Day 1 (Tuesday)
Morning flight from the UK to Lima, arriving evening the same day. You will be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel (2 nights).
Day 2 (Wednesday)
Free day in Lima. Optional Colonial Lima excursion.
Day 3 (Thursday)
Fly to Arequipa in the morning, then take a tour of the city, including the Santa Catalina Convent (1 night).
Day 4 (Friday)
We leave early for the Colca Canyon, an impressive journey over the Andes reaching almost 5,000m at one point, and passing herds of wild vicuña. After the drive, some of which is on unpaved roads, we arrive at our lodge in time for a welcome swim in volcanic springs (1 night).
Day 5 (Saturday)
Early morning trip to the edge of the canyon, one mile above the river, where the condors rise on the thermals. We visit typical highland villages and return to Arequipa in the evening (1 night).
Day 6 (Sunday)
Morning flight to Cusco, transfer to your hotel. Afternoon free (6 nights).
Day 7 (Monday)
Join us on a guided tour of Inca Cusco (optional).
Day 8 (Tuesday)
Optional excursion to the Sacred Valley, including the famous market in Pisac.
Day 9 (Wednesday)
The highlight of any visit to Peru – an optional excursion to Machu Picchu. Take a magical train ride, followed by a guided visit to the ruins. Evening return to Cusco or spend a night here and return on Thursday. Alternatively, take our Short Inca Trail option to Machu Picchu.
Days 10 - 11 (Thursday - Friday)
Two free days. Get to know Cusco better, revisit the Sacred Valley or perhaps try one of the many adventure sports on offer.
Day 12 (Saturday)
A fascinating full-day coach journey across the altiplano, including guided visits to the Inca site of Raqchi and the beautiful colonial church in Andahuaylillas. After lunch in Sicuani (included), visit the pre-Inca site of Pucara, before arriving in Puno, on the edge of Lake Titicaca. Evening at leisure (2 nights). There is also the option to travel to Puno by train.
Day 13 (Sunday)
A full day on the lake, visiting the floating Uros Islands before heading to the beautiful Taquile Island. After an energetic walk up the hill to the main village, have lunch of fresh fish caught in the lake.
Day 14 (Monday)
Visit the funerary towers of Sillustani before catching your flight to Lima (1 night).
Day 15 (Tuesday)
Transfer to the Cruz del Sur coach terminal for the 4 hour 'Cruzero' coach service down the coast direct to your hotel in Ica, a desert town (2 nights). In the afternoon, take a light aircraft flight over the Nazca Lines, which can only be appreciated from the air.
Day 16 (Wednesday)
A free day around Ica. Visit the excellent local museum or vineyards, relax around the pool, try sandboarding on the dunes or hire a sand buggy.
Day 17 (Thursday)
A one hour drive to Paracas is followed by an exciting boat ride to the Ballestas Islands wildlife sanctuary, where sea lions and penguins provide the entertainment. Return to Lima in the afternoon (1 night).
Day 18 (Friday)
Transfer to the airport for an overnight flight to the UK.
Day 19 (Saturday)
Arrival in the UK.
Board
Lima: Bed and Breakfast
Cusco: Bed and Breakfast
Arequipa: Bed and Breakfast
Colca Canyon: Bed and Breakfast
Puno: Bed and Breakfast; lunch is included on the coach or train from Cusco to Lake Titicaca; lunch is included on the full day excursion on Lake Titicaca
Ica: Bed and Breakfast