From Lima to Machu Picchu
Peru Tours
Our Peru tours are a lifetime adventure. Famous for having one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – Machu Picchu, Peru is also home to the largest flying bird on earth – the Giant Andean Condor – and birthplace of the Amazon river. When travelers associate Peruvian cuisine with quinoa, ceviche, pisco sour and other exotic delicacies, it is also a country of 3000 varieties of potato. Let’s discover the beautiful Peru!
Highlights of Peru Tours
- Spectacular Machu Picchu, lost city of Incas
- Mysterious city of Cusco, observing a shamanic ayahuasca ceremony
- Indigenous markets in Pisac and the ruins of Ollantaytambo
- City tour of Lima with cooking class and pisco sour workshop
- Nature adventure in Amazon jungle and rainbow mountain
- Animals of Peru: alpaca, llamas guinea pig, condors, macaw parrots
Peru Itinerary
Morning Arrival at Puerto Maldonado, capital of the southern jungle.
Afternoon Jungle Nature Hikes around Puerto Maldonado with a local guide who will present all the flora and fauna along the Tambopata River.
Evening Enjoy a night at the Eco Lodge, offering eco-friendly accommodations in the Tambopata National Reserve.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Morning Arrival at Puerto Maldonado, capital of the southern jungle.
Afternoon Jungle Nature Hikes around Puerto Maldonado with a local guide who will present all the flora and fauna along the Tambopata River.
Evening Enjoy a night at the Eco Lodge, offering eco-friendly accommodations in the Tambopata National Reserve.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
All day Jungle Excursions through some of the most beautiful spots such as Tres Chimbadas, a small oxbow, a little over a mile long and less than 12 feet deep, serene but mad with wildlife. Then, tour around the Parrot Clay Lick, one of the best places to spy dozens of these spectacular birds, allowing you to discover one of the Amazon’s remaining science mysteries. Finally, a botany tour will drive you through the most diverse wildlife in the Amazon Jungle.
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
All day Flight to Lima, Peru. Sunset walk over the cliffs in Miraflores. Welcome dinner.
Meals included: dinner
Morning Tour of the historic center of Lima, starting at Plaza San Martin, a UNESCO World Heritage. Then, walk along Jirón de la Unión passage straight to Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square where Lima was founded in 1535. On this square, there are three buildings representing the three powers that ruled the country: the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the Municipal Palace. Climb the San Cristóbal Hill to get the best view of Lima and the Pacific Ocean.
Afternoon Visit the Barranco district. Walk around the neighborhood, stroll along the seafront, spend some time looking at the murals and finally grab a beer at Juanitos – a locals’ favorite bar
Evening Cooking Class: Peruvian dinner and Pisco sour making
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Morning/Afternoon Travel to Cusco – flight. Historic tour of Cusco: Plaza de Armas, home to the Cathedral Basilica and the Church La Compañía de Jesús.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Morning Start the day in the Sacred Valley by visiting the Ollantaytambo ruins, an Inca archaeological site. Then, we will make our way to Pisac, which will give an idea of the advanced architecture reached by the Incas. There, discover the artisanal market with unique and authentic products.
Afternoon Travel to Aguas Calientes, another must-see village from the Sacred Valley, at the foot of Machu Picchu mountain.
Evening Dinner on your own
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
All day Hike in the most beautiful place in Peru: the Machu Picchu National Park on the top of the mountain. It has some of the most amazing constructions on the planet; Temples, residences, monoliths and other amazing constructions.
Meals included: breakfast
All day Reach the Rainbow Mountain, striped with colorful mineral deposits. Hike to the top of the mountain for a once in a lifetime experience, over 15,000 feet above sea level.
Option to do second Rainbow Mountain – Palccoyo $35 extra or tallest one Vinicunka – $55
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Morning Visit the Coricancha, the Temple of the Sun, which offers one of the most beautiful sights of Cusco. It was once a lavish Incan temple that was lined with silver and gold.
Afternoon Make your way to San Pedro market, where a thick aroma of spices and food fills the air. Everything can be found there; from food to alpaca blankets, fresh juices, bags of fruit, sandwiches, as well as loads of trinkets. Chocolate tasting.
Evening Free time for shopping.
Departures from Cusco (Buy overnight bus with 180 degree reclining seats)
Meals included: breakfast
Arrival to the US or arrival to Cusco
Meals included: breakfast
Morning
06:00 AM: Breakfast and Check-out in Cusco
Have breakfast at your accommodation. Check out and depart from Puno. Scenic Drive to Puno. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes during the journey. Stop at interesting viewpoints and towns along the way.
Lunch in Puno
Uros Islands Tour
Afternoon Take the boat tour to the floating Uros Isalands on Lake Titicaca. Explore the unique reed islands and learn about the local way of life. Overnight on the uros with local communities.
Evening Enjoy a relaxing dinner with families.
What are Uros? The Uru or Uros are an indigenous people of Bolivia and Peru. They live on a still-growing group of about 120 self-fashioned floating islands in Lake Titicaca near Puno.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
07:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Breakfast and Check-out in Puno
Have breakfast and check-out from your accommodation in Puno. Transfer to the port for your boat to Isla del Sol.
Late Morning to Afternoon: Isa del Sol Exploration
Take a boat to Isla del Sol. Explore the southern and northern parts of the island. Visit Yumani, Pilko Kaina, and Challapampa. Enjoy lunch on the island.
Transfer to La Paz, Bolivia
Meals included: breakfast, lunch
Morning: Historical and Cultural Exploration
08:00 AM: Breakfast in the Historic Center Plaza Murillo and Surroundings
Take the Mi Teleférico cable car to El Alto for panoramic views of the city. Explore Plaza Murillo, the mains square of La Paz. Visit the Presidential Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Take a stroll through nearby streets to appreciate the colonial architecture.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch in Calle Jaén
Head to Calle Jaén, a charming street with well-preserved colonial buildings. Enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants offering traditional Bolivian cuisine.
Afternoon: Witches’ Market (Mercado de las Brujas)
Explore the Witches’ Market, known for its unique products, traditional remedies, and spiritual items. Learn about local folklore and traditional practices. Plaza San Francisco and Cultural Centers. Visit Plaza San Francisco and the San Francisco Church. Explore cultural centers such as the Museum of Ethnography and Folklore.
Evening: Dinner
Dates & Cost
DATES
DAYS
April 13th – 24th, 2024
With 4 days extension in Lake Titicaca and La Paz, Bolivia
12 days
$3295 / 3895
Now $2790 / 3090
April 11th – 20th, 2024
Pre-arrival with 3 days in Amazon jungle
10 days
$3395 / 3795
Now $2890 / 3190
Accommodation
We stay in boutique hotels, private bed and breakfast or Eco-lodges that best reflect the local architecture and flavors.
Air condition
Towels and soap
Hair Dryer
Safe
Example from past accommodations
Inclusions
What’s included?
- Flights between cities
- All activities listed on itinerary
- Accommodation
- Most meals
- Guides
- Tickets to all scheduled sites
- Ground transportation
- 24h bilingual tour director support
- Pre-departure Q&A
What’s not included
- Airfare
- Some meals
- Optional airport pick up and drop off - 45 USD (both ways) per person
- Alcohol
- Additional health & evacuation insurance
Essential Travel Information
visa requirements, health, currency and more
Important notice: This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. If you travel above 2,500m you may get altitude sickness before, or drink alcohol before acclimatizing to the altitude, or have health problems that affect breathing. See your doctor before traveling and get advice specific to you and your situation.
▹ Visa requirements for Peru tours
There are no special visa requirements for US citizens entering Peru for less than 90 days. Please make sure your passport is valid for at least another 6 months and has empty pages.
▹ Health, Vaccinations
✔︎ All travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the opinion of our group leader or local guide any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should be able to walk at least 2-3 miles a day and be able to climb at least two sets of stairs.
✔︎ You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure.
✔︎ According to the WHO, yellow fever can occur in Peru. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It is preventable by vaccination. There were also Zika cases in Peru. Protect yourself against insect-borne diseases by using insect repellent and wear long, loose fitting, light colored clothing and getting vaccinated against yellow fever before you travel.
✔︎ At least 30 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
✔︎ If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays ( we recommend additional 1-2 weeks of supply).
✔︎ If you tend to get motion sickness please travel with appropriate medication. If you have a sensitive stomach consider bringing imodium as well.
Health Insurance: international health insurance, evacuation or cancelation insurance are not included. We recommend purchasing those before the trip. See the insurance box on the sidebar of this page.
▹ Electricity
Peru operates on 220 volts and uses Types A or C plugs with two flat pins.
▹ Connectivity, Internet
✔︎ The Internet is available in all hotels although speed may vary.
✔︎ Please consult your phone plan provider for phone call and text messages, international charges and plans.
▹ Time zones
✔︎ Peru is on the same as Eastern Time (ET). Peru does not observe daylight saving time.
✔︎ 12pm in New York, is 12pm in Peru from November through March and 11am from April through October.
▹ Currency, cash, credit cards
✔︎ The currency in Peru is Peruvian sol.
✔︎ Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas.
✔︎ ATMs are available in all major towns and cities and credit cards are generally available in tourist shops and restaurants. Visa and MasterCard are better than American Express, Diners. Smaller venues accept cash only.
▹ Transportation and arrival information
✔︎ If you add airport pick up our driver will meet you at the airport with a sign that says: Colibri Travel & Tours. If you do not see your driver immediately stay right by exit from the secure area for another 15 min. If you still can’t find each other please give us a call. Driver’s name and phone number will be provided within 24 hours before your departure.
✔︎ If you choose to arrange for your own transportation we will meet you at the hotel or casa. In this case please make sure that you have the address and phone number.
▹ Baggage allowance
✔︎ Our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights. Additional baggage can be a subject of extra fees. Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights.
✔︎ We recommend that you make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents and a set of clothes, pijamas and cosmetics (travel size) in your carry-on bag in case of baggage delays. ber of your first hotel printed out.
▹ Tipping
✔︎ It’s customary to offer your guide and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
✔︎ We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10 per day per person and giving the tips to tour leaders to distribute between drivers, guides etc.
✔︎ Tips can only be paid in cash.
▹ Itinerary
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travelers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour.
We LOVE to talk about travel. If you have any questions please give us a call: 617 301 1237 or email us: info@colibritraveltours.com.
We are always happy to talk to our travelers and answer the questions!
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Register now!
Steps to enroll:
- Fill up the registration form on-line here.
Or download the registration form below, fill it out and send to info@colibritraveltours.com or mail to Colibri Travel & Tours, 341 Pearl St, Cambridge, MA 02139.
2. Send us a copy of your passport and deposit check via password protected email or regular mail.
3. Pack your bags and enjoy!
Small group:
8 - 20 ppl
Physical rating:
Moderate
Do you need a travel insurance?
Reviews
There are not enough words to describe how incredible the Colibri Travel & Tours Peru tours was for me. The trip was perfectly planned with every logistical detail accounted for, as well as with a jam-packed agenda of fantastic activities. From walking tours of the cities we visited to hiking around Machu Picchu to the little things in between, it was a remarkable learning experience. The expert planning enabled me (and others) to dive into the experience fully. I wasn't worried about our next meal, where to get water water, or where we would be staying. Instead, I could immerse myself into each experience. It was the trip of a lifetime, and I would highly recommend any person to travel with Colibri Travel & Tours, especially with Perú involved. Perú is a gorgeous country, rich with indigenous history and beautiful people.
Peru tours with Colibri Travel & Tours was a wonderful experience that I will never forget. Sylvia is hands down the best tour organizer and guide imaginable, and she takes care of every detail while making it all seem easy and fun. We enjoyed a tour of Lima with lunch at one of the best restaurants in the world, and a cooking class; went on to Cusco, which is a beautiful city with great architecture and shopping; hiked in the Sacred Valley, and then on to the incredible Machu Picchu by train. Throughout the trip we stayed in wonderful boutique hotels, ate great food, and learned so much about the country and local culture. Sylvia is smart, generous, and caring, does her research, and always incorporates history and culture into her tours. Peru was my second trip with Colibri and I’m already signed up for a third - I wouldn’t go on an organized tour if Sylvia wasn’t the one leading it, and feel very grateful for the experiences I’ve had with her!
It was probably the best tour I have taken in my entire life and that says a lot since I have been to 27 countries. It was adventure after adventure, best and most interesting food, incredible views, history, architecture. Our hotel in Cusco was out of this world and in Aguas Calientes our room was hanging over a mountain creek. In Lima we took a cooking class and made pisco sour. This evening turned into a small party and everyone had great fun! There is clearly a reason why Lima is called a “culinary capital of Latin America”. Cusco is simply magical, and the highlight of the trip, Machu Picchu, is way more beautiful in real life then any photo I’ve seen. I would describe our experience there as mystical. And here is why I think you should choose the Colibri Travel & Tours Peru tours. Due to their INCREDIBLE planning and outstanding knowledge of the place, we had the whole site pretty much for ourselves where most of my friends that traveled with other companies complained about crowds of tourists. I will let them keep their secret but this is the first tour I’ve taken where it wasn’t about maximizing company profit but rather about giving their clients the best experience possible. Our guide Costa was an author of a book about Machu Picchu. I can’t recommend this company enough and I will never travel with anyone else.
