Peru - Land of the Incas

We begin our journey to the Land of the Incas. On arrival in Lima, we meet our local representative in the airport and transfer to our hotel. We will spend two nights here.

We’ll begin our tour of Colonial Lima at the Main Square, strolling through the heart of the city to admire the Government Palace, Cathedral, and City Hall – all stunning examples of colonial architecture. Step inside the Cathedral to explore its chapels and uncover Peru’s rich religious history.

Next, we’ll visit Casa Aliaga, the oldest continuously inhabited house in the Southern Hemisphere, and then head to Santo Domingo Convent, home to sacred art, relics, and stories of the Dominican Order’s impact across Peru.

Finally, we’ll explore modern Lima, driving through the vibrant districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. Get ready to soak in breath-taking views of the Pacific Ocean and experience the best of Lima’s traditional and contemporary charm. Let’s see more and make the most of this unforgettable journey!

The rest of the day is yours to relax and soak up the atmosphere. Your local guide will be happy to tell you of further places of interest to make the most of your free time.

After breakfast, we transfer to Lima Airport by coach for your internal flight to Arequipa your local assistant. On arrival we will be meet our local representative in the airport and transfer by coach to our next hotel. Let’s settle in and relax for our two-night stay. The rest of your day is free to explore your surroundings.

Join us for a three-hour city tour, starting at the stunning Convento de Santa Catalina, founded in 1579. Wander through its beautiful buildings as your guide brings history to life, showcasing one of the largest collections of colonial art in the Americas.

Next, step into the awe-inspiring Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús. Marvel at its grand Baroque façade and vibrant sacristy, adorned with vivid murals that are sure to leave you speechless.

The tour continues at the Mirador del Carmen, where you’ll soak in breath taking views of the Chili River Valley and the majestic Misti volcano. Finally, explore the charming Yanahuara neighbourhood, with its cobblestone streets, historic ashlar stone mansions, and a lovely 1750 church. A perfect spot to wrap up your tour!

Enjoy some free time to explore the beautiful city of Arequipa at your own pace.

We’re off to an early start from Arequipa today, heading to our hotel in Chivay through the breathtaking Colca Canyon. Sit back, relax, and take in the stunning views as we pass between the Misti and Chachani volcanoes. Along the way, we’ll visit the charming towns of Callalli and Sibayo and drive through a vicuña reserve – home to these graceful relatives of the llama.

Lunch is included today at a local restaurant and dinner is included tonight at our hotel.

After breakfast, set off early from your hotel towards "Condor Cross," the best spot to take in the stunning Colca Canyon and watch the majestic condors in flight. While these wild birds are unpredictable, we’ll do our best to catch a glimpse of them in their natural habitat. Following this, we’ll continue our journey to Puno, where you’ll settle in for a 2-night stay.

The drive today is approximately five hours.

A simple packed lunch is included today.

We’ll begin our full-day excursion to Lake Titicaca with a visit to the fascinating Uros Islands by boat, floating six metres above the lake on a foundation of reeds. These islands are anchored by logs and connected by ropes. The local people mainly focus on fishing and crafting handmade items, which we can explore and purchase as souvenirs.

After lunch (included), we’ll continue to Taquile Island, a peaceful spot in the heart of the lake. With its stunning views from the hills and its reputation as a centre for textile craftsmanship, it’s a perfect place to appreciate both the natural beauty and the local culture.

Return to our hotel and relax for the rest of our day.

In the morning, we’ll travel by coach from Puno to Cusco, taking in the beautiful scenery of the South Valley along the way. We’ll make a few stops, including one at La Raya, the highest point on the route between Puno and Cusco, a perfect stop for a photo opportunity. After a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll continue our journey and arrive in Cusco by late afternoon for a 5-night stay.

Enjoy a panoramic tour of Cusco, where you'll see the stunning colonial centre built on the ancient foundations of the Inca.

Next, we’ll visit Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s Main Square, which has played a key role in the city’s history during both the Inca and Spanish eras. With the majestic Andes mountains as a backdrop, the remarkable Spanish colonial architecture, including the church and La Campania, built over Inca ruins, gives Cusco a unique, timeless feel.

We’ll then head to Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, and Tambomachay. Explore the impressive Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the underground temple of Kenko, and the "Baths of the Inca" at Tambomachay, known for its thermal springs.

The afternoon is free to further explore Cusco, wander the cobbled streets, take in the beauty of the main square and small streets. There is always an opportunity here for a perfect photo with locals posing in their traditional dress and a llama or two (it may cost you some dollars). Your guide would be delighted to recommend some hidden gems for you to discover.

Morning

Get ready for a scenic drive through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas, with a visit to Pisac, a town perched high on the mountainside. Explore its impressive Inca fortress and take in the breathtaking views. Pisac is famous for its vibrant market, where locals sell handmade crafts, including beautiful ceramic beads, jewellery, and Peruvian treasures. The market is bustling on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, but it’s still worth a visit on quieter days.

Afternoon

After lunch (included) at a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley, we’ll head to Ollantaytambo, a fascinating Inca site and one of the oldest continually inhabited towns in the Americas. This is where Manco Inca defeated the Spanish in 1538 before retreating to Vilcabamba.

Prepare for a climb of 260 stone steps to reach the impressive fortress at the top, offering panoramic views of the valley and the massive Monoliths forming the Temple of the Sun. After a rewarding day, we’ll return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

All aboard! We set off early this morning by coach to the Poroy train station for a full day adventure to Machu Picchu. Prepare to be amazed as we travel by Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll meet our coach and continue to one of the world’s most iconic wonders.

Become one with the gods as you stand high among the clouds, surrounded by deep valleys and towering mountain peaks at this 15th century Inca site that sits 2430 metres above sea level. Despite countless studies, knowledge of Machu Picchu remains incomplete. Some believe the citadel was founded in the waning years of the last Incas as an attempt to preserve their culture, while others think it may have been a royal palace, abandoned at the time of the Spanish invasion. Lunch is included during this full day excursion.

We return to our hotel later in the day and relax after a day of discovery.

The day is yours to make the most of Cusco. Spend your free day shopping, sightseeing or relaxing at your hotel. Your guide can recommend activities or suggest places to visit.

We say farewell to Peru and its wonders and make our way to Cusco airport. Depart Cusco for your internal flight to Lima Airport from where you will board your overnight flight home.