Beyond The Highlights

Day 1: Welcome to Peru! After landing in Callao, near Lima, you’ll head to your hotel. Travel times vary, so you can relax, enjoy the views, or rest.

Day 2: You’ll start with a guided tour of Lima. Visit the Surquillo market, where you can sample exotic fruits, then hop on the ‘Metropolitano’ to explore the historic centre.

Day 3: You’ll travel along the Pan-American Highway to Paracas, a charming coastal town known for its food and scenic views. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a thrilling sand buggy tour through the dunes, stopping for photos and sandboarding. For an unforgettable experience, you’ll have the option to upgrade to a private sunset tour with drinks, snacks, and incredible views.

Day 5: Arrive in Arequipa, the stunning “White City” with sillar stone architecture and volcano views. You’ll enjoy its sunny climate and rich history, perfect for acclimatising before your Andean journey. Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, the museum with Juanita, the Ice Maiden, or take a guided walking tour of the main square, markets, and cathedral.

Day 6: Use this day to acclimatise further while exploring Arequipa. Visit the Casa Museo Mario Vargas Llosa, an interactive museum celebrating the Nobel Laureate’s life and works. Enjoy the vibrant markets, local cuisine, or simply relax before heading to the Andes.

Day 7: Journey to the Colca Canyon, stopping at the Salinas y Aguada Blanca National Reserve to spot vicuñas and guanacos. At Chivay, enjoy lunch before heading to Coporaque for an authentic meal and stay with a local family. Explore the village and viewpoint with a local guide, soaking in the peaceful surroundings.

Day 8: Start with a visit to Cruz del Condor to witness the majestic Andean condors soaring over the canyon. After lunch in Coporaque, spend your afternoon hiking, soaking in thermal baths, or horseback riding on Peruvian Paso horses.

Day 9: Spend your final morning in Coporaque before heading to Puno via a scenic bus journey through the Altiplano. Along the way, stop for photos of stunning landscapes and traditional Andean villages. Arrive in Puno, unwind at your hotel, and prepare for your Lake Titicaca adventure.

Day 10: Board a motorboat to the unique Uros floating islands. Learn about their history, and if you’d like, take a ride on a traditional reed boat. Next, journey to Taquile Island for an immersive cultural experience with your host family. After a hike to their home, enjoy traditional meals, stunning views, and a visit to the Pachamama temple at sunset.

Day 11: Start your day with a cultural weaving demonstration, learning the importance of textiles to Taquile’s heritage. Then, visit the picturesque Playa Grande before returning to Puno by boat.

Day 12: Travel to Cusco on a comfortable bus, stopping to explore the Pucará museum, the high-altitude La Raya pass, the Inca site of Raqchi, and the Sistine Chapel of the Andes in Andahuaylillas. Arrive in Cusco and settle into your hotel for the evening.

Day 13: Enjoy a leisurely downhill walking tour through Cusco. Visit Qenqo, the ruins of Sacsayhuamán, and the vibrant San Blas district. Conclude at the Sun Temple, Qoricancha. The afternoon is free for exploring or shopping, with recommendations for top sights like the Cathedral and the Museo de Arte Precolombino.

Day 14: Delve into the Sacred Valley, exploring Pisac’s lively market and ruins before arriving in the charming village of Ollantaytambo. Stay overnight to enjoy its rich Inca heritage.

Day 15: Explore Ollantaytambo at your own pace. Hike to Pumamarka ruins, try Via Ferrata and ziplining, or visit a weaving community. Relax with authentic Peruvian gastronomy or join a street-photography tour.

Day 16: Begin the Coffee Route with a drive through stunning landscapes to Santa María. Hike to Huacayupana, where you’ll stay with a local family. Learn the art of coffee making from bean to brew, and enjoy a peaceful evening in this scenic region.

Day 17: Hike to Santa Teresa through lush landscapes, crossing rivers and stopping at the rejuvenating Cocalmayo hot springs. From there, travel to Aguas Calientes, either by train or on foot. Explore the town and prepare for an early visit to Machu Picchu.

Day 18: Rise early for your guided tour of Machu Picchu, with an optional climb up Machu Picchu mountain for panoramic views. After exploring the iconic ruins, return to Cusco via Aguas Calientes and Ollantaytambo.

Day 19: Enjoy a relaxed day in Cusco. Take a cooking class, revisit favorite sites, or simply stroll through the city’s vibrant streets. We’re here to help organise activities as you wish.

Day 20: Spend a free morning in Cusco before your transfer to the airport. Fly to Lima with time to prepare for your journey home, concluding an unforgettable adventure.

Prices from: £1750 per person.
Services included: hotels on shared room basis, meals, transfers and activities as mentioned, entry fees, English speaking guide, 24-hour assistance.
Services not included: flights, drinks, tips and personal expenses.
Note: stops can be extended, added or cut - just ask us!