This 14 day holiday combines the culture and nightlife of Lima; the wonderful mountain scenery, ancient ruins and traditions of Cusco; and the beautiful colonial city of Arequipa and the spectacular Colca Canyon, home to giant condors.
Itinerary in brief |
| Day 1: | Fly from UK to Lima (2 nights). |
| Day 2: | Optional Colonial Lima excursion. |
| Day 3: | Fly to Arequipa and have a city tour (1 night). |
| Day 4: | Travel across the altiplano to the Colca Canyon (1 night). |
| Day 5: | View the condors soaring in the canyon before returning to Arequipa (1 night). |
| Day 6: | Fly to Cusco (6 nights). |
| Day 7: | Optional Inca Cusco excursion. |
| Day 8: | Free day in Cusco. |
| Day 9: | Optional Sacred Valley excursion. |
| Day 10: | Optional Machu Picchu excursion or Short Inca Trail excursion. |
| Day 11: | Free day in Cusco or Machu Picchu. |
| Day 12: | Fly to Lima (1 night). |
| Day 13: | Free day in Lima. Evening flight to the UK. |
| Day 14: | Evening 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.
Arequipa, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site, has an impressive colonial centre largely built of white volcanic rock. A must is a visit to the vast Santa Catalina Convent, founded in 1579, but only opened to the public in 1970. Three immense volcanoes rise above the city, including the near-perfect cone of El Misti, at 5,825m.
The nearby Colca Canyon, deeper than the Grand Canyon, offers incredible views, as well as one of the best opportunities to see the world's largest flying birds in the wild. Giant condors rise up on the thermals, and, if you are lucky, glide past only metres away.