Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 16:28:39 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 1/12
Itinerary for Sacred Peru - Tour Lima • Expat Explore
Start Point: End Point:
Hotel in Lima, Hotel in Lima,
Address to be confirmed Address to be confirmed
Welcome meeting at 18:00 hrs 10:00 hrs
DAY 1: Arrive in Lima
Hola Peru! Welcome to the first day of your tour through this amazing country. The first stop is Lima,
Peru’s capital city. Arrive at the hotel, check in and freshen up. This evening, meet your fellow Expat
Explore travellers and enjoy a welcome dinner. Your Expat Explore leader will meet up with the
group in three days time. An Expat Explore representative will be there to assist you with anything
you need and answer any questions you may have.
Experiences
Arrive in Lima and enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.
Included Meals Accommodation Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 16:28:39 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 2/12
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Ibis Larco Miraflores
DAY 2: Lima - Flight to Arequipa
Fuel up on breakfast before transferring to Jorge Chavez International Airport. Catch a short flight to
Arequipa. Located in the south of Peru, this colonial town is filled with Baroque architecture and
bordered by three impressive volcanoes! Arrive and check into the hotel. Next, explore this
charming place on a city tour with a local guide. Spend your free time this afternoon wandering
more of the streets and decide on a place to enjoy dinner. Choose from the variety of local
restaurants and enticing street food vendors!
Experiences
Arequipa city tour. Walk along quaint cobbled streets to discover buildings made from a unique,
pale-coloured volcanic material called sillar. Be charmed by the distinct beauty and charm of the
lush and well-manicured plazas where all the locals hang out (the ideal place to grab a bench and
enjoy a cup of queso helado, a traditional Arequipan ice cream). See top attractions like the Santa
Catalina Monastery, the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa, the Museo Santuarios Andinos, and more.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Casona Plaza Arequipa Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 16:28:39 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 3/12
DAY 3: Arequipa - Puno
Take it easy this morning in Arequipa before transferring to Puno at lunchtime. Enroute, make
comfort stops at Pampa Cañahuas and Lagunillas. During the stopovers, sip on local coca leaf tea
and keep an eye out for indigenous wildlife and birdlife. See if you can spot vicuñas (similar to
llamas). Arrive in Puna this evening and check into the hotel.
Experiences
Stretch your legs and do some quick bird watching at Lagunillas, where you can see flamingos,
Andean Gulls and Mallards.
Stop at Pampa Cañahuas Natural Reserve and spot some vicuñas (animals similar to llamas) and
sample coca leaf tea, as the locals do.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hacienda Puno
DAY 4: Puno Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 16:28:39 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 4/12
Wander Puno’s streets at your own pace this morning. Visit the baroque cathedral, the Arco Deustua
archway or the Museo Carlos Dreyer to see a range of archaeological artefacts. At midday, meet
your Expat Explore leader and the rest of the tour group who have travelled from Copacabana. On
this afternoon’s excursion, encounter a different way of life on Lake Titicaca. Board a traditional reed
boat and visit the Uros Islands - floating islands hand made by the Uru people. Learn more about the
Uru people who have been living off the lake for centuries. Return to Puno and the hotel in the late
afternoon. Spend the evening as you wish.
Experiences
Uros Islands Tour: Catch a traditional reed boat to the Uros floating reed islands. The islands are a
top tourist attraction in Peru as they offer insight into a unique, survivalist way of life. The Uru
people chose to create these floating islands away from the mainland and have been living here for
many generations. Tour the islands and learn more about the way of life here. Meet the locals
dressed in colourful traditional clothes, watch crafts being made by hand, see lively folk dances and
taste some local food!
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Hacienda Puno Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 16:28:39 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 5/12
DAY 5: Puno - Sacred Valley
Travel to Peru’s Sacred Valley today! Enjoy the views of the Peruvian countryside along the way. First
stop of the day is Pucará. Explore the ancient Incan ruins - there is something noticeably spiritual
about the many Inca sites! Pass through La Raya, sitting at 4300 meters above sea level, and enjoy
the panoramic views. Do some shopping with locals at roadside markets. Next, visit Raqchi which
was an Inca fortress in the past. The last stop is Urubamba. Here, see the “Sistine Chapel of Latin
America”. Arrive in the heart of El Valle Sagrado (Sacred Valley) and check into the hotel this
evening. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.
Experiences
Pucara. Visit Pucara and its small but exquisite architectural sight of Inca significance. Pucará, as
it’s also known, is known for it pottery, the Pucara Stone Museum with its selection of original and
replicated ceramics, sculptures and other objects from pre-Inca culture.
Raqchi. Raqch'i is home to one one of the biggest archaeological sites in the area. The ruins of
Raqchi are mostly known as the Temple of Wiracocha that was built in honour of Wiracocha, a deity
believed to be the giver of all life. Outside of the temple, there’s also the living quarters, ceremonial
baths and a natural lake fed by spring water through stone fountains.
The Church of Andahuaylillas. Taking our eyes off the Inca ruins for a moment, visit the Andean
village of Andahuaylillas and its baroque church. Named the “Sistine Chapel of Latin America”, or
“The Sistine Chapel of the Andes”, this church was built according to Spanish traditions and Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 16:28:39 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 6/12
dedicated to Saint Peter the Apostle. Expect painted ceilings, a gold-leaf altar and a shimmering,
colourful display of murals.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: San Agustin Urubamba
DAY 6: Sacred Valley
Tour the Sacred Valley today. Travel deep into the area, past local villages and striking mountain
ranges. Learn about intriguing Incan history and culture on the way. Visit the town of Ollantaytambo
and see the incredible Incan fortress. This was once a royal estate for an Incan emperor. Enjoy a
look into local life during a stop at a local marketplace. Keep an eye out for llamas, alpacas, goats
and sheep grazing lazily along the roadside. Experience the essence of the Sacred Valley! Arrive at
the hotel in Urubamba at the end of the day and get some rest this evening.
Experiences
Guided Tour of the Sacred Valley. Follow a local guide and explore the Sacred Valley of the
Incas. There are loads to see in the valley outside of Machu Picchu (the crown jewel!). We take you
out into the valley to do just that, stopping at the most significant Inca sites up the mountain. Also
stop at a local marketplace for lunch and do some souvenir shopping while mingling with the locals. Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 16:28:39 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 7/12
This is the ideal spot to get a behind-the-scenes look at the art of Peruvian weaving and perhaps
buy your own woven blanket or scarf. The locals you meet here might be descendants of the Incas,
the sophisticated Andean tribe of South America. The language they speak is called Quechua and is
mainly spoken here in the Andes mountains of Peru.
Guided tour of Ollantaytambo Archaeological complex. Ollantaytambo is one of the most
important towns in the Sacred Valley and the last major town before Machu Picchu. Built on the site
of ancient ruins, it’s impressive terraces were the base for Incan ceremonies and the royal estate of
the Incan Emperor. It was also the stronghold of the Incan resistance against the Spanish. Explore
with a local guide and learn more about the history of the architectural sites and incredible vistas
around Ollantaytambo.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: San Agustin Urubamba
DAY 7: Sacred Valley (Machu Picchu optional excursion): Free Day
Join the optional excursion to Machu Picchu today! Enjoy a full day at the complex, on a fully-guided
tour with a local expert. As it is nestled in the Andean mountains, the journey to Machu Picchu is
quite a trek but definitely worth it! Travel by bus, train and on foot to reach the enthralling heritage Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 16:28:39 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 8/12
site. Learn more about Machu Picchu’s intricate buildings and the mysterious history behind its
creation. After being forgotten for many years, Machu Picchu was rediscovered in 1911 by American
archaeologist Herman Bingham. Since then, it has drawn countless visitors from across the globe.
After a day filled with exploration and discovery, return to the hotel. Guests not visiting Machu
Picchu have a free day in the Sacred Valley.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: San Agustin Urubamba
Optional Excursions
Machu Picchu Day Trip: US$ 330
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 8: Sacred Valley - Cusco
Enjoy the last few views of the Sacred Valley en route to the next stop - Cusco. During the road trip
there, see an excellent example of ancient Incan architecture at Sacsayhuaman. This fortress-
temple is made of enormous, intricately stacked rocks. Next up is Cusco, the former capital of the Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 16:28:39 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 9/12
Incan empire. For lunch, try something local. Any restaurant packed with local Cusqueños
guarantees a delicious meal. Explore Cusco with a local guide this afternoon. The city has the title of
being inhabited for the longest continuous time in all of South America! Looking to experience some
local flavour and culture tonight? Join in the optional buffet dinner and local dance show excursion!
Experiences
Guided tour of Sacsayhuaman ruins. Visit the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, perched 3km above
Cusco. See the huge rocks stacked with impressive precision. Don’t forget to take in the amazing
views of Cusco and surrounds!
Cusco City Tour with a local guide. Some call Cusco the bellybutton of the Earth due to the
reach of the Incan Empire. Others have called it the Rome of South America. It was once the capital
of the Incan Empire, making Cusco an intriguing city to explore. A local guide will share insights on
the local history and culture. Find out how the Quechua and Spanish cultures met to create a truly
unique destination.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: San Francisco Cusco Plaza
Optional Excursions
Cusco Dinner & Peruvian Dance Show: US$ 25
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 9: Cusco - Flight to Lima Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 16:28:39 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 10/12
Travel to Peru’s capital city Lima this morning. Catch a short flight and arrive in the bustling city
home to over 10 million people! A local expert will familiarise you with Lima on a city tour. See the
city’s highlights including the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Lima and the Covent and Plaza San
Francisco. Complete the tour with a stroll through the Miraflores neighbourhood for stunning views
over the ocean. This afternoon, check into the hotel before heading out for a group dinner.
Experiences
Lima city tour: Lima is a striking city, built along the coastline on top of jagged cliffs. Join a local
guide and discover Lima’s highlights, its riveting history and its cultural scene. Explore the colonial
city centre and see the Presidential Palace, Archbishops Palace and City Hall on the Main Square.
See the Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo, San Francisco and De Armas Plazas as well as the
modern, upmarket district of San Isidro. The tour also includes Miraflores - a charming coastal
suburb with great views of the Pacific Ocean.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Ibis Larco Miraflores
DAY 10: Lima: Free Day Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 16:28:39 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 11/12
Enjoy everything that Lima has to offer at your own pace today. Or choose to join an unforgettable
full-day trip to Ballestas Islands and the Nazca Lines. Depart early for Paracas on the southern coast.
From here, set out on a leisurely boat tour of the amazing Ballestas Islands. This area is home to
pristine beaches, sparkling blue waters and incredible marine life. You could see dolphins, sea lions
and penguins up close! Next, head to Pisco airport where you’ll catch a flight over the mysterious
Nazca Lines. Experience the impressive scale of these massive shapes etched into the desert sand.
At the end of an excitement-filled day, return to Lima for a final group dinner.
Included Meals Accommodation
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: Ibis Larco Miraflores
Optional Excursions
Nazca Lines and Ballestas Island Day Trip: US$ 390
* Stated prices and availability are subject to change.
DAY 11: Lima - End of tour Expat Explore - Version: Wed Sep 29 2021 16:28:39 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) Page: 12/12
After 11 incredible days on tour, this Sacred Peru trip comes to an end this morning. Enjoy breakfast
at the hotel and say farewell to your fellow travellers. Don’t forget to take down your new travel
friends’ details to share mementoes and swap photos! If you would like to extend your stay in Lima,
please contact our team and we will confirm with the hotel.
Experiences
If you would like to extend your stay in Lima after the tour, please contact us to confirm the hotel.
By this point you will have enjoyed 11 incredible days exploring the very best of Peru. A true
delight!
Included Meals
Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner: