Machu Picchu & the Andes

 With jaw-dropping views and once-in-a-lifetime adventures ahead, your South American vacation begins today as you touch down in Lima. Make your own way to our modern, four-star hotel in the Miraflores district of the Peruvian capital. Once known as the "City of Kings," Lima is one of South America's most populous cities and holds the title of Latin America's trendiest food destination. 

  Close to the city and the beaches along the Pacific Ocean, there is plenty to see and do near our hotel. You might like to stroll through Kennedy Park to meet its resident cats or soak up ocean views at the Miraflores Boardwalk.

Return to the hotel later this evening to meet the Tour Manager and your group of fellow travelers for our first meal together at the hotel. Overnight Lima.

• Dinner

 Lima was founded in 1535 in an area originally home to the Ichma people, and after breakfast, we set out to discover its history and sites for ourselves.    

At the city's historic heart are the colorful and well-preserved UNESCO-listed colonial buildings, including the yellow façade of the Basilica and Convent of San Francisco - a prime example of Lima Baroque architecture. After exploring the courtyards, catacombs and Mudéjar ceilings of the cloisters, we walk to the nearby Casa de Aliaga, built in 1535 for the founding conquistadors. Richly painted, this is the oldest private house in the Americas, and descendants still reside here.    

Delving deeper into Liman history, we visit Huaca Huallamarca, the remains of a pre-Incan pyramid that played a ceremonial role in Lima culture. As our tour concludes, we have lunch at a celebrated local restaurant. With a free afternoon, you could get to know Lima further or relax by the Pacific.  

  This evening, you are free to dine independently, and there are plenty of interesting restaurants on the main strip. Overnight Lima.

• Breakfast, Lunch

 This morning, we take a short internal flight to the southern city of Arequipa. On the banks of the River Chili, Peru's second city is known as the "White City" due to the striking volcanic stone - sillar - that was used to construct many of its buildings.    

After a lunch of regional cuisine at a local restaurant, we get a panoramic overview of this attractive city and its volcanic surroundings from the Carmen Alto Viewpoint, where we begin a sightseeing tour. In the charming neighborhood of Yanahuara, we admire the 18th-century Church of St. John the Baptist with its ornate mestizo Baroque façade. Arequipa's main square, Plaza de Armas, is one of the most beautiful in the country. Lined on three sides by white-stone buildings with split-level arcades, the square's focus is drawn to the huge 17th-century cathedral. We also see the stunning Compañia de Jesús Church, built in 1590, with its intricately carved façade, and the 16th-century Santa Catalina Monastery.   

The rest of your day is at leisure to relax at our central hotel or stroll to a local restaurant for dinner. Overnight Arequipa.

• Breakfast, Lunch

 We enter an oasis of calm today on a guided tour of Santa Catalina Monastery. This enormous Dominican complex was founded in 1579 and has since been refurbished with period features. Its narrow streets, floral gardens and tranquil cloisters resemble a miniature walled colonial town in the center of Arequipa, and there is time to explore. Once populated by around 500 nuns who each had their own servants, Santa Catalina is now home to about 20 nuns who live a much more pious existence.  

After exploring the monastery's beautiful alleys and colorful courtyards, the rest of your day is free to uncover Arequipa at leisure. Enjoy the graceful plazas of Peru's most beautiful city or indulge in local cuisine. From delicious fresh salads such as soltero de queso, the pork-based adobo stew and herbal ocopa sauce, to highly-rated beers and the Pisco sour cocktail, Peruvian cuisine is making waves around the world - and Arequipa is a popular food destination even with Peruvians. Overnight Arequipa.

• Breakfast

 An otherworldly coach journey into the mighty Andes awaits today, passing rugged hills and rocky ravines as we climb ever higher on our way to the Colca Valley. In the vast open wilderness of the pampas, we stop at the National Reserve of Pampa Cañahuas, where alpacas and llamas roam the volcanic grasslands inhabited by indigenous peoples.   

The lunar-like landscape continues as we pass by the Nevado Chucura crater, and from the Mirador de los Andes and Mirador de Patapampa viewpoints, we can marvel at the string of volcanoes surrounding Arequipa. We pause in the quaint village of Chivay, which embraces its past with traditional stone buildings. There is the option to grab lunch here, but we recommend purchasing supplies before departing Arequipa.    

We reach Yanque in the Colca Valley, our home for the next two nights. Stunning mountains surround our hotel, and there is time to unwind in the hot springs or thermal spas before we have dinner together tonight. Overnight Yanque.

• Breakfast, Dinner

 Waking up in the jaw-dropping surroundings of Colca Canyon - the world's second-deepest canyon - today's excursion brings a chance to experience its natural beauty.    

We travel by coach through a landscape of mountains encircling a valley of pre-Incan steeped terraces above the elemental Rio Colca. Our destination is the Mirador Cruz del Cóndor (Condor Cross Viewpoint). Here, we are likely to see majestic Andean condors soaring above the dramatic scenery of mountains plunging into a deep ravine. These iconic creatures are the world's largest flying birds with a wingspan of up to nine feet.    

After time to explore, we return on the southern edge of the canyon, in the foothills of volcanoes, for lunch in a traditional restaurant. Our excursion continues to the pre-Inca villages of Coporaque and the Colcas at Chininia, incredible constructions on natural vertical faces. From the vantage point of Ocolle, we take a short walk to the ruins of ancient Uyo-Uyo.    

On returning to our hotel, you are free to enjoy our hotel's location and facilities and to dine independently tonight. Overnight Yanque. 

• Breakfast, Lunch

 Our Andean adventure continues as we drive into the high plains of the magical Andean plateau. Reaching heights of up to 14,700 feet above sea level, the plateau provides fantastic views across the Andes, though the air is much thinner than at lower altitudes.    

Sweeping vistas dotted with grazing alpacas and rolling hills accompany us on our journey through this mysterious landscape. A picnic lunch is provided, and we make scenic stops to appreciate the stunning views. We pass volcanoes, petrified forests and the sky-blue Lake Lagunillas, which is populated with white flamingos, before arriving at our destination, Puno, this afternoon.   

Considered Peru's "folklore capital," Puno sits on the shores of Lake Titicaca. After checking in to our hotel overlooking South America's largest lake, there is a free evening to explore this enchanting town. You can find numerous restaurants near our hotel serving local cuisine, including seafood. Overnight Puno.

• Breakfast, Lunch

 A highlight of our Peruvian adventure awaits today as we set sail on Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. Our first stop is the floating island of the indigenous Uros people - a world away from the cities of Peru. This awe-inspiring settlement of man-made islands is constructed from totora reeds by the pre-Incan people who have lived here for 4,000 years. The pliable plant is also used to create homes and ornate boats.    

Next, we sail to Taquile, where the residents speak Quechua - an indigenous language used by the Incans. The locals have established an autonomous society based on sustainable tourism and long-held craft traditions. This UNESCO-listed site is recognized for its handwoven textiles and clothing, which male Taquileños knit while the women spin and dye the wool. We learn more about this fascinating island, followed by lunch in a restaurant, before returning across Lake Titicaca to Puno for a free evening.   

Our hotel's restaurant serves international and Peruvian cuisine, or you could head towards Puno on foot or by taxi to find a variety of eateries. Overnight Puno.

• Breakfast, Lunch

 This morning, we embark on one of the world's most spectacular rail journeys on the PeruRail Titicaca Train from Puno to the Incan capital of Cusco. Our full-day experience sees us pass a procession of amazing Andean scenes as we cross the Peruvian Highlands.    

Equipped with numerous dining cars, a bar car and an observatory car with an open-air viewing platform, the Titicaca train presents awe-inspiring Altiplano landscapes from the relaxing comfort of elegant 1920s Pullman-style carriages. En route, we are served a typical Andean lunch prepared with local ingredients, accompanied by a traditional music and dance show.    

The train pauses at the highest point on the route, the La Raya Pass, which sits more than 14,000 feet above sea level. Here, we can view the small chapel or admire the jaw-dropping vistas of untouched nature.    

Arriving in Cusco this evening, we transfer to our charming hotel set within a 17th-century colonial mansion close to the main square. Dinner is independent, and besides the hotel, there are many restaurants to choose from in the surrounding hillsides. Overnight Cusco.

• Breakfast, Lunch

 As the historic capital of Peru, Cusco was once an empire that included much of Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile. On a half-day tour, we discover the most important Inca and colonial sites of archaeological, religious and military significance.    

The Incan Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) was constructed in the 15th century and was Cusco's physical and spiritual heart. Meaning "golden courtyard" in Quechua, the temple was originally covered in 700 sheets of solid gold - each weighing more than 4 pounds - with more shimmering treasures inside. However, Spanish conquistadors looted its gems, and much of the stone was used to construct the adjoining Santo Domingo convent.    

A highlight of our tour is the astonishing Sacsayhuamán fortress, a citadel standing high above Cusco and the largest structure built by the Incas. Its walls are constructed of megalithic rocks, and like Stonehenge, it remains a mystery how these colossal rocks were placed.   

After viewing Cusco's imposing cathedral overlooking the Plaza de Armas, we have lunch at a nearby restaurant before a free afternoon and evening. Overnight Cusco.

• Breakfast, Lunch

 One of the most enchanting locations in the world, founded around 1450, Machu Picchu was abandoned in 1572 and "lost" until explorer Hiram Bingham became the first non-Peruvian to rediscover it in 1911.    

Our journey begins as we leave Cusco after breakfast on the Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes*. This scenic route winds through the remote Urubamba River Valley, also known as the Sacred Valley. On arrival in Aguas Calientes, the doorstep to Macchu Pichu, we board a coach to the magnificent site, nestled on a saddle between two dramatic mountains. Traveling among beautiful scenery through the winding Sacred Valley, we reach the awe-inspiring "Lost City of the Incas." Here, a local guide explains the origins of its most prominent landmarks, such as the Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of Three Windows and the Sacred Sun Dial.    

After driving back to Aguas Calientes, there is time at leisure before we return by train to Ollantaytambo and travel to our refined hotel in the Sacred Valley, set in a former colonial monastery in Yucay, where we have dinner tonight.  Overnight Yucay.  

*Please note: The timing of our Machu Picchu excursion may vary today, depending on the entrance time we are given.  

• Breakfast, Dinner

 Our day begins with a coach excursion to Chinchero, an authentic Andean town with great views of the Sacred Valley - one of Peru's most important locations. Here, we take a guided tour of the historic town, which is known for its archaeological remains, craft market and the first Catholic church in Peru.  

  After lunch in a local restaurant, we return to Ollantaytambo for a guided tour of this town at the center of the royal Incan estate. This archetypal Andean town exudes character and has a long history. The ancient fortress, although in ruins, is a sight to behold, with important features like the Sun Temple and Princess Baths fountain. In Old Town, we discover an Inca-era grid of cobblestoned streets and adobe buildings sheltered by the surrounding mountains rich with ancient ruins and sweeping views.    

We transfer back to Yucay for an evening at leisure. Overnight Yucay.

• Breakfast, Lunch

On this Peruvian adventure, we have explored many magnificent Inca landmarks, from the jaw-dropping site of Machu Picchu and the mysterious Sacred Valley to Cusco, the Inca capital. We have witnessed the splendor of condors soaring above the Colca Canyon, sailed to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, and discovered the thriving and historic cities of Lima and Arequipa.  

As your vacation comes to a close this morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before an included transfer to Cusco airport. Here, we board an internal flight back to Lima, where you are free to continue your onward journey home upon arrival.

• Breakfast