Overview
All-Inclusive Lodge-Based Tour of Southern Peru
Embark on a luxurious, all-inclusive lodge-based tour of southern Peru, designed for travelers seeking comfort without the need for hiking. Whether you’re traveling with family, children, or as a couple, this tour allows you to explore the main attractions of Peru, including the Colonial Cathedral, Temple of the Sun (Qoricancha), Sacsayhuamán, Salt Mines of Maras, Sacred Valley, and the breathtaking Inca city of Machu Picchu aboard a scenic train. Your journey concludes at the famous floating Islands of Uros.
Peru by Locals takes care of everything from airport to airport. We arrange entrance tickets to all attractions, transportation, comfortable hotels, train tickets, meals, guides, and full 24-hour support, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Explore the Heart of the Inca Empire
Cusco, once the heart of the Inca Empire, is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in South America. Its narrow streets showcase a unique blend of Inca and Spanish architecture, standing resilient through several earthquakes.
The Sacred Valley stands out with numerous Incan sites, offering travelers spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and the Urubamba River, the main river in the Cusco region.
A Visit to the Mysterious Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a remarkable site steeped in Peruvian history. Visitors will be captivated by the high-quality architecture, advanced hydraulic engineering, and astronomical observatories that illustrate the ingenuity of the Incas.
Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Arrival in Cusco
- Day 2: Guided City Tour of Cusco
- Day 3: Classic Sacred Valley Tour
- Day 4: Explore Machu Picchu
- Day 5: Transportation from Cusco to Puno (tours during the journey)
- Day 6: Tour the Uros and Taquile Islands on Lake Titicaca
- Day 7: Departure
Highlights of the Tour
- Expert guidance from our professional and passionate tour guides
- Worry-free travel with our exclusive tours and services
- Savor exquisite Peruvian cuisine at top-rated restaurants
- Visit the most iconic attractions in Cusco and beyond
- Enjoy a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu
- Discover the incredible floating Islands of Uros
Details
Tour Information
Type of Tour:
- Lodge-based historical experience featuring van transport and scenic train rides to iconic destinations in Peru.
Trip Service:
- All-inclusive travel package for a seamless and hassle-free travel experience in Peru.
Type of Transport:
- Private van transport for each tour from start to finish, complemented by comfortable train rides through stunning landscapes.
Duration:
- 7 days / 6 nights of immersive cultural experiences and breathtaking scenery.
Group Size
We prioritize delivering high-quality service, which is why our tour groups are kept small, averaging between 2 to 8 guests. This personalized approach ensures you receive individual attention and feel like part of our family. Imagine the difference: learning and exploring with a close-knit group versus a larger crowd, where it’s challenging to hear or see your guide.
Accommodation
We offer comfortable accommodations in 3 to 5-star hotels, and at the time of booking, you can choose your preferred hotel type to suit your travel preferences.
Our Guides
Our professionally trained guides, both men and women, hold university degrees and receive annual refresher training through NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) in Wilderness First Responder, history, archaeology, and biology. We invest in our guides because they are the cornerstone of our travel company, sharing their passion and knowledge with you to enrich your adventure in Peru.
Location
This trip commences in Cusco city or the Sacred Valley, depending on your preference. You will need to fly into Lima, the capital of Peru, and then transfer to Velasco Astete Airport in Cusco, which is a small domestic airport.
Departures
Our tours operate daily year-round with group sizes typically ranging from 2 to 8 people, enabling us to provide personalized service tailored to your needs.
We accept bookings throughout the year, and this tour does not need to be booked far in advance. Whenever you’re ready, feel free to reach out with any questions at our 24/7 contact number: +51 989585967, or email us at info@perubylocals.com. Join us for an unforgettable journey through Peru’s breathtaking scenery and rich culture!
Itinerary
Itinerary: 7-Day Cultural Adventure in Peru
DAY 1: Arrival to Cusco
Upon your arrival at Cusco airport, your designated guide will meet you and drive you to your hotel in the historical center. Along the way, you will see impressive examples of Incan and colonial architecture, as well as receive all necessary instructions about the activities planned for your stay. Your hotel is conveniently located near restaurants and main attractions, making it easy to explore. Depending the toime of your arrival you can explore the old cityt center on Cusco and taste the best of Peruvgian cousoine.
Included: Pick up from airport to hotel, orientation meeting with your guide, wellcome dinner at Morena restaurant a la carte or similar, night at Tierra viva centro or similar.
DAY 2: City Tour in Cusco
At your scheduled time, meet your guide at the hotel for a captivating tour of Cusco’s main attractions. Begin with a visit to the Colonial Cathedral of Cusco, where you can admire colonial paintings from the Cusco school, including a famous depiction of the Last Supper featuring cuy (guinea pig) as the main dish.
Next, explore Qoricancha, or the Temple of the Sun, an architectural marvel that showcases Inca ingenuity. Continue to Sacsayhuamán, where you’ll be guided through this impressive archaeological site built with massive stones weighing up to 120 tons, expertly fitting together without mortar. Finally, visit Qenqo, the Temple of the Mother Earth, and possibly the tomb of the revered Inca king, Pachacutec.
Included: Brackfast at the hotel, Transportation during the tour, tour guide, entrance tickets to tour atractions, lunch at Organika ala Carte, night at Tierra viva centro or similar.
DAY 3: Classic Sacred Valley
At 7 AM, enjoy an early breakfast and be picked up from your hotel for a scenic tour of the Sacred Valley, known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich Inca history. Start your day at Pisaq, where you’ll explore its terraces, ancient cemetery, and water fountains.
Next, visit the Salt Mines, where you’ll discover over 3,000 salt ponds and learn about traditional salt processing techniques passed down through generations. The tour will continue at Moray, an agricultural experimentation site of the Incas known for its unique circular terraces.
Lunch will be at Huacatay Restaurant, one of the top dining spots in the Sacred Valley. Afterward, visit the Ollantaytambo Inca Site to marvel at its majestic architecture, including the Sun Temple and Princess Bath. Conclude the day with a scenic train ride to Machu Picchu town, which takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Included: Brackfast at the hotel, Transportation during the tour, tour guide, entrance tickets to tour atractions, lunch at Huacatay ala Carte, Vistadome train ride from Ollantayatmbo town to Aguas Calientes town, night at Tierra viva Machu Picchu.
DAY 4: Machu Picchu Tour
Machu Picchu is a true masterpiece of architecture and engineering, famous for its mystique and breathtaking beauty. In the morning, take an early bus to Machu Picchu to catch the sunrise. Your guide will lead a detailed tour covering the culture and history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the main temple, the Temple of the Condor, Inca palaces, the stone quarry, and the Sun Observatory. This enriching tour typically lasts around 3 hours.
You will return to Machu Picchu town by 10 AM for a delightful lunch before boarding the train back to Cusco.
Included: Breakfast at the hotel, round-trip bus ride from Aguas Calientes town to Machu Picchu, entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, tour guide, lunch at Full house or similar a la carte, train ride from Aguas Calientes town to Ollantayatmbo, transfer from train station to hotel in Cusco, a night at tierra Viva cnetro or similar.
DAY 5: Departure from Cusco to Puno
After your last breakfast at your Cusco hotel, you will be picked up early for a full-day journey in our private van through the stunning Peruvian altiplano. Your first stop will be the Sixteenth Chapel of the Americas, a Catholic church featuring an impressive collection of colonial art and frescoes from the 17th century. Continue to the Temple of Wiracocha, the main god of the Incas, for a one-hour tour.
You are expected to arrive in Puno city, located alongside Lake Titicaca, by approximately 5 PM.
Included: Breackfast at the hotel, transportation during the tour, tour guide, entrance tickets to tour atractions, box lunch, a night at Tierra viva Puno or similar.
DAY 6: Uros and Taquile Islands Tour on Lake Titicaca
Today, explore the unique floating Islands of Uros, inhabited by families who migrated to Lake Titicaca over 3,000 years ago. Learn about their intriguing history and way of life upon arrival. Afterward, board a boat for a one-hour journey to Taquile Island, where you’ll enjoy a scenic walking tour and a delicious lunch before returning to Puno around 5 PM.
Included: Breackfast at the hotel, transportation from hotel to lake port, tour guide, entrance tickets to Uros floating Islands and Taquile, lunch, at night at Tierra viva Puno and Good buy dinner at Moqsa restaurant or similar.
DAY 7: Departure from Puno
A representative from PERU BY LOCALS will meet you at your hotel to transport you to Juliaca Airport (Puno) for a 45-minute ride, ensuring
SERVICES EXCLUDED
- Airfares
- Gratuities
- Dinners
Packing List
- Original Passport: Please remember to bring your original passport, which should be current. If you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both (the one you used for booking your trip and the new one). The information you provided at the time of your booking must match your tickets to Machu Picchu.
- Good Walking Shoes: They should already be broken in. If you have acquired new ones, make sure to break them in before you come. They should be comfortable for your feet.
- Warm Down Fleece: The jacket should be warm enough for the nights.
- Few T-Shirts: Made for hiking; as you will sweat a lot, you may consider bringing at least 3 or 4 of them.
- Socks: Bring at least 3 pairs.
- Sun Hat: As some days can be sunny, we recommend you bring a sun hat that can keep the sun off your face because most tours are outside.
- Light Long Pants: They are recommended since the temperatures can be warm sometimes.
- Sunscreen: SPF 35+ recommended.
- Sunglasses:
- Camera: With spare batteries or phones to take great pictures.
- Bug Repellent: There are mosquitoes all year round, so make sure you pack your bug repellent for Machu Picchu.
- Water Bottle: Machu Picchu National Park does not allow bringing plastic bottles. Please make sure you have a Nalgene bottle or camel bag. Before we leave the hotel in Cusco, make sure you have filled up your water bottle for the first day. You will be able to get more from us whenever you need it.
- Toiletries:
- Prescription Medicines: Please inform your trip leader of any medications you are taking.
- Book to Read: You will have some spare time during drives to read your favorite book or those that are about Machu Picchu to make your journey more interesting. (Recommended books: Last Days of the Incas by Kim MacQuarrie, Turn Right at Machu Picchu: Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time by Mark Adams)
Important Information
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE DO I MEET THE TEAM?
The day you arrive at Cusco airport, your guide will be there with a PERU BY LOCALS sign and your name (Cusco airport is domestic and very small).
HOW LONG BEFORE SHOULD I BOOK THIS TRIP?
The Machu Picchu permits should be booked in advance. We recommend you book this trip at least a month in advance. Of course, it is much better to book once you have your travel dates.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN MACHU PICCHU DURING THE YEAR?
Weather in the region is extremely variable, and you should pack for a variety of conditions. In addition, our trek passes through ten bio-zones ranging from high-altitude alpine conditions to high jungle. During a sunny day, you can expect temperatures of about 18–25°C (65–77°F). However, on the second day, the weather is very unpredictable, and temperatures can drop to 6°C (42°F) during the day at the pass (but you won’t spend a lot of time up there).
The Machu Picchu area has a humid climate and tends to be warmer since it is located at a lower altitude and near the Amazon Jungle. The average temperatures at Machu Picchu are between 23°C to 25°C (73°F and 77°F), with the minimum temperature around 18°C (64°F). The Cusco area has only two well-defined seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season starts in November and ends in March. During this period, it rains almost every day for three or four hours, but there are also several sunny days. The dry season begins around April and lasts until October. June and July are the coldest months. Paradoxically, at noon, the temperatures can reach 23°C (73°F), the annual highest temperature.
WHAT AM I GOING TO EAT ON THE TRIP?
All restaurants we use are à la carte, so you have many options from meat to vegetarian. If you are vegan or have a strict diet, let us know so we can arrange specialized restaurants for your diet.
SHOULD I TIP THE PORTERS AND GUIDES? IF I DO, HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP?
We recommend tipping your guide 10% and 5% for the driver at the end of your trip.
HOW BIG WILL MY GROUP BE?
We specialize in small groups because that way our clients receive personalized service, especially when you encounter numerous things on tours, such as Incan sites, flowers, flora, and fauna. Your guide spends a lot of time with you so you can learn more about our culture and history.
We limit the size of our groups on treks to up to 8 people, but we almost always end up with 2 to 5 guests.
HOW DO I GET WATER ON THE TOURS?
We will have water available in the car we use for the tours, so we recommend you bring Nalgene water bottles or camel bags to reduce garbage. You will encounter locals selling bottled water along the way, but not everyone is responsible. Many people litter, and that is sad. We need to take care of our home and nature – that is why we recommend you refill your bottles when you can. Thank you for being part of our green home. Hotels in Peru don’t have spots to fill your water bottles.
CAN I PAY THE REST OF THE BALANCE WITH A CREDIT CARD, OR DOES IT HAVE TO BE IN CASH?
We take the balance of the payment in cash, so you won’t need to pay extra fees. Of course, you can use PayPal or credit card, but you will need to pay the fees, which are usually over 6%.
On the day of your briefing when your guide meets you, one of the representatives will also meet you to collect the remaining balance for your trek.
PERUVIAN CURRENCY
The Peruvian sol is the currency of Peru and usually fluctuates between 3.3 to 3.8 Nuevo sol to 1 US Dollar.
LANGUAGE
Spanish is the national language of Peru. Additionally, about 20% of Peruvians speak Quechua (Inca language). Our guides are fluent in Spanish and English.
Why Peru by Locals
- Peru by Locals offers tailor-made treks and tours, catering to your interests when planning your tour.
- We are committed to providing world-class tours based on exceptional customer service.
- We are a locally owned and highly experienced travel company based in Cusco, Peru.
- Our staff consists of members with decades of first-hand experience in the Peruvian tourism sector.
- All the management and staff at Peru by Locals speak English, Spanish, and Quechua (the language of the Incas).
- Our guides and staff members are professionally trained and educated in the history of the Incas, Peruvian history, culture and traditions, first aid in the wilderness, guiding treks and tours, the fauna and flora of the region, and tourism management.
- We are committed to protecting our environment.
- We are committed to creating jobs and empowering local people. We believe in fair labor practices and honor and treat all our employees with dignity.
- We have programs to help with the development of the porters’ families and communities, such as planting trees and buying school books and equipment for poor local communities.
- We honor native communities that have stewarded the land you visit.
- We have also started an Education Fund to support the education of the children of porters. A percentage of income from every tour and trek goes to the education of those in need.
- Our trips are carefully designed to meet your needs, and we create diverse unique itineraries from 1 to 15 days in length. We offer a wide range of tours and treks. We guarantee you the experience of a lifetime!
- Peru By Locals organizes worry-free trips for you to enjoy fully.
Peru Small Group Specialists
Our tours are designed for those who love adventure, want to explore new places, experience the local culture, love food, and enjoy history or photography for all ages, whether you are traveling alone, with friends, as couples, or with family.
Small groups are the best, and the average tour or trek group is around 2 to 5 people. Why is this great? Well, have you ever waited in line while 40 other people get a coffee in the morning? Believe it or not, it is not fun. Taking small groups allows us the flexibility to take you on an adventure to places that nobody else goes.
Price
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Heart of the Incas + Titicaca Lake 7D/6N | Peru by Locals
All-Inclusive Lodge-Based Tour of Southern Peru
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GROUP SERVICE
Our tour groups are very important. We run tours with groups of 2 to 8 people, and we open any tour dates with 2 guests. This service is considered semi-private for personalized experiences, so you can take advantage of your valuable time.
Accommodations
Costs are based on double bedroom occupancy and US dollars. For single room occupancy, contact us at info@perubylocals.com or our 24/7 number +51 989585967 (WhatsApp).
To assure your booking with us, we require a 20% deposit pre-payment of the total cost, and the outstanding remaining balance must be paid 30 days prior to your trip.
Choosing This Option
- Once a tour date is opened with 2 guests, the travel date likely won’t be changed later.
- This is a great option to meet other travelers and socialize during the trip.
- The quality of service is the same as private tours.
- If for any reason you or others can’t continue the tour, the tours will go as planned from beginning to end.
PRIVATE SERVICE
Our private service can start from 1 person to any number you desire, and you can choose your travel date.
Accommodations
We run all our tours with 3-star hotels, but we can customize with 5-star hotels.
Costs are based on double bedroom occupancy and US dollars. For single room occupancy, contact us at info@perubylocals.com or our 24/7 number +51 989585967 (WhatsApp).
To assure your booking with us, we require a 20% deposit pre-payment of the total cost, and the outstanding remaining balance must be paid 30 days prior to your trip.
Choosing This Option
- We cater to your needs with flexibility.
- Once a tour date is opened, it can still be changed if time allows at your requested time.
- This is a great option to spend time with your parents, family, and friends or to travel for special occasions such as a honeymoon.
- The quality of service is the same as other tours.
