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.
Delve into the vibrant metropolis of São Paulo with this stay. Brimming with cultural diversity and modern attractions, you will have free time to explore the city and gain deeper insights into its rich history and dynamic local life. Whether you're interested in art, architecture, or simply soaking up the bustling atmosphere, São Paulo offers a wealth of experiences to discover.
Depart on your scheduled flight to 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.
Breakfast
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
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, Lunch & Dinner
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
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
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
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
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
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. Enjoy a guided tour, then descend back to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then catch the train back to Ollantaytambo and return to Cusco by coach. On return to your hotel your stored baggage will be returned to you.
Breakfast
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
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Sao Paulo. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for your overnight stay.
Breakfast
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. The hotel is located in the heart of São Paulo’s lively Paulista Avenue district. Within walking distance, you’ll find a variety of attractions, shops, bars, and restaurants. You could explore the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP), famous for its impressive collection of European and Brazilian art, including works by Renoir and Picasso. Close to the museum is Trianon Park, a peaceful green space with wide walking paths, perfect for a relaxing stroll. The avenue is also home to several shopping malls, such as Conjunto Nacional and Shopping Pátio Paulista. Plus, the hotel is ideally situated near multiple metro stations, making it easy to explore other areas of the city.
Breakfast
Enjoy a day at leisure, before your departure to the airport for your flight back to the UK. Please note that late check out is included on this day.
Your flight lands back in the UK today.
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The performance of our main tour guide, Hans, was exceptionally good. His enthusiasm, empathy, communication skills, knowledge, and organisational skills were excellent. Your local agent is very lucky to have the benefit of his services, and so were we.
Christine Fearnley
26 Oct 23Superb holiday, one of the best we have done yet with Mercury. So many highlights to enjoy, outstanding guides throughout, and great value for money.
Christopher Bull
09 Sep 19Enjoyed all hotels during the tour! All were in good locations with good facilities! Thank you so much for a fabulous trip. We will book with Mercury again if the dates are suitable for us.
Jessica Williams
24 Jul 19The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.
Please note it has been recommended by our representative in Peru for our guests to take an overnight bag with them on the journey from Cusco to Sacred Valley, this will make the journey easier, without the need to carry large suitcases on & off the train before continuing your journey to Machu Pichu.
Your local guide has arranged for secure storage at the hotel in Cusco, whilst you travel onwards to the Sacred Valley for your overnight stay. You will then return to the hotel in Cusco for your overnight stay before completing the rest of your tour.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
British passport holders are not currently required to obtain a visa in order to travel to Peru. To enter Peru, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
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.
Brazil
It is your responsibility to check your passport validity. To enter Brazil your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you plan to leave. Sources of information include; https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
A visa is not required to Brazil for up to 90 days tourist visit, however further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity
Please note your final documentation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. Weight restrictions will be finalized on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0333 188 0407, quoting HX313.
IMPORTANT: 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. Please note that you should carry your invoice with flight details on it as you will need to show this at the airport.
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, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. 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.
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.
Altitude sickness is a common condition that can occur when you ascend to a high altitude (generally higher than 2,500 metres above sea level) quickly. The decrease in atmospheric pressure can make breathing more difficult as the body is not able to take in as much oxygen. Most cases are mild with symptoms that can include: a headache, nausea, dizziness and exhaustion. Several of the places in Peru are located at high altitude (over 2,500 metres above sea level) including Puno, Lake Titicaca and Cusco. Therefore, you may find you experience some symptoms at this altitude. It is advised that at these high altitudes, you keep hydrated and avoid alcohol. If you do experience symptoms of altitude sickness during your tour, ensure you tell your guide immediately who will be able to advise the best thing for you to do. You can contact your GP before you travel for advice on medication for altitude sickness.
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 steps, getting on and off coaches and at times long walks often across uneven paths and hills. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties
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. Major Credit and Debit Cards can be used in the larger towns and cities.
The currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real, known as BRL. (R$) You can exchange currency at exchange stores and Cash Machines are available in all major cities. Local stores only accept the Brazilian Real, however Credit and Debit cards are widely accepted.
As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels as well as American Express.
You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals that 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.
Tipping
Tipping is common practice in South America and it is customary to tip approximately $4-$5 USD per person per day, for the driver and the local guide. Tips can be given at the end of each day, or at the end of the tour. Tips are accepted in US dollars and local currencies.
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.
There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
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.
For groups of 7 people or less you will have an English speaking Driver Guide or a Driver and Local/Monument Guides in each city.
Private Tour: If you have booked a private tour then you will be accompanied by a Driver Guide or a Driver and Local Guides. These will be available to you during all scheduled sightseeing. Private Tours can depart on any day of the week depending on flight and train schedules and the opening days of the attractions. They will follow the itinerary as described in the brochure unless you have been advised otherwise and you will still have all of the same meals, sightseeing and local excursions included.
Your stay in Sao Paulo is not escorted by a tour guide. Transfers will be provided by a local driver, and full details, including timings will be given to you in resort.
To visit Macchu Pichu you will travel by train. Please be advised that hand luggage only is permitted on this train. One bag or backpack per person no more than 8Kg and maximum dimensions of 157cm (Height+Length+Width).
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist compared to what you might expect in the UK. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs.
Meals will be provided as per the detailed itinerary. When included Breakfast will be of western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and dinner when included will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited to give you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours. For those days when Lunch or Dinner is not included your guide will be able to offer recommendations if you wish.
Vegetarian and Vegan meals can be catered for.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed counties water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way as the UK. Bottled Water will be available to purchase at Shops, Hotels & Lodges.
On your arrival in Lima you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Pure Peru, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/Pure Peru representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries.
On your arrival in Sao Paulo, you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Blumar, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/Blumar representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries.
If you need to contact Pure Peru during your stay the details are: Pure Peru Telephone Number: 0051 998754080 Email: customer-service@pure-peru.com
Emergency contact information: Please find below the emergency contact details for Pure Peru 24 hour telephone number: 0051 99 875 4080 Email: customer-service@pure-peru.com
BRAZIL: Blumar Rua Siqueira Campos, 43 - cob 02 Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, 22031-901
Telephone: 0055 21 2142 9300 E-mail: tathianalisboa@blumar.com.br
