Essential Peru

13 days - from $2790

Experience the essential highlights of Peru including Arequipa, Colca Canyon and the Sacred Valley

We discover the treasures of the ancient Peruvian civilisations in the great museums of Lima, before flying south to Arequipa. With the magnificent Misti Volcano forming a backdrop, this region offers great opportunities for outdoor activities. We stay overnight in the spectacular Colca Canyon, a good place to spot the giant Andean condor, before travelling on into the very heartland of the old Inca Empire. We discover the colonial centre of Cusco and venture into the surrounding hills. Out in the Sacred Valley we follow the Urubamba River from the market town of Pisac down to the fortress ruins of Ollantaytambo and then finally arrive at Machu Picchu. We also encounter rural life firsthand on a visit to the Peru's Challenge project, before finishing our tour back in lively Lima.

Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient Inca capital of Cusco
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre of the Peruvian capital Lima
• The white volcanic 'sillar' architecture and Cathedral of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Arequipa
• The towering Inca citadel at Ollantaytambo
• The colourful market town of Pisac
• The condors of one of the deepest canyons in the world - Colca Canyon
• The 'Lost City of the Incas' - UNESCO World Heritage-listed Machu Picchu

Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Lima3-4: Arequipa5-6: Colca Canyon - Arequipa7-8: Cusco9: Cusco - The Sacred Valley10: Peru's Challenge Community Project - Cusco11-12: Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco13: Lima
Included:

Local tour leader, arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.

International flights, airport departure tax, visas where required, meals not included in the itinerary, insurance, laundry, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.