Classic Peru

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
Classic Peru
Classic Peru
Classic Peru
Classic Peru
Classic Peru
Classic Peru
Classic Peru
Classic Peru
Classic Peru
Classic Peru
Classic Peru
Classic Peru
Classic Peru
Classic Peru
Classic Peru
Classic Peru
Classic Peru
Classic Peru
Classic Peru
Classic Peru
Classic Peru
Classic Peru
9 Days
From AUD $3465 Was AUD $3850
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(17 reviews)

Classic Peru

Classic Peru

Intrepid Travel · 9 days
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Travel to Peru on an adventure from mountains and jungle to seasides to great plains. Across nine days, you’ll see the incredible natural and historical highlights of this adventure capital.

Highlights

  • Discover the breadth of Peru's diverse heritage, from the stories of Lima to the Aymara and Quechuan Indian cultures of Puno.
  • Marvel at the mother of all Inca cities – Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Take a guided tour of the ruins with a local guide, learning about the people who used to call this site home.
  • Enjoy plenty of time to explore Cusco – the perfect place to launch into active outdoor adventures or simply relax and take in mountain views.
  • Explore the floating reed islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca, astounding in concept, construction and history. Take a boat tour on the world's highest navigable lake and stay with a local family.
  • Join us and help make the world a better place – at Intrepid we’ve always been about balancing profit and purpose and as the largest B Corp certified operator on the Inca Trail we’re committed to operating our treks for the benefit of all.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Plane,Train,Boat,Taxi,Private Vehicle,Public bus

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Lima, Peru

Finishes

Lima, Peru

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Lima
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. Your adventure begins in the capital city of Lima with a welcome meeting at 2 pm. You’ll meet your fellow travellers and trip leader, then head out for a stroll of the streets of downtown to check out some of the main attractions on a walking tour. Enjoy some free time before an optional group dinner this evening. The unofficial food capital of South America, there’s no better place to sample Peru’s national dish (ceviche) than Lima. As there's little time spent in Lima on this trip, it’s recommended that you arrive a few days early to see the sights, like Miraflores, Central Park, Lovers' Park and the National Museum.

Included Activities:

  • Lima - Leader-led walking tour

Optional Activities:

  • Lima - Archaeological Museum (entrance fee) (15 PEN)
  • Lima - Museum of the Inquisition - Free
  • Lima - Gold Museum Entrance Fee (35 PEN)
  • Lima - Museo de la Nacion (entrance fee) (10 PEN)
  • Lima - Private Lima: Home Cooked Tour Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) (85 USD)
  • Lima - Coast Biking Urban Adventure (minimum 2 participants) (65 USD)
  • Lima - Lima Discovery Urban Adventures (minimum 2 participants) (39 USD)
  • Lima - Bohemian Barranco (Based on 4 participants) (75 USD)
  • Lima - Lima Water Show (Based on 4 participants) (40 USD)
  • Lima - Lima Eat Street (Based on 4 participants) (75 USD)
  • Lima - Private Larco Museum (Based on 4 participants) (50 USD)
  • Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class (70 USD)
  • Lima - Lima Pisco Making (Based on 4 participants) (35 USD)
  • Lima - Private: Home Cooked Tour Ceviche experience Urban Adventure (Based on 2 Participants) (85 USD)
2
Day 2: Cusco
This morning after breakfast, you’ll catch an early flight to Cusco. Spend a little time acclimatising to the high altitude (3450 m), then get acquainted with the blend of cultures here on a leader-led walking tour. Check out some of Cusco's main attractions, as well as its lesser-known sights, such as the Qoricancha temple, San Pedro market, the main square, the 12 Angled Stone, Regocijo Square and San Blas Square. Tonight is free to explore at your own pace or find the perfect dinner spot with your group and try some local Peruvian favourites.  

Included Activities:

  • Cusco - Leader-led orientation walk

Optional Activities:

  • Cusco - Full Boleto Turistico Pass (access to 16 archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) (135 PEN)
  • Cusco - Half Boleto Turistico Pass (access to selected archaeological sites, transport & guides not included) (75 PEN)
  • Cusco - Pre-Colombian Museum (20 PEN)
  • Cusco - Cathedral Entrance Fee (40 PEN)
  • Cusco - Coricancha Temple (entrance fee) (20 PEN)
  • Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class (70 USD)
  • Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (35 USD)
  • Cusco - 4 Ruins + Qorikancha (Price based on 4 participants) (40 USD)
3
Day 3: Aguas Calientes
Travel by private bus through the Sacred Valley on the outskirts of Cusco today. This lush valley, known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Maize crops can be seen surrounding the river and covering the terraces that are carved high into the valley walls. You’ll visit a community in the valley to learn about local lifestyles and activities. If your visit coincides with market day, you can browse the stalls in search of hand-painted beads or warm ponchos. Visit the AMA Restaurant in Urubamba – this cafe provides employment opportunities and job training for single mothers throughout the Sacred Valley. Have a snack and learn how this inclusive enterprise focuses on economic growth, gender equality and the support of vulnerable communities. Board a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, in the cloud forest at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Included Activities:

  • Sacred Valley - Community visit & lunch
  • Sacred Valley - Snack & drink at AMA Restaurant social enterprise
4
Day 4: Cusco
This morning, you’ll take an early bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu. Welcome to one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World! This is your chance to decide for yourself whether Machu Picchu was built around 1440 as a country retreat for the Incan nobility or as an ancient astronomical observatory. Enjoy a guided visit of the incredible site, giving you ample time to take in the many temples, palaces and living quarters. After taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, one of the Seven Wonders of the World is checked off your bucket list! you’ll return to Cusco.

Included Activities:

  • Machu Picchu - Entrance and guided tour
5
Day 5: Cusco
Today after breakfast, you can enjoy free time to relax, shop and explore Cusco's many sights. Maybe rest your weary legs at a cafe on Plaza de Armas or head to the San Pedro Market, where you can find vegetables, meats, local cheeses, chocolates, herbal medicines and many local handicrafts. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or ingredients for a picnic. The market is also where many locals (and daring travellers) go to eat ‘mystery soups.’ Some may be just chicken, however, the most popular among the locals usually contain frogs or offal. For those looking for something active, why not try mountain biking in the hills surrounding Cusco?  

Optional Activities:

  • Cusco - Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 participants) (105 USD)
  • Cusco - Full Day Via Ferrata & Zipline (95 USD)
  • Cusco - Full Day Stand Up Paddle Boarding (Based on 4 participants) (85 USD)
  • Cusco - Pisco Making Urban Adventure (35 USD)
  • Cusco - Cusco Cooking Class (70 USD)
  • Cusco - Humantay Lake Hike (Based on 4 participants) (130 USD)
  • Sacred Valley - Mountain Biking (Price Based on 2 Participants) (170 USD)
  • Cusco - Palcoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike (Based on 4 paticipants) (100 USD)
6
Day 6: Puno
This morning after breakfast, you’ll travel through the dramatic scenery of the high Altiplano to Puno – located on the shores of serene Lake Titicaca. At an altitude of 3800 m, Lake Titicaca is the world's highest navigable lake. Today includes a bit of a long drive in a local bus, but it’s worth the first glimpse of immense Lake Titicaca, whose seemingly endless waters stretch into the horizon. Puno is a melting pot of Indigenous Aymara and Quechuan culture and traditional Andean customs, and it wears its traditions on its sleeve. If you're lucky, your trip will coincide with one of the many cultural festivals here. Ask your leader where you can get the best grilled trout tonight – a true local specialty perfect for dinner.   
7
Day 7: Puno
This morning, you’ll take a tour of the immense lake by motorboat, stopping at the floating Uros Islands that look like they could come from a Pixar or Studio Ghibli movie. Built by the Uros people to protect themselves from encroaching Inca forces hundreds of years ago, the islands are constructed from many layers of totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake. Get a closer look at contemporary life on the shores of the lake with a homestay in a local community. Help your host family with their daily activities, try out a few words in the Quechua language and maybe even join a local soccer game to make some friends on the makeshift pitch. Tonight, sit down and swap stories with your hosts, who will cook you a feast full of traditional Peruvian favourites.  

Included Activities:

  • Lake Titicaca - Boat tour & Homestay
8
Day 8: Lima
This morning after breakfast at your homestay, say goodbye to the local family & your new Peruvian friends and take a bus to Juliaca airport. Then, you’ll take an included flight back to Lima, where you’ll have a free night. Enjoy your last night of the trip with your fellow travellers, time allowing explore the beautiful neighborhood of Miraflores including Kennedy Park, (a cat haven!) and “Parque del amor” (Love Park), entirely dedicated to all lovers. Enjoy the last night of the trip with your fellow travellers and maybe head out to a final celebratory dinner.

Optional Activities:

  • Lima - Lima Pisco Making (Based on 4 participants) (35 USD)
  • Lima - Lima Water Show (Based on 4 participants) (40 USD)
  • Lima - Bohemian Barranco (Based on 4 participants) (75 USD)
  • Lima - Lima Eat Street (Based on 4 participants) (75 USD)
9
Day 9: Lima
With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave after breakfast. If you’d like to stay in Lima for longer, just speak to your booking agent.  

Optional Activities:

  • Lima - Private Lima: Home Cooked Tour Urban Adventure (Based on 2 participants) (85 USD)
  • Lima - Coast Biking Urban Adventure (minimum 2 participants) (65 USD)
  • Lima - Private Larco Museum (Based on 4 participants) (50 USD)
  • Lima - Lima Pisco Making (Based on 4 participants) (35 USD)
  • Lima - Lima Water Show (Based on 4 participants) (40 USD)
  • Lima - Lima Eat Street (Based on 4 participants) (75 USD)
  • Lima - Bohemian Barranco (Based on 4 participants) (75 USD)
  • Lima - Lima Discovery Urban Adventures (minimum 2 participants) (39 USD)
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $3850

AUD $3,465
(Tour only)
Offer ends 18 Sep, 2025 Per Person Twin Share
10% Off

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Travel to Peru on an adventure from mountains and jungle to seasides to great plains. Across nine days, you’ll see the incredible natural and historical highlights of this adventure capital.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 31 Oct 2025

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.0
Sarah
Traveled, March 2024

03/29/2024

As someone new to group travel I was impressed and thoroughly delighted with Intrepid’s Best of Peru Tour. I felt safe, inspired and educated throughout our exciting adventure. It was full of WOW moments. All our guides were caring, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The local communities were welcoming and joyful. A truly humbling and memorable experience from beginning to end. Thank you.

4.5
Anne
Traveled, February 2024

02/16/2024

Amazing trip! Machu Picchu, of course, did not disappoint but an extra excursion to Palccoyo Mountain was a memory I will never forget. This was truly an intro into various parts of Peru. I learned so much about its history and the Peruvian people. The boatride on Lake Titicaca and the homestay with a Quechuan family were surprisingly fantastic. Our guide Leo was spectacular…the perfect host. Highly recommend this trip.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989