Essential Peru

For flights arriving early morning the afternoon will be spent on a city tour of Lima (not included in the trip price). For flights arriving into Lima late at night, on your arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel of choice.

Lima was one of the fist cities established in South America by the conquistadors and holds many amazing colonial jewels to be discovered. This half-day tour visits both the colonial and modern sections of Lima. Colonial sites include the lovely Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, San Francisco Church and the exquisite Torre Tagle Palace modern day seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In modern Lima, drive along the exclusive residential areas of Miraflores and San Isidro.

An early morning spectacular flight (not included in the trip price) along the Peruvian coast brings you to the "White City" of Arequipa, the ideal place to start acclimatizing to the rarefied air of the Andes and a beautiful city to explore.

Arequipa boasts a magnificent marble Plaza de Armas, quaint old town streets, the picturesque Santa Catalina Monastery and Juanita the Ice maiden museum. Alpaca wool is Arequipa's finest export and there are plenty of opportunities for treating yourself to some stunning textiles here.

Driving out of Arequipa you enjoy spectacular views of the mountains surrounding the city before climbing high into the Andes and descending into the amazing Colca Canyon.

The Colca Canyon is one of the World's deepest canyons and is home to Condors and a fascinating local culture, totally different from any other place you will visit on this trip. You over night in the charming Colca Lodge. Soaking in the World class hot-springs is the prime activity here, closely followed by exploring the lodge's restaurant, bar or games room.

The private guide and minibus are at your disposal for the day. An early morning drive to Cruz del Condor is recommended in search of one of the world's largest birds, the condor, who nests in the cliffs of one of the world's deepest canyons (approx. 3, 400 m deep). Hiking to near-by ruins and a tour of the unique native culture and weavings in the area are also available activities. On return to the lodge plenty of time is left for just relaxing in the hot springs.

A spectacular drive through the high Andes, passing beautiful lakes and huge vistas as you travel on a newly asphalted road to Juliaca and on to your destination of Puno.

En route you can take a visit to Silustani ruins, whose fascinating circular burial chambers pre-date the Incas. The amazing stone work of this early civilization was obviously a strong influence on the famous Inca stone masons. In Puno you check into your hotel and can explore this interesting town and barter for locally hand-knitted woolen goods.

Lake Titicaca is a photographer's dream, its clear sapphire water and the astounding blue skies are mesmerizing. A full day's boat trip with your own private guide and boat ensure you see all the sights in safety and style.

The famous floating reed islands of Uros and the ancient traditions and weavings of Taquile Island are explained and viewed at your leisure. You return to your Puno hotel for the night.

Today you board the full day train or bus (based on your day 1 departure date) from Puno to Cusco. This journey cuts across the formidable Peruvian Altiplano, whose high plains are rich with llama herds, green Ibises and mountain villages where life is harsh but the resilient locals keep their communities with pride and good humour.

On arrival at Cusco train or bus station, you are transferred to your hotel. This evening you stretch your legs around the spectacular Plaza de Armas and dine in one of the many excellent restaurants as you begin to explore the fascinating city of Cusco. Please note: the train only operates five times a week, there is a bus alternative on the other days.

A free day to explore Cusco. From the Plaza de Armas, a visit to the sun temple is suggested, Qoricancha, a walk up to the San Blas district and for the energetic a visit to Sacsayhuaman fort overlooking the city. For those looking to relax there are countless excellent bars and cafes overlooking the Plaza de Armas and plenty of bargain hunting to do in the artisan markets. You meet in the evening for a briefing on the Inca Trail.

Begin early in the morning, driving out of Cusco, passing en route, the fascinating archaeological ruins of Sacsayhuaman where a decisive battle between Inca rebels and Spanish rebels was fought.

Visit the colonial village of Pisac where an Indian Market takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Then visit Pisac Ruins which lie atop a hill at the entrance to the valley. It features an irrigation system, an astronomical observatory, and a solar clock and calendar (Intiwatana).

With an early start, you drive through the fertile countryside of the Urubamba Valley to the colonial village of Chincheros. This traditional Andean town is known as 'the birthplace of the rainbow', and it has the full complement of photogenic attractions: Inca ruins, Andean village houses, an elaborate colonial church built on Inca foundations, and of course the lively weekly market. Please note: The main market day is Sunday. Other days the market is open but much smaller in scale.

Continuing down the valley and ever so slightly lower in altitude you head to the impressive archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is a massive citadel located 50 kilometers from Machu Picchu. The citadel served as both a temple and a fortress and the only battle at which the Incas held off the Spanish. You will then be transferred to your hotel.

You continue your journey down the Urubamba valley by early morning train to the fabled "Lost City of the Incas- Machu Picchu". A short bus ride takes you direct to the ruins. Once there your guide gives you an extensive walking tour of the ruin and explains the fascinating history of the Incas. If time permits you may wish to explore further to the Inca Bridge, walk back up the Inca Trail to the sun gate or try the strenuous climb to the top of Huayna Picchu for an awe-inspiring Condor's eye view of Machu Picchu. Some may prefer to just relax and take in the awesome location.

First thing in the morning you return to Machu Picchu where you will meet up with those who chose to trek the Inca Trail and have the ruins virtually to yourself for a full guided tour, with time afterwards to climb Huayna Picchu, walk out to the Inca Bridge or else just wander through the ruins soaking up the amazing atmosphere. You have a late lunch in Aguas Calientes before boarding the afternoon train back to Poroy. Here your waiting bus speeds you back to your Cusco Hotel. If you have the energy you can then explore Cusco's excellent nightlife.

Today you are transferred to Cusco Airport for your onward travels.