Discover the incredible "Lost City of the Incas" and the jewels of Peru on a magnificent South American adventure through the unforgettable scenery of Peru

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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. 

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.  

 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.

 Today's tour follows the course of the Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley to explore the archaeological remains of Pisac. The largest complex of agricultural significance in the area, Pisac is known for its impressive terraces cut into the side of mountains. Look out for the Intihuatana, a ritual stone with astronomical significance believed to be a connection between the heavens and the earth. 

  The Inca citadel sits high above the village, and its expansive terraces are believed to represent the wings of a partridge, from where some historians believe that Pisac got its name. These masterpieces of agriculture allowed the Incans to cultivate crops in such a challenging landscape.

After exploring the ruins with our guide, we then explore Pisac's marketplace, where stalls selling everything from textiles to replicas of ancient Inca artifacts line the street. Soak up the colorful atmosphere before we depart Pisac and transfer to Cusco, where, upon checking into our hotel, you are free to find lunch locally, relax or get reacquainted with Cusco's sites. We have our final dinner this evening at our hotel. Overnight Cusco.

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.

This tour includes an excursion at high altitude, which may be unsuitable for people with some medical conditions.

Making its way through the Andes, one of the world's most dazzling mountain ranges, it is little wonder than this excellent Peruvian train is considered to be one of the finest rail journeys in South America. Running across plains and under peaks, the PeruRail Titicaca is dressed up in handsome blue, while the interiors echo the halcyon days of rail travel, with subtle wood finishes and comfortable seats. The train travels the incredible route between Puno and Cusco, brushing alongside the majestic Lake Titicaca, an enormous stretch of water crossing the Peruvian and Bolivian borders.

With a bar, an open-air observatory car allowing for excellent views, and wonderful staff ready and on hand to serve your every need, luxury and class are key on the PeruRail Titicaca. With the journey complemented by sublime cuisine from Peru and around the world and onboard music and dance shows, this train truly offers one of the world's finest rail journeys.

 There are very few ways to discover the ancient mountain of Machu Picchu than from the panoramic windows of the PeruRail Vistadome. This spectacular region is famous for its sumptuous green peaks, and on the Vistadome, these are on full display for all passengers onboard.    

Beginning in Poroy station, the Vistadome train climbs up through the Peruvian Andes, winding between foothills and alongside forests and villages on its way to the final stop at Machu Picchu at more than 6,500 feet above sea level. From here, admire the unique beauty of these famed mountains, gazing across low-lying clouds to the verdant greenery below.     

Dressed in rich blues and yellows, the Vistadome train snakes its way beside mountains and alongside inlets. PeruRail provides modern carriages with superb panoramic windows that stretch from the seats up and over the tables and across the ceiling. These allow passengers to embrace the unparalleled beauty of the Peruvian Andes and the legendary sight of Machu Picchu. 

The 4-Star Hampton by Hilton hotel features a fitness center with a hot tub, a terrace, restaurant and bar. The hotel is a short distance from popular attractions including the Santa Catalina de Siena Convent and Arequipa's Historical Museum. Guestrooms are equipped with air-conditioning, a flatscreen TV, complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer and free Wi-Fi.

The 4-Star Aranwa Pueblito Encantado del Colca hotel is in the stunning Colca Valley and offers panoramic views of the mountains and valley. Facilities include two swimming pools, a restaurant which serves and American breakfast buffet. Guest rooms are equipped with a safe, a minibar, free Wi-Fi, and the ensuite bathrooms feature a bathtub, a hairdryer, robes and slippers.

The 4-Star Costa del Sol Wyndham Hotel in Cusco is housed in a converted 17th-century colonial mansion in the heart of Cusco's historic district, close to the main square and popular attractions including the central market, the cathedral, and the Inca Museum (Museo Inka). The hotel has a restaurant, a stone-vaulted bar, and a courtyard area with seating. Spacious guest rooms feature a flat-screen television, a mini bar, a safe, and free Wi-Fi.

Located in the Peruvian capital's upscale district of Miraflores, this 4-Star hotel is a short walk from the colorful and lively Parque John F Kennedy - a busy square with restaurants and street food - and the Pacific coast. The hotel has a spacious restaurant, a bar and a rooftop garden, while the part-covered pool offers views across the city to the mountains and ocean. The stylish guest rooms are all equipped with free Wi-Fi, TV, fridge, safe, hairdryer and tea & coffee-making facilities.

Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca on the edge of Puno, this tastefully decorated 4-Star hotel offers beautiful views of the lake and mountains. On-site facilities include a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and a gift shop. Guestrooms are modern and equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, toiletries, and a hairdryer.

Situated next to the Vilcanota river, the 4-Star Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel is set on an elegant 17th-century hacienda on the road to Machu Pichu. Luxurious facilities include a swimming pool, a wellness centre and spa featuring alternative medicine treatments, and a museum. The restaurant features Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, native organic products and a chef designed menu, while the cellar offers an exclusive collection of wines.

Guest rooms are designed with exquisite hotel décor in a colonial style. They are equipped with a jacuzzi, an LCD TV, tea & coffee maker, free Wi-Fi and a DVD player.

In the heart of the Sacred Valley amid spectacular peaks, this charming 3-Star hotel surrounded by beautiful gardens is popular with our customers. A former monastery, the hotel blends original colonial charm, local color, and modern amenities. On-site facilities include a restaurant and an outdoor terrace, while the contemporary guest rooms are rustically decorated and equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, telephone, and hairdryer.

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their trip. Vacations By Rail would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.