Sacred Peru

Say ‘hola’to Peru as the tour of this incredible country kicks off today. Start the day in Peru's capital city of Lima. After arriving at the hotel, check in and freshen up before meeting your tour leader and travel companions to get acquainted with the tour and learn what to look forward to in the next 11 days. Then, look forward to a welcome dinner to celebrate the first night on tour.

• Welcome dinner in Lima

After breakfast, head to the Jorge Chavez International Airport to catch a short flight to Arequipa. This colonial town in southern Peru is home to Baroque architecture and three remarkable volcanoes at its borders. Upon arrival, check into the hotel before exploring this captivating location with a local city guide. This afternoon, spend your free time at leisure and pick a place to grab dinner. The area offers a myriad of local restaurants and unique street vendors.

• Explore Arequipa on a city tour

This morning, spend leisurely time in Arequipa before the transfer to Puno at lunch. On the way, enjoy rest stops at Pampa Cañahuas for the chance to savour some local cocoa leaf tea and spot the indigenous wildlife and birds. Be sure to look out for vicuñas (similar to llamas)! This evening, arrive in Puna and check into tonight's accommodation.

• Visit the Pampa Cañahuas Natural Reserve

Start the day roaming the Puno streets at leisure. Stop for archaeological sightings at the Baroque cathedral, the Arco Deustua archway or the Museo Carlos Dreyer. This afternoon, join the optional excursion to experience the unique lifestyle on Lake Titicaca. Set off on a speed boat to discover the floating Uros Islands, which the Uru people created by hand. Uncover the history of the Uru people who have lived from the lake and its surroundings for centuries. This afternoon, head back to Puno and spend this evening's free time as you wish.

• Travel to the floating islands of Uros on a speed boat

Today, traverse the iconic Sacred Valley of Peru! En route, soak up the spectacular scenic views. First up today is a visit to Pucará to discover the ancient Incan ruins and experience the distinctly spiritual nature of the Inca sites. Enjoy unbeatable panoramic views as the tour passes through La Raya at 4300 metres above sea level. Indulge in some retail therapy along with the locals and visit Raqchi, which used to be an Inca fortress. Finally, stop in Urubamba to admire the "Sistine Chapel of Latin America". After arriving in the heart of the Sacred Valley (El Valle Sagrado), check into the hotel and tuck into an included group dinner.

• Visit the town of Pucará

• See the ruins of Raqchi and the Temple of Wiracocha

• Visit the Church of Andahuaylillas

Explore more of the Sacred Valley today. Journey past small villages and spectacular mountains as you travel deeper into the area. En route, uncover more about Incan culture and history. Stop in the town of Ollantaytambo to marvel at the remarkable Incan fortress that used to serve as an Incan imperial estate. Visit a local market for a glimpse into local life. Spot the unique animal life along the roads, including llamas, alpacas, goats, and lazily grazing sheep. Get immersed in the heart of the Sacred Valley! This evening, arrive in Urubamba for check-in and rest up for another exciting day!

• Take a guided tour of the Sacred Valley in Peru

• Explore the Ollantaytambo Archaeological Complex with a local guide

Today, embark on the unmissable optional excursion to Machu Picchu! Spend the whole day at the complex on an expertly guided tour. Since Machu Picchu is nestled in the Andean mountains, it might be a bit of a hike but it's more than worthwhile! Discover the mystifying history of Machu Picchu and its elaborate buildings. Since being rediscovered in 1911 by an American archaeologist named Herman Bingham, Machu Picchu has attracted countless visitors from all over the world. Head back to the hotel after a full day of exploration. Those not visiting Machu Picchu can enjoy a free day in the Sacred Valley at leisure.

Soak up the final views of the Sacred Valley as the tour continues to Cusco for the next stop. En route, stop to admire an outstanding example of ancient Incan architecture at Sacsayhuaman. Marvel at the gigantic, intricate fortress-temple made up of stacked rocks. Next, journey to Cusco, the former Incan capital, for a local lunch. Look out for restaurants packed with local Cusqueños as this usually promises a delicious meal. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Cusco, the city that's been inhabited for the longest uninterrupted time in all of South America! Spend this evening's free time exploring some more of the local culture and cuisine.

• Take a guided tour of Sacsayhuaman ruins

• Tour Cusco with a local guide

This morning, journey back to Lima. Arrive after a short flight and explore this lively capital city that's home to over 10 million people! Embark on a tour of the city with a local guide. Admire the top attractions, including the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Lima and the Covent and Plaza San Francisco. The tour concludes with a walk through the neighbourhood of Miraflores to marvel at its striking sea views. Check into the hotel this afternoon before enjoying an included dinner with the group.

• Take a city tour of Lima, the capital of Peru

Spend the free day in Lima as you wish! Consider taking time to explore the city sights some more. Be sure to grab a bite at a local restaurant or street vendor as Lima is also known as South America’s culinary capital. For a deep dive into the area's natural scenery and local wildlife, embark on the Ballestas Islands optional day trip. Enjoy a scenic boat tour of the incredible Ballestas Islands, home to spectacular beaches, crisp blue waters and unique marine life. Don't miss out on the opportunity to potentially see dolphins, sea lions and penguins up close! This evening, head back to Lima and enjoy the last night on tour.

This unforgettable Sacred Peru tour wraps up this morning after 11 adventure-filled days. After breakfast at the hotel, bid your new travel friends farewell and remember to exchange contact details to stay in touch. For those who would like an extended stay in Lima, please contact us so we can confirm with the hotel.