From €2,569
Destination:
Peru
Available from:
7 April 2023
Available to:
1 December 2023
from:
Paris + 7 cities
Duration:
9 nights
Travellers:
1 to 6
Meal plan:
half board
Star rating:
3 stars
Transport  Transfer  Guide  Visit  Sightseeing Tours 

Your Peruvian adventure starts in Lima, the country’s capital, where you will explore the unique historic centre aptly named the “City of Kings”. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 for its high concentration of historical monuments. Next, you will travel to the legendary “White City” of Arequipa. Located in the Chili River Valley of the Andes Mountains (2,200 metres above sea level), this beautiful city is surrounded by three volcanoes. It has impressive Baroque-style buildings constructed with sillar, volcanic rock. Before departing for the city of Puno, your last stop on the Arequipa itinerary is the world-famous Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena. A spectacular journey awaits you on the road to the mythical region of Lake Titicaca. This scenic route takes you through the Pampa de Quiscos highlands and the stunningly diverse Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve (home to llamas, alpacas and vicuñas).

According to Inca legend, Lake Titicaca is where the god Viracocha created the world. You’ll be crossing the world’s highest navigable lake (some 3,800 metres above sea level) to meet the indigenous Uru people, who are renowned for living on self-made, floating islands, made entirely from woven reeds. Then, you will explore the popular attractions of five of the Urubamba Province districts, including the town of Urubamba, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas; the fortress of Ollantaytambo; the salt flats of Maras; the traditional weaving workshops of Chinchero and finally a scenic train ride, along the Andes, to the legendary Machu Picchu. A guided tour of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire (also known as the “Navel of the World” in Quechua), will be the final stop on this tour.

Enjoy an 11-day, 9-night stay from €2,569 per person. Non-contractual information as of 04 October 2024.

 

Departure available from: Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Nice, Paris, Strasbourg and Toulouse.


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  • This insightful trip explores the country’s fascinating history, culture, religion, colonial architecture and archaeological discoveries. It also includes tours to the four culturally significant, UNESCO World Heritage sites of Peru: Lima, Arequipa, Cusco and Machu Picchu.
  • All tour-related transport is comprehended in your package. Local travel combines: domestic flights (Lima to Arequipa and Cusco to Lima), tours by minibus or coach and rail travel (from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu and back). Daily meals include breakfast and one other meal.
  • A French-speaking guide will accompany you for the duration of your trip. It is worth noting that tour destinations progressively increase in altitude.
  • The Inca Empire was the largest pre-Hispanic empire in the Americas between 1400 and 1533 AD. At its peak, the Tahuantinsuyu territories stretched over 4,000 kilometres from Northern Ecuador to central Chile. Although other civilizations predate the Inca, they are credited for developing Cusco. The Inca civilization can be traced back to the first recorded Incas, Manko Capaq and Mama Ocllo, in 1200 AD. It is, however, believed that the Inca King Pachacuti was responsible for the city’s advance development between 1438 and 1471. It is rumoured to be constructed in the shape of a Puma (a sacred animal in Inca culture). Historically, Pachacuti’s brother Inca Urco was chosen as the throne’s successor ; however, Pachacuti’s bravery and subsequent defeat of the Chankas, in the battle of Yahuar Pampa in 1483, led to him ascending the throne. He went on to conquer a number of other kingdoms, ultimately unifying the Incas under the Tawantinsuyu Empire (also known as The Four Parts United).
  • Inca culture and religion are deeply rooted in the stars and their constellations. It is believed that Machu Picchu, built according to the sun, served as an experimental agricultural centre, observatory and sacred ceremonial site. Recent studies have confirmed that Inca knowledge of astronomy is far more advanced than expected. It is believed that they developed astronomical instruments that allowed experienced priests to accurately determine the position of the sun, solstices, equinoxes, Pleiades (a collection of stars in the Taurus constellation) and seasonal changes. These observations were used to guide agricultural planning.
  • It is believed that potatoes were originally cultivated in the Andes over 7,000 years ago. The Spanish conquistadors were responsible for introducing potatoes to Europe in the 15th century.
  • This tour in Peru requires a minimum of 3 travellers, but can accommodate up to 24. A copy of your passport is required upon booking.
  • Your package includes a stay at a number of 3-star hotels, renowned for their world-class service. Tipping guides and drivers is encouraged but not required (typically €4 to €7 per person, per day, but this is at your own discretion).
  • A small travel bag is required for a 2-night stay in the Urubamba Valley (all other luggage to remain in Cusco).