Itinerary Highlights
- Opt for an unforgettable zipline excursion through the spectacular Sacred Valley
- Trek the Royal Inca Trail to the most iconic sight in Peru – Machu Picchu
- Explore archaeological sites in Cuzco by horseback to learn about the city’s history
- Fly over the Nazca Lines and visit the Peruvian Desert for some sandboarding
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Transfers
13 nights from £5,195 per person
Jack Brooker
Travel Specialist
Are you an adventurous traveller? Then discover a dream bucket list destination in Peru, a wonderful country with a range of extraordinary things to do – no matter what level of activity you possess.
This thrilling 13-day itinerary spends time in Lima, where you’ll experience the beauty of the city by bike and savour delicious cuisine at some of the best local eateries. Not only that, but you’ll also visit the adventure sports centre and one of Peru’s most beautiful areas: the Sacred Valley.
Continue your trip to Machu Picchu, with a full day hike of the Inca Trail, arriving to the Sun Gate for unforgettable views and a rewarding night in a comfortable hotel at the end of the experience.
Finish your time in the high Andes at vibrant Cuzco, surrounded by dramatic peaks and savouring the hustle and bustle of the cobbled streets before discovering the ruins on the outskirts via horseback. To complete your trip, return to Lima for two days on the Pacific Coast, with the chance to fly over the enigmatic Nazca Lines as well as venturing out into the Peruvian Desert at Huacachina.
Please note, this is an example tour. To create your own tailor-made itinerary, speak with our Travel Specialists by calling us today.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Fly UK to Lima
Start your Peruvian adventure today as you fly into the country's main city of Lima where you’re collected from the airport by a local representative. Miraflores is an upmarket neighbourhood full of restaurants, shops and residential areas. From your hotel, you can easily walk to the Parque de Amor (Park of Love) and Huaca Pucllana ruins that date back to AD400. Overlooking the ruins, the restaurant offers incredible views, especially when illuminated at night.
Day 2 | Lima
Visit the traditional district of Barranco by bike while exploring Lima's unique and increasingly well-known gastronomic scene. Learn about the incredible flavours, colours, aromas and stories behind the renowned cuisine as you visit small typical Limean restaurants, also known as ‘Huariques’. Sample a variety of local dishes as you cycle around the district and stop to learn about what’s putting Peru on the map for food lovers across the globe.
Day 3 | Lima to Cuzco to Sacred Valley
Begin your week of adventure by flying into the ancient capital of Cuzco. As you’re collected, wind your way into the Sacred Valley, all the while passing dramatic landscapes, attractive colonial towns and ancient Inca sites. Then arrive in the afternoon at your accommodation based in Ollantaytambo town and enjoy the afternoon freely exploring some of the old Inca settlement independently and start to acclimatise to the altitude in this area of the Andes.
Day 4 | Sacred Valley
Head out to discover one of the most stunning views of the Sacred Valley. You begin by climbing 400 metres up a rock face “via ferrata”, which involves a path of protruding metal steps whilst safely secured to a sturdy line. At the top, enjoy lunch at the highest point with spectacular views. Then descend via a circuit of six zipline cables ranging from 250 metres to 700 metres, for grand total of 2400 metres. Please note that this can be swapped for white-water rafting.
Day 5 | Sacred Valley
Today, you’re taken to a beautiful spot just outside Chinchero in the Sacred Valley – Laguna Piuray. This high-altitude lagoon has beautiful views of the snow-capped Salkantay mountain. And, not only is it one of the valley’s most picturesque settings, but it’s also on some of the cleanest and flattest waters for watersports. Pick from kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Then explore the reed banks and viewpoints from across the water before an Andean lunch.
Day 6 | Sacred Valley
Explore the Sacred Valley by bike. First, set out along a hilly track past Huaypo Lagoon to reach the Inca agricultural site of Moray, where enormous Pre-Incan circular and semi-circular agricultural terraces were constructed. Continue to the town of Maras, where you stop for a picnic before going downhill to the largest salt pans in the region, Salineras de Maras. Finish with a descent to Pichingoto, a village which was the top salt producer during the Spanish colonial era.
Day 7 | Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
From the train station at Ollantaytambo, take the Vistadome service to KM104 of the Inca Trail. Then embark on a hike to reach Peru's most iconic sight, Machu Picchu. After a short stop at a small Inca site, ascend to a beautiful valley shrouded in cloud forest. Continue uphill before arriving at a lunch stop and beautiful waterfall towards Wiñay Wayna. The final stretch of walking arrives at the Puerta del Sol (the Sun Gate) or Intipunku, for majestic views over the ancient citadel.
Day 8 | Machu Picchu to Cuzco
With its remote and spectacular location, this awe-inspiring ancient city was left totally forgotten until the early part of the 20th century. Now recognised as a worldwide 'must visit' destination, it’s the highlight of any Peru trip. The site, often shrouded in a deep white mist, exudes grandeur and oozes mystery. Learn about Inca history from your guide. For the most spectacular views, climb the steep steps of Wayna Picchu. Then take the train all the way back to Cuzco.
Day 9 | Cuzco
Cuzco is often regarded as the archaeological capital of the Americas, and a city which is a true delight to explore on foot. Today, you’ll explore the centre for yourself, from the beautiful cathedral on the Plaza de Armas main square to the bohemian artist neighbourhood of San Blas. Later, learn about the fascinating history of the city with your knowledgeable guide by saddling up and riding on horseback to explore the outlying ruins of Sacsayhuamán.
Day 10 | Cuzco to Lima to Paracas
Depart Cuzco and the Andes this morning, flying back towards Lima and the capital of Peru. From here, you’re collected and driven south down the Pacific Coast to the town of Paracas – a good base from which to visit the Nazca Lines, as well as travel inland to the desert. Paracas National Reserve is a rugged and wildlife rich area on the Paracas Peninsula and known for its mysterious Candelabra, a huge prehistoric geoglyph etched into a hillside.
Day 11 | Nazca Lines
After being collected, you’ll transfer to the Pisco airport to board a light aircraft for your spectacular flight over the Nazca Lines. The lines include many geoglyphs such as a bird, monkey, spider and fish. Covering 1000 square kilometres, there are nearly 300 figures etched into the desert sand. Many attempts have been made to explain it. But, until now, there’s still no clear reasoning – truly a bizarre mystery. From the skies, gain a bird's-eye view of these remarkable lines.
Staying at
Hacienda Bahia Paracas
Day 12 | Huacachina
Huacachina
Toda, you’ll transfer to the desert town of Ica. From here, venture out onto one of the driest deserts on Earth for an exciting journey up and down the sand dunes. Experienced drivers first take you in buggies, gradually working your way up the dunes for spectacular views across the vast expanse of desert landscape. Along the way, there are various photo opportunities, as well as the chance to try sandboarding for an exhilarating experience riding down the sand.
Day 13 | Flight Home
On your final day, you’re collected and transferred back north up the Pacific Coast to Lima, in time for your chosen flights from the Peruvian capital all the way back home.
Jack Brooker
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
13 nights from £5,195 per person
Jack Brooker
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
