Peru: The Highlights
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Lima, Peru
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Machu Picchu, Peru
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Machu Picchu, Peru
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Cuzco, Peru
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Cuzco, Peru
For the variety of scenery, culture and history, Peru is almost without equal in the western Hemisphere. The landscape is dotted with the immense ruins of ancient cultures like the Incas. This tour covers southern Peru and encapsulates the amazing highlights of this varied country.
Starting in Peru’s capital Lima, the tour continues south. After a boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands which are also known as the ‘Little Galapagos’, the tour continues with a visit of the beautiful oasis of La Huacachina. This Oasis is a turquoise lagoon surrounded by huge sand dunes, perfect for travellers seeking relaxation. The tour not only includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Nazca Lines, but also the La Vicuna’s National Reserve at Pampas Canahuas and Vizcachani. A highlight for most travellers is the visit of the lost city of Machu Picchu. This is one of the architectural and engineering marvels of the ancient world, in a mountain setting of staggering immensity. The tour also includes a trip to the city of Cuzco, which was once the foremost city of the Incan Empire, and is now the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas.
Dates
Dates on request
Suggested Itinerary by Air
Day 1
Fly from the UK
Fly to Lima where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2
Lima
Take a tour of the Peruvian capital, Lima including the modern districts of Miraflores and San Isidro as well as the stunning Pacific coastline, the romantic Park of Love, the Indian tomb of Pucliana, and the Orchards of the Olive Trees which date back to the 17th century. The city’s stately museums display sublime pottery and there are solemn religious processions dating back to the 18th century.
Day 3
Lima – Paracas – Ica – Nazca
Travel to Paracas. Take a boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands which has become known as the ‘Little Galapagos’. The islands are home to a great variety of wildlife. Later, travel towards Nazca. Visit the beautiful oasis of La Huacachina, a turquoise lagoon surrounded by huge sand dunes.
Day 4
Nazca – Arequipa
Take a short flight to the see the Nazca Lines which are gigantic geoglyphs located between Palpa and Nazca desert, which date back over 2,000 years. The Nazca Lines consist of hundreds of individual figures, ranging in complexity from simple lines to animals and birds with the largest figures measuring at nearly 900 feet long. Keep on travelling to Arequipa.
Day 5
Arequipa – Chivay
Departing Arequipa, the route takes you through Yura, north of Canahuas and the views are amazing! Along the way, you will visit La Vicuna’s National Reserve at Pampas Canahuas and Vizcachani. You will arrive into the town of Chivay where you will visit the thermal springs of La Calera.
Day 6
Chivay – Puno
Travel towards La Cruz Del Condor Mirador where you can admire the stunning views of the Colca Canyon and the majestic flight of the wild condors soaring high above. The Canyon is twice the depth of America’s Grand Canyon at 4,160m and is the natural habitat of the majestic condor, the sacred Andean bird.
Day 7
Puno – Taquile – Cuzco
Visit the Islands of Uros where the local settlers still live as they did hundreds of years ago with the community life and culture remaining unchanged. Afterwards, travel towards Cuzco, first stopping at Pucara, where you will visit the Lithic Museum which exhibits the evolution of the Andean people. Later, we travel to Raqchi, where the temple of Wiracocha is located. Your last stop of the day is at Andahuaylas.
Day 8
Machu Picchu
The highlight of the trip for most people is the visit to the lost city of Machu Picchu. This is one of the architectural and engineering marvels of the ancient world, in a mountain setting of staggering immensity.
Day 9
Cuzco – Lima
Take a guided tour of the high flying city of Cuzco, which was once the foremost city of the Incan Empire, and is now the undisputed archaeological capital of the Americas, as well as the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city. This city’s magical main street with Inca walls are a delight to explore.
Day 10
Return flight to the UK
After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
Suggested hotels
We have a selection of hotels in the various destinations stated.
The Peruvian winter (May – September) is the driest season and therefore the best time of year to travel. The summer (December – March) is the wettest season, with frequent heavy showers.
