Panoramic Peru Tour

On this thrilling journey, discover the heart of the Inca Empire at Machu Picchu, encounter the colourful Quechua people and venture onto Lake Titicaca to meet the Uros people on their floating islands.

What's Included

• International flights and current taxes
• Domestic transportation
• 3* plus – 4* accommodation
• Mixed meal plan
• Touring with guides and entrance fees

Day 1 - 2: Fly to Lima

Fly to Peru's historical capital Lima, arriving the same or following day. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 3: Lima City Tour

Founded by conquistador Francisco Pizarro and originally named the City of the Kings, Lima has plenty of heritage, which you'll begin exploring today. Start in the UNESCO World Heritage- listed historic centre to admire its colonial magnificence, before visiting the 17th century San Francisco church and Casa :, a beautifully preserved colonial mansion. Finish the day at the Huaca Pucllana archaeological centre.

Day 4: Palomino Islands

This morning, board a yacht and set sail for the Palomino Islands. Just six miles off the coast, these 4 islands provide the perfect habitat for colonies of sea lions, Humboldt penguins and sea birds which you can spot, whilst also learning the important role they played in Lima's history. Back on dry land, enjoy lunch in the fashionable Mira ores district.

Day 5: Peruvian Cooking

Peruse delicious produce from every corner of Peru at the Mercado de Surquillo, before heading into the traditional Pueblo Libre district to browse the extensive collection of Pre-Colombian artefacts at the Larco Museum. Pick up tips on cooking Peruvian cuisine with a demonstration before tucking into a Creole lunch, giving you the chance to taste a variety of national dishes. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 6: Explore Arequipa

Fly from Lima to Arequipa. Peru’s spectacularly situated second city is surrounded by volcanos and boasts some beautiful colonial architecture. Start to explore the city at the Carmen Alto viewpoint before visiting Yanahuara Quarter and admiring the UNESCO- listed Plaza de Armas and the Monastery of Santa Catalina.

Day 7: Travel to Colca

Depart Arequipa and travel to Colca. En route, pass the Pampa Canahuas Reserve, spotting vicunas as you go. Stop at Vizcachani, Toccra Pampas and the Los Andes viewpoint which, at 4,800 metres altitude gives you magnificent views over the volcanoes of the area. Spend the afternoon at leisure with the option to visit the local hot springs.

Day 8: Colca Canyon

Colca is famous for its canyon, one of the deepest in the world and the huge condors that call it home. Head to Condor Cross where the views of the canyon are breathtaking and where you're likely to see a condor or two gliding on the thermals. Visit several of the valley's villages before travelling off towards Puno, on Lake Titicaca.

Day 9: Lake Titicaca

Cruise on Lake Titicaca. Visit the Islas Uros, oating islands constructed entirely from reeds. Meet the ancient Uros people who call them home and spend some time learning about their way of life out on the water with traditional dancing, cooking and basket weaving. Continue across the lake to tour the island of Taquile. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once a stronghold of the Inca, you'll find ruins and wonderful textiles made by the island's men.

Day 10: Train to Cusco

Today take a train from Puno to Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire. Journey through amazing Andean landscapes to Cusco passing through some of the spectacular Peruvian highlands. The train has 4 dining cars, a car bar and an observatory car. Along the way you will enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared with exquisite Andean ingredients and there will be music and dance shows on board. On arrival to Cusco travel onwards by coach to the Sacred Valley.

Day 11: Discover Cusco

Home to an incredible Incan legacy Cusco has some of the richest heritage in South America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour will include visits to the Plaza de Armas, once the heart of the Incan capital of Huacaypata; and Qoricancha, the temple of the sun. Head just out of town to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Puka Pukara, the ‘Red Fortress’.

Day 12: Urubamba Valley

The Urubamba, or ‘Sacred’, Valley is home to Incan citadels and beautiful landscapes. Beginning in the charming town of Pisac, visit the excellent market to both mingle with the locals and to browse the plentiful Peruvian handicrafts, then see fascinating terracing at the Pisac ruins. Later, meet a typical Inca community at Ollantaytambo. The town has some wonderfully preserved Incan houses, whilst above it there is an old Incan fortress, both of which you can explore.

Day 13: Huilloc Community

Spend the day in the remote village of Huilloc, where you’ll catch a glimpse of the authentic culture of the valley’s Quechua communities. You’ll be able to interact with the villagers, share lunch with them and witness their day to day life. The women of Huilloc have a rich tradition of weaving, an art they still practice by hand today. The textiles they produce bear the same images as those of their ancestors; condors, cougars and huallata birds and can be purchased here.

Day 14: Train to Machu Picchu

From Ollantaytambo board the panoramic Vistadome train to travel through the mountainous landscapes to the small town of Aguas Calientes. From here you will ascend to the magni cent Machu Picchu. Long abandoned by the Inca, it came to international attention when it was stumbled upon by Hiram Bingham in 1911 and is considered one of the new 7 Wonders of the World.

Day 15: Machu Picchu

Enjoy some free time at Machu Picchu, exploring the complex as you wish - venturing up to the Intipunku, ‘Sun Gate’, is a rewarding climb. This afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Ollantaytambo before transferring to Cusco.

Day 16: Cusco at Leisure

Enjoy a day at leisure in Cusco, exploring or relaxing as you wish. You’ll be transferred from the hotel to a restaurant for a farewell meal this evening.

Day 17 - 18: Depart Cusco - UK

Fly to the UK, arriving home the following day.