Highlights of Peru

Welcome to Lima, the “City of Kings.” Upon arrival, you will be met by a local representative and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the accessible‑friendly district of Miraflores.

Lima, the capital of Peru, sits on the country's arid Pacific coast. Founded in 1535, its colonial centre is well preserved, but today Lima is a bustling metropolis and one of South America’s largest cities. The city is home to the various museums including the Museo Larco that houses a collection of pre-Columbian art and the Museo de la Nación, tracing the history of Peru’s ancient civilisations.

Lima is known as the “gastronomical capital of the Americas”, encompassing specialties from ceviche and traditional coastal cooking to refined global fare. It even boasts several of the top restaurants in the world.

This afternoon is at leisure to rest, adjust to the time zone, or enjoy the surrounding area at your own pace.

Accessibility Notes (Important for All Travellers)

• Private transfer suitable for travellers with limited mobility, sensory needs, or cognitive support requirements
• Hotels in Lima vary in accessibility; these options are not fully wheelchair accessible
• Rooms can be selected for reduced walking distances, quieter environments, or sensory-friendly preferences
• Walking distances today are minimal and fully adjustable

Sample Accommodation (Matched to Your Needs)

• Standard: Hotel Antigua Miraflores — Level 3 (Moderate Mobility Required)
• Superior: Casa Republica — Level 2 (Accessible with Assistance)

(Your final hotel will be chosen based on your mobility, sensory, cognitive, and access requirements.)

Meals: Breakfast included

After breakfast, begin a guided half-day exploration of Lima with a local specialist. Today’s experience blends culture, food, and history — all delivered at a comfortable, supported pace.

Begin this experience visiting one of the most popular markets, a reflection of the local population.

Your morning starts with a visit to Surquillo Market, one of Lima’s most vibrant local markets. Here you can taste exotic fruits, Andean grains, native potatoes, and learn about Peru’s diverse agricultural heritage. The route through the market can be adapted for reduced walking, quieter areas, or sensory‑friendly pacing.

Next, travel to the Historic Centre of Lima, better known as the "Ciudad de los Reyes". Appreciate its balconies and old houses that will take us through time, visit the Plaza Mayor, where we will contemplate the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, the Archbishop and Municipal Palace and relive stories of the old Lima. Visit the Catacombs beneath San Francisco Convent. Please note: this site includes stairs, low lighting, narrow passages, and uneven surfaces. Travellers who prefer not to enter can enjoy an accessible-paced alternative activity nearby.

After the tour, return to your hotel by private vehicle or local taxi (adapted to your mobility and sensory needs).

The afternoon is at leisure.

Accessibility Notes (Important for All Travellers)

•  Market route can be shortened or adapted for sensory comfort
• Public transport can be replaced with private vehicle for easier access
• Historic Centre walking distances can be reduced
• Catacombs are not recommended for travellers with mobility, sensory, or claustrophobia-related needs
• Rest stops and quiet breaks can be added throughout
• Guide can provide sensory-aware or cognitive-supportive communication

Sample Accommodation

• Standard: Hotel Antigua Miraflores — Level 3 (Moderate Mobility Required)
• Superior: Casa Republica — Level 2 (Accessible With Assistance)

(Your final hotel will be selected based on your mobility, sensory, cognitive, and access requirements.)

Meals: Breakfast included

Early this morning you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight from Lima to Cusco (flight cost not included).

To support comfort and acclimatisation, you will travel directly to the Sacred Valley, which sits at a lower altitude than Cusco and offers a gentler introduction to the Andes.

Along the way, enjoy a stop in Chinchero, a traditional Andean town known for its colourful markets, weaving demonstrations, and mountain views. The visit can be adapted to suit your mobility, sensory, or pacing needs, or replaced with a more accessible cultural stop if preferred.

Continue to your hotel in the Sacred Valley for an afternoon of rest and gentle acclimatisation.

Accessibility Notes (Important for All Travellers)

• Private airport transfers ensure minimal walking and controlled pacing
• Cusco Airport is busy and can be sensory-intense; assistance can be arranged
• Chinchero has uneven surfaces and altitude; visit can be shortened or replaced
• Altitude may affect mobility, stamina, and sensory comfort — pacing is essential
• Hotels in the Sacred Valley vary in accessibility; rooms are selected based on your needs
• Afternoon is intentionally light to support acclimatisation.

Sample Accommodation

• Standard: Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado Urubamba — Level 3 (Moderate Mobility Required)
• Superior: Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness — Level 2 (Accessible With Assistance)

(Your final hotel will be selected based on your mobility, sensory, cognitive, and access requirements.)

Meals: Breakfast included

After breakfast, begin a full-day exploration of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This fertile river valley was central to Inca civilisation and is home to traditional villages, colourful markets, and dramatic mountain landscapes. Today’s activities can be adapted to suit your mobility, sensory, cognitive, or pacing needs.

The first stop is the charming village of Pisac, renowned for its vibrant market. This colonial village sits at the base of the spectacular Pisac Ruins – a hilltop Inca citadel and fortress with impressive agricultural terracing. On market days, Pisac comes alive with locals from nearby hillside villages in traditional dress selling local fruit and vegetables as well as handicrafts. The market area can be explored at your own pace, with options for reduced walking or quieter routes for sensory comfort.

The Pisac Ruins, located high above the village, are an impressive Inca archaeological site with steep paths and uneven terrain. Due to accessibility limitations, this visit is optional and generally not recommended for travellers with mobility challenges. A comfortable alternative cultural activity can be arranged instead.

Continue along the Urubamba River to Ollantaytambo, one of the best-preserved Inca towns. The fortress above the town involves steep steps and uneven stone surfaces, so the guided visit focuses on the accessible lower areas and the town itself, which offers rich history without requiring strenuous climbing.

In the afternoon, transfer to Ollantaytambo Train Station to board your scenic train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). The journey follows the Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley and into the cloud forest, offering spectacular views from the comfort of your seat. Enjoy an authentic Andean experience, while relaxing in modern and comfortable interior design illuminated by Latin American music.

The train ride to Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful journeys that visitors can experience in our country. After passing the Sacred Valley of the Incas the train starts to descend gradually along the edge of the Urubamba River, finally reaching the cloud forest. After approximately 1 hour 45 minutes you will have arrived in Aguas Calientes town (Machu Picchu Pueblo).

Important Note: You will travel on an Inca Rail train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). The train carriages do not have luggage racks on board. Each travel ticket entitles passengers to board the train with only one piece of hand luggage (backpack, handbag, or briefcase) weighing no more than 5 kg and with dimensions of no more 62 inches / 157 cm (height + length width).

 Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will be met at the station and escorted to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Accessibility Notes (Important for All Travellers)

• Pisac Market can be explored with reduced walking or sensory-friendly pacing
• Pisac Ruins involve steep, uneven terrain and are not recommended for mobility-restricted travellers
• Ollantaytambo Fortress has many steps; accessible alternatives are available
• Train boarding assistance can be arranged
• Train luggage restrictions apply: one small hand-carry item (max 5 kg)
• Aguas Calientes has uneven surfaces and inclines; walking assistance may be required
• Afternoon arrival allows time to rest before Machu Picchu day

Sample Accommodation

• Standard: Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu — Level 3 (Moderate Mobility Required)
• Superior: El Mapi by Inkaterra — Level 2–3 (Accessible With Assistance)

(Your final hotel will be selected based on your mobility, sensory, cognitive, and access requirements.)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included

Today is the highlight of your journey — a supported visit to the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Begin with a short shuttle bus ride from Aguas Calientes up the steep, winding mountain road to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The views along the way are spectacular, offering a dramatic introduction to the site.

Upon arrival, take in your first breathtaking view of the ancient Inca city. Your guided visit follows the easiest available route, designed to minimise steep climbs while still showcasing the most significant areas of the citadel. Your guide will share the history, engineering, and cultural significance of Machu Picchu, including key features such as the Main Square, agricultural terraces, and ceremonial areas.

Machu Picchu is a 15th century Inca site, located 2,430 metres above sea level. It is the most famous of all Inca sites, but it was not until 1911 that it was brought to the world’s attention by the American historian Hiram Bingham. The Incas abandoned the city just prior to Spanish colonisation, the city was never pillaged and as a result the ruins are still in fantastic condition. Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and in 2007 it was voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Note: Due to the site’s UNESCO-protected status, all visitors must follow a one-way, pre-determined route. Re-entry is not permitted once the tour begins, and personal exploration after the guided visit is not allowed. Your guide will pace the visit according to your mobility, sensory, or cognitive needs, with rest stops as required.

After completing your visit, return by shuttle bus to Aguas Calientes and board the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, continue by private vehicle to Cusco for your overnight stay. An approximate 2-hour journey.

Accessibility Notes (Important for All Travellers)

• Machu Picchu involves uneven stone paths, steps, slopes, and narrow walkways
• Walking poles are permitted (rubber tips required)
• The easiest route is used, but still requires balance and moderate stamina
• Sensory-aware pacing and quiet breaks can be incorporated
• Altitude (2,430 m) may affect stamina, breathing, and sensory comfort
• Shuttle buses are not wheelchair accessible; boarding assistance can be provided
• Re-entry is not allowed once the route begins
• This visit is not suitable for full-time wheelchair users
• Alternative activities can be arranged for travellers who prefer not to enter the site

Sample Accommodation

• Standard: Casa Andina Standard Cusco Catedral — Level 3 (Moderate Mobility Required)
• Superior: Casa Andina Premium Cusco — Level 2–3 (Accessible with Assistance)

(Your final hotel will be selected based on your mobility, sensory, cognitive, and access requirements.)

Meals: Breakfast included

Today, explore Cusco, the historic heart of the Inca Empire and one of the most culturally significant cities in South America. Your guided walking tour is delivered at a comfortable, supported pace, with adjustments made for mobility, sensory, or cognitive needs.

Begin with a visit to Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), once the most important temple in the Inca world. The site blends Inca stonework with Spanish colonial architecture and offers a fascinating look at Cusco’s layered history. Surfaces inside are generally smooth, though some areas include steps and uneven flooring.

Continue through the charming streets of Cusco to see the famous 12-Angled Stone, an iconic example of Inca engineering. The surrounding streets are cobblestoned and may require careful footing; your guide will choose the most accessible route available.

A visit to Cusco Cathedral is included. Please note: the Cathedral features steps at the entrance and uneven interior surfaces. Travellers who prefer not to enter can enjoy the surrounding Plaza de Armas at a relaxed pace.

After the tour, return to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure for rest, gentle exploration, or sensory downtime.

Accessibility Notes (Important for All Travellers)

•  Cusco sits at high altitude (3,400 m), which may affect stamina, breathing, and sensory comfort
• Walking surfaces include cobblestones, inclines, and uneven paths
• The tour can be shortened or adapted for reduced walking
• Vehicle support can be added for travellers who prefer less walking
• Cathedral entrance includes steps; alternative options available
• Sensory-aware guiding and quiet breaks can be incorporated
• Afternoon is intentionally free to support rest and acclimatisation.

Sample Accommodation

• Standard: Casa Andina Standard Cusco Catedral — Level 3 (Moderate Mobility Required)
• Superior: Casa Andina Premium Cusco — Level 2–3 (Accessible with Assistance)

(Your final hotel will be selected based on your mobility, sensory, cognitive, and access requirements.)

Meals: Breakfast included

Your accessible journey through Peru comes to an end today. After breakfast, you will be transferred by private vehicle to Cusco Airport for your onward flight.

Your transfer will be arranged to suit your mobility, sensory, or pacing needs, with assistance available for airport navigation, check-in, and luggage handling if required.

Accessibility Notes (Important for All Travellers)

• Private transfer ensures minimal walking and controlled pacing
• Airport assistance can be arranged for mobility, sensory, or cognitive support
• Cusco Airport can be busy and sensory-intense; early arrival helps reduce stress
• No major walking or activity today

Meals: Breakfast included

Exploration Costs

Jan-Dec 26 (Standard):           From AUD$3,520 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)*

Jan-Dec 26 (Superior):           From AUD$3,940 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)*

*Excludes Easter, Labor Day, Inti Raymi, Christmas, New Year’s or any Public Holiday.

•  Flights: 

International and Domestic flights NOT included.

Peru Inclusions:

(All services can be adapted to your mobility, sensory, cognitive, neurodivergent, or pacing needs.)

• 6 nights accommodation in carefully selected hotels (Standard & Superior options available; accessibility levels vary and will be matched to your requirements)
• 6 breakfasts and 1 lunch
• Arrival and departure airport transfers in Lima (private vehicle)
• Half-day Lima walking tour with a private English-speaking local guide (adaptable pacing and route)
• Shared Sacred Valley tour, including Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo (with accessible alternatives available)
• Inca Rail “The Voyager” or “The 360” train tickets between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (luggage restrictions apply)
• Return shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and the Machu Picchu entrance
• Machu Picchu entrance tickets and a guided shared tour using the easiest available route
• Private transfer from Ollantaytambo train station to your Cusco hotel
• Half-day Cusco walking tour with a private English-speaking guide (adaptable pacing and route)
• Air-conditioned vehicle transfers throughout, plus tourist train and shuttle bus services as listed
• English-speaking local guides for all included tours and transfers
• All activities, entrance fees, and admissions as listed in the itinerary

 Peru Exclusions: 

• International flights and airport taxes
• Domestic flights and airport taxes (Lima/Cusco)
• Any meals not included in the above itinerary
• All beverages
• Any entrance fees and excursions not included in the above itinerary
• Laundry
• Comprehensive travel insurance (required)
• Items of personal nature (telephone expenses, curios, medicines etc)
• Tips and gratuities
• Visa fees
• PCR or Antigen testing required for departing travellers should the airline, transit or home country require it

 Expedition above does not include Tipping

•  All tips are based on per person and at the traveller’s discretion. Parents should consider tipping 50% of the suggested rates on behalf of their children.
• To help you budget for your trip, the following is given as a guideline only (shown in US Dollars).
• Airport Assistance/Representative (per person) - USD$3.00
• Airport Driver (per person) - USD$3.00
• Driver (per person per half day) - USD$2.50
• Driver (per person per full day) - USD$5.00
• Guide (per person per half day) - USD$5.00
• Guide (per person per full day) - USD$10.00
• Camp Staff (per person per day) - USD$5.00
• Cruise Staff (per person per day) - USD$5.00
• Hotel porters (per bag, per ‘carry’) - USD$1.00
• Hotel housekeeping staff (per person per night) - USD$1.00
• A la carte dining (% of bill) - 10%

· Information from Smartraveller Regarding Entry Requirements

https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/peru

Important Notes:

The above itinerary is subject to availability.

*Prices are a guideline for travel in low season and subject to change without notice due to currency fluctuations.

Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability. One standard piece of luggage per person is included in the vehicles (20 kg). Extra baggage may apply additional charges.

Ince Rail: You will travel on an Inca Rail train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). The train carriages do not have luggage racks on board. Each travel ticket entitles passengers to board the train with only one piece of hand luggage (backpack, handbag, or briefcase) weighing no more than 5 kg and with dimensions of no more 62 inches / 157 cm (height + length width).

Machu Picchu Notes: According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only and once the guided visit commences, exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.

Altitude Sickness: This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health.