Premium Peru in Depth with Ica Valley

Reiseverlauf 2026

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   Lima

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   Welcome to Peru! Your adventure begins in Lima, Peru’s colourful capital. You'll be collected from the airport and taken to your hotel where you'll meet your fellow travellers and local leader at a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, perhaps head out for a walk in the historical centre. After your meeting, get your first taste of Lima’s world-renowned food scene during a welcome dinner with your group and leader. Head out to a fantastic restaurant that’s popular with the locals and get acquainted with some of Peru’s best dishes. From fresh ceviche to pisco sours – you’ll soon find out why Lima is hailed as the culinary capital of South America.
   It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
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   Ica

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   Leave Lima and travel to the fabulous Vinas Queirolo, your accommodation for the next two nights and Peru's only hotel located within a vineyard. Sitting in the Ica Valley at the foothills of the Andes and surrounded by more than 500 hectares of vineyards, the setting couldn’t be more spectacular. Enjoy traditional bodega charm, spacious and stylish rooms, three swimming pools, tennis courts and a marvellous restaurant. On arrival, you may like to take a dip, play a game of tennis or simply relax poolside. The vineyards that surround your hotel produce Peru’s most famous wine along with the national drink, pisco. This afternoon, you'll have the option to take a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines. Etched into the landscape some 22 kilometres north of Nazca, these mysterious desert drawings remain a mystery. Just speak to your leader to arrange this activity.
   Your travel time will be approximately 4.5 hours. The scenic flight over Nazca Lines lasts for around 1.5 hours and covers the 26 figures scattered throughout the desert. It can be bumpy and is only recommended for those with a strong stomach. This activity cannot be organised in advance and must be arranged when you are on the trip. Please speak to your leader about it at the welcome meeting. Your leader will suggest certain operators that have been risk assessed and comply with company policy. Intrepid leaders are prohibited from recommending or booking through any other operators. The price listed is indicative and may be cheaper depending on the size of group. Flights may be cancelled due to poor weather conditions, but possible they will be rescheduled for the following day.
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   Ica

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   Travel to the coast this morning to the Paracas Peninsula for an excursion to the Ballestas Islands. These islands are home to abundant wildlife, including pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingos, sea lions and even penguins. You'll have the chance to get up close and personal with wildlife on a boat tour. Return to your accommodation in the afternoon where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the vineyards on a private tour with an expert sommelier. Hear the history of the vineyard and learn how they make wine and pisco. Cap off the day with drinks at a lookout point, watching the sun set over the landscape.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Between June and September, the Paracas port may be closed due to adverse weather conditions. If this is the case, an alternative land tour of the Paracas National Reserve will be arranged.
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   Lima

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   This morning you'll return to Lima and meet any new members joining your group. After, head out with your leader and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants, surrounded by views of ancient ruins. The creative chef offers traditional Peruvian dishes with a modern twist.
   As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.
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   Arequipa

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   Start the day with a walking tour with your leader through downtown Lima. Admire the buildings of Plaza Mayor and visit the eerie catacombs of the Saint Francis Monastery, then head away from the tourist trail to Alameda de Chabuca Granda – an area popular with the locals. Later, catch a flight to Arequipa – a beautiful Spanish colonial city. When you arrive, head out for an orientation walk with your leader. Known as La Ciudad Blanca (The White City), Arequipa’s buildings have been built almost exclusively from a white volcanic material called sillar, giving the city an appearance like no other. Situated in a valley at the foot of the El Misti volcano, the city also boasts a truly remarkable backdrop.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
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   Arequipa

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   This morning, meet a local guide who’s an expert on all things Arequipa and set out on a tour of the city. Explore Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square, then continue to the Santa Catalina Monastery while your guide shares stories of the city’s history along the way. Stop by the San Ignacio Chapel to appreciate its mural paintings. Visit the beautiful Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa with another local expert guide who will discuss the many layers of the building’s history – from its construction in 1656 to its subsequent destructions and rebuilds. The afternoon is free your own discoveries. Why not pick up an Alpaca jumper and meet the llamas and alpacas of Mundo Alpaca or take part in an active adventure in the surrounding hills and rivers. Or maybe visit the museum that houses 'Mummy Juanita' – the well-preserved body of a young Inca girl who died sometime between 1450 and 1480.
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   Colca Canyon

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   This morning, drive through the Altiplano high plains to the Colca Valley and Canyon. On the way you'll see grazing vicunas, llamas and alpacas, as well as stone cairns built by local Indigenous communities. More than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the Colca Canyon provides some breathtaking views. The pre-Inca terraces carved into its walls are still cultivated today, and the area is dotted with traditional Indian villages with locals in colourful dress. Stop at the highest point (4910 m) to enjoy views of the landscape below. Drive to the town of Chivay, where you'll have some time to soak up the local hot springs, then continue to the Aranwa Pueblito Encantado del Colca Hotel – your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening. With a prime location along the rugged Colca River, this resort offers tranquillity and comfort. The grounds feature tumbling waterfalls, organic gardens and pools, making this the perfect spot to explore. With modern rooms, first-class service and fantastic amenities, this stay is one to remember.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
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   Lake Titicaca

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   Rise early this morning to visit the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, where Andean condors, one of the world's largest flying birds, can often be seen soaring in the air. After lunch, begin the drive to Puno. On the way, you'll stop off at the Sillustani archaeological site for about an hour, where you'll climb to the top of the hill to appreciate the ruined 'chullpas', or funeral towers. These towers were built by a pre-Inca civilisation centuries ago to house the remains of noble men. Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Puno is full of Aymara and Quechuan Indian culture. The town is known as the folklore capital of Peru and is renowned for its traditional dances.
   Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. Puno continues to experience some occasional ongoing political unrest. With safety always our priority, on some departures we may need to use alternative transportation to avoid affected areas. Your tour leader will advise of any specific changes to transport or the itinerary in this destination that need to be put in place.
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   Lake Titicaca

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   See the striking scenery and unique cultures of the area on a cruise around Lake Titicaca today. This morning, depart from the port in Puno for the floating Uros Islands. The Uros people constructed these islands to isolate themselves from rival tribes in ancient times. They are built completely from multiple layers of totora reeds, which grow in the shallows of the lake. Call into Taquile Island, where you'll spend an hour walking to the top of the hill to see local traditional clothing and shops for woollen handicrafts. Explore this extraordinary place before traveling back to Puno for the evening. Back at your hotel, enjoy sunset over Lake Titicaca, while you sample wine and cheese in the garden.
   Today is a full day of activities lasting approximately 8 hours including travel time. As Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, the sun can be extremely strong, so make sure you wear a hat and sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
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    Cusco

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    Rise early and travel to Cusco. The journey will be broken up with plenty of stops, including a visit to the Raqchi Archaeological Site. Arrive in Cusco by late afternoon. Cusco is South America's oldest continuously inhabited city, and was the home of the Inca for two centuries before the Spanish built their first capital here. Today Cusco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. At 3450 m above sea level, it’s important to take time to acclimatise to the city’s altitude. After settling in at the hotel, take a casual walk around Plaza de Armas with your leader and pick up some excellent dinner recommendations along the way.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 8 to 9 hours.
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    Cusco

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    This morning, discover the best of Cusco on a walking tour. First, enjoy a special tour of the World Heritage-listed Cusco Cathedral with a local historian guide. Built on top of an Incan palace, the building is now one of Cusco’s greatest repositories of art, and your guide will share its history from past to present. Then, tour the Coricancha Temple with another local guide. The temple was once covered in sheets of gold that were eventually removed to raise a ransom for the life of Atahualpa, and later the Spanish demolished the temple to build a Dominican church on its foundations. Soon after, head to the colourful San Pedro market. The rest of the day is yours – speak to your leader about the option to arrange a cooking class at a local restaurant using fair trade products, or the half-day Inkilltambo trek, exploring an archaeologic site on the city’s outskirts.
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    Ollantaytambo

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    Today you'll head for the Sacred Valley. Treasured for its climate, fertile land and the Urubamba (Sacred) River, the valley has long been the main source of food in the high Andes. Visit the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba – this cafe provides employment opportunities and job training for single mothers throughout the Sacred Valley. Enjoy a snack and learn how this inclusive enterprise focuses on economic growth, gender equality and the support of vulnerable communities. Continue to Willoq community to take part in an ancient cooking ritual known as pachamanca. This cooking method, which dates back to the time of the Inca empire, sees meats and vegetables marinaded in spices cooked slowly in the earth. You will also learn about traditional textile techniques that are used by the community – and you’ll even have the chance to make your own bracelet with the local women! Later, continue to the town of Ollantaytambo. Built over an ancient Inca settlement, this is one of the few places where the Inca defeated the Spanish. Explore the archaeological site with an expert local guide who will discuss the evidence of the Incas' engineering skills in the ruins of ancient aqueducts, irrigation canals, dams on the Urubamba River and towering sets of terraces.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. Due to luggage restrictions on the train to Machu Picchu you will be required to pack all necessary items for the next two days into a smaller bag. The remainder of your luggage will be stored securely in the Cusco hotel.
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    Aguas Calientes

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    Today’s journey from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes will reveal some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. Board the 360 Machu Picchu Train – with high domed windows in each carriage, there’s few better ways to view the magical Andes Mountains. The train also features an open-air observation carriage so you can marvel at the landscape from every angle. Disembark the train in Aguas Calientes, briefly drop your belongings off at your hotel, then take a short bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu, where you will be joined by a guide who will take you through the ruins and tell you stories of its history and the ancestral people of the region. The true purpose behind Machu Picchu may always be a mystery, since no historical records of the complex exist. Most archaeologists, however, believe it to be the 15th-century headquarters of Emperor Pachacuti. Your leader can advise how to get the most out of your visit. Later, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes to spend the night before heading back up to Machu Picchu first thing in the morning for your second visit.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours. The 1-day Inca Trail hike is a great option for those wanting to experience trekking in Peru, without committing to the full four days. This trek starts from the train station known as 'KM 104' and after a steep ascent it follows the last portion of the Classic Inca Trail. Trekkers enter Machu Picchu at the Sun Gate in the afternoon, where there will be some time to take a few photos before taking a short bus ride down to Aguas Calientes to spend the night and rejoin the rest of the group. The following day, trekkers will return to Machu Picchu for a guided tour, while the rest of the group has an unguided visit. This trek is subject to permit availability and must be pre-booked (at a surcharge). Please contact your booking agent if you would like to book this activity. Due to Intrepid's internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking trips to the mountaintop ruins of Wayna Picchu.
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    Cusco

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    Rise before the sun and take the winding road back up to Machu Picchu for another morning uncovering its secrets. On your second visit, explore more of the extraordinary architecture of the many temples, palaces and living quarters. The sight of the ruins of Machu Picchu against a lush backdrop of forested mountain is one you’re sure to remember. You'll have time along the way to take any photos you may have missed yesterday. Take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, then catch a standard train back to Ollantaytambo. From here, you'll make the drive back to Cusco for the evening.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
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    Amazon Jungle

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    Today you will catch a flight to Puerto Maldonado. When you arrive in the afternoon, take a bus to the port where you will board motorised canoes and head into the Amazon rainforest. Keep an eye out for macaws, herons, alligators and capybaras along the way. Here you’ll find Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion – your Feature Stay for the next two nights. Built in the heart of a 380 hectare-private ecological reserve, this unique resort is focused on the conservation of local habitats and features 25 private cabanas plus an on-site team of expert local guides. Enjoy lunch at the lodge then explore the Concepcion Trails with an expert guide. As darkness begins to fall, join a guided Twilight River boat ride and see how many caimans you can spot lurking on the riverbanks. Dinner is a la carte and draws on local Amazon ingredients to create a meal to remember.
    Flight times and routing may differ based on flights issued at the time, this may mean your daily itinerary will be slightly changed in regards to departure and arrival times. Due to today’s boat transfer to the jungle lodge, the maximum weight limit for the Amazon is 10 kg. Your main luggage may be left in the lodge office in Puerto Maldonado and you will be provided with a small duffel bag to pack for two nights (your leader will provide more details). Walking boots are provided by the lodge, but we recommend you bring a raincoat, long sleeve shirts and trousers in neutral colours, insect repellent and a torch. Bio toiletries (soap, shampoo and conditioner) are provided by the lodge for minimal impact to the surrounding environment.
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    Amazon Jungle

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    After breakfast, board a dug-out wooden canoe to quietly glide across Lake Sandoval, keeping an eye out for red howler monkeys, giant river otters and colourful macaws along the way. After lunch you may like to walk along the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway – a 344 m network of suspension bridges that take you high above the forest floor to some of the best places to spot toucans, woodpeckers, monkeys and three-toed sloths. Join a night walk to discover the nocturnal activity in the surrounding areas or book into the lodge’s spa, before you meet your group for dinner.
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    Lima

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    This morning, travel back to Puerto Maldonado, then take a flight to Lima, arriving in the early afternoon. Enjoy a few hours at leisure to explore any of the city’s sights you may have missed the first time around, then get back together with your fellow travellers and leader for dinner. With a delectable menu of Peruvian delights, this final dinner is sure to leave you with a lasting memory of your time in Peru.
    Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours. Flight times and routing may differ based on flights issued at the time, this may mean your daily itinerary will be slightly changed in regard to departure and arrival times.
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    Lima

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    Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you would like to spend some more time in Lima, just speak to your booking agent.