Peru Highlights

Home to part of the Amazon rainforest and Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city high in the Andes mountains, Peru is a particularly intriguing country. Rich in archaeological sites, the region around Machu Picchu, which includes the Sacred Valley, Inca Trail and the colonial city of Cusco, is an amazing place for culture vultures and history buffs to do some dedicated exploring. Lima, the capital, sits on Peru’s arid Pacific coast; boasting a preserved colonial centre and significant collections of pre-Columbian art, as well as being a modern metropolis replete with restaurants and boutique department stores, you can learn all you ever wanted about ancient South American civilisations while enjoying all the comforts of home right here.

Adventure and Peru are pretty much synonymous with one another; you’re guaranteed a wealth of exciting experiences whenever you visit during the year. Our handcrafted tours show you all the highlights of Peru, whether you go souvenir shopping for glittering Andean trinkets or fancy a photo op at the world's highest navigable lake – as far as we’re concerned, nothing is off limits.

Follow in the footsteps of intrepid adventurers in Peru's mountain wilderness. Explore the remains of the Incas' final stronghold in the 'lost city' of Machu Picchu, visit beautiful colonial towns and discover the world's highest navigable lake on this fascinating trip.

Overview:

• 7 nights in 4-star hotels, 1 night's homestay on one of Lake Titicaca's islands
• 15 meals : 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners including a welcome drink & dinner
• Free scheduled group transfers are available on arrival & departure from Lima, other transportation, internal flights & porterage included
• Tour Manager as your host & Specialist Local Guide

Included :

• Tour of Lima including the cathedral
• Visit the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu
  
• Cuzco tour including Sacsayhuman Fortress
  
• Lake Titicaca's Uros Islands
  
• Sample the lifestyle of the locals during a 'Homestay' on Amantani Island in Lake Titicaca Taquile Island & its unique traditions
  

Itinerary

DAY 1 - LIMA

Make your own way to Lima where you can meet us for the scheduled group transfers to your hotel. Founded in 1535 by the Spanish Conquistador, Francisco Pizarro, much of Spain’s colonial influence can still be seen in Lima. Must-see sights include the cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Presidential Palace, which all feature on our included tour. The pre-Inca and Inca artefacts in the city’s many museums are also fascinating and you’ll have a chance to see them too. Get to know your travelling companions over a drink this evening.

DAY 2 - CUZCO - AT LEISURE

It’s important to allow your body time to acclimatize to the high altitude in Peru, so we’ve left today free for you to do just that.

DAY 3 - CUZCO - AT LEISURE

The Valley of the Incas is awash with intriguing sites and fascinating tales. If you choose to join today's optional excursion you'll visit the lovely town of Chinchero, where a colourful market sells all kinds of uinque handicrafts.

Next, you'll visit the impressive Inca ruins of the Ollantaytambo fortress and temple, which offer a fascinating insight into the distinctive Inca style of building. The site was under construction at the time of the Spanish invasion, therefore many of the buildings were abandoned and remained unfinished.

DAY 4 - MACHU PICCHU

The famous ruined city of Machu Picchu was rediscovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. Perched above a steep valley, swathed in dense jungle and often referred to as the 'lost city', this is a truly incredible site. We travel to Machu Picchu by narrow-gauge railway and take the bus up to mist-shrouded mountain tops and the captivating ruins. A Local Guide will accompany us and be on hand to answer questions. Wandering around the site and exploring the ruins for yourself is one of the greatest ways to experience Machu Picchu.

DAY 5 - CUZCO

Cuzco, the former Inca capital, features a fascinating combination of Inca and colonial architecture in its mansions, churches and cobbled streets. Discover the city and the surrounding Inca sites, including the mighty ruins of the stone Sacsayhuaman Fortress, on a tour today.

This afternoon we're going to visit a community centre in Ccaccaccollo to learn how the Planeterra weaving co-operative has impacted the village. Very few communities benefit from tourism and this centre helps maintain a traditional way of life, helping bring back weaving traditions whilst supporting small local communities. Today, more than 55 women are part of the association, constantly learning new methods, whilst also maintaining traditional ones. Women involved the project report that all of their children are now able to study at university, and they are the first generation to be completely literate in Spanish. Learn all about weaving and dyeing techniques used to create traditional garments and have the opportunity to purchase them.

DAY 6 - CUZCO - PUNO

Today we're going to travel to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. We'll travel through magnificent scenery and make several stops en route. First we'll visit Andahuayluillas, where a beautiful 17th century church contains an organ decorated with angels and cherubs. Next we'll call at the ruins of Racchi, and after an included lunch we'll see the archaeological site of Puca-Pucara, before arriving in Puno.

DAY 7 - PUNO - LAKE TITICACA

After an early breakfast, our begin our explorations of Lake Titicaca, which sits at 12,500 feet above sea level, as we set sail for Uros and Taquile. Uros, our first stop, is a group of more than 80 floating reed islands, each inhabited by Uro-Aymara families who build houses out of reed mats. Then, we continue sailing to Taquile. This island is known for its friendly people who still preserve traditional customs and wear traditional dress. Among the highlights are the expertly crafted textiles with symmetric and symbolic patterns, with strong colours that reflect Andean customs and beliefs. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

Later, we return to hotel in Puno and head downtown for dinner.

DAY 8 - PUNO - LIMA

You can enjoy a morning at leisure in Puno, however if you'd like to discover more of this wonderful country, why not join us on a optional excursion to Lampa, known as the 'pink vity' for the colour of its buildings. Highlights here include the famous Puyas de Raimondi, the largest species of bromeliad which reaches up to 15 metres in height, as well as the Temple of Santiago Apostol. This temple is one of the best examples of viceregal architecture in Peru and was built between 1675 and 1685. The catacombs here are crossed by mysterious Inca tunnels, and there is an exact replica of La Piedad of Michelangelo, valuable paintings from Cusco, sculptures of Santiago Apostol and a representation of The Last Supper to marvel at.

This afternoon we will visit Sillustani, a pre-Incan site that consists of a group of huge cylindrical tombs. The towers of Sillustani are the most impressive of the burial towers constructed by the Colla people. They are distinctive because the Colla used brick-like rectangular stones, in contrast with the Inca who used stones of varying shapes.

DAY 9 - LIMA - DEPARTURE

Your tour comes to an end today.