Peru Uncovered

Day 1  Lima          
Welcome to Lima, adventurers! Spend your morning marvelling at lavishly decorated churches and an underground tunnel cemetery overflowing with bones or catacombs, then hit the Barranco district this afternoon to get a feel for its bohemian ambiance. A stroll over the Bridge of Sighs is also a must. And of course no trip to Lima is complete without devouring at least one portion of ceviche.          

Day 2  Lima to Arequipa          
Board a flight to the ‘White City’ of Arequipa, Peru’s second largest city which lies in the shadow of three majestic volcanoes. A city tour will gets you orientated, taking in highlights including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Plaza de Armas, then this evening devour a Peruvian feast!  

Day 3  Arequipa to Colca Canyon      
Waving farewell to Arequipa this morning, pass through Salinas and Aguada Blanco national reserve on route to one of the world’s deepest canyons.

Day 4  Colca Canyon to Puno  
Hop out of bed in search for the King of the Andes, otherwise known as the Andean Condor, which boasts a mega 3-metre wingspan. Fingers crossed luck is on your side – some days we may spot 10 condors, other days none – but that’s the fun of Mother Nature. Yet more natural beauty will be dished up this afternoon as we pull into Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca.          

Day 5  Puno      
Jumping in a triciclo, bump your way down to the port and get our first taste of life on the Lake. A boat ride will take you first to Taquile Island, which to this day remains one of the most culturally intact communities in the whole of Peru, and it’s here you’ll meet local weaving groups and stop for lunch.    
After exploring, jump back on the boat and make for the Uros Islands, or as they’re more commonly called, the floating islands.  

Day 6  Puno to Cusco          
Hitting the road, journey through the snow-capped surrounds of La Raya, stopping for lunch in the town of Sicuani. Then stop at Raqchi, where ancient Incan culture suggest that the ruins are sacred for their powerful healing waters. You’ll then head on to Cusco, the next stop of your adventure. This place is a feast for the senses and will call you out for an evening of exploration.  

Day 7  Cusco          
Enjoy a full day to explore every nook and cranny of the beautiful colonial city. Shop for artisan jewellery and woodworks, roam the cobble-stone streets or just stroll the San Pedro markets eating cacao buds and sipping on coca leaf tea.      

Day 8  Cusco to Sacred Valley      
Heading out of Cusco and bound for the Sacred Valley, this is where your journey into the ruins and mystique of this land truly begins. But first, llamas. An iconic symbol of Peru, you’ll be stopping off at a llama farm to see these furry favourites up close. Your explorations of the Sacred Valley will then begin with a guided tour of the Pisac and Ollantaytambo ruins. For those embarking on the Inca trail tomorrow this is your final chance to stock up on last minute essentials.          

Day 9  Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes
For those embarking on the epic one day trek, catch the train to KM104 and the start of a day to remember. With just 3.5 hours on foot and 6-kilometres to cover, the enchanting site that awaits us will make it all worthwhile. Descending into the site you’ll take in Wayana Picchu 'Little peak' – the iconic peak you’ll have seen in every picture. Satisfaction levels at an all-time high, head back to Aguas Calientes.

For those not embarking on the Inca Trail, the morning is yours to enjoy the surrounding lush mountains of Aguas Calientes.    

Day 10  Aguas Calientes to Cusco        
It’s Machu Picchu time! Built around 1450 at the height of the Incan Empire, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of the new world. You’ll be treated to a guided tour of the site taking in such wonders as the Temple of the Three Windows and Wayana Picchu.  Back on the train, de-brief on your once-in-a-lifetime experience as you head back to Cusco.

Day 11  Cusco        
Today is all about seeking out some much needed R&R. Grab a lie in at the hotel then sip fresh mountain coffee in the Plaza de Armas, or maybe take a stroll around town to pick up an alpaca sweater.

Day 12  Cusco to Puerto Maldanado      
Hop on your included flight over the Andes to the city of Puerto Maldonado. With the sound of macaws and toucans welcoming us in, this can only mean one thing…it’s jungle time. Take a boat down the river to your rainforest lodge, then work up a pre-dinner appetite by hiking to the canopy tower. After a tasty home-cooked dinner continue the outdoor pursuits by heading out to spot caimans – a member of the alligator family native to the Amazon.          

Day 13  Puerto Maldanado          
A morning catamaran cruise will have you spotting prehistoric hoatzin birds and giant river otters. Satisfaction levels on high, the rest of the afternoon is all yours – canopy climbing or kayaking perhaps?      

Day 14  Puerto Maldanado to Lima          
Take a flight back in Lima where your trip ends on arrival.