Highlights of Peru

Daily Departures

16 Days

High in the Andes lies the cradle of South American civilisation, the heartland of the ancient and highly sophisticated Inca Empire. The absolute highlight of a trip to this region is a visit to the lost city of Machu Picchu, one of the most remarkable and enigmatic sites in the world, a citadel set atop a mountain at the edge of the jungle. As you travel throughout the Andes, you will discover a rich culture which includes elements introduced by the Spanish conquistadores alongside ancient Inca traditions.
Join us to discover on this exciting journey and discover the hidden treasures of Peru.
Hotels quoted are tourist, superior and first class categories (similar to 3*, 4* and 5* categories).  The hotels we use are clean, safe, with private facilities and are centrally located.

Day 1

Lima

LIMA, capital of Peru, was founded by the great conquistador, Francisco Pizarro in 1535, and soon became the capital of the extensive and tremendously wealthy, Peruvian Vice Regency of Spain. By the end of the 16^th Century it had grown into a city of fine palaces and churches and the cultural centre of the southern hemisphere.
Today, Lima still retains the essence of Spanish colonialism.
On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Day 2

Lima

Today you will be taken on a half day tour of Lima’s principal attractions, including the Government Palace in the colonial setting of the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the modern residential suburbs of Miraflores and San Isidro with their lovely homes and gardens.

Day 3

Lima / Arequipa

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Arequipa.
Arequipa is the second largest city in Peru, located 1,024 km south of Lima. Founded in 1540 and is one of the country’s most attractive cities, full of colonial churches and mansions. Arequipa is known as the White City because much of it is built of ashlars, a smooth white building stone carved from volcanic lava quarries.
On arrival in Arequipa you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
After check in, you will be taken on a half day tour of the city, visiting Santa Catalina Convent, - a restored convent established in 1579 and now open to the public after being closed for 400 years -, the Plaza de Armas, the Jesuit church of La Compañia with its beautifully-painted chapel, and the typical districts of Cayma and Yanahuara for a magnificent view of the Misti volcano. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 4

Arequipa / Colca Canyon

Early morning pick up for a scenic drive through the Aguada Blanca National Reserve where you will see herds of llamas and alpacas grazing on the Cotahuasi plains.
After 4 hours  you will reach the beginning of the Colca Canyon with its green valleys and Andean terraces. Lunch box en route. Your journey will end at your Hotel.

Day 5

Arequipa / Colca Canyon

Early departure to the "Condor Cross", the best vantage point to admire the Colca Canyon with the Colca river flowing 1,200 meters below and the majestic condor in flight above.
Visit the Hanging Tombs at Choquetico before continuing on to the towns of Maca, Achoma and Yanque with its lovely white church. Return to Chivay for lunch before driving back to your hotel in Arequipa.

Day 6

Arequipa / Amazon

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the Amazon. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your Amazon Lodge.

Day 7 - 8

Amazon

Lodge activities

Day 9

Amazon / Cuzco

This morning you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Cuzco, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Spend the remainder of the day relaxing and adjusting to the altitude.

Day 10

Cuzco

Morning at leisure. Cuzco was the Inca capital and this afternoon you will visit the historic highlights of the city. Later, travel a short distance to the surrounding Inca ruins of Sacsayhuamán, Tambo Machay, Puku Pukara and Kenko; each different in construction and purpose.

Day 11

Cuzco / Sacred Valley

A full day tour into the Sacred Valley of the Incas, including a visit to Pisac and its colourful Indian market – a not to be missed opportunity to purchase Peruvian weavings and pottery. After a sumptuous lunch, continue along the Urubamba Valley to the ruins of Ollantaitambo, an impressive Inca fortress. Late this afternoon drop off at a charming inn at Yucay, where you will spend the evening.

Day 12

Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu

Today is set aside for an experience you will never forget, as you transfer to the station and travel by train (Vistadome) through lush valleys and terraced hillsides, following the course of the tumbling Urubamba River to the hidden “Lost City of the Incas” – spectacular MACHU PICCHU. Reputed to be the Incas’ last refuge from the Spanish, Machu Picchu remained undiscovered until 1911. Your guide will explain the intricate layout of the city, as you marvel at the remains of the watchtower, magnificent palaces, temples, tombs, and rock-hewn steps. This afternoon is yours to explore the ruins at your own pace, and perhaps walk up to the Sun Gate (Intipunko) for a panoramic view of this mysterious lost city.

Day 13

Machu Picchu / Cuzco

It is said that Machu Picchu is a place of great spirituality, and the ultimate spiritual moment of the day happens at sunrise. This morning therefore there is an option to rise early and view the world’s most spectacularly situated ruins at sunrise (entrance & transfers not included). Perhaps climb to the summit of Huayna Picchu or up to the Sun Gate for panoramic views. This afternoon, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes and board the train to Cuzco, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 14

Cuzco / Puno

This morning, you will travel to Puno. En route, you may view Alpacas, Llamas and perhaps Vicuña - native animals of the Altiplano. Arriving into PUNO early evening and transfer to your hotel.

Day 15

Puno

A 3h boat trip on Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, will take you to the Island of Taquile. To reach the hub of the island you must make a strenuous climb of 600 stone steps but the effort is well rewarded by the views of the Lake and its surrounding mountains.  The people of Taquile are famous for their colorful, fine weavings and their hospitality. 
On the return trip to Puno you will stop at Uros Island, built on layers of the totora reeds, hence the name "floating island". The Uros Indians still live as they have been living for generations, eeking out a living by fishing and selling handicrafts.

Day 16

Puno

Transfer to the airport.