Incas, Waterfalls and Beaches

Your South America holiday begins in Peru. Set in high Andean mountains at 3320m, Cusco is an attractive town which draws people from all over the world. Built on the foundations of an Inca city, you can still see intricate Inca masonry and buildings as you walk through the town.

There is an opportunity to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including the colourful market in the town of Pisac, and the Inca ruins and town of Ollantaytambo. It is then just a short train ride to Aguas Calientes and a visit to the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

From Machu Picchu you head back to Cusco by train, before flying to Lima. From here you fly to Sao Paulo and on to Foz do Iguazu. Here you will enjoy a full day exploring both the Brazilian and Argentinean falls before flying to vibrant Rio de Janeiro for 3 nights. In Rio you will have a guided visit of Sugar Loaf and Corcovado Mountains as well as a day at leisure to explore on your end.

You end the trip in a small pousada on the car-free island of Ilha Grande where you can relax and enjoy the islands' numerous beautiful beaches.

Information

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Included

All accommodations, meals and excursions as shown, flights Lima-Cusco-Lima, Lima-Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo-Iguazu and Iguazu-Rio de Janeiro.

Not included

Please consult.

Is it for you?

This is an easy trip.

Best time

Between May and October.

Getting there

From the UK, flights to Lima and from Sao Paulo cost from £700 per person.

Weather and highlights

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- Jan
- Heavy rain
- 7
- 20
- Feb
- Heavy rain
- 7
- 21
- Mar
- Heavy rain
- 7
- 21
- Apr
- Cloudy
- 4
- 22
- May
- Sunny
- 2
- 21
- Jun
- Sunny
- 1
- 21
- Jul
- Sunny
- -1
- 21
- Aug
- Sunny
- 1
- 21
- Sep
- Sunny
- 4
- 22
- Oct
- Cloudy
- 6
- 22
- Nov
- Rain
- 6
- 23
- Dec
- Heavy rain
- 7
- 22

The colourful markets and Inca sites of the Sacred Valley
Relaxing in Cusco
The stunning Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
Exploring Iguazu falls
Vibrant Rio de Janeiro
The beautiful beaches of Ilha Grande

Itinerary

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Duration: 15 days

Day 1: Arrive Lima and transfer to hotel.

Day 2: Fly to Cusco and transfer to Sacred Valley. (B)

Day 3: Tour of the Sacred Valley. (B, L)

Day 4: Train to Machu Picchu. Guided tour. Overnight Aguas Calientes. (B, L)

Day 5: Free morning to explore Machu Picchu (tickets not included). Afternoon train back to Cusco. (B)

Day 6: Morning tour of Cusco and nearby Inca sites. (B)

Day 7: Fly to Lima. Tour of colonial Lima and Gold Museum. Fly to Brazil. (B)

Day 8: Arrive Sao Paulo and connect with flight to Foz do Iguazu. Rest of day free. (B)

Day 9: Morning explore Brazilian Falls. Afternoon explore Argentinean Falls. (B)

Day 10: Fly to Rio de Janeiro. Rest of day free. (B)

Day 11: Full day tour including Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountains. Lunch at a churrasceria. (B, L)

Day 12: Free day in Rio de Janeiro. . (B)

Day 13: Transfer to Mangaratiba. Ferry to Ilha Grande. (B, D)

Day 14: Full day visit to Lopes Mendes beach. (B, L)

Day 15: Transfer to Rio de Janeiro for onward connections. (B)

Pricing guidelines for Peru

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We hope the following will give you a rough idea of costs. These are quoted per person based on twin share for two people, without international flights but including internal flights. We’ve used good standard accommodation throughout. There are nearly always ways to spend more money than we’ve suggested (!), but these prices show a good and realistic range for each type of trip.

International flights will add from about £750 to £1000 depending on the season and route (unless the airlines have special offers). Peru combines very well with Ecuador (including the Galapagos Island), but can also be linked with Brazil.

For a specific personal quote based on any tailor made itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.

Example tripPrice per person
2 weeks highlights of Peru using good quality accommodationBetween £2200 and £3000
2 week holiday based in top end hotelsFrom around £4000+
9 day trip, such as Cusco & the Inca TrailBetween £1300 and £1600
18 days Peru & Galapagos (this can be very variable due to Galapagos yacht prices)Between £3750 and £6500

Peru