Highlights of Peru with the River Amazon add-on

Today, make your own way to the airport for your flight to Lima, the 'City of Kings'.

Upon arrival in Lima, the rest of the day is free for you to relax. This evening, get to know your travelling companions over a welcome dinner.

Founded in 1535 by the Spanish Conquistador, Francisco Pizarro, much of Spain's colonial influence can still be seen in Lima. Beautiful squares, fine churches and mansions have changed little since the 17th century. The pre-Inca and Inca artefacts in the city's many museums are also fascinating and you'll have a chance to see them. Later today we will fly to Cuzco. It's important to allow your body time to acclimatise to the high altitude in Peru, so upon arrival in Cuzco we will transfer you to the lower altitude of the Sacred Valley to help do just that.

The famous ruined city of Machu Picchu was rediscovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham, in 1911. Perched above a steep valley, swathed in dense jungle, and often referred to as the 'Lost City', this is a truly incredible site. We travel to Machu Picchu by narrow gauge railway and take the bus up to mist-shrouded mountain tops and the captivating ruins. A Local Guide will accompany us and be on hand to answer questions. Wandering around the site and exploring the ruins for yourself is one of the greatest ways to experience Machu Picchu.

This morning we will transfer from Sacred Valley to Cuzco. En route, we're going to visit a community centre in Ccaccaccollo to learn how the Planeterra weaving co-operative has impacted the village. Very few communities benefit from tourism and this centre helps maintain a traditional way of life, helping bring back weaving traditions whilst supporting small local communities. Today, more than 55 women are part of the association, constantly learning new methods, whilst also maintaining traditional ones. Women involved the project report that all of their children are now able to study at university, and they are the first generation to be completely literate in Spanish. Learn all about weaving and dyeing techniques used to create traditional garments, and afterwards have the opportunity to purchase them.
Upon arrival in Cuzco, the rest of the day is at leisure. Why not grab a drink in one of the bars and restaurants that surround the Plaza de Armas?

Cuzco, the former Inca capital, features a fascinating combination of Inca and colonial architecture in its mansions, churches and cobbled streets. Discover the city on a walking tour today and the surrounding Inca sites, including the mighty ruins of the stone Sacsayhuaman Fortress. This afternoon, we will enjoy a Peruvian cookery and pisco sour making class.

Today we're going to travel to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. We'll travel through magnificent scenery and make several stops en route. First we'll visit Andahuayluillas, where a beautiful 17th century church contains an organ decorated with angels and cherubs. Next we'll call at the ruins of Racchi, and after an included lunch we'll see the archaeological site of Puca-Pucara, before arriving in Puno.

After an early breakfast, our begin our explorations of Lake Titicaca, which sits at 12,500 feet above sea level, as we set sail for Uros and Taquile. Uros, our first stop, is a group of more than 80 floating reed islands, each inhabited by Uro-Aymara families who build houses out of reed mats. Then, we continue sailing to Taquile. This island is known for its friendly people who still preserve traditional customs and wear traditional dress. Among the highlights are the expertly crafted textiles with symmetric and symbolic patterns, with strong colours that reflect Andean customs and beliefs. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
Later, we return to hotel in Puno and head downtown for dinner.

The morning is free for you to enjoy at your own leisure. This afternoon, we will transfer you to the airport for our flight to Lima.

Transfer to Lima airport for your flight to Iquitos where you will be greeted by your local expert. On arrival we will take a boat along the mighty Amazon to your jungle lodge, where you will stay for the next two nights.
Heliconia Amazon River Lodge, named after the jungle's most stunning flower is located on the banks of the Amazon River 50 miles from Iquitos City.
The lodge accommodation is simple in its style allowing you to really enjoy the true natural highlights of the Amazon. Rustic houses are built on stilts all connected by thatched roofed corridors with a refreshing swimming pool in its inner garden. Electricity is limited and eco-friendly. All rooms have private bathrooms with hot water showers.
This afternoon there will be a hike in the beautiful Yanamono primary rainforest reserve surrounding the lodge accompanied by an expert guide. They will show you several flora species such as heliconia flowers, medicinal plants and giant trees. You will also have the chance to sight several bird species such as the Turkey Vulture and with a little luck you will be able to view a family of small monkeys such as marmosets, the Titi and the squirrel monkey.
After dinner at the lodge your guide will take you on a boat ride along one of the Amazon River's tributaries for an exciting evening in the jungle, with no lights, perhaps just some jungle flora and fauna sparkling in the dark and where you can listen to the magical sounds of the jungle.

Rise early for the morning bird watching. In order to see the birds flocked together during their morning feeding time, you will start very early going by boat to one of the several streams to look out for a number of variety of birds such as Tuki, Ringed Kingfisher and Black-Collared Hawk among others. Return to the lodge for breakfast.
After a little rest you will set off on a native fishing expedition where you will learn the local techniques of fishing and for the most daring you can try to fish for Piranhas. During this excursion you can also have the opportunity to look out for the Pink River Dolphin.
After lunch you will board the boat towards a lake in Yanamono island where you will be able to glimpse the Giant Water Lily, the Victoria Regia, the "Queen of water lilies".
This evening you have a chance to go on an enchanting evening trek within the grounds of the lodge. As you adjust to the dark you will appreciate how the rainforest takes on a very different character. Return to the lodge for dinner.

After breakfast we will visit a riverside town to see an indigenous tribe of the Yaguas community where you will have the opportunity to learn and see their way of life in the Amazon River. See their homes, school, church, shops and interact with the people, learn their techniques of fishing and farming.
Return to the lodge for lunch and check-out. After lunch, depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Iquitos City and the airport for your flight back to Lima for an overnight stay.

Today, you will have a free morning in Lima until your transfer to Lima airport for your international flight to the UK.

You'll arrive back in the UK today.