Absolute Peru

Day 1

Lima

Arrive into Lima and check-in at your hotel. The rest of the day can be spent exploring the city at leisure.

Day 2

Paracas

There will be a free morning in Lima before travelling by bus to Paracas. This bustling town is a great place for sampling the local cuisine, such as ceviche or papa a la huancaina – a dish of potatoes in a chili cheese sauce.

(Breakfast included)

Days 3-4

Nazca

There will be time in the morning for an optional excursion to the Ballestas Islands to see the wildlife – sea lion colonies, Humbodlt penguins and array of birds which call this area home, before catching a bus south to Nazca. Along the way, you’ll pass the colonial town of Ica which has vast sand dunes and a year-round sunny climate and stop off at a winery.

 Afterwards, you’ll continue to one of the greatest archaeological mysteries in the world – the Nazca Lines. This area is a series of wide-stretching etchings in the ground (hundreds of years ago) which can only be made out clearly from the air. Opt to take a flight your over these to get a good view of the mysterious pictures, or take a trip up the tower to see these from a height.

Day 5

Arequipa

Arequipa is a traditional colonial city with a relaxed atmosphere and edged by the Andes Mountains. Referred to as the ‘White City’ because of the dazzling older buildings made from light volcanic rock, this is a charming destination that’s well worth exploring.

Days 6-7

Colca Canyon

Travel along a rutted road to the Colca Canyon which is one of the deepest canyons in the world. The first stop is Chivay which is a charming village near the canyon where you can take a dip in the amazing thermal baths, watch live Andean music and even sample a llama steak. You’ll also be able to take a tour around the canyon, spotting the rare and unique condors, visit the quaint villages and marvel at the miradors – scenic lookouts.

(Two breakfasts included)

Days 8-10

Puno/Lake Titicaca

Travel by bus to the small and quirky town of Puno, situated on the shores of the Lake Titicaca. On day nine you’ll travel by boat across this fantastic lake (highest lake in the world). En-route to Taquile Island, you’ll visit the floating (and edible) reed islands of the Uros people, followed by a homestay in a village on the lake’s shores. This is a great opportunity to learn about rural life in the highlands of Peru and to find out more about local Peruvian traditions and the local language.

(Two breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner included)

Day 11

Cusco

Today will be spent travelling from Puno to Cusco, passing beautiful scenery along the way.

(Breakfast included)

Day 12

Sacred Valley/Ollantaytambo

Take a full-day guided tour through the Sacred Valley and the Ollantaytambo ruins, and experience the culture of this region with trips to the local community where you’ll visit a women’s weaving project, an indigenous village for lunch and a colourful artisan market.

(Breakfast and lunch included)

Days 13-16

Inca Trail/Machu Picchu

Embark on a four-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu on a demanding yet worthwhile excursion. Beginning in Ollantaytambo, you’ll trek through breath-taking scenery and varied flora, passing ruin sites such as Llactapata. From here, cross two more passes and end day three at the ruins of Phuyupatamarca which is known as the ‘Town above the Clouds’. On your final day, you’ll reach the goal of the Inca Trail journey – Machu Pichu. This striking landmark is breath-taking; take a guided tour of the site before enjoying some free time to explore.  There’s the option to visit the Inca Bridge if time allows. From here, take a bus to Aguas Calientes where you can eat and relax before your train ride back to Cusco in the evening.

(Four breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners included)

Day 17

Cusco

Spend a free day in Cusco to relax and explore. Unwind with a local massage after your long trek, or if you’re still full of energy and seeking some active pursuits, you can try the extreme sports: white water rafting, horseback riding and mountain biking. If you’d rather something less active, head to some of the museums (Inka museum) and colonial buildings to soak up the culture and discover more about your surroundings.

(Breakfast included)

Days 18-19

Amazon Jungle

Fly to Puerto Maldonado which is found in the depths of the Amazon jungle. Travel from here by motorised canoe to the lodge in the Tambopata Rainforest Area, which holds the world record for most bird sightings in one area. You’ll have time to explore the jungle with local guides where you can learn about the diverse flora and fauna found in this world-renowned part of South America.

(Two breakfasts, lunches and dinners included)

Day 20

Lima

Fly back to Lima for an optional final dinner and night on the town.

(Breakfast included)

Day 21

Lima

Depart at any time.

(Breakfast included)