Epic Peru

Depart on your flight to Lima. You'll arrive on the morning of day 2, when we'll transfer you to your overnight hotel.

You'll get to see the highlights of Lima today on a tour of the city. While its colonial past is clearly evident in its beautiful squares, fine churches, palaces and mansions, you'll also see the architectural legacy of the Incans and Native Indians.

Start your day with a journey by road to Paracas along the Pan American Highway, which cuts through a barren desert landscape. We'll stop at the site of the ancient Pachacamac Temple where we'll be transported back to pre-Incan times as we explore. The ruins consist of adobe walls and pyramids and you'll also see the remains of early frescoes. Tonight we will stay in Paracas.

We're taking to the water today for a fascinating cruise around the Ballestas Islands. This protected wildlife reserve provides shelter for many different species. On your cruise, keep a lookout for Humboldt penguins, sea lions and more. Later we'll travel to Nazca for an overnight stay.

Sit back, relax and take in lovely coastal views as you journey to Arequipa, our base for the next two nights.

You'll understand why Arequipa is known as the 'White City' after today's tour. It is loomed over by ice-capped volcanoes and as you explore, you'll see many buildings made from white volcanic rock. We'll also head inside the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries to see archaeological finds from the Andes, and the Santa Catalina Convent, a masterpiece of colonial architecture. You can choose to spend the afternoon just as you wish.

After setting off early this morning, a scenic drives takes us to the Colca Canyon, whose steep walls are deeper than the Grand Canyon. This is one of the best places in South America to spot the Andean condor, a magnificent bird of prey, so keep your eyes skyward. We'll stay in Colca overnight.

Our next base is Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. We'll drive here today and on the way stop off at the remote burial site at Sillustani, where the religious rituals of the pre-Inca Colla people will be explained.

You're going to enjoy superb close-up views of sacred Lake Titicaca and the Uros floating islands this morning. The lake sits 12,500ft up in the Andes and covers a huge area of 3,500 miles. Spend the afternoon in Puno exploring at your own pace.

Today we will travel to Cuzco, from there we will transfer to Sacred Valley. This journey will offer spectacular views all day as we start off by heading along the Andes Mountains and then following the Urubamba River though spectacular valleys. We will stop on numerous occasions to visit sites in this special region such as the Lithic Museum in Pucara and Andahuaylillas, along with a photo stop at La Raya - the highest point of the mountain pass. We will also stop for lunch in a restaurant in the Valley.

You've seen many of Peru's incredible sights so far on your tour, but today offers something really special. You're going to get the chance to explore the ruined 'lost city' of Machu Picchu, perched high above a steep valley and swathed in jungle. Your journey here is by narrow gauge railway, with the last part by bus. A walk with a Local Guide on the mountain top and time to go your own way will help you to uncover its splendour. You'll be able to wander through the temples and terraces and enjoy spectacular views of the lush green Urubamba Valley thousands of feet below.

Today we transfer to the ancient city of Cuzco. On the way we're going to visit a community centre in Ccaccaccollo to learn how the weaving co-operative, supported by Travelsphere Cares, 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 in 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. Afterwards we will travel on to the city of Cuzco where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

This morning we will enjoy a walking tour of Cuzco. We will then head to sites such as the Koricancha Temple, this ancient Inca palace was the centre of worship of the Sun God and visit Cuzco's cathedral. Later, we will visit the Sacsayhuamán fortress, an impressive example of Inca military architecture.
We'll finish the day by heading to a restaurant for a cookery class, sampling different Peruvian dishes for lunch.

Today we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight to Lima, where the rest of the day will be free.

Today we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight to the UK.

You'll arrive back in the UK today.