Explore Peru`s fascinating history and travel back in time to a land of extensive Inca ruins, archaeological treasures, and postcard-perfect landscapes. Before visiting Arequipa, renowned for its volcanoes and Spanish gastronomy, take a tour of Lima, Peru`s capital city, filled with World Heritage Sites.
You will interact with indigenous communities, visit the majesty of Lake Titicaca, and travel to Cusco, a World Heritage Site and architectural paradise. A visit to the awe-inspiring, nearly-forgotten city of Machu Picchu, which dates back to the 15th century, will transport you on a journey through time.
One of our representatives will transport you to your hotel in private conveyance upon your arrival in Lima. Rest the remainder of the day at the hotel.
OVERNIGHT IN LIMA
After breakfast, take a city tour of Lima`s most significant cultural sites, including Huaca Pucllana and other colonial structures such as the Plaza Mayor, Government Palace, Archbishop`s Palace, Cathedral, and St Frances` Convent.
OVERNIGHT IN LIMA
After breakfast and a morning to explore Lima at your leisure, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Arequipa. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel, your guide will provide you with local area and town activities information.
OVERNIGHT IN AREQUIPA
Choose to spend the day relaxing or reserve a tour of the city.
The tour begins with a transfer to the Carmen Alto viewpoint, from which you can experience sweeping vistas of Arequipa. We then travel to Yanahuara to view the church`s archaeological remains. We then return to the city and explore one of the most gorgeous squares in Peru, as well as the Compania de Jesus Church (1590), the Cathedral, and the Santa Catalina Monastery (1579). £49.00pp (min 2)
OVERNIGHT IN AREQUIPA
You will be taken up at 8:00 a.m. for a four-hour bus ride with stops and breathtaking scenery. The first destination is Yura, which is distinguished by its rugged terrain, hills, and cliffs. We then enter the Pampa Caahuas Reserve, a vast grass plain where we can observe vicuas (an Andean camelid).
Vizcachani and Pampas de Toccra will lead you to the caldera of the Chucura volcano. From there, we make our final ascent to the Mirador de los Andes at Patapampa, a breathtaking viewpoint 4,800 metres above sea level.
Arrive in Chivay, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon at your leisure or elect to take a self-guided tour to the thermal baths, 3 kilometres away and payable locally for 10 soles per person (approximately £2.50).
OVERNIGHT IN COLCA
Enjoy an early breakfast at 5.30 a.m. and then travel to Condors Cross, where you can take in the magnificent views of the Colca Valley (one of the world`s deepest canyons) and, if you`re lucky, spot a large, majestic condor soaring above the valley.
We will visit the villages of Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma, and Yanque, with photo opportunities at the Antahuilque and Choquetico vantage points.
We then travel via Patahuasi to Puno. Observe the incredible stone forests and azure lagoons inhabited by cranes along the journey (4,000 metres above sea level).
Check into your hotel in Puno for some well-deserved rest.
OVERNIGHT IN PUNO
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the port of Puno and board a motorboat for the 25-minute journey to the Uros Islands. The Uros are an ancestral civilization that inhabits a series of artificial islands constructed from totora, a type of reed that grows in Lake Titikaka. During this hour-long tour, you will speak with locals and visit their residences.
Next, you`ll visit Taquile Island, a 2-hour journey distant. The island is home to a tight-knit Quechua-speaking community and is replete with pre-Incan agricultural terraces and remnants. Enjoy a local brunch in Puno.
Later, you will have some leisure time to independently explore the island before returning to Puno.
OVERNIGHT IN PUNO
Today at 7:00, you will be picked up and transferred to the bus station to board the bus to Cusco, with stops at interesting sites along the way.
First, we visit the town of Pucara and its Lithic Museum. This was the first municipal settlement established on Lake Titicaca, between 100 and 300 A.D. After a brief stop at La Raya, the highest point between Puno and Cusco at 4,313 metres above sea level, the bus arrives at Sicuani, where lunch is served. The next stop is Racchi, the location of the Wiracocha Temple, an Inca site constructed in honour of a potent Andean deity. Later, travel to Andahuaylillas, a hamlet approximately 40 kilometres from Cusco. Here, the "Sistine Chapel of America" is the local church. The journey continues to Cusco, where a representative will convey you to your hotel.
You will arrive in Cusco around 5 p.m., and if you have the energy, you can experience an optional evening excursion (also available on day 8)
A short walk from your hotel is the Tanupa restaurant, where you can enjoy a delectable buffet of traditional Peruvian dishes while watching and listening to the sights and sounds of Peruvian music and dance. £22 per person with return transfers and £15 per person without (minimum 2)
OVERNIGHT IN CUSCO
Breakfast is served prior to a day of leisure. The capital city of the Inca Empire is the undisputed archaeological metropolis of the Americas and the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent.
Optional city excursion of Cusco
You will begin your tour with a visit to the Coricancha, also known as the "Temple of the Sun", whose construction was ordered by Inca Pachacutec (1438-1471) and which served as the foundation for the construction of the Santo Domingo Convent upon the arrival of the Spaniards. During this time, the Sun (Inti, in Quechua) was venerated during the Inca Empire, and its walls were completely covered in gold sheets and its courtyards were planted with golden corn and life-sized llamas. Then, you will visit the Cathedral, the most important structure on the Main Square and one of the most magnificent Spanish colonial cathedrals in North America. The Cathedral is home to approximately 400 colonial paintings from the Cusco art school, as well as impressive goldsmith, silversmith, and precious stones works. Its construction endured nearly a hundred years. £45pp (min 2)
The restaurant Coricancha is closed on Sundays and national holidays. This excursion does not require a BTC card.
Optional traditional cookery class (from 2 to 6 pm)
The culinary experience provides a genuinely interactive, entertaining, and individualised immersion in Peruvian cuisine in a setting designed specifically for cooking classes. The afternoon begins with a tasting of various types of Pisco and proceeds with an introduction to the local cuisine, during which the chef imparts his knowledge of the region`s history, biodiversity, and geography. Continue the collaborative production of `alpaca Lomo Saltado` or `Ceviche`. During the afternoon, the chefs will also prepare Neo-Andean, Creole, and contemporary dishes. Each participant relishes the delicious lunch they prepared at the conclusion of the class. Overall, a charming culinary experience and a chance to learn more about Peruvian cuisine. £89 pp
OVERNIGHT IN CUSCO
After breakfast, we begin our sightseeing with a visit to the Pisac market, where dozens of vendors are set up in the town`s central plaza. Here you will find locally crafted items, such as exquisite alpaca textiles, paintings, and replicas of Inca artefacts.
Continue to the Pisac archaeological site, which is the largest platform complex in the region and an Inca agricultural masterpiece. We then visit the Inkariy museum, which offers a fresh perspective on the pre-Columbian cultures of ancient Peru through dioramas depicting emblematic scenes populated by hyper-realistic figures. Prior to visiting Ollantaytambo Park, there will be time for refreshments (not included).
After your tour, we will check into your Urubamba hotel.
OVERNIGHT IN URUBAMBA
We will commence our journey to Aguas Calientes (Hot Springs Town) in the valley below Machu Picchu in the morning. The remainder of the day can be spent independently exploring this attractive small town.
Self-guided activities include a hot bath in the natural waters (20 soles per person, or approximately $5) and a visit to the Manuel Chavez Ballon museum and orchid exhibition (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., approximately 30 minutes` walk).
OVERNIGHT IN MACHU PICCHU
After an early breakfast, take a bus to Machu Picchu, an engineering and architectural masterpiece believed to have served as a sanctuary and retreat for Inca Pachacutec (1438–1572). Machu Picchu, whose name means "Old Mountain", is one of the new seven marvels of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
You will take a walking tour (approximately two hours) before investigating the mysterious city on your own and returning to Aguas Calientes. Stop for lunch (not included) prior to boarding the train to Ollantaytambo, where a transfer will be waiting to return you to your Cusco accommodation.
OVERNIGHT IN CUSCO
After breakfast, you have the remainder of the day at your discretion before returning to the airport for your flight home.
Why not extend your stay in Cusco, and if you`re up for an expedition, visit Vinicuna? Approximately 100 kilometres southeast of Cusco, the Rainbow Mountain is one of the most breathtaking natural marvels. At 5,200 metres above sea level, this is a difficult hike that should only be attempted by experienced trekkers. It also requires an additional night in Cusco. Please request further information.
Alternately, you can prolong your adventure by two nights, including tours and accommodations in Puerto Maldonado, a fascinating city in the Amazon rainforest! In addition to the Corto Maltes Lodge, we also offer the Inkaterra Field Station, Hacienda Concepcion, and Reserva Amazonica for an additional fee (itineraries vary depending on the lodge).
13th day of the Amazon extension (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER) for guests.
Upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado We will continue along the Madre de Dios River by canoe. You will be welcomed at Corto Maltes Lodge with a revitalising fruit cocktail. Relax and enjoy lunch until your first excursion begins.
Accompanied by a guide, trek to a Brazil nut harvesting site and learn about tropical trees and medicinal plants. Visit an active Brazil nut camp, also known locally as castaa. This is one of the region`s most significant economic activities. (approx. 2 hours).
Return to the lodge, unwind by the pool or in the hammocks, or proceed to the riverbank to witness a magnificent sunset. Around 7 p.m., we embark on a Caiman safari to observe caimans and, with any hope, other riverbank-dwelling animals. Dine in the hotel`s riverside dining room after returning to the hotel.
OVERNIGHT IN PUERTO MALDONADO
Today we take an early morning excursion to Lake Sandoval, where we will travel by boat along the Madre de Dios followed by a short trek (approximately 3 km) through the wild vegetation of the Tambopata National Reserve, where you will have the opportunity to observe giant trees, various snakes, monkeys (Squirrel monkeys, Howler monkeys, and Capuchin monkeys), and numerous birds.
Once we arrive at Lake Sandoval, we will board small rowboats to search for gigantic river otters and a variety of other reptiles, mammals, and birds in their natural habitat. We visit the observation tower and Shiringuero Camp in the afternoon. The 20- and 42-meter-tall lookout structures are designed for observing birds and other wildlife high in the jungle canopy, as well as for viewing an incredible sunset. Return to the lodge to unwind by the pool or refresh yourself at the bar!
OVERNIGHT IN PUERTO MALDONADO
You will be transferred by boat and vehicle to the airport in Puerto Maldonado, where you will board your flight home (via Lima).
