The Best of Peru

Itinerary

3 Nights – Lima
3 Nights – Iquitos / Amazon Explorer
5 Nights – Cuzco / Machu Picchu
1 Nights – Lima (Option to switch to Santiago, Chile)

✈️ UK to Lima (3 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 Lima/UK or optional extension: Santiago (3 nights):   You can either choose to fly back to Lima for the night before embarking on your flight home to the UK.  Or, if you would like to extend your trip, a direct flight from Cuzco will bring you to Santiago, Chile’s vibrant capital – a fitting finale to your holiday.  Exploring this cosmopolitan city with its breath-taking Andes backdrop is a true pleasure.  From the historic Plaza de Armas, which features the striking Catedral Metropolitana, and the iconic La Moneda Palace, renowned for its impressive changing of the guard ceremony, there is so much to see and do. In the artsy Bellavista district, you’ll find colourful street art and eclectic dining options, plus the quirky La Chascona, the former residence of poet Pablo Neruda. For some of the best views of the city, take the funicular up San Cristóbal or Santa Lucía hills, or head to the Costanera Centre, South America’s tallest building, and enjoy the sights from its spectacular observation deck. If time allows or you wish to extend your stay, you could consider exploring the nearby vineyards of the Maipo or Casablanca valleys or visiting the serene lake ‘Laguna de Aculeo’ – or even spending a night in the vibrant city of Valparaíso.

✈️ 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.