This 17 day holiday combines the culture and nightlife of Lima; the wonderful mountain scenery, ancient ruins and traditions of Cusco; the sand dunes of the southern desert, from where you will fly over the amazing Nazca Lines and visit the wildlife sanctuary of the Ballestas Islands; and the natural wonders of the Amazon Rainforest.
Itinerary in brief |
| Day 1: | Fly from UK to Lima (2 nights). |
| Day 2: | Optional Colonial Lima excursion. |
| Day 3: | Journey to Ica and flight over the Nazca Lines (2 nights). |
| Day 4: | Free day in Ica. |
| Day 5: | Visit to the Ballestas Islands before returning to Lima (1 night). |
| Day 6: | Fly to Cusco (6 nights). |
| Day 7: | Optional Inca Cusco excursion. |
| Day 8: | Optional Sacred Valley excursion. |
| Day 9: | Optional Machu Picchu excursion or Short Inca Trail excursion. |
| Day 10: | Free day in Cusco or Machu Picchu. |
| Day 11: | Free day in Cusco. |
| Day 12: | Fly to the Jungle (3 nights). |
| Day 13: | Jungle excursions. |
| Day 14: | Jungle excursions. |
| Day 15: | Fly to Lima (1 night). |
| Day 16: | Flight to the UK. |
| Day 17: | Arrival in the UK. |
Overview
Lima, on the Pacific coast, was the most important and magnificent city in South America for the Spanish. Visit the colonial district and some of the finest museums in the world, with amazing collections of pre-Hispanic treasures.
Cusco, majestic capital of the Inca Empire, is set in a valley 3,300m high in the Andes and has a unique charm and a relaxed atmosphere. Explore the city, a blend of Inca and Spanish styles, then salsa the night away. Visit the nearby Sacred Valley of the Incas. Take a breathtaking trip to Machu Picchu, lost city of the Incas, set in stunning mountain scenery or alternatively, walk the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Staying in Cusco, you can experience ancient cultures, wonderful scenery, lively festivals and colourful markets. There is also hiking, mountain biking, white water rafting, horse riding, paragliding and even hot air ballooning.
The The Nazca Lines are 2,000 year-old etchings in the face of the desert. Mystery surrounds these giant images of animals and birds, geometric shapes and straight lines up to 40 miles long. Wonder at the remarkable precision of their creation as you fly over the Lines. Ica is a desert town with a wonderful climate. Being on a river carrying the waters of the Andes through the desert to the Pacific, a stay in Ica means you can see both impressive sand dunes as well the main wine producing area in Peru. Visit the excellent regional museum, with 2,000 year-old textiles, deformed skulls and the finest pottery in Peru. Take a trip to a vineyard and try a delicious pisco sour. Or, being in the desert allows you to try sandboarding or sand buggying down the giant sand dunes. The Ballestas Islands are nearby, home to thousands of sea lions, penguins and sea birds. A boat ride around the islands offers an incredible opportunity to see these wonderful creatures up close, as the sea lions play around your boat.
The Amazon Rainforest is the largest expanse of jungle in the world and almost 60 percent of Peru lies in the jungle. The area around Puerto Maldonado is the most biodiverse on the planet. Staying in a jungle lodge, you will explore the rainforest by foot on jungle trails, and by boat on the river and on ox-bow lakes, have an opportunity to see the wildlife as well as get an insight into the jungle way of life.
A lodge is an excellent way to see the jungle in relative comfort, staying in accommodation made from local materials. All meals in the jungle are included.