Epic Peru

Overview

Epic Peru

Peru is like a continent in miniature. Take in its jaw-dropping diversity – from icy Andean peaks and volcano-studded scenery, to the ‘City of Kings’ and the cloud-topping citadel of Machu Picchu.

What's Included:

  • Flights from Bristol or Cardiff
  • 12 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels plus 2 nights in flight
  • 18 meals: 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner
  • Travelsphere Tour Manager and Local Guide
  • Overseas transfers and other transportation
  • Porterage

Full Itinerary

Day 1: UK to Lima (Via Madrid or Amsterdam)

Depart on your scheduled flight to Lima via Bogotá. On arrival on the morning of day 2, we'll transfer you to your overnight hotel. If you are travelling on a regional flight, you'll arrive late evening of day 1, and we'll transfer you to your hotel, where you'll stay for two nights.

Day 2: Lima

​You'll get to see the highlights of Lima on an included tour this morning. The 'City of Kings' was founded in 1535 by the Spanish Conquistador, Francisco Pizarro, and eventually became the capital of the whole Spanish colony. Much of the city's colonial influence can still be seen today – beautiful squares, fine churches, palaces and mansions remain little changed from the 17th century, while the architecture and culture of the Incas and the native Indians are also very much in evidence.

Day 3: Paracas

Today we'll travel by road to our overnight base, Paracas. Our journey takes us along the Pan American Highway, which cuts through a barren desert landscape. We'll stop at the site of the ancient Pachacamac Temple, considered one of the most important religious centres of the central Andes. We'll be transported back to pre-Incan times as we explore the ruins, which consist of adobe walls and pyramids, and the remains of early frescoes.

Day 4: Nazca

We're taking to the water today for a fascinating cruise around the Ballestas Islands. This protected wildlife reserve provides shelter for many different species. On your cruise, keep a lookout for Humboldt penguins, sea lions and more. Later we'll travel to Nazca for an overnight stay.

Day 5 and 6: Arequipa

Sit back, relax and take in lovely coastal views as you journey to Arequipa, our base for the next two nights. You'll understand why Arequipa is known as the White City after today's tour. It is loomed over by ice-capped volcanoes and as you explore you'll see many buildings made from white volcanic rock. We' ll also head inside the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries to see archaeological finds from the Andes, and the Santa Catalina Convent, a masterpiece of colonial architecture. You can choose to spend the afternoon just as you wish.

Day 7: Colca

After setting off early this morning, a scenic drive takes us to the Colca Canyon, whose steep walls are deeper than the Grand Canyon. This is one of the best places in South America to spot the Andean condor, a magnificent bird of prey, so keep your eyes skyward. We'll stay in Colca overnight.

Day 8 and 9: Puno

Our next base is Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. We' ll drive here today and on the way stop off at the remote burial site at Sillustani, where the religious rituals of the pre-Inca Colla people will be explained. You're going to enjoy superb close-up views of sacred Lake Titicaca and the Uros floating islands this morning. The lake sits 12,500ft up in the Andes and covers a huge area of 3,500 miles. Spend the afternoon in Puno exploring at your own pace.

Day 10: Cuzco

Your journey today is sure to be a wonderful experience as you cross the high plateau of the Andes. As you go, take in exceptional scenic views and get an insight into traditional rural life. Your end destination is Cuzco, where a four-night stay will give you plenty of time to explore.

Day 11: Cuzco

Today is free for you to make your own discoveries in Cuzco. However, if you'd like to join an optional excursion, why not come with us to the Sacred Valley. This day of exploration begins in Chinchero, a typical Andean village, where we're invited into a local home to meet a craftsman who will tell us all about the production of traditional textiles. The village is also home to a beautiful adobe church built in the early 1600s by the Spanish and Inca ruins dating back to the 15th century. Prior to lunch in a restaurant we'll head to the Racchi viewpoint to take in amazing views over the Sacred Valley. In the afternoon we arrive in Ollantaytambo, an Incan military, religious and agricultural centre located at the top of a mountain. This fortress settlement is one of the few places where the Spanish colonists were defeated by the Incas. The present town, which we will explore, largely follows its original Inca plan, with stone-paved streets and a number of ruins remaining.

Day 12: Cuzco and Machu Picchu

You've seen many of Peru's incredible sights so far on your tour, but today offers something really special. You're going to get the chance to explore the ruined 'lost city' of Machu Picchu, perched high above a steep valley and swathed in jungle. Your journey here is by narrow gauge railway, with the last part by bus. A walk with a Local Guide on the mountain top and time to go your own way will help you to uncover its splendour. You'll be able to wander through the temples and terraces and enjoy spectacular views into the lush green Urubamba Valley thousands of feet below.

Day 13: Cuzco

​There's plenty to see in Cuzco, so let's head off to explore. We're going to start at a school in the Choco rural community which is supported by the Travelsphere Cares project, before heading to the Koricancha Temple. This ancient Inca palace was the centre of worship of the Sun God. In Cuzco's main square you'll step inside the cathedral, and your tour ends with a visit to the Sacsayhuamán fortress, an impressive example of Inca military architecture.

Day 14: Cuzco

Today we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight to the UK via Lima and Bogotá.

Day 15: Back to UK

Hand Picked By

Mandy Phillips

This Epic Peru tour covers the whole of Peru from the coast to the highlands to Machu Picchu, with an incredible add-on option to visit the Amazon. No other tour covers Peru so extensively.

Mandy Phillips

Additional Information

  • Date: Various departures for 2024
  • Board Basis: Mixed meal plan
  • Duration: 14 nights
  • Departure Airport: Bristol or Cardiff
  • Guide Price: From £3,144pp
 Enquire Now

Latest from our Travel Experts

Nicole's AMAzing experience on board AmaSerena

Nicole group

I had an amazing opportunity to stay on board AmaWaterways AmaSerena for one night during the CLIA...

Read More
Margaret's Extraordinary Expedition Cruise to Antarctica

Mags intro

“Where? Antarctica … Really? Yes! Wow” …was all I could say to a fact finding...

Read More
Snow, hot chocolate and huskies with Caroline!

Caroline intro

After a bright and early start and a meet up at Bristol Airport, we flew 3 and a half hours to...

Read More