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Escorted Tours

Sacred Peru


Route:
  • London
  • Lima
  • Arequipa
  • Puno
  • Cusco
  • London
Tour Pace:

12 DAYS from £2799pp

Tour Highlights
  • Embark on a tour of Lima's UNESCO-listed historic area and the 'White City' of Arequipa
  • Discover the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
  • Visit the incredible Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons
  • Explore Lake Titicaca, the largest and highest navigable lake in the world
  • Marvel at the Sacred Valley of the Incas and their fortress of Ollantaytambo
  • Explore Cusco's Incan palaces, cathedrals and plazas
  • Journey to the open plains of Pampa Canaguas and Salinas

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Sacred Peru

This tour offers a fantastic taste of the best Peru has to offer. Starting and finishing in the capital city of Lima, you will journey through colonial cities, ancient ruins and snow-capped mountains whilst experiencing the region's traditional culture and stunning scenery.

Tour Itinerary

1
UK to Lima

Depart London on your scheduled indirect flight to Lima.

2
Lima

On arrival in Lima, you will be met by your local representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

3
Lima to Arequipa

Known as the 'City of the Kings', today's tour combines the historic downtown with modern Miraflores. First, visit the main square to see the Cathedral, Government Palace and City Hall. Next see the beautiful Santo Domingo Convent, before visiting Miraflores, a bustling shopping area. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Arequipa.

  • Breakfast
4
Arequipa

With its large traditional square and colonial buildings, Peru's second largest city Arequipa has a very Spanish feel. Known as the 'Cuidad Blanca' (White City) and set against the backdrop of the misty volcano, Arequipa offers some truly wonderful cultural and historic sites including the Church of the Society of Jesus, the frescoes of America's Sistine Chapel at the San Ignacio Dome and the labyrinth Santa Catalina Convent. The tour ends with a relaxed walk around the local areas of Cayma and Yanahuara. The rest of the afternoon and evening are at leisure.

  • Breakfast
5
Arequipa & Colca Canyon

Today the tour moves on to the open plains of the Pampa Canaguas and Salinas where you will see llamas, alpacas, and guanacos roaming in the wild. The wetlands are teeming with different species of birdlife, and Patapampa, a high point offers stunning vistas of volcanoes. After about a five hour drive you arrive at Chivay, your base for the night where dinner is included.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
6
Colca Canyon to Puno

An early start from Chivay sets you up for a spectacular scenic tour of the Colca Canyon with its terraced fields, and deep gorges, all culminating with a chance to see the majestic condors as they rise deep from within the canyon. You will then make your way back to the hotel and after lunch, commence your journey to Puno, arriving in the evening where dinner at your hotel is included.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
7
Puno

Today's highlight is a trip to Lake Titicaca, the highest and largest navigable lake on earth. The views from Taquile Island that, on a clear day, can stretch to Bolivia are stunning and well worth the hour or so walk to the top from the port. Have a 'coca tea' break half way up before lunch is taken in a simple restaurant that overlooks the lake. Later you will walk back down to the port and board a boat for a brief visit to one of the floating reed islands to visit a local family home. Overnight is in Puno.

  • Breakfast & Lunch
8
Puno to Cusco

This morning you will travel from Puno to Cusco and be able to appreciate the surrounding valleys' wonderful landscapes en route. The journey includes a stop at La Raya pass, 4,300 metres above sea level, from where you will be able to take in some amazing vistas of the Andean snow-capped mountains. You will also stop at the Raqchi ruins, known as the Temple of the God Wiracocha, and Andahuaylillas village where there is a beautiful church from the 17th century. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before arriving in Cusco and transferring to your hotel.

  • Breakfast & Lunch
9
Cusco to The Sacred Valley

Today the tour heads for Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where one of the highlights is a visit to the imposing Inca Fortress at Ollantaytambo. En route you will visit a camelid compound to see these unique animals at close quarters as well as the colourful Pisac market where local Indians display and sell their handmade artefacts. Lunch is in a comfortable restaurant then the journey continues to reach your hotel for an overnight stay in the valley.

  • Breakfast & Lunch
10
The Sacred Valley to Cusco

Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and this morning you will be taken to the station to board the train to start your adventure to this incredible site. The train will take you to the city of Aguas Calientes where you disembark and board a bus to the archaeological site. Constructed on a saddle between two Andean peaks, Machu Picchu was one of the greatest achievements of South American civilisation. After a guided tour of this 550-year-old citadel, there is some free time for you to explore and absorb the awe-inspiring atmosphere. You will then descend back to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then catch the train back to Ollantaytambo and return to Cusco by coach.

  • Breakfast & Lunch
11
Cusco to Lima

This morning's tour of Cusco will introduce you to this amazing colonial city built on the foundation of Inca palaces. Visit the 'Temple of the Sun' where you can appreciate the incredible masonry of the Incas, the Plaza de Armas and the cathedral with its carved woodwork and paintings. Later, you will drive to the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, then to the underground cave and temple of Kenko - one of the largest wakas (holy places) in the region. Experience a panoramic view of Puca Pucara and, finally, stop at the living art workshop to admire how the local artisans create wonderful silver pieces, paintings and wood carvings. Later this afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima.

  • Breakfast
12
Lima to the UK

Transfer to the airport for your indirect overnight return flight, or continue with your chosen extension.

  • Breakfast

Important Information

Visas

British passport holders are not currently required to obtain a visa in order to travel to Peru. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you to check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

Payment

If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £250pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

Flight Information

Weight restrictions will be finalised on final documents. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in.
Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you.

Health and Vaccinations

It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

Physical Accessibility

This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

Group Size

The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 30. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

Tour Guide

A Tour Leader will be with you on your trip starting in Arequipa on Day 3, ending in Puno on Day 12. Day 1, Day 2, Day 11 and Day 12 in Lima do not include a tour leader, however, transfers will be provided by a local English speaking guide.

Currency Information

The currency in Peru is the Nuevo Sol, the symbol is S/. We recommend that you exchange your currency before you depart US Dollars are widely accepted in Peru should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. Cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency.

Personal Expenses

You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any lunches and dinners where these are not mentioned on your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £200-£400 will be sufficient for the duration of the tour, depending on how much of a bargain-hunter you are!

Tour Dates & Prices

Depart UKArrive UKPrice
2024 Dates
23 May 202403 Jun 2024£3299.00
20 Jun 202401 Jul 2024£3299.00
04 Jul 202415 Jul 2024£3299.00
12 Sep 202423 Sep 2024£2899.00
10 Oct 202421 Oct 2024£2899.00
14 Nov 202425 Nov 2024£2799.00

Included in the Price

  • Local English-speaking Guides
  • Scheduled Flights from the UK.
  • All internal travel including air-conditioned/heated transportation.
  • Accommodation, meals as specified and entry fees to all sights.
  • All airport taxes and security charges.

Additional Expenses

  • Visas
  • Insurance
  • Tips
  • Any meals not specified in your itinerary
Travelling alone?

We have 2 rooms available on every tour date for single use where no single supplement will need to be paid. But hurry, these spaces are limited and subject to availability. If however once all the places are sold out and you are happy to share with another passenger of the same gender then let us know at the time of booking and we will endeavour to find you a travelling partner.

Private Tours:

If the group departure dates are not suitable for you and you would prefer a more personal and flexible experience then you can choose to book a private guide for your tour at a reasonable supplement.

What to expect

Fact File
Currency

Nuevo Sol

Average Flying time

16 Hours

Min/Max temperature

16 °C / 28 °C

Spoken languages

Spanish

When to go

Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.

Lima

Arequipa

Puno

Cusco

What to pack
  • Warm Clothes in case of cold weather (Jumper and Jacket)
  • Rain Wear for rainy season
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • Long Trousers
  • Insect Repellent
  • Sun cream and a hat with a big brim for sunny days
  • Comfortable shoes such as trainers
  • A pair of light boots and sandals
  • A torch and batteries
  • Binoculars
  • Sunglasses and plastic bags
  • Towel and Swimsuit
  • Rucksack or light bag per person
  • Personal toiletries and first aid kit
  • Medicine to arrest or prevent the so called Soroche or altitude sickness. Please seek medical advice for this
Customer Rating:
10/10
Christopher Bull
9th Sep 2019

Generally very good with three that were outstanding: Hacienda Concepcion (Amazon), Chivay, Sacred Valley.
Superb holiday, one of the best we have done yet with Mercury. So many highlights to enjoy, outstanding guides throughout, great value for money.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
8.8/10
Jessica Williams
24th Jul 2019

Really enjoyed all hotels during the tour! All were in good locations with good facilities!

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
8.8/10
Michael Antrobus
16th Jun 2019

All hotels very satisfactory.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Gerald Potten
22nd May 2019

All hotels were very good for the star rating. Some were a little noisy, but otherwise very good.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
8.8/10
K Griffiths
20th May 2019

Tour leader in Peru Fernando was excellent.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
8.8/10
Gillian Tully
8th May 2019

Good locations, lovely beds but a few problems with showers and noise

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Len Goodes
21st Nov 2018

For where we were I thought the hotels were of a good standard. Another good tour at an affordable price.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
7.5/10
Cath Mccoo
15th Oct 2018

Hotels were clean + comfortable. Very limited public space in all of them. Delivery of luggage at all hotels was quick + well managed. This is my 2nd tour with Mercury. Both tours have been very well organised and ran smoothly. As a solo traveller this has been very reassuring.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
J Reid
19th Jul 2018

Hotels in the center of town, safe surroundings for evening walks.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Margaret Maw
4th Jul 2018

Would have liked tea making facilities in rooms

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Wendy Wilcoxon
4th Jul 2018

Good locations and clean & comfortable

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Susan Morgan
11th Feb 2018

Loved the Hotel prior to the Macchu Pichu trip and the Inka terra and Chivay lodges. Some Andinis were better than others. The one in Lima was a bit dreary though the rooms themselves were fine and location good.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Penri Williams
25th Oct 2017

Hotels were clean and breakfasts were excellent

Guides were excellent

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
8.8/10
Wayne Smith
29th Sep 2017

The Hotels used where all pretty good.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Tour Map
Sacred Peru Route Map
Tour Dossiers
Extensions
  • Peru
    Extend your stay in Lima City Stay

    2 nights from £179pp

    View
  • Peru
    Tumbes Beach Stay

    4 nights from £799pp

    View
  • Peru
    Amazon Adventure Extension

    4 nights from £999pp

    View
Here to help

Hotels & Accommodation

Extensions

Extend your stay in Lima City Stay
Tour Route
  • London
  • Lima
  • Arequipa
  • Puno
  • Cusco
  • Lima
  • London

Delve further into The 'City of the Kings' with an extended stay in Peru's capital city of Lima. Brimming with heritage, you will have free time to explore the city to gain further insight into the local area and ancient cultures.

This extension takes place at the end of the main tour.

2 nights
from £179pp
View Tour + Extension
View Tour + Extension
Tumbes Beach Stay
Tour Route
  • London
  • Lima
  • Arequipa
  • Puno
  • Cusco
  • Lima
  • Tumbes
  • London

Extend your stay in Peru and head to the beautiful beaches of Tumbes for some time of relaxation. With an idyllic coastline and diverse wildlife, Tumbes offers a perfect end to the tour.

4 nights
from £799pp
View Tour + Extension
View Tour + Extension
Amazon Adventure Extension
Tour Route
  • London
  • Lima
  • Arequipa
  • Puno
  • Cusco
  • Amazon Jungle
  • Lima
  • London

Adventure into one of the world's most biodiverse rainforests, the lush Peruvian Amazon, to witness a truly unique 'country-within-a-country'. Offering phenomenal wildlife-spotting, vast untamed forests and indigenous communities, a stay in the famous amazon is a once in a lifetime experience.

4 nights
from £999pp
View Tour + Extension
View Tour + Extension