Enchanting and magical Peru inspires the senses with its dramatic landscapes and ancient Incan treasures. This exhilarating journey explores the country's highlights, taking you deep into the Amazon rainforest, across the Andes by rail and to the lost city of Machu Picchu.


ITINERARY
DAY 1 - LONDON TO LIMA
British Airways flight to Madrid, connecting onwards to Lima with LAN airlines, arriving the following day.

DAY 2 - LIMA
On arrival transfer to the Miraflores district and Casa Andina Private Collection, Lima for two nights in a Standard room.

DAY 3 - LIMA
Discover Peru’s capital with a tour, visiting the city’s colonial centre and excellent Archaeological Museum.

DAY 4 - LIMA TO AMAZON
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight to the town of Puerto Maldonado on the Madre de Dios River in the Amazon basin. Continue by boat to Reserva Amazonica, Amazon, situated in a private ecological reserve, for two nights in a Standard cabana. Excursions are included into the surrounding jungle in search of rare and exotic wildlife including parrots, caiman, monkeys, sloths and the endangered giant river otter.

DAY 6 - AMAZON TO SACRED VALLEY
Return by boat to Puerto Maldonado for your flight to Cuzco. Continue to Casa Andina Private Collection, Sacred Valley, staying in a Standard room for two nights. Nearly 2,000ft lower than Cuzco, time here allows gentle acclimatisation to the Andes' high altitudes.

DAY 7 - SACRED VALLEY
A full day to explore the beautiful Sacred Valley. This fertile area along the Urabamba River between Cuzco and Machu Picchu is home to Incan ruins, small Andean towns and colourful local markets.

DAY 8 - SACRED VALLEY TO MACHU PICCHU
Board the early morning Vistadome train to Machu Picchu – ‘The Lost City of the Incas’. Tour this incredible site, gaining insight into its history and context. Stay overnight at Inkaterra, Machu Picchu in a Superior room.

DAY 9 - MACHU PICCHU TO CUZCO
Morning at leisure. Return by rail to Cuzco for two nights at the Libertador hotel in a Standard room. Our half-day tour introduces you to Cuzco; once the capital of the great Incan Empire, the Spanish developed the city, building impressive churches and mansions on the foundations of the old Incan citadel.

DAY 11 - CUZCO TO PUNO
Take an incredible full-day journey across the Andes by railway. The Andean Explorer train traverses one of the highest points of any railway system in the world, taking you through spectacular scenery to the high altiplano and onwards to Lake Titicaca. Transfer to Libertador, Lake Titicaca, Puno for an overnight stay in a Classic room.

DAY 12 - PUNO TO COLCA CANYON
Early-morning visit to the Uros floating islands to learn about the Uros people's lifestyle and traditions. Continue by road for a lengthy but spectacular journey to the Colca Canyon. Overnight at the three star Colca Lodge.

DAY 13 - COLCA CANYON TO AREQUIPA
The second deepest canyon in the world and twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the Colca Canyon boasts a dramatic landscape. Savour an early-morning visit to Cruz del Condor, with the chance to see the mighty Andean Condor. Continue to Arequipa for two nights in a Standard room at Libertador Arequipa. Enjoy a tour of this elegant city's colonial centre, including a visit to the Santa Catalina convent.

DAY 15 - AREQUIPA TO LIMA
Return by air to Lima for a farewell dinner and a final night at Casa Andina Private Collection, Lima in a Standard room.

DAY 16 - LIMA TO LONDON
Overnight flight with Iberia via Madrid to Heathrow.


GUIDE The Peruvian Highlights tour is escorted by English-speaking local guides. Extensions are not escorted but assistance will be provided by our local representatives.

MEAL PLAN Prices include breakfast throughout. Lunch is included on Days 4, 5, 8, 11 and 13 and dinner on Days 4, 5, 8, 11, 12 and 15.

ACCOMMODATION All hotels chosen are of at least four star standard unless otherwise stated.

GROUP SIZE Maximum 24 passengers. This tour is subject to a minimum number of passengers. Please call for further details.

GRATUITIES Tipping is not included on the tour and is at your discretion.

TRAVEL TIPS Temperatures and weather conditions in the Andes can vary considerably during the day, so we recommend taking layers of clothes that can easily be added or removed.

NB This tour can be strenuous, as it visits altitudes of over 14,000ft above sea level The holiday involves a number of early starts, considerable travel and changes in food and climate, so you'll need a healthy constitution and an adaptable state of mind. Due to its nature the tour is not suitable for those with walking difficulties. Children under 12 years old are not accepted. On such an extensive tour, the itinerary may on occasion be subject to amendment