Best of Peru
Discover colonial and pre-Columbian Peru
Peru is South America's third largest country, covering 1,285,215 sq. km., and can be divided into three distinct geographic regions. The best known of these is the central high sierra of the Andes, with its massive peaks, steep canyons, and extraordinary pre Columbian archaeological sites. The Andes are still one of the world's most unstable mountain ranges, with frequent earthquakes, landslides, and flash floods. Despite such instability, the Andes are also the site of the most fascinating pre-Columbian cities of South America-like the great city of the clouds, Machu Picchu.
Day 1
Lima
Arrive into Lima, capital of Peru, founded by the great conquistador, Francisco Pizarro in 1535. Afternoon tour, visiting the Government Palace in the colonial setting of the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, and the modern residential suburbs of Miraflores and San Isidro with their lovely homes and gardens and the Larco Herrera Museum, housing the world's largest private collection of Peruvian Pre-Columbian art, comprising of approximately 45,000 pieces of gold, silver, ceramics, textiles, stone and wood.
Day 2
Lima - Nazca
Morning departure from Lima driving south on the Pan-American Highway to Ica, wine capital of Peru. Arrive in Ica at midday for a short tour of the city visiting the Archaeological Museum. In the afternoon fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines, by light aircraft. 2,500 years ago, Nazca was the seat of a pre-Incaic civilisation, highly advanced in both astronomy and ceramic art. Today enormous figures of animals, birds, insects and incredible geometric drawings etched into the desert sands, visible only from the air, remain as testimony to this remarkable culture. The origin and significance of the Nazca Markings still puzzles archaeologists. In the evening arrive at your Nazca hotel.B
Day 3
Nazca - Lima
Today drive north to Paracas for an excursion by boat to the Ballestas Islands to view thousands of birds, sea lions and fur seals in their natural surrounding. The famous candlestick design, a Nazca civilisation figure etched on the desert face, can also be seen from the boat. This afternoon, return along the Pacific Coast to Lima.B
Day 4
Lima - Arequipa
Fly to Arequipa, Peru's second largest city and one of the country's most attractive, full of colonial churches and mansions. Known as the “White City” because much of it is built of ashlar, the smooth white building stone carved from volcanic lava quarries. Afternoon city tour, including Santa Catalina Convent, established in 1579 and now restored and open to the public after being closed for 400 years -, the Plaza de Armas, the Jesuit church of La Compañia and its beautifully-painted chapel, and the typical districts of Cayma and Yanahuara for a magnificent view of El Misti volcano.B
Day 5
Arequipa - Colca Canyon
Early pick up from the hotel for a scenic bus ride passing between the Misti and Chachani volcanoes. On the way to the towns of Callalli and Sibayo, ride through a vicuña reserve, and then continue via the hot springs of La Calera to a local lodge for overnight.BLD
Day 6
Colca Canyon - Arequipa
Early departure to the “Condor Cross”, the best vantage point to admire the Colca Canyon and the majestic condor in flight. On the way back to the lodge, you will visit the towns of Pinchollo, Achoma and Yanque. After lunch, return to Arequipa visiting Patapampa and the “volcanoes lookout” on the way.BL
Day 7
Arequipa - Cuzco
This morning, fly to Cuzco. Once capital of the Inca civilisation, Cuzco lies hidden in a valley at a height of 3,310 metres. Rest of the day at leisure.B
Day 8
Cuzco
Morning at leisure for personal sightseeing, followed by an afternoon tour of the city and surrounding ruins of Kenko, Sacsayhuamán, Puku Pukara and Tambo Machay.B
Day 9
Cuzco - Pisac - Yucay
Full day tour into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit Pisac and its colourful Indian market where you can purchase Peruvian weavings and pottery. Stop for lunch at a local inn before continuing along the Urubamba Valley to the ruins of Ollantaytambo, an Inca fortress. Spend the night at Yucay, in the Sacred Valley.B
Day 10
Yucay - Machu Picchu
Today is set aside for an experience you will never forget, as you travel by train through lush valleys and terraced hillsides, following the course of the tumbling Urubamba River to the hidden “Lost City of the Incas” - spectacular Machu Picchu. The Incas’ last refuge from the Spanish, Machu Picchu remained undiscovered until 1911. Your guide will explain the intricate layout of the city, as you marvel at the remains of the watchtower, magnificent palaces, temples, tombs, and rock-hewn steps. This afternoon is yours to explore the ruins at your own pace, and perhaps walk up to the Sun Gate (Intipunko) for a panoramic view of this mysterious lost city. Late afternoon take the bus back down the mountain to nearby Aguas Calientes where you will spend the night.B
Day 11
Machu Picchu - Cuzco
A morning at leisure. Why not rise early and take the bus trip up the mountain to Machu Picchu in time to see the effects of sunrise over the ruined city, before spending the morning further exploring the ruins. Early this afternoon, enjoy a relaxing lunch, before boarding your train to travel back to Cuzco, where you will be transferred to your hotel.BL
Day 12
Cuzco
Depart Cuzco, returning to LIMA, or continue with the Altiplano Tour.B
