Peruvian Highlands

Arrival in Lima, reception and transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the bus terminal for the spectacular trip to Huaraz. Heading first along the pan-american highway, you will eventually turn east and start gaining altitude as you head up towards the Andes. Arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Meals: B

Day of rest and acclimatise to the 3100m setting.

Trip to Lake Llanganuco in the north of the Callejon de Huaylas with stopovers in Carhuaz and the tragic aftermath of old Yungay. Llanganuco is a beautiful lake in the Cordillera Blanca region of the Huascaran National Park. There are splendid views of the Cordillera, the highest tropical mountain range in the world. Lunch at a typical restaurant and then return to Huaraz.

Trip to Chavin de Huantar, site of the oldest pan-andean civilisation dating back to 2000BC. Located on the outskirts of the village of the same name, a tour of the ruins is followed by lunch. The site has many galleries and subterranean tunnels and houses many carved stone figures of anthropomorphic semblances reminiscent of the Maya culture. It is the oldest known pre-Columbian culture discovered and is known as Chavin-Kotosh. The most remarkable piece of carving is "El Lanzon", a granite carving 4.5 metres in height. Its head is built into the roof of the gallery and its base into the floor, making it immovable. An anthropomorphic figure with feline teeth, it is thought to indicate an important ceremonial, religious artefact. Return to Huaraz where the journey takes you over the continental divide at the high Kawish pass.

Early departure to Pastoruri galcier, passing through the towns of Recuay and Catac. Once heading into the National Park, you will see the Puya Raymondi, the remarkable exotic plant that belongs to the pineapple family, and takes 29 years to grow. With thousands of flowers, it towers over 12m in height and is the tallest flowering plant in the world. Along the way, you will also see prehistoric wall paintings, and natural carbonated mineral springs. Once at the foot of the glacier, the trail will take about an hour to walk. Return to Huaraz and then by luxury night bus back to Lima.

Early arrival in Lima. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital. After the one hour flight, reception and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, a guided tour of Cuzco including the cathedral, Qoricancha temple, the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cuzco, Qenko and Puka Pukara. Return to the hotel. Dinner in the evening followed by a folkloric show.

Full-day excursion to Urubamba, the sacred valley of the Incas and to the ancient Inca market town of Pisac. Lunch in Urubamba. A visit will be made to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town that was not defeated by the Spanish. A chance to explore the ruins before returning to Cuzco and the traditional market town of Chinchero. Return to your hotel.

Transfer to the railway station for the train to Aguas Calientes. Full day's guided tour of Machu Picchu, the most spectacular ancient city in the world. Accommodation overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Opportunity to enjoy a wonderful sunrise over Machu Picchu and some personal time for private reflection. Return to Cuzco in the evening. Reception and transfer to your hotel.

Trip to Tipon, just south of Cuzco. A walled complex with many stone aqueducts, Tipon is believed to have been a refuge for the Inca hierarchy. Return to your hotel.

A visit to the Maras salt plans just outside Cuzco and a trip to Moray. Here, four hidden circular terraces are found, and reminiscent of ancient Greek amphitheatres, they were used for agriculture.

Transfer to the railway station for the wonderful trans-altiplano Inca express. Lunch onboard the "Orient Express" of Peru. Reception and transfer to your hotel in Puno.

After breakfast, a tour by boat to the island's of Uros and Taquile on Lake Titicaca. A tour of the reed islands of Uros before continuing to Taquile, where members of this self-supporting island will welcome you and offer a glimpse into their ancient traditions and customs. Lunch on the island and an opportunity for some spectacular views over the haunting beauty of Lake Titicaca. Return to Puno and your hotel.

Meals: B

Journey towards Juliaca, and an excursion to the Silluastani towers. These ancient funereal towers dating back to pre-inca times are examples of the most ancient cultures found on the altiplano. Transfer to Juliaca airport for the flight back to Arequipa. Arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Free morning. Afternoon city tour of the beautiful city of Arequipa, visiting the Chilina valley and the old San Lazaro district. A general view of the city is appreciated from the Yanahuara Belvedere, followed by a visit to the Plaza de Armas and its Cathedral, the cloisters of La Compañia Church, and the Church and Square of San Francisco. The extraordinary Santa Catalina convent which is built from volcanic lava and dates from the 16th century is also visited along with the best preserved mummy in South America, Juanita, stored at the university. Return to your hotel.

Departure from Arequipa, passing near the thermal baths of Yura and climbing up towards the National Reserve of Pampa de Cañahuas which is situated at 3,800m. Here groups of alpacas, vicuñas and sometimes guanacos can be seen. After driving several hours, the descent into the Colca Valley starts until we arrive at Chivay, the most important town of the valley. Accommodation at the fabulous Colca Lodge, set in the Colca Valley itself. With its very own hot springs, relax in the fabulous surroundings of the Canyon.

After breakfast, early departure to reach the Cruz del Condor viewpoint, a few kilometers before Cabanaconde, where the Colca Canyon starts. Here you will see a fine view of the flight of the condors as well as of the depth of the mighty canyon. In the afternoon, return to Arequipa and transfer to your hotel.

Meals: B

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight back to Lima. Arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Meals: B

Leisurely day with plenty of opportunity for shopping before your transfer to the airport and your return flight home.