Peruvian Ruins Meet Costa Rican Rainforest | Yampu Tours

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Peruvian Ruins Meet Costa Rican Rainforest

PRIVATE TOUR - 13 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 11498

Private Tour Highlights

  • Glimpsing historic Lima and relishing lip-smacking Peruvian cuisine.
  • Discovering Cusco, where colonial architecture collides with Incan structures, and visiting the Temple of the Sun: “Korikancha”.
  • Soaking up the majesty of Machu Picchu, the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, with its polished stone works of the Cusco Imperial style.
  • Trekking the mossy, plant-lined trails of the beautiful La Paz Waterfall Gardens near San Jose.
  • Touring the Poas Volcano, one of the most stunning attractions in the Central Valley.
  • Walking the hanging bridges and canopy walkways of the Arenal National Park, gaining a unique perspective on the forests below.
  • Taking a bath in the natural hot springs of Arenal, known for the rejuvenating properties of their mineral rich waters.
  • Witnessing the wildlife and wilderness of the coastal Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its abundance of Monkey’s and some of the country’s best beaches.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Experience where the magical Peruvian Ruins Meet Costa Rican Rainforest with beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park, a wildlife sanctuary within itself. Manuel Antonio is considered one of the most beautiful national parks in Central America with white sand beaches, abundant fauna, exuberant flora, and scenic footpaths.

Your trip begins in Lima, the home of the best cuisine in the world.  Be sure to try the Scallops or Aji de Gallina.  After a day of eating and seeing rich history of Lima, you will fly to Cusco.  Cusco will be an unexpected highlight of your trip.  Cusco is a beautiful town full of cobblestone streets, tiled roofs, Inca and Spanish Colonial treasures everywhere you look.  Couple that with the colorful locals that walk the streets, often with their llamas who will greet you with a smile.

Next your off for one of the highlights of your trip Machu Picchu.  Now restricted to 2500 people per day, be sure to book in advance.  You will have the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu twice so you can hike around the ruins for the wonderful views and to see all the hidden temples.  Once back from Machu Picchu, you will continue by flight to San Jose.  The next day you are off to the Land of waterfalls and volcanoes, Arenal.  Here you will have the chance to bathe in hot springs, walk on treetop bridges, visit a nature preserve or fly through the air like a small plane on a zip line.

Then off to Manual Antonio to enjoy some time by the sea, in a nature reserve, naturally. Enjoy walks on the beach with squirrel monkeys looking on, or horseback ride to a waterfall.  Rest and relax before your trip home.

 

Inclusions
Price includes: air transportation from Lima to San José, flight from Lima to Cusco return, flight from Arenal to Quepos and Quepos to San José; hotel accommodation including continental or buffet breakfast; all transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling; guided tours in English including all entrance fees; meals where specified.

Note:
*Cost includes Vistadome train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. Vistadome is ideal for travelers who want a personalized immersion of Andean culture with traditional dances and music along the way. This train features panoramic windows, leather seats, new table design as well as heating and air conditioning.

*Deluxe service Hiram Bingham train features an observation wagon with a bar and two dining cars. In addition, this train includes a gourmet brunch on board, exclusive bus return to Machu Picchu, entrance to Machu Picchu as well as a guided tour. Afternoon tea in the Sanctuary Lodge, pre-dinner cocktails and a 4-course, a la carte dinner is also included. The train does not operate on Sundays. Upgrades available from Vistadome to Hiram Bingham Deluxe; please ask your Yampu Tour Consultant for the cost of the upgrade.
Exclusions

*Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included in the quote (if airfare has been included in the quote).

Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 11498

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Flight to Lima

Overnight flight to Lima.

Overnight flight to Lima.

Day
2

Walking City tour of Lima

This morning is at leisure.
In the afternoon enjoy a private city tour of Lima, one of the most important cities in South America since its founding in 1535. Journey through the historic center of the city, admire the beauty of San Martín and Major squares, the Cathedral, the Government Palace, and visit San Francisco Convent, a religious building from the late 16th century, and its catacombs. This tour also includes a drive through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. Please note the Cathedral is open daily except on Sundays.


During this tour, visit the Museo Larco. Founded in 1926 the Museo Larco chronologically showcases the past 3,000 years of Peruvian history and culture including its pre-Colombian history. The museum is located in a beautiful 18th century vice-royal mansion built atop a 7th century pre-Colombian tomb. After exploring the Museo Larco enjoy a complimentary cocktail and appetizer at the onsite Larco Cafe overlooking the beautiful, surrounding gardens.
Note: Check-in is normally after 2 pm. Early check-in may be granted subject to availability (not confirmed).
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Lima_Peru_coastline
Day
3

Cusco

Early this morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, be greeted and transferred to the chosen hotel. From there, enjoy a private walking tour of Cusco where travelers will visit the Korikancha Temple, or Temple of the Sun, and the Cathedral and its Art Museum. During this private tour today there is the option to visit the Casa Concha museum or the San Pedro Market.


The Casa Concha museum was recently renovated and houses over 360 archaeological pieces from Machu Picchu, recently returned by Yale University. San Pedro Market is a lively, local market where travelers will receive a briefing about the local Andean ingredients and have an opportunity to purchase them. This market visit is a great opportunity to interact with the locals either selling or purchasing items from the market.


This afternoon, there will be time for lunch before continuing to the nearby water shrine of Tambomachay (the Inca Fountains), Puca Pucara (the Red Fortress), the amphitheater of Kenko and finally the Sacsahuaman Fortress. This afternoon, return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Note: For more adventurous travelers, Yampu suggests an optional sunset horseback riding tour through the Sacsahuaman Ruins. Please ask a Yampu Travel Consultant for more information.
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View of Cusco, Peru
Day
4

Machu Picchu

Early morning transfer to the train station. The train will head through the Sacred Valley of the Incas up to the town of Aguas Calientes. From here, board a bus to Machu Picchu and then have a guided tour of the ruins. Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, was a flourishing ceremonial and agricultural site, probably the gateway to the jungle marshes of the Inca Empire. The central buildings were erected with the polished stone works of the Cusco Imperial style, though the site was probably occupied well before the Incas started their expansion. It was associated with the earth cult revolving around the coca leaf, which was a privilege of the Inca royal family and priests. Enjoy lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge, at the entrance of the ruins, before returning to the hotel at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a wonderful dinner at the hotel or in the town of Aguas Calientes.


Note: Government regulations limit the number of visitors to Machu Picchu daily. Entrance is subject to availability. Please book with plenty of notice so Yampu may confirm entrance to the ruins. Machu Picchu entrance tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
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Machu-Picchu
Day
5

Day at Leisure

One may choose to return to Machu Picchu, hike Huayna Picchu or relax in the village of Aguas Calientes and its hot springs. In the afternoon, board the train to return to Cusco. Upon arrival, train station reception and transfer to the hotel.


Note: Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu on this day are not included. Please contact a Yampu travel consultant to go back to the ruins or hike the Huayna Picchu at time of booking (subject to availability).

One may choose to return to Machu Picchu, hike Huayna Picchu or relax in the village of Aguas Calientes and its hot springs. In the afternoon, board the train to return to Cusco. Upon arrival, train station reception and transfer to the hotel.


Note: Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu on this day are not included. Please contact a Yampu travel consultant to go back to the ruins or hike the Huayna Picchu at time of booking (subject to availability).

inca-trail-to-machu-picchu-peru
Day
6

Cusco-San Jose

Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Lima and connect with the flight to San Jose. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Lima and connect with the flight to San Jose. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

San-Jose-Pacific-Coast
Day
7

La Paz Waterfalls, Poas Volcano and Coffee Plantation Tour

La Paz Waterfalls, Poas Volcano and Coffee Plantation Tour: Visit a third-generation coffee plantation and learn how coffee is picked, milled, ground and roasted. Continue to Poas Volcano, one of the four active volcanoes in Costa Rica. The crystal-blue sulfur pools along with the steam rising from the various volcanic vents will put one in awe. Following the visit to the volcano, continue to La Paz Water Fall Garden for lunch (included) and tour. On arrival to the La Paz, walk through a trail, leading to a spectacular waterfall in the middle of the rainforest. Visitors to the trails will be able to view Templo Waterfall and Magia Blanca Waterfall. Inside the park, visit the hummingbird gallery, the serpentarium, the bird house, the butterfly garden and the frog’s exhibit.

After the tour, continue to Arenal and check in to the hotel. ...read less

San-Jose-La-Paz-Waterfall
Day
8

Arenal Hanging Bridges

Embark on a tour of Arenal's greatest highlights! Start with a visit to the Arenal Hanging Bridges for a 3 km hike. Continue from there to the La Fortuna Waterfall, and swim in an inviting pool at the base of the waterfall. Afterwards, enjoy lunch in La Fortuna and then hike in the Arenal Volcano rainforest, which includes a walk to the lava view point. Last, but not least, stop at Tabacon Hot Springs to soak in the natural pools and enjoy a buffet dinner.

Embark on a tour of Arenal's greatest highlights! Start with a visit to the Arenal Hanging Bridges for a 3 km hike. Continue from there to the La Fortuna Waterfall, and swim in an inviting pool at the base of the waterfall. Afterwards, enjoy lunch in La Fortuna and then hike in the Arenal Volcano rainforest, which includes a walk to the lava view point. Last, but not least, stop at Tabacon Hot Springs to soak in the natural pools and enjoy a buffet dinner.

Arenal-Hanging-Bridge-Nayara-Hotel-Photo
Day
9

Choice Excursions

Today, one may choose from a variety of excursions according to their own interests and level of activity (one excursion included in trip cost). Travelers may want to go biking, mountain hiking, horseback riding, rafting or do the Arenal Reserve Sky Tram/Sky Trek; or visit the Venado Caverns or the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge.

Today, one may choose from a variety of excursions according to their own interests and level of activity (one excursion included in trip cost). Travelers may want to go biking, mountain hiking, horseback riding, rafting or do the Arenal Reserve Sky Tram/Sky Trek; or visit the Venado Caverns or the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge.

Costarica_arenal_volcano_flowers
Day
10

Quepos

Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Quepos (operates most months). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel in Manuel Antonio.

Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Quepos (operates most months). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel in Manuel Antonio.

Manuel-Antonio-National-Park
Day
11

Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most famous parks in Costa Rica due to its wide variety of flora and fauna specimens. The park itself boasts 3 different trails that vary in grade from flat to very steep. It is also home to 3 of the 4 existing monkey species in Costa Rica. On this tour, be accompanied by a nature guide who will be able to teach about the various specimens one can see on the trail. The trail one will take is flat, picturesque, and approximately 2 miles long. Throughout the hike one will be able to observe sloths, birds and reptiles as well as admire orchids, butterflies and tropical trees. Halfway through the hike, stop for a rest at one of the beaches within Manuel Antonio Park. Upon finishing the tour, be provided with transportation back to the hotel. Overnight in Manuel Antonio. ...read less

Manuel-Antonio
Day
12

Manuel Antonio at Leisure

Day of leisure in Manuel Antonio to enjoy the beaches and the quaint town. Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Day of leisure in Manuel Antonio to enjoy the beaches and the quaint town. Overnight in Manuel Antonio.

Costa-rica_manuel_antonio_shore_jungle
Day
13

Flight Home

Ground transfer to San José Airport. Upon arrival transfer to international airport for flight back home, or choose from optional add-ons in Costa Rica or other Central American countries.

Ground transfer to San José Airport. Upon arrival transfer to international airport for flight back home, or choose from optional add-ons in Costa Rica or other Central American countries.

Lima, Peru

Cusco, Peru

Machu Picchu, Urubamba Province, Cusco, Peru

San José, San Jose, Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Places You'll See

  • Peru_Lima_city

    Lima

    Bursting with architectural history and culture, Lima has an eclectic array of attractions. Visit the Santo Domingo Convent, a religious and artistic staple of the city’s historic center. Take a walk along the cliffs of the Miraflores district, showcasing the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, and after, enjoy some shopping at the Larcomar Mall.

  • Peru_Cusco_city

    Cusco

    Once a powerful Incan city, Cusco is filled to the brim with relics of its grand history. Visit the ruins of the ancient Incan Koricancha Temple, where the Church of Santo Domingo now stands atop. Behold the many beautiful, colonial buildings in the Main Square, including the Cathedral and Church of La Compania de Jesus (Society of Christ).

  • Machu Picchu

    Recently, following UNESCO recommendations, Peruvian authorities have placed restrictions on the visitation of Machu Picchu, the lost Incan ruins. Currently, no more than 2,500 people daily will be allowed to visit the ruins. While these new restrictions are great for the preservation of the ruins, they may cause some difficulties in your ability to visit them, so we recommend booking with plenty of notice.

  • Arenal

    Arenal

    Experience the excitement of visiting a 7,000 year old, active stratovolcano by visiting the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. Though it is now dormant, Arenal was the most active of Costa Rica’s seven active volcanoes until 2010. Its dense vegetation is also home to numerous species of wildlife.

  • manuel-antonio-sunset-costa-rica

    Manuel Antonio

    This stunning coast side National Park is one of the top destinations in Costa Rica with its pristine beaches and splendid hiking trails. Check out the local vanilla farm after a day at the beach snorkeling with the occasional dolphin feeding in the afternoon. Travel inland and enjoy activities such as rafting and zip lining amongst many other options of activities.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Lima : Casa Andina Standard Miraflores Centro, Lima

Lima : Allpa Hotel & Suites

Lima : Hotel Jose Antonio

Lima : El Tambo 2

Machu Picchu : La Cabana

Machu Picchu : Casa Andina Standard, Machu Picchu

San Jose : Fleur de Lys

San Jose : El Rodeo Country Inn

Arenal : Lomas del Volcan

Arenal : Arenal Palace Hotel

Manuel Antonio : Playa Espadilla Hotel

Manuel Antonio : Casitas Eclipse

Manuel Antonio : Karahe Hotel

4 Star Properties

Lima : Doubletree El Pardo, Lima

Lima : Hotel Atton (San Isidro)

Lima : Dazzler Lima

Machu Picchu : El MaPi

Machu Picchu : Tierra Viva

Machu Picchu : Casa del Sol

San Jose : Presidente Hotel

San Jose : Wyndham Garden (Escazu)

San Jose : Tryp San Jose Sabana Hotel

Arenal : Arenal Manoa Hotel & Spa

Arenal : Arenal Observatory Lodge (standard Room)

Arenal : El Silencio del Campo

Arenal : Arenal Springs Resort & Spa

Manuel Antonio : Tulemar Bungalows & Villas

Manuel Antonio : Si Como No

Manuel Antonio : Hotel Parador

5 Star Properties

Lima : The Westin Lima Hotel (San Isidro)

Lima : Country Club Hotel (San Isidro)

Machu Picchu : Sumaq Hotel

Machu Picchu : Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo

San Jose : Hotel Real Intercontinental (Escazu)

San Jose : Grano de Oro

Arenal : Lost Iguana Resort & Spa

Arenal : Royal Corin Thermal Water & Spa Resort

Arenal : Nayara Hotel Spa & Gardens

Arenal : Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort

Manuel Antonio : Arenas del Mar

Manuel Antonio : Gaia Hotel & Reserve

Luxury Properties

Lima : Miraflores Park Plaza

Lima : JW Marriott, Lima

Trujillo : Costa Del Sol Wyndham Trujillo

Machu Picchu : Sanctuary Lodge (standard Room)

Machu Picchu : Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo (Suite Room)

San Jose : Finca Rosa Blanca (Santa Barbara)

San Jose : Xandari Resort & Spa (Alajuela)

Arenal : The Springs Resort & Spa

Testimonials

Susan

Traveled June, 2014

You made everything easy

My favorite guide was the one that greeted me for my Arenal journey and the Hanging Bridge. The food was terrific. You made everything easy, and Costa Rica is spectacular!

Traveled To

Tasneem

Traveled July, 2011

We have already recommended Yampu to our friends and will continue to do so!

My brother and I had a wonderful time in Costa Rica. Similar to our prior experience with Yampu in Peru, every part of the trip went smoothly after the initial (very tiny) hiccup with the spelling of Irfan’s name on the airline ticket. It was not an issue on our return flight back to NY. We had fantastic guides (particularly, Jorge Calderon of Rios Tropicales), nice and courteous drivers, and the hotels accommodations and provided meals were great. Thanks for all of your assistance in organizing our trip. We have already recommended Yampu to our friends and will continue to do so!

Traveled To

Noel M.

Traveled August, 2012

Your professionalism, support, and understanding regarding my personal concerns is greatly appreciated

Ruby, how do I begin to thank you for the amazing trip you arranged for my wife and I to Peru and Bolivia this summer. Your professionalism, support, and understanding regarding my personal concerns is greatly appreciated. You and your staff went above and beyond to help me with my needs that made our trip truly an amazing one. I only have great things to say to my friends and family about all that you did for us. My wife loved Machu Picchu and it was great staying at the luxurious Inkaterra in Aguas Caliente. Ruby, thank you for everything. You know that I will highly recommend you to any of our friends that are considering a trip to south-america. Also, thank Jeff and Stephanie for all their help as well. Speak to you soon.

Traveled To


Let Us Customize This Trip For You

Our World Experts offer full support and dedication to customizing this tour to fit your wishlist - We can mix and match experiences, hotels and highlights to fit your budget and taste.

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