Highlights of Peru

Fly from London to Lima. Then transfer to the Hotel El Tambo 1 or similar, where you will stay for 1 night.

At around 5:30 in the morning, leave Lima and drive to the port of Paracas. Then take a short boat trip to the Ballestas Islands. On the way, you will pass by the pre-Inca Candelabra geoglyph, a unique land structure that is estimated to have been made back in 200 B.C. and potentially used as a navigational symbol for sailors.

Upon reaching the islands, you will explore the caves and rock archways, and also pass by a wide array of bird species which include tendris, pelicans, and cormorants. You will then hop onto open-top motorized boats and admire the nearby seabirds. Once back on land, head to a major Peruvian wine-growing region, a pleasant town called Ica.

Stay overnight at the Hotel Vila Jazmin or similar.

(B)

Head to the Nazca Lines and marvel at the mysterious lines and geoglyphs. The drawings represent different shapes, animals, and objects such as birds, humans, and plants. The Nazca Lines are also a UNESCO Heritage Listed Site due to their mysterious origins and longstanding history.

In the afternoon, take a scenic flight over the Nazca Lines if the weather permits.

Stay overnight at the Casa Andina Hotel / Alegria or similar.

(B)

Head to the inland desert and climb the Andes for a long but spectacular drive. During the approximately 13-hour long drive, you will have plenty of rest and meal breaks, keeping you refreshed and comfortable.

Upon arrival, stay overnight at the Hotel de Turistas Abancay or similar.

(B)

In the morning, set off for Cuzco and stop by the Inca Saywite stones and Tarawasi ruins en route. The latter site was once a ceremonial center and a resting place for the Inca – in particular, Inca runners, who would travel long distances to deliver messages.

Due to the high altitude of Cuzco, it is recommended that travelers take it easy and drinks lots of water upon arrival. The body will acclimatize to the altitude in due time.

Stay for 2 nights at the Hotel Casa Andina Koricancha or similar.

(B)

Enjoy a pleasant walking tour in the morning, where you can explore the winding streets of Cuzco and the historic buildings. Notable highlights include the Plaza de Armas, the Horicancha Sun Templte, and the Mercado San Pedro, where you can purchase local produce and souveneirs from handicraft markets.

Then visit the Inca ruins outside of town. Most notable is the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a temple complex built by the Incas on an elevated rocky promontory.

(B)

Enjoy one of the most memorable train rides you may ever experience in your life. The train ride to Machu Picchu is bursting with excitement at every corner, taking you through vast mountain ranges, luscious forests, and expansive views of the surrounding canyons. What’s more, the destination itself – the grand majesty of Machu Picchu – is a sight to behold.

After a few train transfers, you will arrive at Machu Picchu and get to spend a maximum of 4 hours onsite. During this time, you will get to walk among the ruins, admire the various ancient structures, and learn about the history of the ruins with help from your friendly and knowledgeable tour guide.

Stay overnight at the Terraza de la Luna / Inti Punku Machu Picchu or similar.

(B)

Enjoy free leisure at Machu Picchu in the morning. Then return to Cuzco. The destination back to Cuzco will consume the majority of the day.

Spend 2 nights at the Hotel Case Andina Koricancha or similar.

(B)

Spend one more day admiring the sights and sounds of Cuzco with a free day of leisure.

(B)

Take an 8-10-hour trip along the Vilcanota River, and then proceed to the high plains of the Andes. While the drive is long, the spectacular views will keep you entertained for hours. And there will be plenty of scheduled stops and meal and rest breaks for respite.

Arrive at the shores of Lake Titicaca in the afternoon. Then go on a boat to reach Amantani Island. Stay overnight at an Amantani Island homestay, with dinner and accommodation provided by a participating local family.

(B, L, D)

Spend the morning exploring Amantani Island. Then go on a 3-hour boat journey to Puno, visiting Uros Island on the way. Upon arrival at Amantani Usland, stay overnight at Casona Plaza Hotel or similar.

(B)

Make your way across the altiplano region once more, and cross the southwest to reach Colca Canyon; considered one of the deepest canyons in the world, with a steep depth of about 3,000 – 6,600 feet. In the evening, there will be time to visit the nearby hot springs, which you can use at your leisure.

Stay overnight at the Hotel Pozo del Cielo or similar.

(B)

In the early morning, marvel at the native condor birds as they fly around the canyon. From there, ascend the canyon and make your way to Arequipa, the second-largest city in Peru and a place of historical significance with baroque-era buildings carved out of white volcanic rock. Enjoy free leisure exploring the city.

Stay overnight at the Celina Hotel or similar.

(B)

In the morning, visit the convent of Santa Catalina. This monastery was built in 1579 and served as a cloister for Dominican nuns; it still houses a small religious community to this day, as well.

In the afternoon or evening, fly back to Lima. Stay overnight at the Hotel El Tambo 1 or similar.

(B)

Take a last optional tour of Lima and then transfer in the airport in the afternoon to return to London.

Arrive back in London in the afternoon.