The Best of Peru

Itinerary

3 Nights – Lima
2 Nights – Arequipa
5 Nights – Cuzco (Machu Picchu)

✈ UK – Lima (3 Nights): You’ll fly from the UK to the coastal capital of Lima, where we’ll transfer you to your hotel for your first 3 nights. Amid deep valleys, Lima nestles colonial cloisters, spire churches, landscaped gardens and the rush of a 21st-century metropolis. Wander El Centro’s Old World grandeur and admire pretty canary yellow facades. Peruse pre-colonial art at the Museo Larco, climb the 1625-built wooden staircase at the Monastery of San Francisco and unwind under architectural splendours at the main Plaza de Armas. Markets, malls and authentic ceviche restaurants break up Lima’s districts, like the verdant and bohemian Miraflores. Enjoy evening folk dancers, Barranco’s beach options and a surprising twist in Chinatown.

✈ Lima – Arequipa (2 Nights): You’ll fly direct from Lima to Arequipa, where an altitude of 2,335 metres marks the beginning of splendours to come. Three surrounding volcanoes bathe this city in its iconic white stone, like the white archways forming Mirador de Yanahuara’s panoramic viewpoints. Rich in Spanish and mestizo culture, Arequipa has red desert-stone alleys, vast plazas and beautiful bridges. Drinking hot coca tea helps acclimatise to the altitude, but you’ll want to experience the whole hog here. Alpaca wool shopping, Peruvian chocolate and handicraft boutiques divide up sights like the fountain-flanked Armas square and beautiful 16th-century convents. Dine with locals in the restaurants filling the Arancota district and cozy up to llamas at Mundo Alpaca.

✈ Arequipa – Cuzco (5 Nights): You’ll fly direct to Cuzco for five nights- this number gives you time to explore Cuzco at a relaxed pace whilst you acclimatise to the altitude, before finishing at the New 7 Wonders Of The World Machu Picchu. Cuzco is the city gateway to the world-famous Inca trail, with the Sacsayhuamán site two miles north. Cuzco itself blends Quechua culture, Inca heritage, Spanish flair and a breathtaking Andean mountain setting. Clay-tile roofing and cobbles here stagger beautifully preserved tradition amid vibrant markets and ancient relics. Gaze up at the Catedral de Cuzco and Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, sample roasted pollo a la brasa chicken and dive in and out of local bars.

🚌 Incas Sacred Valley Day Trip: Once you’re a little more acclimatised you will do this amazing day trip to discover the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Explore some of the most well known sites associated with this mysterious civilisation and take in the stunning Andean landscapes that surround it.

🚂 Machu Picchu Day Trip: The highlight for many here is the 26-mile Machu Picchu trail, which we include as a day tour by rail , but we can also arrange for you to trek the trail. Beautifully preserved Inca culture here is showcased in sights such as the Temple of the Sun, Sun Gate and The Sacred Rock. Cascading terraces frame this 7 New Wonders of the World citadel, and brave travellers can hike up the demanding Huayna Picchu (where the photo ops are legendary).

Optional Extensions: For further wildlife and beauty, you can extend this part of your stay with Lake Titicaca, the Nazca Lines or an Amazon exploration.

✈ Cuzco – UK: On your final day, we’ll be at your hotel to meet and transfer you back to the airport for your flight back to the UK.