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Essential Peru

15 days
Start and end in Lima
4.3
111 traveler reviews
Essential Peru - Exodus Adventure Travels
From
$3,892
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US $3,670
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Plan your adventure:
  • In-depth Cultural
  • Group
  • Fully Guided
  • Historical
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Group Size 4 - 16
Age range 16 to 99
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Take a boat to the Ballestas islands
  • View the mystical Nazca LInes
  • Explore the lost city of Machu Picchu
  • Visit Uros floating islands
  • Internal flights included

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Start Lima
  2. Day 2 Drive south to Paracas and tour the Ballestas Islands; to Ica (breakfast)
  3. Day 3 On to Nazca; see the Nazca Lines; optional scenic flight (breakfast)
  4. Day 4 Turn inland from coastal desert, climbing high into the Andes (breakfast)
  5. Day 5 Drive to Cuzco, visiting Inca sites on the way (breakfast)
  6. Day 6 Free day to explore Cuzco (breakfast)
  7. Day 7 Train to Aguas Calientes; tour of Machu Picchu (breakfast)
  8. Day 8 Free morning or optional second visit to Machu Picchu; afternoon return to Cuzco by train and by road. (breakfast)
  9. Day 9 Free day for optional excursions (breakfast)
  10. Day 10 Drive to Lake Titicaca, with stops en route; boat to Amantani Island for homestay (breakfast,lunch,dinner)
  11. Day 11 Explore the island; afternoon boat to Puno visiting the floating reed islands (breakfast)
  12. Day 12 Drive across the altiplano to Colca Canyon (breakfast)
  13. Day 13 Morning condor viewing; afternoon drive past huge volcanoes to the White City of Arequipa (breakfast)
  14. Day 14 Morning visit Santa Catalina Convent; afternoon fly to Lima (breakfast)
  15. Day 15 End Lima (breakfast)
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What's Included

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  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Insurance
  • Additional Services

Customer Photos

Number of tours

429

Age Range

16 to 80 years old

Response time

within 2 days

Response rate

88%

For almost 50 years Exodus has been a pioneer of active small group adventure...

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Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

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  • SK
    · June 8th, 2023
    An unforgettable trip of a lifetime. After so many trips, this was probably one of the most impressive and perfectly organised 2-week round trip I have ever experienced, with a very nice and friendly tour group and our guide Luis, who did an excellent job of informing us about the history, geography as well as current events of Peru, including the continent. Every day was full of sights to discover, every day was interesting and full of news, although we made a long journey and it was sometimes exhausting. But no stretch, no tiredness was in vain, because thanks to the professional drivers and local guides, it was the earth of Peru itself, with its diverse colours, areas, people, climate and dreamlike landscapes, that always surprised, amazed and sometimes moved you between speechlessness and tears of unique beauty. From the legendary Machu Picchu to the fiery red rocks of Cola Canyon, from Lake Titicaca, the warm-hearted people and the lovely host family on the island of Amantani to the magical volcanic area, from the region of Ica and many, many places, this beautiful country of Peru is always worth a trip, no matter if it is a round trip or just regional. No matter which region or city I mention, none of it would have been so perfectly possible without our professional tour guide Luis, whose narrations on the bus I kept wishing would never stop, as he not only shared historical facts and local peculiarities with us, but also answered every conceivable question from fellow travellers clearly, precisely and absolutely understandably. Luis, you remain for us an unforgettable, wise, very intelligent and funny tour guide. I would also like to thank the Exodus team for the excellently planned itinerary, even though the planned time in Aguas Caliente proved too long for such a small place. Whomever Luis is assigned as tour guide, he can be sure that he is in good hands and travelling with a very experienced and friendly soul. The many drivers and local guides may forgive me for not remembering their worthy names, but they all did their best, from day to night, from the mountains to the dry and hot areas all over Peru. Thank you. Muchas Gracias. Sulpayki.
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    Exodus Adventure Travels commented on this review
    We are so happy to hear that you had a great time on our Essential Peru tour and we really appreciate you sharing your thoughts and providing us with feedback. We are thrilled that you found it well organised and we know our local team will be happy to... Show more
    Trip date: May 2023
  • A
    · September 18th, 2022
    It was great tour with nice people traveling. Great tour leader ‘Luis’ was able manage us and our needs of travel, food and adventure trips. We did hiking and visited highlands of Peru, beach, mountains, deserts and some part of rainforest. Hotel accommodations were ok with their services. Tour guides were able to answer our questions and provided detail of tour we did. We traveled in bus and mini vans and very comfortable buses. Restaurants for dinner and lunch was picked as best per our tour leader.
    Show more
    Essential Peru customer review photo 1Essential Peru customer review photo 2Essential Peru customer review photo 3Essential Peru customer review photo 4Essential Peru customer review photo 5Essential Peru customer review photo 6
    Trip date: September 2022
  • TB
    · July 21st, 2021
    Essential Peru was an extraordinary trip, with a perfect itinerary. The hotels were good to average, but centrally located and we had a great tour director called Leo, who was professional, enthusiast and friendly. I would recommend this trip to anyone. There are few of them to cross the Andes Mountain by motor coach, and also few to visit Ballestas Islands, Nazca Lines, and Ica the only oases in South America.
    Show more
    Exodus Adventure Travels commented on this review
    We would like to sincerely thank you for taking the time to post a review of your experience on our Essential Peru tour and we are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your adventure. We were especially happy to hear your feedback on your tour director... Show more
    Trip date: May 2019
  • FK
    · October 30th, 2019
    Peru is a fantastic country with so much to offer the traveler; this tour was amazing, sites, hotels, food and most of all the guide, Raul. Exodus clearly worked hard to get an adventure packed country tour into a limited timeframe but with time to see and appreciate the wonders of Peru. I’ve been on over 20 tours and this is now the top.
    Show more
    Essential Peru customer review photo 1Essential Peru customer review photo 2Essential Peru customer review photo 3Essential Peru customer review photo 4Essential Peru customer review photo 5Essential Peru customer review photo 6
    Trip date: October 2019
  • R
    · October 8th, 2019
    is this a review of our guide??.if so...professional at all times, very communicative, knows his subject, v good at both the important and not so important things, English is fine, sociable with group...all in all a credit to himself, his country and to the operator.
    Show more
    Trip date: September 2019
  • RH
    · October 2nd, 2019
    Definately a bucket list trip. Beautiful country, nice people, good food.
    Show more
    Trip date: September 2019
  • A
    · August 28th, 2013
    One word describes this Exodus trip - 'exceptional.'
    Show more
    Trip date: August 2013
  • A
    · April 23rd, 2012
    This was a wonderful holiday and a truly great experience. Peru has eveything - stunning scenery, friendly people, ancient civilisations and cultures, a unique wildlife and more
    Show more
    Trip date: April 2012
  • A
    · January 19th, 2012
    I had wanted to visit Peru for so long. It was my first trip to South America and for me the country of Peru was my first choice! My only reservation was that there would be so much cloud forest but was I proved wrong! The sun shone every day and it was 10 degrees hotter than I expected! The trip exceeded expectations in every way. Peru is a wonderfully diverse country, not only with its geographical features, but with its people and resources that are innumerable -there is nothing the Peruvians can't produce! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The highlights for me were magical Machu Picchu, Amantani on Lake Tititica, the history of the Incas, the colourful markets and, of course, experiencing the high sand dunes - have never screamed so much! What did you think of your group leader?Our group of 18 was extremely friendly and I can't speak highly enough of our wonderful guide Juan - such a great ambassador for Peru!  Thank you Exodus for giving me a great trip!
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    Trip date: January 2012
  • A
    · November 8th, 2011
    Very good trip and much better than expected as the organisation was excellant including the general standard of accommodation. The experience gave us a better and clearer understanding of the people, history, agriculture and landscape of the country.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The early morning overall view of Machu Picchu and the appreciation of the planning and construction of the lost city. Also having the experience of staying one night on the Amantani Island with a local family.  What did you think of your group leader?Juan, our group leader, was first class and he really made the trip very interesting and very enjoyable. He was always very happy,friendly and good fun to be with throughout the trip. He considered everyone and always gave assistance where necessary.We would definately recommend him as the best guide we have ever experienced on any previous trip.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Mke sure you have the correct medication for the particular country being visited and take the advice of the guide especially in high altitudes.Is there anything else you would like to add?The "local" people were friendly and very colourful. The poorer people living in the countryside need the tourest to make purchases to help their economy even although one might bargain on the price!
    Show more
    Trip date: November 2011

Dates & Availability

15 days
Essential Peru
From Lima to Lima

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
  • For this trip, Is it possible to stay in a hotel instead of the one night homestay?

    Unfortunately, that would not be possible. If this trip isn't quite what you were looking for, we still have plenty of fantastic tours. Get in contact with us and our customer support team will work on pairing you with the perfect adventure.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Exodus Adventure Travels with your enquiry, they usually respond within 2 days.

Good to Know

Tour ID: 33216

  • Currency
    S/.
    Sol
    Peru
  • Plugs & Adapters

  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Typhoid - Recommended for Peru. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Peru. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Tuberculosis - Recommended for Peru. Ideally 3 months before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Peru. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Rabies - Recommended for Peru. Ideally 1 month before travel.
    • Yellow fever - Recommended for Peru. Ideally 10 days before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before August 22nd, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 22nd, 2025, a minimum payment of 25% is required to confirm your booking with Exodus Adventure Travels. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 120 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Exodus Adventure Travels will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Exodus Adventure Travels" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Videos

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