Andean Discovery

Day 1 : Lima

You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 2 : Lima > Cuzco

Fly from Lima to Cuzco and start exploring this beautiful UNESCO listed city that oozes historic charm, and was once the Inca ‘capital of the world’.

Day 3 : Cuzco

This morning is at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Enjoy an afternoon city tour visiting the San Pedro Market and the artisan district of San Blas. Then see Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun, and admire the finest example of exquisite Inca stonework found anywhere in their empire. The tour ends with a visit to the impressive Cathedral – considered one of the most beautiful in Latin America.

Day 4 : Cuzco > Sacred Valley

Depart Cuzco on a shared full day sightseeing tour to the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. First stop will be at the village of Chinchero, famous for its weaving and a town where many still proudly wear their typical costumes. Enjoy a walk around the village, admire the Inca ruins and visit the Parwa cultural centre, where you will learn about the local textile processes. Then continue to the archaeological site of Moray and marvel at the enormous Inca circular agricultural terraces. It is not totally clear why the terraces were built, but most experts believe it was so they could experiment with different crops. Admire some great views before descending into the Sacred Valley and enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon visit the mighty fortress ruins of Ollantaytambo, scene of the last great battle between the Inca army and the Spanish conquistadores. Spend the night in a charming valley hotel.

NB: Your luggage will remain stored at your hotel in Cuzco and you travel with a smaller overnight bag to visit the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. It is not possible to take large suitcases on the train to Machu Picchu

Day 5 : Sacred Valley > Machu Picchu

Enjoy your scenic 90-minute train journey to the citadel of Machu Picchu. On arrival enjoy a superb buffet lunch at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, located right at the entrance to the ruins, then take a guided tour of the ruins. Undiscovered until 1911, Machu Picchu more than justifies its title as one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’. Learn about the history, architecture and lifestyle of the inhabitants as your guide takes you through this incredible site. Afterward return to the nearby town of Aguas Calientes for dinner and your overnight stay.

Day 6 : Machu Picchu > Cuzco

Time to revisit the ruins this morning (at additional cost) or explore the markets in town. This afternoon travel by train back to Cuzco and transfer to your hotel.

Day 7 : Cuzco > Arequipa

Take a morning flight to the lovely ‘white city’ of Arequipa. In the afternoon enjoy sightseeing including a visit to the wonderfully resorted Santa Catalina Convent dating from 1579, and a chance to marvel at the beautiful cathedral on the lovely main square.

Day 8 : Arequipa > Colca Canyon

A dramatic day driving into the high Andes to visit the Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest, and famous for sightings of the majestic Andean condor. The drive passes through a National Reserve where it is possible to see many species of birds and camelids, including vicunas and llamas. Picturesque unspoiled Andean villages and traditional pre-Inca agricultural terraces line both sides of the canyon, and you’ll have great views of the smoking Sabancaya volcano once you arrive.

Day 9 : Colca Canyon > Arequipa

Rise early and visit the ‘Condor Cross’, the best point for breathtaking views of the Colca Canyon. Here you may admire the majestic Andean Condor in flight, wheeling and gliding on the air currents rising from the bottom of the canyon. On your return to Arequipa, see the ‘hanging tombs’ of Choquetico and picturesque towns including Yanque with its lovely white church, before stopping at Chivay for lunch. Arrive Arequipa late afternoon and stay overnight.

Day 10 : Arequipa

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.