Best of Peru

Trip Highlights

Peru is a country known for its singular ruins, vibrant blend of cultures and some of the world’s most renowned cuisine. Its wide array of offerings means Peru is well suited for nearly every traveler. This itinerary showcases the best of Peru’s many notable elements, incorporating classic landmarks and destinations into an unforgettable experiential journey.

Arrive into seaside Lima and delve into the city’s history from a colonial capital into a worldwide culinary hot spot. Return to your room at Hotel B, Lima’s most elegant and irreverent boutique hotel perfectly situated in the trendy Barranco neighborhood. Witness diverse wildlife deep in the jungles of the Amazon Rainforest. At Inkaterra’s Reserva Amazonica wilderness and luxury effortlessly forge an adventure for the ages. Explore Incan ruins and Maras salt pans in the stunning Sacred Valley, arguably Peru’s most captivating locale thanks to breathtaking landscapes and mystical significance in local culture. No spot in the Valley captures its essence better than Sol y Luna, a near-flawless Relais & Chateaux lodge known for its significant charitable work in the community.

Discover Machu Picchu via the luxury Hiram Bingham train route and overnight beside the iconic peak at the exclusive Sanctuary Lodge. Explore the cobbled streets of Cusco and spend your evenings in Palacio Nazarenas, a seventeenth century convent converted into the Incan capital’s most luxurious hotel. Venture to the traditional floating villages in Lake Titicaca from the comfort of Titilaka, another Relais & Chateaux favorite oozing in architectural charm. End your exploration of the country in white-washed Arequipa before watching condors soar against the jaw-dropping backdrop of Colca Canyon, returning to Colca Lodge in the evenings to unwind at the property’s on site hot springs.

Hotels and lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival at Lima International Airport, one of our representatives will be waiting to greet and provide you with your customized welcome packet with a booklet of your trip itinerary and all pertinent travel information, before transferring you to your hotel. You will be assisted with check-in procedures.

Depending on your arrival time, we recommend dining at one of Lima’s top restaurants. Lima is home to four of the World’s Top 50 Restaurants (2018-2019) and Peru proudly claims to be the ultimate culinary destination in South America. Ask your Travel Designer for one of our favorite restaurants and we’d be happy to make a reservation on your behalf.

Overnight at Hotel B (no meals)

One of the main fascinations of Lima is the concentration of ancient history in the area; not only do the origins of the city pre-date the Spanish foundation of the city by several millennia, its museums are full of the artistic treasures of magnificent pre-Columbian civilizations that flourished throughout the coastal deserts of Peru. Begin to unravel this multifaceted history accompanied by a specialist guide with a professional background in history, art and architecture. The downtown center highlights include the Cathedral, Convent of Santo Domingo and the Main Square with its beautiful baroque style buildings. You will also have a chance to visit Casa Aliaga, the oldest home on the continent and still family-owned after 17 generations. If you prefer to spend a full day focused on Lima's history, you can also visit the impressive Larco Herrera Museum - known for is 'erotic' pottery, or choose other sites of interest like La Casona de San Marcos, the Convent of San Francisco and its catacomb, Huaca Pucllana and the Museum of the Inquisition.

The sites visited can be tailored to your interests to include: La Casona de San Marcos; the Convent of San Francisco and its catacombs; Huaca Pucllana; and the Museo de la Inquisition. It is also possible to organize cocktails at Casa Aliaga.

Overnight at Hotel B (Breakfast)

You will be privately transferred to the airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado and assisted with airport check-in. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the pier for a 45 minute boat ride along the Madre de Dios River that splices through the jungle. The motorized wooden boat hugs the meandering riverbanks to reach your eco-lodge, which is adjacent to the Tambopata National Reserve, one of the last easily accessible virgin tropical rainforests in the world.

Travelling to Tambopata National Reserve offers a rare opportunity to discover a lively biodiversity of birds, mammals, reptiles, insects and trees. Record-setting numbers of animal species are concentrated within small areas, and the variety of plant life is greater than almost anywhere in the world. To help you experience the wonder of this enchanting place, we have prepared a suggested itinerary for your stay, but you may choose from a wide range of a la carte guided excursions with your expert Inkaterra explorer guide.

In the afternoon, we recommend walking along the trail system for an immersive introduction to the intricate biodiversity of the area, for excellent opportunities for birding and observing a cornucopia of flora. Afterwards, take the gentle twilight river excursions to witness the jungle transform from a diurnal to a nocturnal world. Spot nocturnal wildlife, such as owls, caimans and capybaras.

Overnight at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Choose from a wide range of a la carte guided excursions with your expert guide. At Craft Travel Group, for today we recommend a glide in a wooden canoe across the glassy ox-bow Lake Sandoval. Enjoy unexpected encounters with poison frogs and camouflaged creatures as you canoe through the mangroves. This serene lake is home to thousands of species of birds, the endangered giant river otter, red howler monkeys, red-bellied macaws, anacondas, side-neck turtles and black caimans. You will then return to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, climb the exhilarating Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, which is a network of seven ecologically constructed suspension bridges strung between treetop platforms. Observe the rainforest from up above and keep and eye out for bright toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, monkeys and the three-toed sloth. After descending, enjoy a 30-minute anaconda walk that follows a raised wooden platform over the atmospheric flooded aguajales swamp. In this lush ecosystem, you may observe various species of amphibians, birds, mammals, flora and snakes.

Overnight at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Enjoy your last morning in this unspoiled natural wonderland as parakeets chatter away in the trees and capybara mammals scurry between vibrant orchid-rich gardens. Embark on your ready-waiting boat for the 45-minute return trip along the snaking Madre de Dios River. You will make a short visit to a Butterfly House before reaching the airport for your departing flight to Cusco.

Please note that the above is a suggested itinerary. Activities and excursions can be chosen on an à la carte basis on arrival at the lodge and are subject to change depending on weather conditions at the time of your visit.

Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley, which is the ideal location for acclimatizing to the higher altitudes that will shortly follow. En route, stop at Awanacancha ranch to meet the different camelids that live in the Andes such as llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos. We will then head to the colonial town of Pisac, a quiet Andean village where locals relax in the plaza or enjoy freshly bread baked in an old-fashioned clay oven. Pisac is also known for its market, which becomes alive and vibrant on Sundays. The main square also gets crowded right after mass, which is celebrated in Quechua, and he congregation leaves the church in a colorful procession, led by the Mayor holding his silver staff of office.

We will also visit the Pisac ruins, the largest Inca fortress and one of the largest of ancient America. We will walk the entire site with an expert guide and hike or walk, according to one’s physical abilities. Pisac Ruins is an incredible complex of the finest Inca stonework, all guarded by walks, gates and towers. It is also known for its agricultural terracing, which was an essential part of Incan survival. After exploring this site in detail, we will return to your hotel in Sacred Valley.

Overnight at Sol y Luna (Breakfast)

Today we will visit the fabulous town of Ollantaytambo and its ruins. It was here that one of the greatest battles of the Conquest was fought and one of the few where the Incas defeated the Spaniards. Afterwards we will visit Hacienda Huayoccari for a three-course lunch in this traditional hacienda, owned and lived-in by one of the oldest land-owning families in Cusco.

In the afternoon we will visit Maras salt pans. This site consists of a huge number of watered terraces that collect salt by evaporation from the saline waters that gush from an underground stream. Built in a similar way to agricultural terraces seen throughout the Andes, the Salinas of Maras have been in use since pre-Columbian times. Nearby Maras lie the enigmatic Inca terraces of Moray, which were likely used for agricultural experimentation.

Overnight at Sol y Luna (Breakfast & Lunch)

In the morning, you will head to Poroy Train Station to board the luxurious Hiram Bingham train to Aguas Calientes, the town that is home to Machu Picchu. A gourmet brunch will be served on board in this scenic train ride, as you pass through lush landscapes and Andean villages. Upon arrival, you will take a bus with your private guide to the entrance of Machu Picchu, a man-made marvel that has become a symbol for the ingenuity and prosperity of the most expansive empires in Latin American history.

Overnight at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (Breakfast & Brunch)

In the morning we will return to the ruins with your private guide. A visit can be arranged to enter the ruins as early as 6:00AM. An optional hike to Into Punku or “Sun Gate” can also be arranged, which is the original gateway into Machu Picchu. The views of the site and surrounding landscape are superb and the approximate time for this specific excursion is 2h30m. This is considered to be a moderate hike. For a more rigorous hike we recommend the hike up to Huayna Picchu, the mountain behind Machu Picchu. This hike is strenuous and only recommended for people who are comfortable with heights and are in good physical condition. There are fabulous views of Machu Picchu from up above and a visit to the Moon Temple, which is near Huayna Picchu, can be arranged. The approximate time for this excursion is 3 hours.

Following your visit, you will take the bus back to the town of Aguas Calientes and board the Vistadome train. A private transfer will be arranged to your hotel in Cusco.

Overnight at Belmond Palacio Nazarenas (Breakfast)

Since its narrow alleyways were originally designed by the Incas as a city for walking, you will explore Cusco by foot. Begin at the Plaza de Armas, the Main Square, which is marked by the exquisite Spanish Colonial architecture imposed by Spanish colonists to exert religious and political influence. Underneath it all, however, you can clearly see remnants of Inca solid stonework. We will visit Koricancha, the most sumptuous “Sun Temple” in the Inca Empire, and the breathtaking Cathedral, a repository for Cusco’s colonial art, as well as many other important archaeological relics and artifacts. You will also stop by the colourful San Pedro market and pass through the charming neighborhood of San Blas. We will then visit Sacsayhuaman, an Inca citadel atop a hill on the outskirts of the city. Not only are the imposing terraces of masterful stonework a sight to behold, but the vistas overlooking the sienna rooftops of Cusco provide a whole new perspective to this magical city.

Following the visit, from atop an Inca wall, enjoy panoramic views of Cusco during a private BBQ with your own dedicated cook. Sample a variety of local meats – including alpaca – accompanied by fresh, leafy salads from the on-site vegetable garden for a hearty home-cooked meal.

Overnight at Belmond Hotel Nazarenas (Breakfast & Lunch)

You will be transferred to Cusco’s airport for your domestic flight to Juliaca. Upon arrival at Juliaca airport, you will be transferred for approximately one hour to Libertador Lake Titicaca. Alternatively, you can opt to take a full day train from Cusco to Puno on Lake Titicaca.

Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, boasts hundreds of miles of shoreline, dozens of inhabited islands and is home to an astonishing collection of indigenous customs, festivals and languages that are all rooted in the immediate environs of the lake. However, most visitors never get to experience these wonders. Instead, they travel a heavily trodden path to observe sometimes contrived cultural programs on just two main islands, experiences that do not do proper justice to Lake Titicaca and the region's rich indigenous heritage.

You will be transferred to Titilaka, a unique hotel created to provide an alternative for visitors seeking an authentic, intimate and comfortable encounter with the cultural nuances and and natural splendor of Lake Titicaca. Located an hour east of Puno on a remote portion of the lake shore, Titilaka houses just 18 suites, categorized as 'sunrise' or 'sunset.'  Each suite is replete with radiant floor heating, extra large soaking tubs and sumptuous daybeds beneath panoramic windows overlooking the lake.

Overnight at Titilaka (Breakfast & Dinner)

Titilaka offers guests an all-inclusive immersive and authentic cultural experience through their exceptional guides and partnerships with the local communities surrounding the lodge. All excursions are done on a small group basis, but for guests desiring even more exclusivity and flexibility on their visit to Lake Titicaca, consider the Titilaka Private Experience at an additional cost.

Today we will explore Lake Titicaca, including the floating reed island of Uros, home to a fishing and hunting community. We will also explore Taquile Island’s rich textile tradition. Declared a part of UNESCO’s Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, Taquile’s textiles are emblematic of the local living culture. As the island enjoys a privileged microclimate, you’ll most likely see men weaving wonderful textile pieces outdoors. Ending your day, enjoy a picnic with views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Overnight at Titilaka (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

The Colca Valley and Canyon is one of Peru's most dramatic and spectacular natural landscapes. The Colca River cuts a sensational scar through the mountains for more than 50 km and is surrounded by a lost paradise of Spanish Villages. Their churches still stand despite being battered by earthquakes and local women still dress in their traditional voluminous Andean skirts and colorful hats. Spend three days exploring this beautifully picturesque environment.

You will depart from your hotel by Lake Titicaca by a private car and drive out to Colca Valley, a journey of approximately six hours. Along the way, pass the towns of Juliaca, Santa Lucía, and Imata. Drive along the coast of Lake Lagunilla, hoping to catch a glimpse of its variety of wild birds and flora. Continue your journey through picturesque Andean farms, dotted with sheep, llama, and traditionally dressed workers. Stop to take a photo of the natural landscape with the surrounding Peruvian Andes acting as the perfect backdrop.

Overnight at Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

For today, choose from a range of activities in the Colca Canyon. Perhaps explore by foot by going for a gentle walk to Uyo Uyo Ruins, venture on a horseback ride, go for a moderate hike through Canocota Canyon or take a steep trek to Madrigal Chimpa Fortress. Alternatively, get to know the locals by helping out with daily tasks such as farming with a rural community based tourism project.

In the afternoon, you and your guide will journey to the recently renovated colonial church of Lari before driving further down the valley toward the famous Condor Cross to view the majestic condor in flight. The Andean condor has an average wingspan of 3m (10ft) and is one of the largest land flying birds in the world. Although it cannot be 100% guaranteed that they will be witnessed, you will have a very high chance of observing the condor from this vantage point.

Overnight at Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Today we will begin our drive through the altiplano to Arequipa, witnessing incredible scenery and traditional towns, leading to a lookout point to view snow-capped mountains. We will continue through a forest filled with interesting rock formations and the Pampa of Cañahuas. The mountains surrounding the area provide the quintessential scene of the Peruvian Andes, dotted with farms, sheep and llamas along the way. We will then make the return journey to Arequipa, a journey of approximately four hours.

Overnight at Cirqa Hotel (Breakfast)

Nestled at the foot of El Misti volcano, Arequipa (2,335m/7,660ft) or ‘The White City’ is famous for being Peru’s second largest city and for its construction using chalk-white volcanic stone known as sillar. The charming colonial architecture, interesting sites, and the five nearby volcanoes have awarded Arequipa the title of UNESCO World Heritage city, and today you will have the opportunity to explore some of the best that the area has to offer.

We recommend you start your morning on the outskirts of the city at the Ruta del Sillar. This route is composed of canteras, or quarries, where to this day workmen manually carve blocks of the iconic volcanic stone that constructs the casonas, churches, and famous buildings of the city center. Back in the center, visit the impressive main square, the Plaza de Armas, and then head to the Jesuit church of La Compañia, a unique example of American baroque architecture. Next, take in the Santa Teresa convent, a former religious center that has been converted into a Colonial Art Museum. After lunch, we recommend you try local specialties such as rocoto relleno - visit the Santa Catalina monastery, the pride of Arequipa. This expansive 29,426 square meter convent was founded in 1580 and is a masterpiece of Colonial architectural design. Afterwards, you will be taken to the Santuarios Andinos Museum, where the body of Juanita, a frozen girl, is on display. Uncovered atop Ampato Mountain in 1995, Juanita was a teenage girl sacrificed to the Inca gods in the 1400s and is eerily well-preserved.

Overnight at Cirqa Hotel (Breakfast)

You will be privately transferred to Arequipa airport for your domestic flight home, via Lima. In Lima, assistance between your domestic and international departure flight is provided.

(Breakfast)

• 15 nights accommodation (based on double/twin occupancy)

• Daily breakfast

• Additional meals as specified in the itinerary

• Shared based excursions at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica and Titilaka

• All meals, snacks and soft drinks at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica and Titilaka

• Privately guided touring as specified

• All ground transfers between airports and accommodations (internal flights not included)

• All entrance fees as described

• Traveller Made ® Member Agency benefits at participating hotels:

  • Complimentary upgrade (subject to availability)

  • Early check-in and late check out (subject to availability)

  • Bespoke welcome room amenities upon arrival

  • $100 property credit

  • **benefits vary by property; member properties in this itinerary are: Sol y Luna, Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Belmond Nazarenas & Titilaka

• *Not included: gratuities, visas, international or internal flights, meals and drinks not described below, items of a personal nature

• For travelers concerned about altitude, the lower elevation of the Sacred Valley makes it the ideal place for acclimatizing to the higher altitude found in Cusco.

• The flow of the itinerary can easily be reversed, but guests coming from Cusco will have had time to acclimate to the higher altitudes found in Lake Titicaca.

• On Day 10 (transfer to Lake Titicaca), you can opt to take a full day luxury train, the Belmond Andean Explorer, from Cusco to Lake Titicaca (Puno) and Arequipa, crossing through breathtaking cities on its way. One and two-night trips are available. Please ask your Travel Designer for more details on this breathtaking experience.