8-Nights Peru Explorer from $5,199
Alexander+Roberts
OFFER ID 1443167
Peru Explorer
Travel to Peru and venture off-the-beaten path with our expert Andean guide Ana Maria and our congenial group of never more than 16 travelers. You'll discover more of Peru's important Inca and Colonial sites, experience more of the country's many wonders and enjoy special opportunities for real cultural engagement.
8 nights from $5,199 per person
Exclusive Amenity: Receive $200 Per Couple or $100 Per Person on any Pre or Post Stay Extension to an Alexander+Roberts Small Group Journey, Small Ship Journey, or Private Journey
Valid on new bookings deposited now – December 31, 2025, for travel anytime.
Other restrictions may apply. Contact your travel advisor about this Signature Exclusive Amenity.
Itinerary Details
Alexander+Roberts
Peru Explorer
Day 1: Welcome to Lima
On arrival, you'll be warmly greeted and escorted to our 5-star hotel, wonderfully situated in the upscale seaside district of Miraflores. Check in to your oceanview room and enjoy the rest of this day to relax and explore as you wish.
Day 2: Discover Lima
Today you'll join our engaging expert guide to explore the colorful neighborhoods, vibrant city life, and splendid Colonial-era landmarks of the capital. Just outside your hotel's front door, the inviting district of Miraflores is popular with city residents who come here to enjoy the shops, restaurants and fine views over the Pacific. It's the perfect place to begin your sightseeing with a guided walking tour. Then discover the handsome Colonial architecture of downtown Lima #WHS#. Stand in Plaza Mayor and admire the Cathedral; built in the 18th century, this handsome landmark is the oldest on the Square. Right next door, the Archbishop's Palace is easily recognized by its grand wooden balcony. Just a few blocks away, the historic Church and Convent of San Francisco is perhaps the most impressive of Lima's Colonial monuments. Behind its striking yellow and white façade, you'll find a beautifully decorated interior with glazed ceramic tiles from Spain and carved ceilings that show a strong Moorish influence. Next up is the highly regarded Larco Museum; renowned for its superb collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, this expertly guided visit is the perfect introduction to the many Inca sites you'll explore in the coming days. Cap off your sightseeing with a guided stroll through Barranco, a charming city neighborhood that has attracted writers and artists since the early 20th century. Today, it remains a vibrant cultural enclave with thriving studios, galleries and cafes. This evening, enjoy a congenial welcome dinner with wine. Meals B+DApproachGuides.embed({token:"eyJpdiI6IjEyeTFCQ0htYmhueXZCZE0yNnk4Znc9PSIsInZhbHVlIjoiRm95SnJNRkxcL2U4T0NUWjRTODBBSWpoYkJKUDJ0Y0hJYmc1QUJ1THBwOEo4SGhqT2M3clF4dHlRXC80cnFyd1hwek5FNDNpM1ZnajUzQVdkS1FrNGZoQT09IiwibWFjIjoiMGY3NTZjOGE4Nzk4YjA5YjVhZTE0NTc5NzVhNDhlYmMxNjg4N2VlOTUzOWM5NzY3ZjIzOTI2ZGViODc2ZWI4NCJ9",contentIds: [24773],hideElements: ["collectionTitle"]});
Day 3: Into the Sacred Valley of the Inca
After an early breakfast, you'll be escorted to the airport for your included flight to Cuzco, the ancient capital of the once vast and mighty Inca Empire. On arrival in this high-mountain city, you'll meet Ana Maria, our resident Andean expert on the ancient Inca and contemporary Peruvian traditions. Journey with her down into the Sacred Valley to visit the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary, dedicated to the rescue and preservation of indigenous Andean wildlife including condors, macaws, parrots and even wild cats like the puma. Then visit Manos de la Comunidad. With a mission to preserve the traditional textile arts of the region, you'll see native weavers from these different communities as they create beautiful textiles using techniques that have been passed down for generations. You'll also see the indigenous cameloids that are the source for the wool that is used for weaving: Alpacas have thick wool that is ideal for sweaters and blankets while vicunas are small and delicate creatures with very fine wool; Llamas and guanacos also roam around Manos de la Comunidad. Continue to the captivating town of Pisac. Set in the shadow of a spectacular mountaintop Inca fortress, you'll discover a colorful market town that draws far-away villagers and international visitors alike. Continue to the enchanting Aranwa Sacred Valley Resort, beautifully situated on the riverside grounds of a 17th-century Colonial hacienda. Meals B+LApproachGuides.embed({token:"eyJpdiI6IjEyeTFCQ0htYmhueXZCZE0yNnk4Znc9PSIsInZhbHVlIjoiRm95SnJNRkxcL2U4T0NUWjRTODBBSWpoYkJKUDJ0Y0hJYmc1QUJ1THBwOEo4SGhqT2M3clF4dHlRXC80cnFyd1hwek5FNDNpM1ZnajUzQVdkS1FrNGZoQT09IiwibWFjIjoiMGY3NTZjOGE4Nzk4YjA5YjVhZTE0NTc5NzVhNDhlYmMxNjg4N2VlOTUzOWM5NzY3ZjIzOTI2ZGViODc2ZWI4NCJ9",contentIds: [18565],hideElements: ["collectionTitle"]});
Day 4: Explore the Sacred Valley with Ana Maria
This morning, by special arrangement, you'll join Ana Maria to witness a Pago a la Tierra - a Tribute to the Earth - performed by a local Andean shaman. Then ascend to the monumental fortress of Ollantaytambo, Inca-built with enormous stones and so strategically positioned that it was successfully defended against the Spanish in 1537. This is one of the most significant Inca sites in Peru, and its location in a narrow mountain valley framed by rugged peaks is truly breathtaking. In the shadow of the ancient fortress, the ancient community of Ollantaytambo provides vivid illustration of Inca urban planning. Laid out in a simple grid with cobblestone streets, perfectly constructed stone walls and canals, many of the buildings and residences date back 600 years or more. Your guided walk also takes you into a neighborhood chicheria (a Peruvian pub) to learn about chicha, an Andean beverage distilled from corn. End your day at the ceramic studio of Pablo and Marilu Seminario - creative artisans who have devoted more than 20 years to the study of Pre-Columbian pottery techniques and designs, incorporating these ancient traditions into their own contemporary works. Meals B+LApproachGuides.embed({token:"eyJpdiI6IjEyeTFCQ0htYmhueXZCZE0yNnk4Znc9PSIsInZhbHVlIjoiRm95SnJNRkxcL2U4T0NUWjRTODBBSWpoYkJKUDJ0Y0hJYmc1QUJ1THBwOEo4SGhqT2M3clF4dHlRXC80cnFyd1hwek5FNDNpM1ZnajUzQVdkS1FrNGZoQT09IiwibWFjIjoiMGY3NTZjOGE4Nzk4YjA5YjVhZTE0NTc5NzVhNDhlYmMxNjg4N2VlOTUzOWM5NzY3ZjIzOTI2ZGViODc2ZWI4NCJ9",contentIds: [31960],hideElements: ["collectionTitle"]});
Day 5: By Rail to Machu Picchu
A three-day visit to Machu Picchu begins with an unforgettable rail journey through the Urubamba River Valley, a timeless region of snow-capped Andean peaks, quiet villages and terraced fields that have been cultivated for centuries. On arrival in the beguiling town of Aguas Calientes, you'll board a coach for the 20-minute ride up the switchback mountain road that brings you to the entrance to Machu Picchu #WHS#. The fabled Lost City is certainly the single greatest landmark in Peru - and perhaps all of South America. Indeed, little can be written here that would do justice to the breathtaking grandeur of its mountain setting, the enigmatic power and aura that so permeate this ancient citadel, and the unforgettable experience of standing among these ancient stones. And accompanied by Ana Maria's illuminating expertise, your visit will bring to life the ancient Inca civilization that built Machu Picchu. After sightseeing, you'll return to Aguas Calientes for an overnight at the enchanting Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel, nestled in a riverside cloud forest below the Lost City. Meals B+L+DApproachGuides.embed({token:"eyJpdiI6Ik8ycERjUWlMNnBocmFOMlNJRnF1emc9PSIsInZhbHVlIjoiT0VxUlwvaHVuQTNkQVNNaXgzUUxKSVVVRmpLZEM5a1dXRUdrT1wvY2xQTVRuUHVtemxQRkxDSVl4VGdYbE4reDRVKzVNQWJoVzNaT3R1dzJMRHEzRDVudz09IiwibWFjIjoiMzcyOWJiZWFhMmFjYjM0OTgzY2Y0ZjEwNTUxMmNlMWQ4ZWE1MmEzYWM5YTg0OGEwNmZmODU3ZTBiNjJhNzAxZiJ9",contentIds: [2281],hideElements: ["collectionTitle"]});
Day 6: Morning at Machu Picchu
This morning, we've included your transportation and entry ticket so you can ascend again to explore Machu Picchu at your own pace. At this early hour, the day-visitors from Cuzco and the Sacred Valley have yet to arrive... With fewer people and the softer light of morning just breaking over the mountain peaks, an early-morning visit to Machu Picchu is one of the most memorable travel experiences you will ever have. If you prefer a more active adventure, you can walk on your own up the trail that leads to Inti Punku. Even if you don't venture all the way to the summit to the fabled Gate of the Sun, the views of Machu Picchu as you make this moderately challenging, uphill trek are captivating. This afternoon, you can stroll on your own through the inviting galleries and cafes of Aguas Calientes. Or explore the trails and lush gardens around your cloud forest hotel. Meals, B, D
Day 7: Return to Cuzco
Journey by rail and stop to visit the ancient agricultural terraces of Yucay. This extensive system of walled terraces and aqueducts are an enduring example of Incan farming technology and used by local people to this day. Continue on to Cuzco where you're escorted to the deluxe Aranwa Boutique Hotel where specially oxygenated rooms will help you acclimate to the city's elevation. Meals B+D
Day 8: Out and About in Cuzco #WHS#
Join Ana Maria today and ascend into the mountain peaks outside of town. Perched here above the terra cotta roofs of Cuzco are the magnificent ruins of Sacsayhuaman. Built in the 1400's by the Inca Emperor Pachacútec, the massive limestone blocks of this venerated complex were cut with such precision that they fit together without mortar like the interlocking pieces of a jigsaw puzzle! With some individual stones towering more than 10 feet tall and weighing several hundreds of tons, Sacsayhuaman is a monumental achievement of architecture and masonry. Back in town, you'll visit the San Pedro Market and Almudena Cemetery; here at these seemingly quotidian sites, Ana Maria will offer fascinating cultural perspectives and personal insights into how ancient traditions - many dating back to Inca times - still endure in the life of local citizens. At the Temple of the Sun and Convent of Santo Domingo, you'll discover one of Peru's most architecturally fascinating sites. It also demonstrates the rich layering of history here in Cuzco, where a sacred structure of one culture, the Convent, literally sits atop and practically encloses another, the Inca-built Temple of the Sun! End your touring with the Cathedral and the other handsome Colonial-era landmarks that line the Plaza de Armas. Meals B
Day 9: Venture Off-the-Beaten Path to Oropesa + Cuyuni
This morning, you'll venture with Ana Maria across the Andean highlands to Oropesa, a handsome Colonial-era town rarely visited by other travelers. With its fine architecture and beautiful mountain setting, Oropesa is celebrated all across the country for its generations-old bread-making traditions. Locally known as pan chuta, these round loaves are made from traditionally-grown local wheat with a hint of sweetness and other spice flavors including cinnamon and anise. Baked in traditional ovens, special woods and eucalyptus leaves are burned to impart more flavors and a delicate texture to the crust. Your arrival and tour of Oropesa will be accompanied by the aroma of these freshly baked breads. Before leaving, of course, we'll introduce you to local bakers who will be thrilled to offer you a sample of their celebrated bread! Your cultural foray into the Andes continues in the remote mountain village of Cuyuni where you'll be able to mingle and stroll with the residents. With Ana Maria there to offer cultural and historical context, and translating as needed, you'll join villagers in their fields and homes - learning about their traditions and a way of life that has changed little over the centuries! Back in Cuzco, you'll dine this evening at one of our favorite restaurants in town. Meals B+L+DApproachGuides.embed({token:"eyJpdiI6IjEyeTFCQ0htYmhueXZCZE0yNnk4Znc9PSIsInZhbHVlIjoiRm95SnJNRkxcL2U4T0NUWjRTODBBSWpoYkJKUDJ0Y0hJYmc1QUJ1THBwOEo4SGhqT2M3clF4dHlRXC80cnFyd1hwek5FNDNpM1ZnajUzQVdkS1FrNGZoQT09IiwibWFjIjoiMGY3NTZjOGE4Nzk4YjA5YjVhZTE0NTc5NzVhNDhlYmMxNjg4N2VlOTUzOWM5NzY3ZjIzOTI2ZGViODc2ZWI4NCJ9",contentIds: [21873],hideElements: ["collectionTitle"]});
Day 10: Fly from Cuzco to Lima
After breakfast, you'll be escorted to the airport for your included flight to Lima. Our services end at the airport where you'll continue your onward journey. Meals B
Excursions
Huacas and Shrines on a bike (Lima - 4 hours)
Huacas and Shrines on a bike (Lima - 4 hours)
Lima is a big and modern city, it has been in continuous occupation for almost 2,000 years. Scholars have found more than 30 archaeological sites at different locations within the city limits. “HUACAS” are pyramidal constructions with superimposed platforms ending on a flat top, they were used for religious and administrative purposes by prehispanic civilizations along the Peruvian coast.
Our specialized Guide and his assistant will pick you up at the hotel with the bikes and the necessary equipment for the activity. After the briefing you will ride along one of the principal avenues of Lima towards the heart of Miraflores while enjoying the architecture and everyday life of the city folks. The first stop is at Huaca Pucllana, built 1,300 years ago, this visit is a great introduction to the history of Lima, traditions, cuisine and economic activities of ancient inhabitants. Then, we continue to the commercial and financial district, San Isidro, to visit Huaca Huallamarca, which has been through a magnificent restoration by the City Hall, you´ll appreciate the contrast between history and modern life.
Finally, we return to the hotel completing a 12 km circuit on the bike. This activity is offered for mornings and afternoons. It lasts for 4 hours. The advantage of being at sea level and our moderate weather is that we can provide it all year round. We include a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour.
Highlights:
- Huacas, pyramidal constructions
- Bike to admire the arquitecture
Tour can operate: morning or afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate/Heavy (we provide a vehicle as support in case someone in the group decides to stop biking during the tour)
Inclusions:
- Transportation from/to hotel (as back up)
- Guide
- Bikes
- Assistant
- Bottle of water
Not Included:
- Items not mentioned in the Included section
Historical and Natural Sanctuaries (Lima - 6 hours)
Historical and Natural Sanctuaries (Lima - 6 hours)
Highlights:
- Villa Wetlands, a natural reserve
- Pachamac, a historical sanctuary and important ceremonial center
The south limits of Lima house two important sanctuaries for the visitor: Villa Wetlands, a natural reserve holding a great variety of flora and fauna, its bodies of water attract a good array of biodiversity, they have identified more than 200 species of resident and migratory birds. And Pachacamac, historical sanctuary and important ceremonial center of the central coast in Perú, it was occupied by 4 consecutive civilizations before the arrival of the Spanish.
Our specialized Guide and the vehicle will pick you up at the hotel. It´s necessary to reach Villa Wetlands early in the morning to enjoy the ecosystem. You walk for 2 km. around a lagoon facing the ocean with good opportunities for pictures and a clear understanding of the migratory patterns. The next stop is Pachacamac, the highlights of this massive archaeological site are visited. You will also enter the Site Museum displaying important pieces found during excavations, one of them is the wooden idol of Pachacamac, the most important prehispanic god in this area, carved in local wood more than a thousand years ago.
Return to the hotel is after noon, the activity takes almost 6 hours and you walk almost 5 km during the visits.
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can operate: daily (excepts Monday)
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Transportation from/to hotel
- Guide
- Entrance Fees
- Bottle of water
Not Included:
- Items not mention in the Included section
Insider Access: Barranco & Lima songs with Javier Lazo (3 hours)
Insider Access: Barranco & Lima songs with Javier Lazo (3 hours)
An experience designed to get to know the history of Lima through songs from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries by the hand of Javier Lazo a Peruvian Musical Curator, two times Latin Grammy nominated. Enjoy a private concert along with a conversation with Javier, while walking through the bohemian district of <span 1px="" border-bottom:="" cjwvc3znpg="=" ));"="" class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2 SCXW201443356 BCX0" data:image="" solid="" span="" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-repeat: repeat-x; background-position: left bottom; background-image: var(--urlContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2,url(">where travelers will sing and learn about the best artists and composers of musica criolla (creole music, from the Peruvian Coast) such as Rosa Mercedes Ayarza, Felipe Pinglo, Eduardo Márquez Talledo, Chabuca Granda, Manuel Acosta Ojeda and Andrés Soto.
Our specialized guide will pick you up at the hotel and will drive you to Barranco where you will visit Main Plaza, Puente de los Suspiros, Bajada de baños, while gazing at the amazing mural artwork made by top Peruvian urban artists.
Highlights:
- Learn the history of Lima through songs
- Conversation with an expert
- Walk through the bohemian district and learn about local music
Tour can operate: days of the week (morning or afternoon)
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Transportation from/to hotel
- Tour Guide
- Music expert (He will meet the guests for around 30 minutes)
- Bottle of water
Not Included:
- Items not mention in the Included program
Walking the history center of Lima (4 hours)
Walking the history center of Lima (4 hours)
Lima, the city of the Kings, was founded to be the capital and most important town of the Spanish domain in South America until the 18th century. The Historical Center represents the model of architecture and urban planning of Spanish colonial cities with high political, economic and cultural importance, as devised by Charles V in 1542.
Our expert Guide will pick you up from your hotel and will take you from the modern part to the colonial section of Lima, you will walk among historical monuments, religious and political buildings located within the perimeter declared Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1988. This learning experience will allow you to appreciate typical examples of Hispanic American baroque style as well as some other different styles like Art Nouveau.
Besides the stops for great pictures of Limenian architecture, you will have the opportunity to visit Casa de Aliaga, a mansion still inhabited by the same family since the foundation of the city, an extraordinary experience that will take you back in time. To finish the experience, we visit the Dominican Convent, which was the first catholic order to arrive in Perú with Francisco Pizarro and they have a lot of history, traditions and sainthood to impress our travelers.
Highlights:
- Colonial section of Lima
- Visit Casa Aliaga, a mansion still inhabited by the same family since the foundation of the city
- Dominican Convent
Tour can operate: daily
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light/Moderate
Inclusions:
- Transportation from/to hotel
- Expert Guide
- Entrance fees
- Bottled water
- Snack
Not Included:
- Items not mention in the Included section
LIMA: Lima´s boardwalks and gastronomic experience - 4 hours
LIMA: Lima´s boardwalks and gastronomic experience - 4 hours
Start with a scenic tour of the boardwalk, crossing the bohemian district of Barranco and the modern district of Miraflores, passing by Love Park where you can admire an imposing view of the Pacific Ocean. After the tour, arrive at a thematic restaurant and participate in a cocktail demonstration class, learning how to prepare the famous pisco sour. Then, enjoy a demonstration cooking class, learning how to make a delicious, typical Peruvian dish. After both classes, enjoy a tasty lunch overlooking the sea. At the end of your tour, transfer back to your hotel.
Tour duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair accessible: No
Physical activity level: Moderate
Included: Private guide and transportation, gastronomic experience
Not included: Tips for guide and driver.
LIMA: Participative cocktail class offered by Hotel B - 1.5 hours
LIMA: Participative cocktail class offered by Hotel B - 1.5 hours
Learn to prepare some of the most representative cocktails of Peru in a participatory class at the elegant Hotel B. The class is carried out by an experienced bartender who explains the history of the drinks and the elements used for each one. Each cocktail will be accompanied by a tasty pairing. Take advantage of this experience to learn about local cocktails in this luxurious hotel, located in a mansion of the early twentieth century.
Tour duration: 1 hour 30
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair accessible: No
Physical activity level: Moderate
Included: Private guide and transportation, seasonal cocktail accompanied by a pairing
Not included: Tips for guide and driver.
Excursions
CUZCO: Pottery workshop by Totemiq - 3 hours
CUZCO: Pottery workshop by Totemiq - 3 hours
Let your imagination soar in two magnificent workshops offered by Totemiq, an artistic and cultural development project where Cusco traditions are rescued and given new life in artistic sessions. In the first activity, Cusco Colonial Glazed Ceramics, learn how to make a horse or bull of Pucara, a traditional Cusco figure, and apply fine finishes with a layer of enamel, giving it a glazed effect. In the second, the Colonial Gold Leaf application, enjoy painting with the characteristic colours of the mountain range and then finish decorating your work with gold leaf, a traditional technique that Art Trail has recovered and applied to contemporary crafts. Both workshops are taught by renowned Cusco artists. By the end of the sessions, you’ll have two personalised works that will be delivered to your hotel the following day. After the workshops, return to your hotel.
Tour duration: 3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning / afternoon
Wheelchair accessible: No
Physical activity level: Moderate
Included: Private guide and transportation, materials and souvenir
Not included: Tips for guide and driver.
Excursions
SACRED VALLEY: Hat making lessons at Maras community - 1 hour
SACRED VALLEY: Hat making lessons at Maras community - 1 hour
Mrs. Grandonia and Mrs. Álvarez, the renowned hatters of Maras, run an attractive crafts shop that produces top hats. They want to share their art with the travelers who visit their town. Dare to learn this ancient Andean activity.
Tour duration: 1 hour
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair accessible: No
Physical activity level: Moderate
Included: Private guide and transportation, participatory classes
Not included: Tips for guide and driver.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Prices subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.
© Copyright 2023. All Rights Reserved. Quail Travel.
Ask us about employment opportunities.
Nevada Seller of Travel 2001-0380