The Best of Peru & Chile

Itinerary

2 Nights – Lima
3 Nights – Iquitos / Amazon Explorer
5 Nights – Cuzco / Machu Picchu
4 Nights – Santiago / Valparaíso

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✈️ UK to Lima (2 nights):  The bustling, coastal city of Lima offers a lively start to your Peru adventure.  Known as the Gastronomical Capital of the Americas, the city’s cuisine is a highlight in itself, featuring the renowned ceviche – raw fish marinated in tangy lime juice. For stunning ocean views, stroll along the Miraflores boardwalk.  Or if you’re a history buff you will love the city’s 16th-century architecture, from the grand Plaza Mayor and its impressive cathedrals to the leafy squares and the picturesque cobblestone paths that lead you down to Barranco’s beaches.   Exploring Lima’s vibrant Central Market or enjoying Peruvian-Chinese fusion in Chinatown also add to the city’s eclectic appeal. Before you know it, you’ll be smitten with this energetic, charming city.

✈️ Lima to Iquitos (3 nights): After an early flight from Lima, you’ll land in Iquitos, gateway to the heart of the Peruvian Amazon jungle. On arrival you’ll be transported straight to a jungle lodge from which you’ll enjoy a fully immersive 2-night/3-day jungle experience.  From gliding along the river in a canoe, to setting out on jungle hikes, spotting playful monkeys and colourful toucans, and spending your evenings listening to the sounds of the rainforest, you’ll get a true sense of the raw and natural beauty of the Amazon. When your stay at the lodge comes to an end, you’ll be transported back to Iquitos for one night before continuing the rest of your holiday.

✈️ Lima to Cuzco/Machu Picchu (5 nights): Next, you’ll fly to Cuzco, the historic high-altitude former capital of the Inca Empire, and also the gateway to Machu Picchu. You’ll need to take a couple of days to acclimatise yourself to the altitude before venturing to Machu Picchu, but luckily in Cuzco, you’ll find plenty to explore from the impressive Sacsayhuamán fortress to the sacred Qorikancha temple. You will also get to enjoy a day trip to the picturesque Sacred Valley of the Incas.  Once you’ve acclimatised, you’ll be ready to explore the wonders of Machu Picchu. To get there, we include a breath-taking scenic train ride but we can also arrange a more challenging hike, depending on your fitness and sense of adventure. On reaching Machu Picchu, you’ll be taken aback by the incredible craftmanship of this ancient wonder, from the precision-cut stone structures to the intricate terraces. Discover iconic sites such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, and the stunning Inca Bridge. It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

✈️ Cuzco to Santiago / Valparaíso (4 nights): You will next fly to Chile’s capital, Santiago, where you will stay for 4 nights. This is a perfect amount of time to explore the city and enjoy a day trip to take in the UNESCO world heritage city of Valparaíso and have a day to explore Chile’s world-famous vineyards.  You can also split your stay to stay in both Santiago and Valparaíso, and we can arrange a day of wine tasting on your drive from Santiago to Valparaíso.

Santiago is framed by the famous San Cristóbal and Santa Lucía hills, and is known for its 22 funiculars and rewarding, high-perched views. Stroll the bohemian Barrio Bellavista neighbourhood and visit the Catedral Metropolitana shadowing the main Plaza de Armas square. Shopaholics and spice lovers are catered-to at endless malls and markets.

Valparaíso is known for its bohemian culture, brightly painted houses and beautiful coastal setting. You can explore the city’s famous street art and hill-set neighbourhoods of Cerro Alegre and Concepción, and enjoy its endless array of restaurants and bars.  The neighbouring beachside city of Viña del Mar boasts a long golden beach, lined with restaurants and larger hotels.

✈️ Santiago to UK: Time for your holiday to come to an end and head back to the UK with incredible memories of the South American cities, rainforest and ancient sites you’ve visited along the way.