Classic Peru

You’ll arrive in Peru’s vibrant capital of Lima today, where a warm, smiling welcome awaits. Our wonderful team on the ground will whisk you off to your hotel in the heart of the city, giving you an overview along the way to help you make the most of your time. After you’ve recuperated from the long flight, head out for your first taste of Lima’s rich food scene (it's home to some of the best restaurants in South America!).

On your first morning in Peru, you’ll head off with your private driver and guide to explore Lima’s historical heart, venturing around its colonial architecture, grand squares and impressive plazas. Highlights will include the Plaza Mayor with its Spanish influences and intricate facades, and the historic San Francisco Monasteries’ famous catacombs. This afternoon is free for you to dive further into Lima’s culinary treats. Don’t miss the incredibly fresh seafood – the perfect introduction to Peruvian flavour. 

Your alarm will be set early this morning for a quick flight to Arequipa, Peru’s ‘White City’. The city has a really unique look and character, with dazzling white colonial buildings made from volcanic stone lining the streets. When you arrive, you’ll be driven to your hotel, nestled in the city’s charming Old Town. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s as beautiful as you might imagine. Plenty of cobbled streets to get lost down and picturesque plazas where you can sit down, grab a drink and soak up the atmosphere. 

Today, you’ll be whisked off on an immersive tour of Arequipa with your local guide. Stroll through historic streets as you listen to your guide passionately share the city’s vibrant history, culture and architecture. One of our favourite spots in the city is the impressive Santa Catalina Monastery. It’s a true tranquil oasis with bright, colourful courtyards and narrow passageways that feel like a city hidden within a city.

Your Peruvian adventure continues today as you travel through the Andes, making your way up into the breathtaking Colca Valley. There will be plenty to occupy you on the drive as you pass through dramatic mountain landscapes and past little traditional villages. It’s a real glimpse into rural Andean life. When you arrive, take some time to settle into your accommodation and enjoy the sweeping views over the vast, terraced valley below.

This morning will be a standout highlight of your Peru holiday. You’ll head to Condor’s Cross, a renowned viewpoint over the dramatic Canyon. Our guides here are brilliant at making sure you get the perfect viewpoint to watch as the majestic Andean condors glide effortlessly on the thermals, soaring through the air against the impressive canyon backdrop. Top tip from our Dawn: "Be sure to take a moment to put your camera down and just enjoy the sight here. These birds really are magical!" Head back to your lodge this afternoon for a leisurely afternoon taking in your surroundings. 

Next up, you'll hop on a coach and travel onwards to the high plains and shimmering waters of Lake Titicaca. You’ll drive through wide open landscapes dotted with alpacas and llamas grazing against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and vast blue skies. Lake Titicaca sits at an incredible 3,800 metres above sea level and is renowned as the highest navigable lake in the world. Straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, this will likely be your highest altitude stop on your Peru holiday. You’ll be dropped at your hotel in Puno for the next couple of nights. 

Today you’ve got a full day to explore the lake and, your very own guide and local boatman, you’ll start with a visit to the famous Uros floating islands. Handmade from layers of totora reeds, they’re surprisingly springy underfoot, but don’t worry – they’re robust! The Uros people have lived here for centuries and will take great pride in showing you around their homes and teaching you their traditional ways of cooking and life. Next up, you’ll visit the quiet lakeside town of Llachon. Llachon gets far fewer visits than Uros, so you’ll feel a little more off the beaten track meeting the community here. Hike up to the top of the peninsula to take in the impressive views over the lake before enjoying lunch at a local home. 

Your adventure continues through the Andean highlands and the Sacred Valley today, finishing up in Cusco's historic Old Town. When you arrive, check into your hotel and drop your bags before heading out to explore the city. Cusco’s historic heart is a lively and beautiful area packed full of charming plazas, artisan shops, and local cafés where you can grab a coffee and watch the world go by. 

Today you’ll explore the city of Cusco with your very own guide, the best way to make sure you experience all the key sights hidden away in the historic centre, as well as taking in the impressive Inca ruins nestled in the hills to the north of the city. You’ll visit Cusco’s impressive 17th Century cathedral and Koricancha and the excavated remnants of the mighty Inca Temple of the Sun, the ancient Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara and Qenqo perched on the hills overlooking the city. 

We've left today clear for you to head out and explore the city at your own pace. One of our favourite parts of travel is the opportunity to get a little lost. So amble along the cobbled streets, smile at the locals, sample traditional food and explore. Of course, if you'd like more structure to your day, just ask. 

You’ll leave Cusco behind today and head to the Sacred Valley, stopping at the town of Ollantaytambo on the way. This town might be tiny with its narrow cobbled streets, but it’s home to an impressive Incan fortress that’s well worth a visit. You’ll explore the archaeological site with your guide, perhaps even braving the climb to the top if you fancy it, before hopping back in the car and heading onwards to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.  

Today you’ll finally lay your eyes on the pinch-yourself worthy sight of Machu Picchu. Your adventure starts with a scenic train journey winding up through the mountains. The views from the window will get more beautiful by the moment as you edge ever closer to the UNESCO World Wonder. When you arrive at the station, it’s time to hop on a shuttle up to the infamous Incan city. Your guide will be waiting to lead you on an informative and incredible tour of Machu Picchu’s breathtaking terraces, crumbling temples and impressive stone structures. The guides here are so brilliant at bringing the mysteries of this remarkable place to life, as well as seeking out the best spots away from the crowds for you to take in the magical sight in peace. Of course, chat to us if you want to take on the Inca Trail trek in full, and we’ll work your itinerary around it. You’ll spend tonight in the small town nearby to rejuvenate before more Incan adventures await tomorrow. 

You’ll have tickets for a second entry to Machu Picchu today, where you can explore the ancient terraces at your own pace. We'd recommend a hike up Huayna Picchu for birdseye, panoramic views over the ancient citadel. If you've got the energy, it's spectacular. Later, you’ll jump back on the train and head back to Cusco for one final night in the city. Head out for a delicious farewell dinner at a cosy local restaurant and toast ticking such an incredible Wonder of the World off your visited list. 

Today, it's time to journey home. Head to Cusco Airport for your flight back to Lima, before transferring to your flight back to the UK. We hope you’ll be flying home with big smiles and full hearts after a holiday packed with Peru’s timeless landscapes, wonderful cities and unforgettable history.