Overview
Peru has a fascinating blend of Inca and Spanish colonial heritage with European influence. The natural wonders of the Andes stretches the full length of the country and rises to over 7,000 metres, and the arid coastlines and lush rainforests provide a breath-taking backdrop for the history and man-made ruins. Peru really is one of the most diverse countries on the planet, with more than 80% of the world’s ecosystems represented.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 | Lima
On arrival in Lima you will be met and transferred to Casa Andina Lima Hotel, where you will stay for two nights.
Day 2 | Lima
Tour of Lima including the Government Palace, City Hall, Cathedral and Archbishop's Palace, the Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion, occupied by the same family since 1535 and the San Francisco Monastery. The tour finishes with a drive through Miraflores and San Isidro with their magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and a stop at the Huaca Pucllana archaeological centre which operated between the 5th and 8th century AD.
Day 3 | Arequipa
Fly to Arequipa. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Casa Andina Arequipa Hotel for one night. Known as the White City due to the volcanic rock used in its construction, Arequipa is home to the beautiful Santa Catalina convent founded in 1580 and still home to an order of nuns. From Arequipa you can visit the Salinas & Aguada Blanca National Reserve, the home of cameloids. There is also a wide range of migratory and sedentary birds to be seen. After visiting the Main Plaza, your tour continues to Yanahuara and Chilina, where you will have a magificent view of Arequipa's countryside and the Misti volcano.
Day 4 | Colca Valley
Early morning departure to the Colca Canyon. Located between Arequipa and Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world and one of the best places to see the Andean condor. Drive across Pampa Canahuas in the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, the habitat of herds of vicunas. Admire beautiful pre-Columbian terraces still being used by people of Collagua. Two nights will be spent at the Casa Andina Colca Hotel in the Colca Valley.
Day 5 | Colca Valley
"Condors' Cross' observation point where you can view these great Andean birds is the highlight of the day. You will have beautiful views of the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world (9800 ft). Afternoon at leisure to explore the picturesque Andean villages of the Colca Valley.
Day 6 | Puno
Drive to Puno (approximately 7 hours) across the Peruvian high plateau. The views will be magnificent. Two nights will be spent at the Casa Andina Private Collection Puno Hotel.
Day 7 | Puno
Enjoy sailing for the day on Lake Titicaca. Located over 3,800 metres above sea level, Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. The floating artificial islands of Uros have been made by tying together totora reeds that grow in the lake, and have been inhabited by the locals for centuries. Sail to Taquile Island for a hike to its small town inhabited by Quechua speaking people. Lunch will be served in a local house that serves as a restaurant.
Day 8 | Cuzco
You will be transferred to the station for your train to Cuzco. The journey passes through the dramatic landscape of the highland plateau, you will see Andean villages and herds of llamas and vicunas. Lunch on board. On arrival in Cuzco you will be transferred to the Casa Andina Plaza Cusco Hotel for two nights. This beautiful colonial city was once the capital of the Inca Empire and is home to the Koricancha Temple, devoted to the worship of the sun. Cuzco provides a great base from which to explore the nearby attractions such as Machu Picchu and Sacsayhuaman, believed to be an ancient fortress, as well as other Inca sites which are found in the surrounding hills.
Day 9 | Cuzco
Your tour today begins at Awanakancha, where South American camelidae are bred. Learn about the superb fibres of llamas, alpacas and vicunas as well as ancient weaving techniques which are still used. Next you will visit Sacsayhuaman, strategically placed on a hill, this Inca construction was believed to have been a fortress. Return to Cusco city to visit the 16th century Cathedral and Santo Domingo's Convent, which was also the Koricancha temple, the most important Inca temple devoted to the worship of the sun.
Day 10 | Sacred Valley
Morning departure to the Huacarpay Marsh where white-tufted grebes, puna ibis, speckled teals and gulls, as well as other Andean birds may be spotted. After a picnic lunch, you will spend two nights at the Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Segrado Hotel.
Day 11 | Sacred Valley
Depart at dawn to the Abra Malaga. Drive through Urubamba, the "Sacred Valley of the Incas", once the spiritual and commercial heart of the Inca Empire, this winding valley is home to many ancient Inca citadels and remnants of a fortress at Ollantaytambo. These ruins provide an insight to Inca life five thousand years ago. Continue ascending up to the Abra and its impressive cloud forest, for the best bird watching in the Cusco area. There is a good chance of seeing hawks, condors and American kestrels.
Day 12 | Ollantaytambo / Machu Picchu
Transfer to Ollantaytambo train station for your journey to Machu Picchu and the Lost City of the Incas. The ruins of Machu Picchu, believed to be an important ceremonial centre, were rediscovered in 1911. This ‘Lost City of the Incas’ is one of the most beautiful and enigmatic ancient sites in the world. You will have a guided tour. Lunch is included at Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. The night is spent at Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.
Day 13 | Cuzco
Morning at leisure before returning by train to Cusco and the Casa Andina Plaza Hotel.
Day 14 | Lima
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima and night at the Casa Andina Lima Hotel.
Day 15
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
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