DAY 1 UK/Lima
We fly to Lima and meet our Tour Manager before transferring to our hotel in the Miaflores area of Lima. We will stay here for two nights.
DAY 2 Lima
The capital of Peru, Lima is also often referred to as the City of Kings. Much of the city’s colonial influence can still be seen today in the many beautiful squares, fine churches and mansions. Having arrived at the Plaza Mayor, we will see the Government Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and the City Hall.
Our tour will also take us to the monastery of San Francisco with its cloisters, convent and catacombs. Explore the fascinating old town for yourself before we head to San Isidro for a visit to the pre-Inca pyramid of Huaca Huallamarca. There will be some time this afternoon to relax once we have returned to the Miralores area and our hotel.
DAY 3 Train to Huancayo
Today we embark on a spectacular journey through tunnels, over bridges and to heights of nearly 16,000ft on our way to Huancayo. At every turn, breathtaking scenery is revealed and all from the comfort of your seat. Breakfast and lunch are included onboard and we will pass through the pretty villages of Matucana, San Mateo and Casapalca before arriving in Galera for a short stop.
You’ll feel as if you’ve really had a taste of the diverse beauty of this country as we journey through miles of Peruvian countryside, taking in the Andes and more along the way. You will only be able to take a small overnight holdall/soft bag on this journey as luggage capacity is very limited on the service. The rest of your luggage will be stored securely in your Lima hotel for collection upon your return the next day.
DAY 4 The Mantaro Valley
The fertile valley of Mantaro is full of traditional towns and villages, where produce is grown and traditional trades practised. Here you will get a true insight into Andean culture as you see farmers, coffee growers, craftsmen and more sell their wares on the market stalls. A visit will also be made to the city of Ingenio and the beautiful Paca Lagoon.
DAY 5 Lima
We leave Huancayo behind today and travel by coach back to Lima. Our journey affords spectacular scenery and we stay overnight in the Jose Antonio Hotel again.
DAY 6 Cusco
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Cusco. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel, where we will stay for the next five nights. The afternoon is free to relax.
DAY 7 Cusco
This was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Today we see memorable sights including the temples of the Sun and Moon; the huge city-fortress of Sacsayhuaman, its monumental stone blocks carved and placed with great precision; Khenko, a limestone labyrinth covered with intricate carvings; and Tambomachay, known as the baths of the Inca.
DAY 8 Machu Picchu
One of the world’s greatest travelling experiences awaits – a thrilling journey by train through the Sacred Valley to the ‘Lost City’ of Machu Picchu, seemingly suspended in the mists of the mountain jungles. Discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911, we explore this wonderfully preserved citadel in the company of a knowledgeable guide, who will help explain the mysteries behind the temples, terraces, staircases and houses, while we marvel at the dizzying views.
DAY 9 Cusco
A day to relax; perhaps explore more of the city or join our optional excursion to Ollantaytambo. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner and a show at a local restaurant.
DAY 10 Train to Puno
We take another spectacular train journey today travelling first class on the Andean Explorer, which reveals more of the breathtaking Andean landscape. We travel south across the Altiplano, winding through remote high altitude moorland known as puna, seeing herds of alpaca and llamas grazing, and up to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Lunch will be enjoyed onboard and on arrival in Puno, we will transfer to our hotel for a two night stay.
DAY 11 Uros Islands & Sillustani
The floating islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca are actually made from totora reeds, found in the lake, and are home to local Indians who have inhabited the area for centuries and still practise a traditional way of life, fishing and selling their handicrafts. We continue up to Sillustani, a remote hilltop Inca site set on a peninsula above beautiful Lake Umayo. Here we can learn about the religious rituals of the Colla people who dominated the region before the Incas. See the well-preserved Chullpas, stone towers where members of the Colla nobility were buried.
DAY 12 Lima
After a leisurely breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Lima. On arrival, transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 13 Lima
Today is free to relax and explore your surroundings a bit more, or alternatively join our optional excursion to Barranco, a bohemian district of Lima where artists and writers have made it their home. Later, we transfer to Lima airport for our return flight to the UK.
DAY 14 Lima/UK
We arrive back in the UK today.
Please note: This tour visits high altitudes in excess of 12,000 feet, where altitude sickness can occur. Our tour has been designed to allow a more gradual increase in altitude, giving you time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels. Other simple measures, such as eating light meals and drinking lots of fluids can also help to alleviate the symptoms.