Highlights of Peru

Day 1: Arrival In Lima
Lima may be the political capital of Peru, but when it comes to gastronomy, it is one of the capitals of the world! Food is certainly going to be a theme during your stay in Lima that is for sure. On arrival in this culinary paradise, your private guide will be waiting at the airport to assist you to Lima´s Airport Hotel for check-in. Unearth the city's treasure trove of fantastic restaurants and bars at your leisure. Restaurants Astrid & Gaston or Central are just two of many in the city, which regularly rank among the top 100 in the world. Lima has some of the best eateries and food markets in Latin America, which you can explore while also taking in the history behind the streets, which house them. Overnight in Lima

Day 2: Lima As a Local
Embark on a day of discovery, delving deep into the rich tapestry of Limeño history, where surprises await at every turn. Your journey begins with a visit to a bustling local market, a sensory delight where you'll have the chance to savour the flavours of traditional fruits and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. From there, you'll step aboard the Metropolitano bus service, whisking you away to the heart of Downtown Lima. In the company of your knowledgeable private guide, you'll embark on a captivating exploration of the area's most iconic Colonial-era buildings. The Historic Centre of Lima stands as a testament to the city's storied past, serving as the seat of Colonial and Republican governments since its Spanish foundation in 1535, established atop an ancient indigenous urban centre. Until the mid-twentieth century, this district was the privileged residential enclave of the country's most influential families, lending an air of opulence and significance to the architectural marvels that grace its streets. Amidst the architectural and historical wonders, you'll enjoy a well-deserved respite with a Pisco Sour demonstration and tasting at the esteemed Cordano Bar. This venerable establishment, steeped in tradition, has played host to a veritable who's who of past Presidents, artists, writers, and politicians - a living testament to Lima's enduring cultural legacy. Following this authentic and invigorating experience, you'll be transported back to your hotel in the enchanting neighbourhood of Miraflores, reflecting on the captivating history and vibrant culture you've encountered during your day of exploration. Overnight in Lima

Day 3:   Lima to Arequipa
On time for your flight, you will be picked up and transferred to the airport for your flight to Arequipa! Upon arrival, you will be privately transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon and evening will be free for you to spend at your leisure. We recommend immersing yourself in Arequipa's lively restaurant scene, which is recognized by many Peruvians as the best and true home of Peruvian food. Overnight in Arequipa

Day 4:   Arequipa - Explore The White City
Our self-guided walking tours of Arequipa will allow you to explore the ins and outs of the charming city of Arequipa. The guide includes 4 walking tours designed for you to enjoy many different aspects of this beautiful city. These are Highlights of Arequipa: a 3-hour walking tour that ticks off all of Arequipa's famous highlights; the Daily Life of Arequipa, which guides you through the hustle and bustle of Arequipa's local spots; a Cultural tour of Arequipa, that leads you to discover the city's cultural heritage, both colonial and modern and finally; the Nightlife of Arequipa, so you know where to stop off for a drink or a fun night out with your friends. The guide will take you off the beaten track that will include a section on recommended restaurants and Arequipa's best activities with kids. Overnight in Arequipa

Day 5:   Arequipa – Colca Canyon (Colca Canyon and to Puno - Group excursion)
After breakfast in your hotel, you will be picked up for your journey to the Colca Canyon. It's a scenic route, you'll enjoy beautiful views of the Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes as you climb to the Canahuas National Reserve. Along the way, you will stop at the Andean village of Pata Wasi, located at 12,465ft. above sea level to drink some coca tea to counteract the effects of altitude sickness. As you climb, yet further up onto the Altiplano you will begin to spot wild vicunas, llamas and guanacos as well as some interesting birdlife on the lakes. After reaching the highest point at about 14,760ft. above sea level, you will begin descending to the quaint town of Chivay before continuing to your boutique lodge in the Colca Canyon. A colourful Andean valley with pre-Inca roots, the Colca Canyon has several small villages filled with local traditions and culture and is some of the most well-preserved in the country. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States, the landscapes surrounding the Colca Canyon are simply breathtaking! This is one of the best places to spot the Andean Condor as it soars and glides through this vast valley. Included: One night at Colca Lodge, a Group excursion to the Colca Canyon with several stops and visits, English English-speaking guide and Breakfast. Not Included: Entrance fee to the Colca Canyon (approx. USD25 pp payable locally). Departure: Daily around 07:30 am

Day 6:   Leaving The Colca Canyon
It's time to hit the road again as you make your way to the town of Puno at Lake Titicaca where the journey will take you right across the endless highland plains where you'll be treated to stunning views of Peru's diverse landscapes. Upon arrival at Lake Titicaca passengers staying at Comfort and Superior class accommodation will head towards your hotel where you'll have the remainder of the day free to spend at your leisure. Overnight in Puno

Day 7:   Titicaca Lake
Straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia in the Andes Mountains is one of South America's largest lakes and the world's highest navigable body of water. Said to be the birthplace of the Incas, it is home to numerous ruins and islands where tradition remains. Today's excursion will allow you to experience the lake and its inhabitants. You will be picked up from your hotel at around 7 am and will be transferred to the port so you can board a fast boat (33km/h) that will take you to Taquile Island. After approximately 2 hours, you will arrive at the pristine sandy beach on Taquile Island and will walk over a pre-Inca path with the most spectacular views of the Island. You will visit a typical house of weavers, and learn about their ancient culture and textile techniques. After 3 hours of cultural exploration, you will depart to Llachon-Santa Maria, where at 12:20 pm you will be quickly introduced in an intensive cross-cultural experience, participate in the preparation of the Pachamanca, a traditional way of cooking using underground ovens, and be part of a small ritual to honour Mother Earth. The boat leaves after lunch to Uros Titino Islands, where you will see the last authentic floating island. Afterwards, at 4 pm approx., you will return to Puno, arriving around 5 pm. Overnight in Puno

Day 8:   Puno – Cusco, The Sun Route
Leaving Puno and Lake Titicaca behind, you will start your journey by a comfortable touristic bus to Cusco. The drive is approximately 10.5 hours long and you will stop off along the route at some of the most beautiful and authentic locations. Stopping at the once great pre-Hispanic city of Pukara, characterized by its huge pyramids, you will visit the litic Museum where several artefacts of this period can be admired. The village is also known for its traditional ceramics known as Torito de Pukara. Following your tour of Pukara, which will last around 35 minutes, you will board the touristic bus and head towards your next stop at La Raya. At 14,222ft (4,335m) above sea level, this marks the highest point of the route and is here where the Vilcanota River otherwise known as the Sacred River of the Inca is born and flows down through the mountains before joining the Amazon River. The tour lasts around 10 minutes before continuing your journey to the fascinating archaeological complex of Raqchi. Stare in amazement at the monumental size of Raqchi and its temple, which has walls reaching up to 49ft (15m) and is unique in the Inca Empire. The tour of Raqchi lasts for around 40 minutes and then you will continue to the last stop before arriving at Cusco, Andahuaylillas. This charming 16th Century village has a beautiful Main Square with the Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas; the pride of the town and its people. It is one of the most beautiful Baroque churches built under Spanish influence in the Americas and is often referred to as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas. Your tour of Andahuaylillas will last for about 25 minutes before the tourist bus will take you to the final destination of the Capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco. Upon arrival to Cusco, you will be met and transferred to your hotel located in the historical centre and within walking distance of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Plaza de Armas, the main square of Cusco. Cusco is a place, which has it all, busy local markets, grand colonial architecture, rich archaeological history, relaxed café's, beautiful surrounding scenery and much more. The evening is free for you to spend at your leisure and with many excellent Cusco restaurants to choose from. Overnight in Cusco

Day 9:   Exploring Cusco
Walk around the Imperial City of the Incas, starting at the local market of Cusco, where you will experience a bit of Peruvian Culture and daily Cusqueño life. In the market, you can find the best variety of vegetables, breads and fruits in the country. Continuing this pleasant walk, you'll visit the impressive Colonial Cathedral in Cusco containing over 400 paintings from the Cusqueña School and several beautiful altars. Afterwards, you'll visit Koricancha, which is considered a religious centre of Cusco, geographical and political. The Temple of Koricancha, was where the Inca paid homage to the Sun god called Inti. Qori means goldwork and Kancha means an enclosed space, bounded by walls. Then you'll walk uphill a bit to enter the artisan quarter of San Blas, where you'll be able to appreciate a religious painting and many workshops where, if they are available, you can watch artisans in action. After this, you'll return to your hotel. Overnight in Cusco

Day 10: The Sacred Valley of The Incas
After being picked up from your hotel your tour will start with a brief pit stop at the Mirador de Qorao or Awanacancha before heading up to Pisac. A famed hill town, Pisac is a great place to purchase top-quality Andean knitwear at lower prices than you will find in major cities during your trip to Peru. Woven blankets, tapestries and alpaca garments such as sweaters and mittens, colourful fabric and accessories are found in abundance at the Pisac market in addition to pottery, jewellery and other handicrafts. Then, you will visit the archaeological site of Pisac. You will go to the 'Tanqanamarca Cemetery', where existed an estimated 10000 burials and to the 'Qantusraqay neighbourhood' area, for farmers. It is composed of rustic stone buildings built on the edges of the cliffs. Afterwards, you will go for a buffet lunch in the Sacred Valley, set in extensive gardens with beautiful views across the Valley. Then, you continue to an attractive little town located at the western end of the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo. The town has been built on top of original Inca foundations and is the best surviving example of Inca town planning. The temple area is at the top of steep terracing which helped to provide excellent defences. The stone used for these buildings was brought from a quarry high up on the opposite side of the Urubamba River - an incredible feat involving the efforts of thousands of workers. Overnight in Sacred Valley

Day 11: Sacred Valley
Day at leisure for you to enjoy this lovely area. Overnight in Sacred Valley

Day 12: Train To Machu Picchu
After breakfast, your private transfer will pick you up from your accommodation in the Sacred Valley and take you to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo. We recommend exploring the beautiful cobblestone streets, the colourful textiles and charming cafes before your train leaves for Machu Picchu. Boarding the train from the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes shaves 2 hours off what normally is a 4-hour journey from Cusco, beginning at the most beautiful part of the stretch, leaving from Ollantaytambo. Arriving at your hotel of choice in Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu, we recommend that you spend a few hours exploring this quaint little town, connected to the world by train. Situated in a deep gorge below Machu Picchu the charm of Aguas Calientes is scattered in its cobblestone streets lined by small local restaurants and shops, enclosed by steep cliffs, a misty cloud forest, and two rushing rivers. We suggest having an early dinner tonight as tomorrow you'll have an early start going to Machu Picchu at sunrise. Overnight in Machu Picchu

Day 13: Machu Picchu
The citadel of Machu Picchu stands as the crowning jewel of the Sacred Valley, undeniably Peru's most cherished tourist attraction. Unveiled to the world in 1911 by the intrepid American explorer Hiram Bingham, this ancient fortress perches majestically above the profound Urubamba River canyon, earning acclaim as one of the planet's most extraordinary feats of landscape architecture. In an era where the Inca were revered as descendants of gods, this sanctuary was believed to be their celestial palace, a realm reserved solely for the chosen few among them. Every journey to Peru should undoubtedly encompass this iconic destination and marvel of the New World. Your adventure begins in Aguas Calientes, where a 20-minute bus ride transports you to the mystical realm of Machu Picchu Sanctuary. Here, under the expert guidance of a seasoned tour guide, you'll embark on an exploration of this awe-inspiring testament to Inca architectural brilliance. Following the guided tour, you'll have the opportunity to capture the magic through your lens during some free time before descending back to Aguas Calientes aboard the bus, concluding a day steeped in history and wonder. At Aguas Calientes, you will take your train back to Poroy. Upon arrival, a private transfer to your accommodation. Overnight in Cusco

Day 14: Cusco
Day at leisure to spend for you to explore this beautiful area. Overnight in Cusco

Day 15: Leaving Cusco
It is time to say goodbye to this amazing country, depending on your departure flight, your private transfer will be meeting you at the hotel lobby to take you to the airport for your scheduled flight home.