combine tour group services where available and private services where not available. Changes in the itinerary and services included apply. Please contact us for further information.

(***) This price is subject to change without prior notice by airline companies. We strongly suggest that you make your booking in advance so that the quoted price can be guaranteed

 

Please check Our Hotel Selection in the Travel Services section of this website for a detailed description of our recommended hotels.

However, since the price per person depends on various factors (date of your visit to Peru, number of people in your party, hotel category requested, type of service preferred, among others), please contact us or go to the Booking Online section of this website for a detailed program design and pricing of your tour. A travel consultant will contact you within a maximum of two working days.

 

Departure Dates

  

All our programs are customized; departure dates are fully adapted to your request.
 

What Is Included

  
  • All transfers
  • Entrance fees to all sites visited
  • Vistadome train tickets Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes – Cusco / Sacred Valley (*)
  • English / Spanish speaking guide. All our guides are officially licensed tourist guides trained in first aid
  • All guided excursions described in the itinerary
  • Accommodation based on double occupancy with private bath in the selected hotel category. Please contact us for further details or check our Hotel Selection in our Travel Services section of this website.
  • All specified meals. Vegetarian option is available with no extra charge.
  • Flight reconfirmation

(*) Should there be no train tickets available in the direct route Aguas Calientes – Cusco, a train ticket Aguas Calientes – Sacred Valley with an additional private transportation from the Sacred Valley to your hotel in Cusco will be provided.
 

What Is Not Included

  
  • Airport taxes or visa fees. The tax for domestic flights within Peru is approximately US$6.00 per person.
  • International air tickets
  • Domestic air tickets
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations
  • Alcoholic beverages or bottled water
  • Snacks
  • Insurance of any kind
  • Laundry
  • Phone calls, radio calls or messages
  • Other items of personal nature
  • Tips
  • Extra expenses originated in itinerary changes or others due to force majeure or other circumstances beyond ENIGMA’s control
 

What we recommend that you bring

  
  • Clothing: long trousers, shorts (Machupicchu visit), long and short-sleeved T-shirts or shirts, cotton socks, warm clothes for Cusco, especially at night.
  • Rain gear or poncho (you can buy a basic one in Cusco), especially if visiting in the months November to April
  • Comfortable footwear, trekking boots recommended
  • Camera, films (ASA 50, 100 and 200 recommended)
  • Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, cold and rain
  • Sun block (high factor)
  • Sunglasses
  • After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
  • Insect repellent - minimum recommended 20% DEET - no malaria risk has been reported
  • Personal toiletries and medications
  • Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) or water bottle to carry water on outings
  • Cash in soles and/or US$ for extras (souvenirs, beverages, etc)
  • Original passport and passport photocopies
 

Optional Services

  
  • International flights from/to your country and domestic flights. Please contact us to check our fares.
  • Tour escort: a highly qualified official tourist guide can accompany you from your arrival in Lima until your departure at the end of the program. Please contact us for further details and prices.
  • Travel insurance covering your stay in Peru from US$15.00 per person. Please contact us for further information.
 

Program Alternative

  
  1. To introduce a day of strong physical activity and challenge in your itinerary, we may suggest you substitute the day in which you travel by train to Aguas Calientes / Machupicchu, for a 13-km (8 mile) walk along the stunning Inca Trail, visiting the archaeological site of Wiñaywayna, arriving in Machupicchu through the impressive Sun Gate and then visiting the Inca citadel on the next day of your trip. Please click here for further information.
  2. A luxury train service to Machupicchu is available, operated by Peru Rail, a company member of Orient Express. Please click here for further information.
 

Tips

  

This program can be shortened in one day by cutting the day 2 of the program (full day visit of Lima). If your outbound flight leaves late at night on the last day, you may have the time to make a quick visit to Lima at the end of your trip.
 

Booking Online

  

If you would like to make a reservation for this program, please go directly to the Booking Online section of this website.
The Essence Collection

Customize Your Itinerary Customize Your Itinerary

ENIGMA can create a unique, custom-designed independent itinerary that is fully adapted to your needs, whether you travel solo, with family and friends, or as a group. Please click here to let us know what you are interested in adding or excluding to customize a selected itinerary or to design a completely new program just for you. A travel consultant will contact you within a maximum of two working days.