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Best of Peru

Tailor made tours
  • Summary
  • Itinerary
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  • Summary
  • Itinerary
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SUMMARY

16 Days
Peru

Welcome to our exquisite Best of Peru itinerary where adventure and discovery await. Immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty and authenticity of this remarkable destination, where every moment is tailor-made for you.

Upon arriving in Lima, you’ll have ample time to explore this amazing city’s vibrant offerings. Delight in visiting local food markets and experiencing a hands-on cooking class, celebrating South America’s culinary prowess. Alternatively, indulge in the world’s most exquisite private art collections, showcasing masterpieces of Vice-regal art.

Continue to the spectacular Sacred Valley of the Incas, a place of awe-inspiring landscapes and ancient history. Adjust to the altitude while exploring the area’s many attractions, including the captivating Huilloc Village & Pumamarca ruins, offering a fascinating blend of culture and traditions.

The Best of Peru adventure continues as you travel to Machu Picchu by train or trek. Once there, take a guided tour of the archaeological site that unveils its mysteries. The following day, take your time exploring Machu Picchu at your own pace before heading to the enchanting city of Cuzco, with its charming cobbled-stone streets beckoning you to explore.

Then venture south to Puno, where the picturesque Lake Titicaca awaits. Explore the remote island of Taquile and the floating reed islands of Uros, immersing yourself in the area’s cultural heritage. As the journey continues amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Colca Canyon, witness the majestic Condor in flight, a true Andean spectacle.

Finally, reach the beautiful city of Arequipa, renowned as one of Peru’s loveliest cities. Bask in its architectural charm, museums, and vibrant atmosphere.

Throughout your journey, our carefully curated itinerary ensures you experience the very best of Peru’s highlights. From ancient ruins to stunning landscapes, vibrant cities to cultural encounters, every moment is a celebration of Peru’s rich heritage and natural wonders. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime as you embark on this unforgettable exploration.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Visit Peru’s top sights and get the most authentic experiences.
  • Start your journey in the gastronomical capital of the world! Let Lima show you its beauty.
  • Have full days exploring the ruins of Pisac and the famous fortress and town of Ollantaytambo.
  • Visit Machu Picchu, the world’s the best-known archaeological site on the continent
  • Enjoy a walking tour of Cuzco exploring the Plaza de Armas, Koricancha Temple, and ancient cobbled streets on foot.
  • Drive to the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko and Tambomachay.
  • Cross the Altiplano to Lake Titicaca with stops at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, along the way.
  • Explore the stunning Colca Canyon region and see the majestic Andean Condor rising with the thermal currents.
  • Arrive to Arequipa, known as the White City for its use of sillar volcano stone.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Lima

Arrival transfer to your hotel. Miraflores and Barranco have excellent accommodation options to suit every budget.

Day 2 Lima

Choose your exploration in Lima. Depart on a half day sightseeing tour of Lima, including a visit to the Larco Herrera Museum. If you prefer a more active option take a bike ride along bike paths and parks. Alternatively, with the help of one of the best culinary guides in Peru, discover the local ingredients that give life to the finest dishes of Peruvian cuisine.

Day 3 Lima/Sacred Valley

Fly to Cuzco and transfer to your hotel in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Afternoon at leisure to acclimatise to the altitude.

Day 4 Sacred Valley

Visit Pisac Ruins early this morning and walk back to the village via trails crossing ancient terraces. You’ll have time to visit the famous Pisac markets before returning to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 5 Sacred Valley

After breakfast we visit the terraced rings of Moray, then take a relaxed downhill walk to the salt terraces of Maras.
Continue to Ollantaytambo for lunch and visit the famous fortress and town, the oldest continually occupied cities in the Americas.

Day 6 Sacred Valley

Experience what it is like to trek in the mountains on these ancient trails that are still used today by llama drivers who make their living by leading their animals to different points in the Andes. You will observe beautiful landscapes and share a day with the members of a local Andean community. The women of the village are renowned as fine weavers and many of the Huilloc men work as porters on the Inca Trail. Stop at the Pumamarca ruins on the return for a short walk and a picnic lunch.

Day 7 Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu

Today is sure to be a highlight of your trip! Travel by Vistadome train to the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological site. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Day 8 Machu Picchu/Cuzco

Return to the ruins early this morning to watch dawn break and the mist rise over Machu Picchu, a truly unforgettable sight. Book early and secure an entry to Huayna Picchu for stunning views over the citadel. Take the afternoon train back to Cuzco and transfer to your hotel.

Day 9 Cuzco

Enjoy a walking tour of Cuzco exploring the Plaza de Armas, Koricancha Temple and ancient cobbled streets on foot. Afterwards we drive to the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko and Tambomachay for a tour of these impressive sites.

Day 10 Cuzco

Free day to relax and continue exploring the ancient Inca capital.

Day 11 Cuzco/Puno

Full-day tour by bus across the Altiplano to Lake Titicaca with stops at Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, and lunch in Sicuani along the way. Alternatively, board the Belmond Andean Explorer. South America’s first luxury night train.

Day 12 Puno

Full-day tour visiting the unique Uros floating reed islands and the more remote and authentic Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca.

Day 13 Puno/Colca Canyon

Transfer to the bus station for the regular service to Chivay. Here you’ll meet your driver and guide and enjoy an afternoon exploring the stunning Colca Canyon region. For train enthusiast, take the Belmond Andean Explorer train and descend through the Colca Canyon to the picturesque city of Arequipa.

Day 14 Colca Canyon/Arequipa

Early morning trip to Condor Cross, where you can see the majestic Andean Condor rising with the thermal currents. These incredible birds have a wingspan of up to 3 metres. After lunch we transfer to Arequipa and your hotel.

Day 15 Arequipa

Enjoy a guided tour of historic Arequipa, including a visit to the must-see Santa Catalina Convent.

Day 16 Arequipa

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Talk to Us

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GALLERY

Peru Machu Picchu citadel Contours Travel

Classic Machu Picchu

  • Tailor-made tours
Tailor made tours
Peru
8 Days
View Details
A private outdoor retreat with a wooden platform and a shaded canopy, overlooking Lake Titicaca.

Titilaka Andean Experience

  • Stays of Distinction
Stays of Distinction
Peru
4 Days
View Details
Exterior view of the Tambopata Research Center lobby, featuring a thatched roof, wooden construction, and tropical plants.

Tambopata Research Center

  • Stays of Distinction
Stays of Distinction
Amazon, Peru
4 Days
View Details

TESTIMONIALS

Ben & Ping; Nov 2024

 5/5
Thank you for creating such a wonderful itinerary for us. All our flights, transfers, and tours were well-spaced and seamlessly organized, which was incredibly helpful given the language barrier! Additionally, the hotels you selected were all located in beautiful and convenient areas—perfect for first-time travellers to South America like us....
Bolivia Uyuni Salt Flat Proturs Contours Travel

Libby & Dari; Oct 2024

 5/5
Well we are finally back at home and over our jet lag. I wanted to write to say thank you so very much for all your help during our recent trip. It was probably one of the most stressful things that has happened to me over all my years of...

Alycia Burke (Hawthorn Travel & Cruise); Jul 2024

 5/5
Hi Hanna, Thanks so much, your attention to detail and documentation is fantastic. I just love dealing with you and your company, I just wish had more South American bookings.

Grainne & Anthony; Mar 2024

 5/5
We have arrived back from our travels around Chile, Ecuador, Peru & Bolivia and I wanted to firstly say a big THANK YOU to you for your wonderful booking and organising skills. The whole month was very well coordinated, and every detail seems to have been covered. I hope you...
Chile

Stuart; Apr 2024

 5/5
I did however want to take the opportunity to thank you both for such a wonderful trip. Some would say a “trip for the ages” and well they might. The effort, work, organization and the outcome were fantastic and the trip special to say the least. So, a special thank...
Patagonia Torres del Paine Chile

Andrea; Agent Fam Trip, Mar 2024

 5/5
I can’t believe that one minute I was exploring glaciers and tangoing in Buenos Aires to all of sudden wiping smooshed avocado off walls and doing in a mound of never ending laundry now that I am back home! I just want to sincerely thank you for having me on...
Cuba vintage car

Barry, Sharon, Ray, Marilyn & Mark; Mar 2024

 5/5
We have fallen in love with Cuba! The travel has been everything we could have hoped for. Our guides have all been incredible, so passionate and knowledgeable. We ended up going down the beach last night for dinner and a swim with our guide. It was spectacular!. Again, we can’t...

Carol & Graeme; Apr 2024

 5/5
Just back from a fabulous 4-week holiday in Ecuador where, thanks to Heather’s comprehensive itinerary, we learnt that this country is much, much more than the Galápagos Islands. We paddled jungle waterways in the Amazon basin, saw spectacular birdlife in the Andean cloud forests, got a shower or two from...
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Milton & Barbara; Mar 2024

 5/5
Heather planned our 45 day itinerary around our priorities for places and activities to experience. Everything, from the logistics, accommodation, guides and schedule was so well organised. Punctuality, safety, and friendliness were foremost considerations and everything occurred efficiently and seamlessly. It is so wonderful and stress free, to be met...
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Janet, Sep 2023

 5/5
Yes, a fabulous trip! I have been straight back to work (unfortunately) but had on my list to get in touch with you to let you know that the arrangements went superbly. No problem at all with flights, transfers, hotels or tours – everything went very smoothly and on time,...
Contours Travel Lake Atitlan Guatemala

Barb & Ian; Feb 2023

 5/5
It was a fantastic tour and a marvellous experience. Thank you for putting it all together for us and for providing the pre-departure and ongoing support. We were very impressed with the incredibly smooth co-ordination, pickups and punctuality of all the drivers and guides. The initial hiccup with our late...
Bolivia Uyuni Salt Flat Proturs Contours Travel

Hayden & Kate; Oct 2022

 5/5
Just arrived back into the country and wanted to thank you for arranging the trip – it worked out very well and the activities you arranged were perfect. The speed of the trip, places we visited and the quality of the guiding was great. Bolivia was by far our favourite...
Contours Travel Brochures Cover - South America Travel Specialist

Jan (Travel Agent), January 2023

 5/5
Christmas wishes to you all … and for an even better 2023 because you are such an awesome company! I just want to say “thank you” for all the help that you and your staff have given me over the years in looking after my clients. You are truly special...
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Joe, February 2023

 5/5
Thanks again for the high quality service Contours Travel provided in constructing my itinerary including flights, accommodation, transfers, and on the ground the tours, the guides, the communication and attention to details.

Simon, Suzie & Family; Jan 2023

 5/5
We had a truly fantastic time, and I’ve got to say, the organisation from your end was absolutely flawless. The service you delivered was exceptional, and felt like great value too. You’re right that Atacama was a stand-out. Awesome hotel, with great activities. Overall, we had a wonderful mix of...

Catherine & Family; Oct 2022

 5/5
Everthing has been perfect so far. Transfers and flights worked like clockwork…the guides have all been great…Our favourites were Freddy (on the) Salt Flats… Freddy spoke so highly of you. Don’t want to come back to reality! Thanks so much for your sensational organisation skills.

Ruth; April 2022

 5/5
Thanks to all at Contours for a wonderful trip to Brazil and Buenos Aires. The hotels were all wonderful, activities suggested were informative and fun and the transfers went well. There were problems with airlines changing things and suddenly requiring forms to be filled in on-line which proved impossible but...

Brian & Adelaida; April 2022

 5/5
Our Galapagos adventure was wonderful! All the islands we explored with its abundant wildlife and plants are unique and amazing. We had a great time and all went well. Thank you so much for all the effort you have put into this Ben, for your patience and professionalism (10/10).  All...
Costa Rica Manuel Antonio

Megan, Travel Agent; June 2022

 5/5
Thanks Ted & Ben. You guys have been absolutely amazing and I cant thank you enough for all your amazing help putting this together for my clients.  You have been a dream to deal with and I look forward to any other clients needing to head over that way.
travellers

Neal & Yvonne; April 2022

 5/5
You did an awesome job with the itinerary and we have been having a wonderful time. Everything has been going to plan and the Colombian Journeys guides and drivers have been excellent.  Even talked them into an unscheduled visit to the gold museum this afternoon. We loved our cooking class...
travellers

Tara & Paul; April 2022

 5/5
What an adventure…. From dizzying heights, ancient adventures, walking amongst the clouds and the canopies of the jungle, loop tee loops in a quasi red bull air race above the Nazca lines and ripping down sand dunes in a dune buggy, this had a bit of everything! We have some...
travellers

Marina & Anthony; Nov 2021

 5/5
Wow what a trip!! After 2 years of not leaving Sydney, it was surreal to be exploring another country like Mexico, let alone jumping on an aeroplane. Anthony and I kept pinching ourselves that we were travelling again. We want to thank the team at Contours and Travel Associates for...

Chelsea and Gemma, 2021

 5/5
Thank you for all the work you put into our itinerary (and answering all our dumb questions!). It was so nice working with you as you quickly understood us and what we like/don’t like. You seemed to just know what we would love to do and see without even meeting...

Megan, Travel Agent 2020

 5/5
From my conversations while my clients were away they have been blown away with the service they have been receiving from all the ground staff.  As a Travel Agent I have never seen such amazing service myself where you have all gone over and above what is required.  I have...

Maria & Domenic, Peru, 2020

 5/5
Dear Contours Travel staff, We really want to formally show our appreciation for all your services, care and concerns during our recent (short) trip to South America. It was thanks to your capable staff (Heather, in particular), that we were able to safely return home to Melbourne from Peru. The...
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Fiona & Ray, Argentina and Chile 2020

 5/5
Ray and I would like to formally acknowledge the support and service that Brett provided during our recent holiday to Argentina and Chile that was disrupted by the COVID 19 pandemic. Brett made himself available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and demonstrated outstanding professionalism and true compassion...

Janelle, Travel Agent 2020

 5/5
I recently booked an amazing 8-week multi-country itinerary for 2 of my clients. What they wanted was a little off the grid and Heather from Contours did a fabulous job. She ticked all the boxes making sure their needs were met and answer any questions before they arose. Which for...

Bridget, Peru 2019

 5/5
Hi Contours! It didn’t take too long to recover because we had such a wonderful & relaxing trip that we arrived home really feeling refreshed. The trip was wonderful, and we all agreed that there were many highlights. We would like you to know how impressed we were with all...

Pat & Mary, Antarctica 2019

 5/5
The trip was fantastic! Thank you and it was wonderful to see such a beautiful and pristine environment, in the presence of a great bunch of people young and old from many different countries.  The ship was basic but most welcoming and the staff all incredible. Unfortunately, we were late...

Brett & Elvira, Cuba and Mexico 2019

 5/5
our trip was excellent and in particular, I must commend the performance of the representatives of Latin America Travel from the time we landed in Havana to when we departed Mexico City. Their greeting representatives, guides and drivers, were without exception, highly efficient, very communicative, knowledgeable and punctual. The quality...

Jo & Noel, Chile 2019

 5/5
A well rounded holiday experience in Chile! We have arrived in Valparaiso, we love it. All going well. Valparaiso is a delight. The locals have been fantastic in telling us where to be at certain times during the day.

Rose, Ecuador 2019

 5/5
It was my second time visiting Ecuador and the Galapagos which was lucky and it was just as wonderful as the first time!   I absolutely loved the hotel in Quito the Casa Gangotena, great location, amazing service and inclusions. Monica our tour guide was lovely, very kind and accommodating....
Alex Lee walking in the beach

Alex Lee, Ecuador 2019

 5/5
Hi Contours Travel, It was very hard to decide which photos to send from this trip, so I have just sent all of my favourites!! My top three photos if I have to choose… ‘Mashpi Lodge’ – relaxing in the lounge area and taking in the amazing views of the...
Activities horse back ride Patagonia Torres del Paine Chile Tierra Patagonia CHT5457

Margi, Patagonia & Atacama 2019

 5/5
“We had a great time on the trip! We LOVED Patagonia and Atacama. The Tierra Patagonia was amazing. We had the same guide for the four days we were there and he was fantastic. The National Park was gorgeous- I could look at those mountains forever – and the kids...

Tanya, Costa Rica and Mexico 2019

 5/5
Hi Heather,   I haven’t had an opportunity to thank you as yet, to say how much I appreciated all your help on the Christies booking to Costa Rica and Mexico. THANK YOU! The Lonely Planet guide was a very special touch and they loved it ? Thank you so...

Debbie & Kevin, Ecuador 2019

 5/5
Heather, thank you for a marvellous trip. I thought you might like feedback on the various elements of our trip. Hotel Buenos Aires – Club Frances was very good and we thought it was much better than CasaSur Art Hotel which we stayed at last time. Club Frances is on...
Street view of Antigua with arch at the end

Judy & Ron, Guatemala. March, 2019.

 5/5
Hi Heather, Just to let you know we absolutely loved Casa Palopo on Lake Atitlan… a very special oasis, beautifully located and run- fabulous room, view, food… Also here in Antigua, el Convento, has been an amazing experience- small, intimate, relaxing, gr8 food. Each location’s accommodation has been perfection, interesting...

Penny & Andrew, Chile and Argentina 2019

 5/5
Heather, Heather, Heather, All we can say now we are back in the deep north of Queensland is WOW!!! Thought we should drop you a line about our trip of a lifetime….which you designed :) There was not one part of the trip that was not amazing. EVERYTHING was amazing...
Lady selling textiles in Antigua Guatemala Contours Travel

Suzanne & Bruce, Central America 2018

 5/5
Hi Heather, Our trip was just fabulous. Thank you so much for all the attention to detail. We loved it all. Too hard to give a favourite really. Panama was a great experience. I think the time we spent there was adequate and we even managed to organise a few...

Bob & Tina, Brazil 2019

 5/5
Ben, We would like to thank you for the work and attention to detail you put into our recent trip to South America. The trip went like clockwork with everything following the itinerary you set out. Your ability to foresee problems is to be commended and shows that you know...

Karen & Wayne, Patagonia 2018

 5/5
We had a truly wonderful time, you just can’t imagine. All the scheduled connections and tours in Patagonia worked out beautifully, accommodations were comfortable and the food everywhere was great. All-inclusive at Las Torres with excursions was so convenient and the staff & guides were all so friendly. Karen &...

The Martin family, Ecuador 2018

 5/5
Hi Ben We had the most amazing time. Our jaws were on the ground practically every day. Muyuna was great. We loved the schedule of activities and the food and accommodation were both terrific. We saw and did everything. New Year’s Eve in Quito was the most dangerous New Years...
Panoramic view of the Gran Plaza in Tikal, featuring the impressive Temple I and surrounding structures.

Rod & Vicki, Mexico & Guatemala 2018

 5/5
Hola Ben, You work with fantastic people. Each and everyone has been so nice, helpful and totally lovely, eg. yesterday our computer would not play DVD’s. The gentleman at the inn downloaded a new program and woohoo, DVDs played. Our border crossing went very well. Our guide made sure all was...
Contours Travel Tren Crucero

Jill, Ecuador 2018

 5/5
Hi Heather, Thanks for your speedy response.  We loved the Devil’s Cauldron yesterday and the walk down over the suspension bridges to the falls.  The vegetation and the waterfalls were fabulous. Today we really enjoyed the Devil’s Nose train trip.  Tomorrow we’re having a quieter day and are spending the...
Alpacas grazing in a field in the Andes Mountains.

Erika, Peru 2018

 5/5
Hi Brett, Thought you’d like to know that I just had Erika in from the Alpaca group and she said they had a ball, and that it was one of the best trips they had done.  They will be going again in another 3-4 years. Thanks Kind Regards Gini
Mexico oaxaca guelaguetza ladies Mexico SECTUR Contours Travel

Carolyn, Travel Agent. November, 2018.

 5/5
Hi Brett, They came in last week.  I can only tell you they loved everything and every minute. So thank you! Carolyn,
A hiker looking at the Paine Massif in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile.

Johna, Chile. November, 2018.

 5/5
Hi Ben, My trip was spectacular! I had such a wonderful time. The process was seamless end to end (aside from being put on standby to Puerto Natales), and my tour guide made sure all was well on my end throughout the hike. Thanks for all your help in putting...

Heather, South America. November, 2018.

 5/5
Ben, well we went to Cafe Toroni on your suggestion. Beautiful! Noticed as we walked into the cafe they had photos of past dignitaries who have frequented the place. Again the flight into El Calafate was special being we were on the right side of the plane to see that...
Contours Travel customer is happy at Iguasu Falls

Bob, Brazil. November, 2018.

 5/5
YOU HAVE DONE VERY WELL. Cheers, Bob Photo says it all!
Peru Colca Canyon Alpacas Contours Travel

Dinah, Peru. October, 2018.

 5/5
Hi Rod This is just a quick note to thank you for planning my trip. Your itinerary was perfectly paced for me and very well tailored to my interests. The hotels were very good, the guides were excellent, I had a fantastic time and I’d love to be able to...
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