Peru

Small group tours

Peru Explorer

Lima - Arequipa - Colca Canyon - Lake Titicaca - Cusco - Inca Trail - Machu Picchu - Amazon Jungle - Lima

16 days

Overview

This trip is ideal for travelers looking to experience the best of Southern Peru in just sixteen days plus have the opportunity to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Peru is generally split into three geographical regions, the desert coastal strip, the high Andes Mountains and the Amazon basin. On this trip we get to sample the best of each of these regions.

We begin our journey with a short flight to the 'White City' of Arequipa in Southern Peru dominated by the stunning conical El Misti mountain. At 2600m Arequipa is the ideal place to begin our acclimatisation to the rarefied air of the Andes. One can explore Arequipa's fine Plaza, the ice mummy museum or visit the many alpaca textile shops. We then board a private minibus and head off through remote villages to the impressive Colca canyon and the delightful Colca Lodge. Here we have the chance to see Condors over one of the world's deepest canyons, hike to geysers or just relax in some of the finest hot-springs imaginable.

A spectacular drive through the altiplano brings us to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. This busy lakeside town is the base for our day trip on Lake Titicaca. We take a private express boat to visit the floating reed islands of Uros and Taquile Island. These are renowned for their ancient way of life, weavings and spectacular views of the lake.

We then take one of the World's classic railway journeys* from Puno across the high plains to Cusco. We spend a day exploring Cusco, the former Inca Capital - a wonderful place to explore full of culture, history, good restaurants and fun nightlife. Now fully acclimatised, our next adventure takes us from Cusco through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing the Inca Fortress town of Ollantaytambo, before embarking on the famous Inca Trail to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu**. This relaxed five day / four night trek involves spectacular Andean scenery along an ancient paved Inca trail and visiting many ruins. Our final night is in the colourful town of Aguas Calientes before spending a whole day exploring the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu. The return to Cusco is by luxury train and bus in time for a celebration meal.

A short flight takes us to Puerto Maldonado deep in the Amazon rainforest where we transfer by boat and on foot to one of the best situated jungle lodges in the heart of the Tambopata Reserve. Here we can search the rainforest for monkeys, macaws, leaf cutting ants and canoe on the Ox-bow lake in search of black caiman and giant otters. Our expert resident guide educating us every step of the way. We then fly back to Lima in time to connect with our International flight home.

* Please note: the train only operates five times a week, there is a luxury bus alternative on the other days.
** For those who do not wish to trek, there is an option to visit Machu Picchu by train and to spend time exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas.