Summary
Short description
Discover the majestic landscapes and ancient cultures of Peru on this two-week luxury holiday
Highlights
- Unearth the mysteries of the Incas at Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and Cusco – the archaeological capital of the Americas
- Let private tours from local experts introduce you to the colonial sights, Latin energy and world-beating tastes of Peru's historic cities
- Whether it's a mountain train ride, island boat cruise or valley drive to spot flamingos and Andean vistas, you'll travel in style
In Brief
- 1 Night Lima
- 2 Nights Arequipa
- 1 Night Colca
- 2 Nights Lake Titicaca
- 1 Night Cusco
- 1 Night Sacred Valley
- 1 Night Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
- 2 Nights Cusco
- 1 Night Lima
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Best of holidays | History & culture | Natural world | Wildlife
Beautiful beaches, majestic mountains and fascinating culture characterise Peru, a true South American gem that sweeps inland from the golden shores of the Pacific coast to the colossal peaks of the high Andes, where condors soar and the Inca Empire reigned supreme. But it's not just the altitude that will leave you breathless on this tailor-made tour. Explore the energetic ‘White City' of Arequipa, admire spectacular views from the edge of the Colca Canyon, traverse the world's highest navigable lake, peel back history in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, and marvel at Machu Picchu, the sacred ‘lost city' of the Incas.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK/Lima
Relax with included airport lounge access before your flight to Lima, Peru's bustling capital. You'll be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to your accommodation, spending the rest of the day is at leisure to relax or begin exploring as you wish.
Stay: Hotel B, Lima (Deluxe) or Belmond Miraflores Park, Lima (Deluxe)
Day
2
Lima/Arequipa
Today, a half-day city tour will introduce you to a Lima both colonial and contemporary. You'll start by visiting its Main Plaza sights – the Government Palace, City Hall and the Cathedral – before turning down its old streets and laneways for colonial mansions and Moorish balconies. You'll also visit the San Francisco Convent, which has the most magnificent collection of colonial art in South America after a drive through the vibrant districts of San Isidro, Larco Mar and Miraflores. A direct flight will then bring you to Arequipa.
Stay: Casa Andina Premium Arequipa (Superior) or Cirqa (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
3
Arequipa
Enjoy a half-day city tour of colonial Arequipa. You'll visit the beautiful Baroque church of Iglesia de La Compañía de Jesús, the traditional districts of Carmen Alto and Yanahuara, the Santa Catalina Convent and the Santuarios Andinos Museum, where you'll see the perfectly preserved mummy of 'Juanita', a 14-year-old Inca girl discovered in 1995 on the summit of Mount Ampato. Finally, try Arequipa's famous dessert 'queso helado' before returning to your hotel.
Stay: Casa Andina Premium Arequipa (Superior) or Cirqa (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
4
Colca Canyon
After breakfast you'll journey to the hot springs of Yura Village in the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, passing herds of llamas, spectacular volcanic scenery and even flamingoes along the way. From there you'll head to Patapampa for a rest stop and on to Chivay where you'll break for lunch at a traditional restaurant and a chance for a dip in the hot springs. Continue to your hotel near the Colca Canyon and spend the rest of the day at leisure. This evening you'll enjoy an included dinner at your hotel.
Stay: Colca Lodge, Colca (Superior) or Belmond Las Casitas, Colca Canyon (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
5
Lake Titicaca
Rise at dawn and enjoy the private drive to 'Condor Cross', the best place for breathtaking views of the Colca Canyon, the Colca River and the majestic condors in flight above. Visit the Hanging Tombs at Choquetico before continuing to the towns of Maca, Achoma and Yanque with its lovely white church and Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Stay: Casa Andina Private Collection Puno (Superior) or GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca (Deluxe)
Meals: B L
Day
6
Lake Titicaca
Take a speed boat across Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, to the island of Taquile. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its peoples still live in accordance with the traditions and beliefs of their ancestors; it's a culture that dates back to pre-Incan times. The island is particularly famous for its textile art where colourful weavings form vibrant outfits and island scenes, which you'll be treated to on community visits. Then, following a traditional lunch and a chance to meet with the islanders, you'll continue on to the Uros Islands where hunter gatherers – descendants of the first altiplano inhabitants – still live on totora reed platforms.
Stay: Casa Andina Premium Puno (Superior) or GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca (Deluxe)
Meals: B L
Day
7
Cusco
Today you'll board the Belmond-operated Titicaca train from Puno to Cusco. Watch as the high Andean plateau comes to life with grazing alpacas and llamas, and tiny villages that form the picturesque foreground to a mountainous backdrop. Cusco, the archaeological capital of the Americas, is a fascinating city, where colonial architecture straddles ancient Incan ruins.
Stay: Inkaterra La Casona, Cusco (Superior) or Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Cusco (Deluxe)
Meals: B L
Day
8
Sacred Valley
Set out from Cusco on a full-day tour of the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas, beginning with the Moray Inca terraces and followed by a visit to the Maras salt pans. From there you'll pass through the valley's stunning landscapes as you make your way to the impressive Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo, strategically located at the top of a hill overlooking Cusco.
Stay: Hotel Sol y Luna, Sacred Valley (Superior) or Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado, Sacred Valley (Deluxe)
Meals: B L
Day
9
Machu Picchu
Transfer to Ollantaytambo Train Station where you'll board a train to Aguas Calientes, followed by a short bus journey to the iconic Incan ruins at Machu Picchu. A guided tour will reveal secrets of the marvellous citadel, visiting the main plaza, the royal quarters and the Temple of Three Windows, while making stops at its sacred sun dial and burial grounds.
Stay: El Mapi by Inkaterra (Superior) or Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
10
Cusco
This morning you will have an opportunity to return to Machu Picchu for a second, unguided, visit. We highly recommend taking one of the first buses particularly if you intend to climb Huayna Picchu or catch the sunrise. A walk to Sun Gate will also reward you with excellent views of the citadel. Return to Cusco by train.
Stay: Inkaterra La Casona, Cusco (Superior) or Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Cusco (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
11
Cusco
You'll have the morning at leisure before embarking on an afternoon tour of this magical city, built on the foundations of Inca palaces. You'll visit the Temple of the Sun, Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and the artistic San Blas district. A short drive out of the city will take you to the impressive Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko's underground cave temple and Tambomachay, known as the Baths of the Inca.
Stay: Inkaterra La Casona, Cusco (Superior) or Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Cusco (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
12
Lima
Fly to back Lima to spend your last day in Peru at leisure. Perhaps spend some more time at the sights you visited on your city tour or call into its pre-Columbian temples, world-famous art galleries and Pacific views. Of course, there's also its famed gastronomy to sample. Migrants from across the world have all left their mark on the Peruvian culinary scene meaning South American flavours complemented by international influences. Think mouthwatering soups, delicately spiced meat dishes and hearty stews. If this appeals, book on to our Flavour of Lima tour where you'll visit a local market before learning how to prepare a selection of Peruvian delicacies.
Stay: Hotel B, Lima (Deluxe) or Belmond Miraflores Park, Lima (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Day
13
Depart Peru
After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
Meals: B
Day
14
Arrive UK
Arrive back in the UK after your overnight flight and continue your onwards journey home.
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
14-day tailor-made holiday
from £5,945 pp incl. flights
Superior
Low Season
from £5,945 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £6,770 pp. incl. flights
- Complimentary UK airport transfers
- Return flights from London to Lima
- Domestic flights between Lima, Cusco and Iquitos
- Private transfers
- 12 nights accommodation in 4* (Superior) hotels on a B&B basis, 6 lunches, 2 dinners
- Private touring
- Rail journey from Puno to Cusco
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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Adjust your itinerary with our recommended extensions
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