When to go
March to April, June to October
Price
From £4,245 pp
Flight time
12hrs 35 mins
Introduction
For a destination that oozes diversity naturally, culturally and historically, Peru will amaze and fascinate you. Home to 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites it is situated to the West of South America, bordering with Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile.
Peru is a stunning country with an endearing Incan culture. Embrace the city of Cusco, and the historic Machu Picchu, which hovers 2,430m above sea level in the midst of a tropical mountain for a dramatic marvel. Explore the volcanic Arequipa, its delectable cuisine and renowned and historic White City or visit the peaceful Colca Canyon to witness condors, alpacas and pumas!
Combine history and adventure by heading to Lake Titicaca, known as the birth place of the Sun and features the biggest lake in all of South America. The site offers wonderful views of rolling hills and peaks amidst quaint cathedrals and Andean highland. A trip to Peru would not be complete without adding an exploration of its capital city, the bustling Lima, with its colonial style architecture, impressive nightlife and culinary scene, as well as brilliant surfing spots!
Highlights
MASTER SKILLS IN MAKING CEVICHE (Half-day - Lima)
Pick the finest ingredients from the neighbourhood market and learn how to make ceviche, Peru’s national dish, along with the finest side dishes, under the direction of chef Penélope Alzamora.
PISCO TASTING AT THE LARCO MUSEUM (Half-day - Lima)
Explore one of the world’s greatest private collections of pre-Inca ceramics at the Larco Museum before enjoying Peru’s signature liqueur in one of the capital’s pisco bars.
A FAMILY EXPERIENCE WHITE-WATER RAFTING (Full day – Cusco)
While white-water rafting down the Urubamba River, discover the hidden jewels that the river has to offer. For any family hoping to experience both a sense of excitement and the beauty of nature, this is the ideal option.
Recommended Hotels
Belmond Miraflores Park
Lose yourself in the enchanting capital of Peru. This hotel offers great hospitality, impressive cuisine, and opulent amenities together with impressive views of the Pacific Ocean, making it the ideal starting point from which to explore Lima’s fascinating museums, elegant boutiques, bars, and restaurants.
Sol Y Luna
The Sol y Luna casitas are situated in the Sacred Valley and are surrounded by native plants and wildlife. Visitors can discover the vistas on foot, by mountain bike, on a canoe or raft, or by riding Peruvian Pasos, or they can take part in tapestry, ceramics, and Paso horseback lessons.
Titilaka
Relax in one of the 18 beautiful suites, which are opulent havens from which to experience this far-flung area’s historic, artistic, and national riches. Enjoy stunning lake views as well as contemporary comforts like massaging showers, under-floor heating, and mobile oxygen tanks for your recreational adventure.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival In Lima, Peru
Enjoy an overnight stay in Lima on your arrival, following your flight via Madrid.
Day 2: Lima
Discover the vibrant and boho chic Barranco neighbourhood of Lima. Enjoy dining on traditional Peruvian cuisine or cutting-edge fusion flavours, since the city has experienced a culinary renaissance. The city is adorned with beautiful colors, street art, charming alleys and impressive night scene.
Day 3: Reserva Amazónica
After arriving by plane in Puerto Maldonado, take a Madre de Dios River cruise and explore the Amazon Rainforest, which spans 8 countries and is the world’s largest rainforest, using treetop walkways and hanging bridges. Following this excursion, you will retreat to your forest cabana that is lit by lanterns.
Day 4: Reserva Amazónica
Discover the boardwalk that spans wetlands, marshes, and rainforest—ideal places to observe birds and reptiles. The Amazon Rainforest is home to 10% of the world’s species! Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Sandoval in the afternoon. This dreamy landscape features over 1000 bird species and rainforest animals, including alligators, macaws, turtles, enormous otters, piranhas, and colourful parrots.
Day 5: Cusco
Travel by air to Cusco, the former city of the Incas, and the Sacred Valley, known for its vibrant markets, plains covered with flowers, endless mountain terrain and historical marvels, such as the Sacsayhuaman fortress on the hilltop.
Day 6: Urubamba
Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with its ancient ruins, historic temples and gorgeous scenery. You will also enjoy visits to the vibrant town of Chinchero, home to many Inca style architecture and ruins and is renowned for its Peruvian weaving. Whilst there visit the Church in the plaza, built on top of an Incan Palace and features impeccable designs and paintings, as well as experience local women produce textile mastery with their weaving. End the day by visiting the historic Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo, known for its ruins amidst its snow-capped mountains.
Day 7: Machu Picchu Exploration
Visit the fabled “Lost City of the Incas,” Machu Picchu. Following a tour, you are free to wander around this mountaintop to explore at your own pace. Trek amidst the lush vegetation and stand in awe of one of the world’s greatest sights to be discovered.
Day 8: Cusco
To avoid the crowds, get up early to see the sun rise over the foggy fortress. A delectable Peruvian meal will be followed by a lovely train ride back to Cusco.
Day 9: Cusco
Through your tour you will visit Cusco’s cobblestone alleys first, then travel to Sacsayhuamán, an Inca site where massive stones were placed by the Incas well over 500 years ago, and stuns with its landscape, architectural beauty and flora. This amazing building, which supposedly took more than 20,000 men to build, is hailed to be one of the greatest architectural pieces that the Incas built during their dynasty. The site offers unparalleled views of Cusco and of the summits of Cinca, Pachatusan and Ausangate.
Day 10: Depart Lima For Return To Uk
Your Peruvian adventure comes to an end as you prepare for your return flight home via Lima.
