Sacred Peru Journey - 11 Days

Welcome to Peru! Our journey begins today in the vibrant capital, Lima. After arriving and checking in at our hotel, you'll have a chance to refresh before meeting your tour leader and fellow travellers.

We'll provide an overview of the exciting experiences that await over the next 11 days. This evening, we'll enjoy a welcome dinner together, marking the start of our Peruvian adventure with delightful local cuisine.

After breakfast, we will proceed to Jorge Chavez International Airport for a brief flight to Arequipa. This charming colonial town in southern Peru is famed for its Baroque architecture and stunning views of three surrounding volcanoes.

Upon arrival, we'll check into our hotel before embarking on a guided city tour, delving into the rich heritage and culture of Arequipa.

This afternoon, you have free time to explore as you wish. When hunger strikes, you’ll find a variety of local restaurants and unique street vendors offering delicious options for dinner.

Enjoy a relaxed start in Arequipa before our midday transfer to Puno.

On our journey, we'll pause at the Pampa Cañahuas Natural Reserve. Here, you can sample traditional cocoa leaf tea and keep an eye out for native wildlife, including the elegant vicuña, a relative of the llama.

Upon your arrival in Puno, we'll check into our accommodation for the night.

Begin your day exploring the streets of Puno at your own pace. You can visit notable sites such as the Baroque cathedral, the Arco Deustua archway, or the Museo Carlos Dreyer. This afternoon, you have the opportunity to join an optional excursion to Lake Titicaca.

We’ll travel by speedboat to the unique floating Uros Islands, ingeniously crafted by the Uru people. Learn about their culture and history, which have been intertwined with the lake for centuries. Later, we’ll return to Puno, leaving your evening free to explore as you wish.

Today, we explore Peru’s legendary Sacred Valley. We start with a visit to Pucará, diving into fascinating ancient Incan ruins and experiencing the spiritual essence of these remarkable sites. As we journey through La Raya, situated 4,300 metres above sea level, you’ll enjoy breath-taking panoramic views.

Next, indulge in some shopping with the local community at Raqchi, once an imposing Inca fortress. The day continues with a stop at the "Sistine Chapel of Latin America" in Urubamba, renowned for its stunning murals.

Upon reaching the heart of the Sacred Valley (El Valle Sagrado), we’ll check into our hotel and later enjoy a group dinner together.

Today, we delve further into the Sacred Valley. Our journey winds through quaint villages and dramatic mountain landscapes, deepening our understanding of Incan culture and history along the way.

We'll stop in Ollantaytambo, where we'll explore its impressive Incan fortress, once used as an imperial estate. You can visit a local market to gain insight into daily life in the region. Along the roads, keep an eye out for the distinctive local wildlife, including llamas, alpacas, goats, and leisurely grazing sheep. Immerse yourself in the essence of the Sacred Valley.

This evening, we arrive in Urubamba, where you'll check in and have time to relax in preparation for tomorrow's adventures.

Today, you have the option to embark on an unforgettable excursion to Machu Picchu. Spend the day exploring this iconic site on a guided tour. Nestled in the Andean mountains, Machu Picchu requires some uphill walking, but the experience is well worth the effort.

Discover the fascinating history and intricate architecture of this Incan city, rediscovered in 1911 by American archaeologist Hiram Bingham and now a magnet for visitors worldwide. After a comprehensive exploration, return to your hotel. Alternatively, if you choose not to visit Machu Picchu, enjoy a leisurely day in the Sacred Valley.

As we bid farewell to the Sacred Valley, our journey continues towards Cusco. Along the way, we'll visit the remarkable Sacsayhuaman, a stunning example of ancient Incan engineering. This imposing fortress-temple is built from massive, interlocking stones.

Upon arriving in Cusco, the historical heart of the Inca Empire, we'll stop for a local lunch. Opt for eateries bustling with locals for a truly authentic culinary experience.

This afternoon, we'll enjoy a guided tour of Cusco, a city with the longest continuous habitation in South America. In the evening, you're free to delve deeper into the city's rich culture and cuisine at your leisure.

This morning, we return to Lima, arriving after a short flight ready to immerse ourselves in the vibrant capital of Peru, home to over 10 million residents. We will set off on a guided city tour, visiting key sites such as the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral of Lima, and the San Francisco Convent and Plaza.

These landmarks offer a glimpse into Lima's rich colonial history. Our tour concludes with a stroll through the charming Miraflores neighbourhood, where you can take in its stunning ocean vistas. This afternoon, we check into our hotel before regrouping for an included dinner, a perfect opportunity to reflect on the day's experiences.

You have a free day in Lima to explore at your own pace. Consider visiting more of the city's iconic sights. Make sure to try some local cuisine—Lima is renowned as South America's culinary capital, with a vibrant mix of street food and traditional dining options.

For an in-depth experience of the region's natural beauty and wildlife, you can opt for a day trip to the Ballestas Islands. This optional excursion includes a scenic boat tour around these stunning islands, featuring pristine beaches and clear blue waters. Keep an eye out for dolphins, sea lions, and penguins in their natural habitat.

This evening, return to Lima to enjoy your final night of the tour.

Our unforgettable Sacred Peru tour concludes this morning after 11 thrilling days. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel as we part ways. Be sure to exchange contact information with your fellow travellers to keep in touch. If you wish to extend your stay in Lima, please let us know, and we will arrange with the hotel accordingly.