Classic Touring
All Breakfasts
Day 2 Lima
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. Meals included: BDay 3 Paracas
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.
Meals included: BDay 4 Nazca
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. Meals included: BDay 5 Arequipa
Sit back, relax and take in lovely coastal views as you journey to Arequipa, our base for the next two nights. Meals included: BDay 6 Arequipa
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.
Meals included: BDay 7 Arequipa - Colca
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. Meals included: B,L,DDay 8 Colca - Puno
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. Meals included: B,LDay 9 Puno
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.
Meals included: BDay 10 Puno - Sacred Valley
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 have time to stop for lunch in a restaurant in the Valley. Meals included: BDay 11 Machu Picchu
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.
Meals included: B,LDay 12 Cuzco - at Leisure
Today is free for you to make your own discoveries in Cuzco.Meals included: B,L
Day 13 Cuzco
There's plenty to see in Cuzco, so let's head off to explore. 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.
Next, you will visit a local market where you will get a little taste of local life, before heading to a restaurant for a cookery class, sampling different Peruvian dishes for lunch.
We will then head to the Koricancha Temple. This ancient Inca palace was the centre of worship of the Sun God. In Cuzco's main square you'll step inside the cathedral, and your tour ends with a visit to the Sacsayhuamán fortress, an impressive example of Inca military architecture.
Day 14 Cuzco to Lima
Today we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight to Lima, where the rest of the day will be free.
Day 15 Lima - Puerto Maldonado
Today you'll take the short flight to Puerto Maldonaldo where you will meet your guide and transfer by boat to your Amazonian lodge for a 3 night stay. After lunch you'll have some free time to get comfortable in your lodge. In the afternoon it's time for your first trek into the jungle. On this trek you will see a large variety of tropical trees, medicinal plants, insects, butterflies and other animals. You will also discover and learn about primary and secondary rainforest, its components, uses, transformations by the human being, and its relevance for the world. Before dinner enjoy a nocturnal boat excursion along the Madre de Dios River where you will learn about its ecosystem, Amazonian creeks and nocturnal animals' behaviour. Why not enjoy an exotic cocktail before dinner this evening. Please note: On arrival in Puerto Maldonaldo your main baggage will be left at the local office of the tour operator where it will be locked away for safe keeping. Please remember to bring a smaller bag with you to transfer over your required clothing and essentials for the duration of your stay in the Amazon. You will be unable to take your main baggage with you due to travelling constraints.
Meals included: B,L,DDay 16 Puerto Maldonado
New experiences are ahead and after breakfast get ready for a trek through terra firma into the Tambopata National Reserve towards Lake Sandoval. You will navigate by small wooden boat across this mirror-like oxbow lake that is home to the endangered giant river otter, blue and yellow macaw, red howler monkey, black caiman and one of the world's biggest fresh water scaled fish, the paiche.We head back to the lodge for lunch before taking the 20 minute boat ride to the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway where you will learn about its construction and various conservation projects. Ascend one of the 98-foot towers and cross the 7 hanging bridges that connect the treetops to enjoy breath-taking views. Watch out for white-throated toucans, woodpeckers, trogons, squirrel monkeys and the three-toed sloth. Before dinner get ready for an adventure where you will explore the Amazon rainforest at night. Listen to nocturnal living nature sounds and penetrate this hidden world.
Day 17 Puerto Maldonado
Today we will journey to a native farm where you will be able to learn local techniques of cultivation and taste some of the products during the visit. You will also visit the Botanical garden to discover the immense variety of medicinal plants considered part of the 'natural pharmacy' used by the habitants of the Amazon region. After lunch at the lodge get ready for the Cocha water excursion where you can enjoy the scenery. We will return to the lodge this afternoon for some relaxation and then our included dinner at the lodge.
Day 18 Puerto Maldonado
After breakfast its time to say goodbye to the Amazon. Your guide will accompany you on your way back to the city where you will collect your luggage before your flight to Lima where you will spend the night.
Meals included: B
Day 19 Lima to UK
Today we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to the UK.
Meals included: BAdditional Information
Please note: During this tour you will travel to altitudes of over 12,000ft where altitude sickness can occur. This should not be a problem, although everyone should take it easy at first. Our tour has been designed to allow a more gradual increase in altitude, giving you more time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels. Other simple measures, such as eating light meals and drinking lots of fluids can also help to alleviate the symptoms. If you suffer from heart or respiratory conditions or have any other concerns please consult your doctor.
This holiday includes walking in areas of rough ground, gradients and steps, often with no hand rails to offer assistance.
