Peru Express, Italian-speaking guide
Peru Express, Italian-speaking guide
9 Days Starting and ending in Lima, Peru
Visiting: Lima, Arequipa, Puno, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
203766
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
10-99
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Rail Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Peru Express" tour with an Italian-speaking guide and explore the rich cultural tapestry of Peru. Begin your journey in Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Discover Arequipa, the gastronomic capital surrounded by stunning volcanoes, and sail on the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, visiting the unique Uros and Taquile Islands. Experience the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, with its blend of pre-Columbian and Spanish architecture, and marvel at the iconic Machu Picchu, the 'lost city of the Incas.' Enjoy private transfers, guided tours, and comfortable accommodations throughout this unforgettable 9-day adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Lima
Location: Lima
Accommodation Name: José Antonio Deluxe or similar 4*
Arrive at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima. Upon arrival, a representative will be waiting to greet you at the airport and the transportation service will to transfer you to your hotel at the scheduled time. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure in Lima, the capital of Peru and a city steeped in history. During Colonial times, the Historic Centre of Lima, known as the ‘Ciudad de los Reyes’ (City of Kings), was the political, administrative, religious and economic centre for the Spanish in Peru, and it was the most important city of the Spanish dominions in South America until the middle of the 18th century. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lima is now a modern metropolis and is currently undergoing an exciting process of cultural and economic change.
Overnight in Lima
Day 2 : Lima - Arequipa (90 Min By Flight)
Location: Arequipa
Accommodation Name: Casa Andina Select or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel, then take a transfer to the airport to board the direct flight to Arequipa. Upon arrival in Arequipa, you will be met by our representative who will accompany you on the transfer to your hotel and assist you with check-in. Enjoy the rest of the morning at your leisure. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of Arequipa. The historical centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of baroque buildings carved from white volcanic rock, giving it the nickname 'Ciudad Blanca' (White City). Visit the Convent of Santa Catalina, the main square and the Cloister of the Company of Jesus. Then, visit the districts of Yanahuara and Chilina, which offer unrivalled views of Misti Volcano. Continue to the Santuarios Andinos Museum where the mummy of Juanita, a young Inca girl who was sacrificed to the gods over 500 years ago on the Ampato volcano, is displayed. Enjoy an evening at your leisure to sample some of Arequipa’s famed gastronomic offering.
Overnight in Arequipa
Day 3 : Arequipa - Puno (300 Km - 6 Hrs)
Location: Puno
Accommodation Name: José Antonio Puno or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. You will then be collected from your hotel by the private transfer and you will follow a route that cuts through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve. The landscapes and scenery along the way are both dramatic and enchanting; you will pass high plains, volcanoes, unusual rock formations and even lagoons, where you will spot cranes drying their wings above the water. There are several viewpoints, remote cafés that offer visitors coca tea and craftsmen selling traditional textiles and handicrafts along the way. Take advantage of these stops to take photographs, marvel at the landscape or perhaps buy a few souvenirs for your friends and family back at home. On arrival in Puno, you will be met by the transportation services and you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure in Puno.
Overnight in Puno
Day 4 : Puno - Lake Titicaca: Uros And Taquile Islands - Puno (1 Hr By Boat)
Location: Puno
Accommodation Name: José Antonio Puno or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast at the hotel, prepare for a full-day boat excursion on the mythical Lake Titicaca which, at 3,812 metres above sea level, is the highest navigable lake in the world. Start the day with a visit to the beautiful Uros Islands. The Uros are an indigenous people of Peru that live on a series of man-made islands, created entirely from the buoyant totora reeds that grow abundantly in the shallows of the lake. The islands are composed of layers of woven totora, which are constantly replenished from the top as they rot from the bottom. After visiting the fascinating Uros island, jump back aboard your boat and sail to Taquile, an island inhabited by the native Aymara people. For the Aymara, weaving is a long-standing tradition deeply embedded in their culture and their textiles are a colourful display of their craftmanship. Walk around the island and enjoy incredible views of Titicaca. Enjoy lunch in a small restaurant on the island before the return trip to Puno.
Overnight in Puno
Day 5 : Puno - Cusco (360 Km - 8 Hrs)
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Cusco or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel after then you will be collected from your hotel by private transfer to start your journey through the impressive landscape of the Andes to Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire. Your first stop of the day is the archaeological site of Pucará, the first urban settlement on Lake Titicaca, established between 100 and 300 A.D. and the Pucará Lithic Museum. Continue across the mountainous plateau passing traditional villages and stunning scenery and local wildlife along the way. Reach the dizzying altitude of 4,313 meters above sea level at La Raya, the highest point between Puno and Cusco, before stopping for lunch at Sicuani. Continue to Racchi, home to the Wiracocha Temple, a striking rectangular structure 30 metres wide and 20 metres high. Then, when you are only 40 kilometres away from Cusco, make a stop in the town of Andahuaylillas. The main attraction here is the local Church, known as the ‘Sistine Chapel of America’ owing to the high quality of art found inside. You will be greeted in the Imperial City by Italian-speaking staff and the transportation service will transfer you to your hotel.
Overnight in Cusco
Day 6 : Cusco - Chinchero- Sacred Valley - Aguas Calientes (80 Km - 2 Hrs / 2 Hrs By Train)
Location: Sacred Valley
Accommodation Name: El Mapi or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today breakfast at the hotel is followed by visit to the town of Chinchero, a small high-altitude town offering beautiful views of the valley and the chance to witness traditional clothing, customs and local handicrafts. Visit archaeological remains and a beautiful 17th-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. At an altitude of 3,762 metres, Chinchero offers fantastic views of the Sacred Valley. Continue to Maras and visit the Incan salt pans, a canyon filled with around 3,000 geometric pools that have been used for salt extraction since the Incan empire. The extraordinary combination of the colour of the earth, the salt crystals and the sun’s rays reflecting on the mirror-like ponds make for the most dramatic sight. Proceed to Ollantaytambo for lunch at a local restaurant. Explore the streets of Ollantaytambo, a town inhabited uninterruptedly since Inca times, and climb the iconic fortress built into the mountainside. Then, take the train from Ollantaytambo train station to Aguas Calientes where you will be greeted by a representative and transferred to the hotel.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes
Day 7 : Machu Picchu - Cusco (2 Hrs By Train / 75 Km - 2 Hrs)
Location: Machu Picchu
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Cusco or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel then meet your guide who will accompany on the tourist bus to the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu. It is believed that Machu Picchu was built for an Incan emperor as a holiday residence but, just over 100 years later, the citadel was abandoned, probably as a result of the Spanish Conquest. The jungle slowly engulfed its stone construction, covering it in a thick vegetation and keeping it hidden and protected until the ‘lost city of the Incas’ was brought to international attention in 1911. Your tour will introduce you to the origins of this impressive citadel and guide you around some of its most iconic monuments, such as the main square, the royal rooms, the Temple of the Three Windows, the circular towers, the Sacred Clock and cemeteries. At the end of the tour, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then board the train back to Ollantaytambo Station where a private vehicle will be waiting to take you to your chosen hotel in Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco
Day 8 : Cusco
Location: Cusco
Accommodation Name: Sonesta Cusco or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a guided tour of the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour includes the Santo Domingo Convent, a building constructed on the site of Coricancha, one of the most important Incan complexes dedicated to sun worship. According to historic records, the original temple walls depicted scenes of nature and were covered in gold leaf. Then visit the imposing cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, Plaza Regocijo and the old city. Head to the Cusco hills, where you’ll find the fortress of Sacsayhuamán and panoramic views of Cusco. Continue on to Qenqo, an archaeological site where it is believed the Incas carried out religious rituals, and Puka Pukara, an ancient military site comprising numerous rooms, courtyards, baths, aqueducts and towers. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. Wander around the San Blas district, the city's most picturesque district characterised by narrow and steep streets, colonial houses built with walls of Incan stone and numerous art workshops. In the evening, enjoy a dinner and cultural show in a local restaurant.
Overnight in Cusco
Day 9 : Cusco - Lima (90 Min By Flight)
Location: Lima
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to Lima where you will be greeted by your guide and embark on a 4-hour tour of the city. The tour begins in the impressive Plaza de Armas, the city’s central square and birthplace. This square is a true showcase of Spanish colonial architecture; the Government Palace occupies the north side of the square and the magnificent, 16th-century Cathedral of Lima is located to the east. Visit the Cathedral and then continue on to Casa de Aliaga, the oldest Colonial mansion in Lima. The house has been owned and lived in by the Aliaga family and their descendants since conquistador Franzisco Pizarro granted the land to his trusted ally, Jerónimo de Aliaga in 1535. Visit the Pueblo Libre district for an interesting tour of the Larco Museum of pre-Columbian art. Housed in a former mansion, which was built on the site of a 7th-century, pre-Columbian temple, the museum boasts a very complete collection of gold and silver articles, pottery and erotic art. At the end of the tour, transfer to the airport for your return or onwards flight.
Breakfast included
What's Included
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Tour Guide
Operated with a local Italian-speaking guide.
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Accommodation
8 nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
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Meals
8 breakfasts, 4 lunches on days 4, 5, 6, and 7, and 1 dinner on day 8.
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Transport
Private transfers from/to airport, private transfer from Arequipa to Puno with Italian-speaking guide (Day 3), private transfer from Puno to Cusco with Italian-speaking guide (Day 5), transfers from/to train stations in shared vehicle, train to Machu Picchu round trip (Days 6 and 7), shared bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back (Day 7).
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Entrance Fees and Activities
Admission to all major monuments and sightseeing attractions mentioned in the itinerary, including visits to Arequipa, Convent of Santa Catalina, Cloister of the Company of Jesus, Santuarios Andinos Museum, full-day excursion by boat on Lake Titicaca with visits to the Uros & Taquile Islands, Pucarà, the temple of Raqchi, the 'Sistine Chapel of America', visit to Chinchero and Ollantaytambo, guided tour of Machu Picchu, city tour of Cusco, folklore show on Day 8, guided tour of Lima, cathedral and the Casa Aliaga, and the Larco Museum.
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Other
Meet & Greet on Day 1.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Domestic and international flights are not included.
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Airport Fees
Airport fees are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as drinks, telephone, laundry, etc.
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Unspecified Items
Anything not expressly indicated in the 'Inclusions' section is not included.
Requirements
Comfortable and warm clothing is the most suitable for travelling. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
Please Note
? Rates do not apply to Peruvians or residents with more than 60 days of stay. If passengers are Peruvians or exceed 60 days of stay, a sales tax (18%) will be collected by our local operator
? We recommend booking the Lima – Arequipa flight LA 2125 at 8:20 in the morning (or similar) on Day 2
? Please note that check-in in most hotels begins at 13:00. Clients will be subject to the availability of the room if they arrive before, waiting in the hotel lobby.
? If your trip includes the visit to high-altitude cities such as Cusco and Puno located at more than 3,400 metres, do not forget to take precautions in order to avoid altitude sickness. Passengers who have heart problems or high blood pressure should check with their doctor before travelling.
? Upon arrival it is recommended you rest for a few hours, drink coca tea and eat lightly. As a reference, Machu Picchu is located at 2,400 metres.
? Important note: The Juanita mummy will not be exhibited during January, February, March and April. During these months, a replica or a different mummy from the area will be displayed in the same place.
? On Day 4, the excursion is carried out with a motor-powered boat shared with other international passengers, but customers will have a private guide in Italian.
? On Day 6, for the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, only hand luggage must be carried with the minimum necessary for the night (maximum 5 kg per person). The main baggage can be left on deposit in the hotel in Cusco.
? Operative note: The guide will leave customers at the Ollantaytambo station and the train journey is scheduled to be unaccompanied. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, customers will be greeted by a chosen hotel representative who will accompany them on foot to the accommodation. Once at the hotel, customers will be contacted personally or by telephone by the Italian-speaking guide who will provide all the indications for the Machu Picchu visit the following day. If needed, you can contact our LimaTours assistance on site at any time.
? Important: During the rainy season (December-March) it will not be possible to carry out Maras visit. Depending on the weather, it will be replaced with a visit to the archaeological site of Moray or another excursion to be decided at the time.
? During the trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, on Day 7, the guide will not be on board.
? On Day 9: In order to guarantee the visit of Lima, it is essential to book the Cusco – Lima flight LA2012 at 9:24 in the morning or similar, as the tour starts at 11:30.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW ENTRANCE REGULATIONS TO MACHU PICCHU
? The current restrictions on visits to Machu Picchu allow a maximum stay of 4 hours in the citadel accompanied by a guide during the first entry. If the visitor tours an alternate route (Mountain Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu) he/she will have 3 hours for this in addition to the 4 hours in the citadel. If the passenger wishes to enter the citadel again during the afternoon shift or the next day, he must previously acquire an additional ticket to enter during the new shift. There is no ticket sale point in the archaeological zone.
? The following objects are forbidden within the premises: professional cameras that require lights and tripods, or are equipped with telephoto lenses weighing more than 2 kilos (in order to use them, special authorisation and an additional fee is required), drones, selfie sticks, sprays, high heels, walking sticks without rubber tips, banners and posters, sharp objects and backpacks that surpass the following measurements: 40cm x 35 cm x 20 cm.
INSTRUCTIONS
? Carry the same document that you presented to the agency
? In all train services to Machu Picchu, passengers can carry only one piece of hand luggage (backpack, bag or briefcase) weighing no more than 5kg. You will find your luggage at the chosen hotel. Allowed size: 157cm (height + length + width)
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Lima:
- Superior Hotel Category = José Antonio Deluxe or similar 4*
Day 2 Arequipa:
- Superior Hotel Category = Casa Andina Select or similar 4*
Day 3, 4 Puno:
- Superior Hotel Category = José Antonio Puno or similar 4*
Day 5,7,8 Cusco:
- Superior Hotel Category = Sonesta Cusco or similar 4*
Day 6 Aguas Calientes:
- Superior Hotel Category = El Mapi or similar 4*
Mode of Transport
Private transfers from/to the airport, private transfers between cities with an Italian-speaking guide, shared vehicle transfers to train stations, round-trip train to Machu Picchu, and shared bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back.
Accommodation
Enjoy 8 nights' accommodation in superior 4-star hotels, including José Antonio Deluxe in Lima, Casa Andina Select in Arequipa, José Antonio Puno in Puno, Sonesta Cusco in Cusco, and El Mapi in Aguas Calientes.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Lima:
- Superior Hotel Category = José Antonio Deluxe or similar 4*
Day 2 Arequipa:
- Superior Hotel Category = Casa Andina Select or similar 4*
Day 3, 4 Puno:
- Superior Hotel Category = José Antonio Puno or similar 4*
Day 5,7,8 Cusco:
- Superior Hotel Category = Sonesta Cusco or similar 4*
Day 6 Aguas Calientes:
- Superior Hotel Category = El Mapi or similar 4*
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of guide will be available during the tour?
The tour will be operated with a local Italian-speaking guide.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 8 nights' accommodation in superior hotel categories. Specific hotels include José Antonio Deluxe in Lima, Casa Andina Select in Arequipa, José Antonio Puno in Puno, Sonesta Cusco in Cusco, and El Mapi in Aguas Calientes, or similar 4-star hotels.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches on days 4, 5, 6, and 7, and 1 dinner on day 8.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes private transfers from/to the airport, private transfers between cities with an Italian-speaking guide, transfers from/to train stations in shared vehicles, a round trip train to Machu Picchu, and a shared bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?
Yes, admission to all major monuments and sightseeing attractions mentioned in the itinerary is included. This includes visits to Arequipa, the Convent of Santa Catalina, the Cloister of the Company of Jesus, the Santuarios Andinos Museum, a full-day excursion by boat on Lake Titicaca, the Uros & Taquile Islands, Pucarà, the temple of Raqchi, the 'Sistine Chapel of America', Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, and various sites in Cusco and Lima.
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What should I pack for the tour?
Comfortable and warm clothing is recommended. Visitors should avoid sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent are also useful. Additionally, for the overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, only hand luggage with a maximum weight of 5 kg per person is allowed.
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Are there any special considerations for visiting high-altitude locations?
Yes, if your trip includes visits to high-altitude cities such as Cusco and Puno, which are located at more than 3,400 meters, it is important to take precautions to avoid altitude sickness. Passengers with heart problems or high blood pressure should consult their doctor before traveling. Upon arrival, it is recommended to rest for a few hours, drink coca tea, and eat lightly.
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What are the new entrance regulations for Machu Picchu?
The current restrictions allow a maximum stay of 4 hours in the citadel accompanied by a guide during the first entry. If visiting an alternate route like Mountain Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu, an additional 3 hours is allowed. If re-entry is desired during the afternoon shift or the next day, an additional ticket must be acquired in advance. Certain items like professional cameras, drones, selfie sticks, sprays, high heels, walking sticks without rubber tips, banners, posters, sharp objects, and large backpacks are prohibited.
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What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
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Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
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Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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Low Deposit
Lima Tours requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 89 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of lima tours charges.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 8 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.