Overview

This 15-day adventure through Peru takes you deep into the heart of the Incan Empire, from the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca. Explore ancient temples, colonial cities, breathtaking landscapes, and experience one of the most unique cultures in the world.

Highlights

• Return flights from Heathrow with Avianca & internal flights
• 12 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels + 2 nights in flight
• 18 meals: 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner
• Travelsphere Tour Manager & Local Guides
• All overseas transfers, transportation & porterage

Day 1: UK → Lima via Bogotá

• Depart from the UK on an overnight flight to Lima, via Bogotá.
• If on a regional flight, arrive late evening for a two-night stay in Lima.

Day 2: Lima

• Guided city tour of Lima, the ‘City of Kings’, founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro.
• Visit colonial landmarks, grand squares, churches, and mansions.
• See the fusion of Spanish, Incan, and native Indian architecture.

Day 3: Lima → Paracas

• Travel along the Pan American Highway, passing barren desert landscapes.
• Visit the Pachacamac Temple, a pre-Incan religious center with ancient ruins & frescoes.
• Arrive in Paracas for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Paracas → Nazca

• Boat cruise around the Ballestas Islands, a protected wildlife reserve.
• Spot Humboldt penguins, sea lions, and seabirds.
• Continue to Nazca for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Nazca → Arequipa

• Scenic coastal drive to Arequipa, Peru’s stunning colonial-era city.
• Two-night stay in Arequipa.

Day 6: Arequipa

• Guided walking tour of the ‘White City’, famous for its volcanic rock buildings.
• Visit the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries to see the Ice Maiden of Ampato, a 16th-century mummified Inca girl.
• Tour the Santa Catalina Convent, a sprawling colonial complex with cloisters & chapels.
• Afternoon free for personal exploration.

Day 7: Arequipa → Colca Canyon

• Scenic drive through volcanic landscapes to Colca Canyon, deeper than the Grand Canyon.
• Watch for the iconic Andean condor, one of the world’s largest birds of prey.
• Overnight stay in Colca.

Day 8: Colca Canyon → Puno (Lake Titicaca)

• Travel to Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
• En route, visit Sillustani, a pre-Incan burial site with well-preserved stone tombs.

Day 9: Lake Titicaca (Uros Islands)

• Boat trip to the Uros floating islands, made entirely from totora reeds.
• Enjoy close-up views of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake at 12,500ft.
• Afternoon free to explore Puno at leisure.

Day 10: Puno → Cuzco

• Scenic drive across the Andean high plateau to Cuzco, once the capital of the Incan Empire.
• Four-night stay in Cuzco.

Day 11: Cuzco (Optional Sacred Valley Excursion)

• Free day to explore Cuzco independently.
• Optional excursion to the Sacred Valley:
  • Visit Chinchero, a traditional Andean village.
  • Meet a local craftsman & learn about traditional textiles.
  • Stop at Racchi viewpoint for panoramic valley views.
  • Explore Ollantaytambo, a fortress town where the Incas defeated the Spanish.

Day 12: Machu Picchu

• Scenic train ride through the Urubamba Valley.
• Guided tour of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.
• Explore the ancient citadel, its temples, terraces & breathtaking views.
• Return to Cuzco in the evening.

Day 13: Cuzco

• Visit a local school supported by Travelsphere Cares.
• Tour of Koricancha Temple, dedicated to the Incan Sun God.
• Explore Cuzco’s Main Square & Cathedral.
• Visit Sacsayhuamán Fortress, an impressive Incan military site.

Day 14: Cuzco → UK via Lima & Bogotá

• Transfer to Cuzco Airport for your return flight to the UK, via Lima & Bogotá.

Day 15: Arrive in the UK

• Arrive home, bringing an end to your unforgettable journey through Peru.

What’s Included

✔ International return flights from Heathrow with Avianca
✔ 12 nights in hand-picked hotels + 2 nights in flight
✔ Daily breakfast, 4 lunches, 1 dinner
✔ Guided tours of Lima, Arequipa, Cuzco & Machu Picchu
✔ Visits to 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
✔ Scenic train to Machu Picchu & boat cruise on Lake Titicaca
✔ All airport transfers & transportation
✔ Luggage porterage

This once-in-a-lifetime journey unveils Peru’s most treasured landmarks, ancient civilizations, and breathtaking landscapes!