Lima, the City of Kings
La Ciudad de los Reyes
Lima, set above the rising surf of the Pacific Ocean, is the starting point of most Peruvian adventures.
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Award winning cuisine-try ceviche!
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Explore the historical quarter
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Stroll through the trendy suburbs of Milaflores & Barranco
Take a tour through vibrant central Lima, which is full of colonial architecture, making history feel alive. Evidence of Lima being the former South American powerhouse of the Spanish Empire is witnessed by the buildings that line the Plaza Mayor.
Lima Architecture
The plaza is surrounded by bright ochre buildings with enclosed Moorish style wooden balconies, the double towered cathedral and the Government’s Palace. A couple of streets away is the impressive golden and white San Francisco Church complex. Beautiful azure tiles from Seville line the cloisters and the convent library is home to ancient parchments and books. Walk underground in the catacombs, an eerie experience, but a fascinating one.
Start your holiday to Lima and Peru!
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Lima is a culinary capital!
Get your energy back by trying a glass of purple coloured chicha morada, a tasty soft drink made out of sweetcorn. Lima, the second driest city on Earth, is also famed as a culinary capital. No trip is complete without trying ceviche, made with fresh fish, marinated with lime juice, served with onions, corn, and sweet potatoes.
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Stay in the trend setting suburbs of Lima.
The area of Milaflores makes a wonderful place to stay. Enjoy a coffee in one of the many restaurants and cafes then admire local artworks in Parque Kennedy. This is the perfect place to sit in the shade and watch the world go by. Overlook the Milaflores cliffs to see the many wetsuit clad surfers in the Pacific Ocean below, or if you are feeling energetic have a wander down to sea level.
The ancient pre-Incan shrine of Huaca Pucllana found in the middle of Milaflores is an essential place to stop. Discover a seven tiered ancient pyramid, constructed of millions of clay bricks. In the evening take a taxi to the trendy artisan area of Barranco. A great place to find live music and dancing at a peña (music club).
Travel to Peru today...
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Reciprocity, Our Chosen Charity
Lima is a fantastic city to explore, however, we believe it is important to recognise the daily struggles of many of the surrounding communities. These areas are called Asentamientos Humano; they don't have electricity, drinking water, hospitals or schools. Most of the homes here are constructed from cardboard or asbestos. At Mapping Your Travel we believe in 'giving something back' to these communities of Lima. For every holiday we sell to Peru we will make a donation to Reciprocity, so they can purchase food, school equipment, blankets etc.
Read our interview with Jimmy Giraldo, social projects coordinator (who we have had the pleasure to meet while we explored Peru)
EXAMPLE ITINERARY
SMALL GROUP TOUR OF PERU
-SOLO TRAVELLERS
This small group tour is the perfect introduction to Peru! It's a good option for solo travellers, as there is no extra supplement to pay! You have your own twin or double room. This tour also includes a private chauffeur service to the airport from your home or free airport parking (T&C's apply).
What's Included?
- International & domestic flights.
- Airport lounge use in the UK
- Private Chauffeur from your home to Heathrow or airport parking (T&C's apply)
- Twin/double room for individual use (no additional charge!)
- Stay in lovely 4* star hotels. (8 nights hotel accommodation)
- Train ride through the Sacred Valley towards Machu Picchu
- A traditional lunch with a local family on Lake Tititcaca
- The potential to extend your holiday e.g. Amazon cruise or Amazon jungle stay in a luxury lodge
- A small group size (maximum 18)
- Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles with an experienced tour manager
- 8 breakfast, 3 lunches & 2 dinners
- An experienced tour guide
- Entrance fees and a tour of Machu Picchu
- City tour of Lima and Cusco
- Boat trip on Lake Titicaca.
Guideline Price: £3349pp
Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Lima
Day 2: Lima
Enjoy a guided tour around Lima. Famous sights include the Archbishop’s palace and Presidential Palace. Enjoy an evening meal and drinks with your fellow travellers.
Day 3: Fly to Cusco
Transfer to the Sacred Valley. See incredible Inca and pre-Inca sites.
Day 4: Machu Picchu
On the side of a steep valley, amongst jungle is the incredible site of Machu Picchu. You’ll reach this ancient citadel by railway and then a bus ride up to this wonder of the world! A Local Guide will join the group and be there to answer questions.
Day 5: Cusco
A day at leisure. Enjoy a coffee in one of the many cafes, wander through the market or go and explore the sites. This high altitude town is one of my favourites!
Day 6: Cusco
Just outside of the town you’ll find the impressive Inca stone fortress of Sacsayhuaman. In the afternoon the tour will visit a weaving co-operative.
Day 7: To Puno
Travel through incredible scenery with several stops on the way. You’ll get to see a beautiful Baroque church, the ruins at Racchi and then the archaeological site of Puca-Pucara.
Overnight in Puno, a town on the shore of Lake Titicaca.
Day 8: Lake Titicaca
Set sail for the floating reed islands inhabited by the Uro-Aymara families. Then head towards the island of Taquile. Enjoy a walk across this island and lunch in a family restaurant. I had the best lunch of fresh trout here!
Dinner at Puno.
Day 9: Free morning exploring.
In the afternoon catch a domestic flight to Lima.
Day 10: Lima to the UK
Day 11: Arrive back in the UK.
Time Difference
GMT-5 hours
Language
Spanish & Quechua are the main languages spoken.
Currency
Peruvian nuevo Sol
or US Dollars
Flight Time
Around 15 hours from the UK
Weather
During Lima's winter months (May to September) the city is often shrouded in fog (garua). The city was founded by Francisco Pizarro in the summer months, leading to great surprise when the fog appeared!
