Colours of Peru

Day 1 - Fly London to Lima

Today you will fly from London to Lima. On arrival there will be a group transfer to your hotel.

Overnight: Jose Antonio Hotel, Lima Or Similar

Day 2 - Lima sightseeing. Welcome dinner.

Lima is the capital city of the Republic of Peru and is located at sea level in the central coastal region of the country. Although, during the winter months, when you will be visiting, there is often a sea mist and the city can seem rather gloomy, there is lots to see in the city. The old colonial centre of town has picturesque churches and graceful colonial architecture.

Firstly today you will travel just a short distance from your hotel to visit an ancient ceremonial centre, Huaca Pucllana, a great adobe and clay pyramid built by a pre Inca civilization, the Lima Culture. Then you will drive into the centre of town to visit the main square, the Plaza de Armas, where you can see the Presidential Palace and the cathedral. You will also visit the Santo Domingo church and monastery which dates back to the 16th century and is one of Lima's most historic religious sites.

Last stop on today's tour is a visit Lima´s famous Larco Herrera Museum, just one on Lima's many fine museums. Here you can learn something of the complexities of Peru´s history and culture. You will pass through various galleries which span 3,000 years of pre-Columbian and pre-Incan art and culture, featuring especially a collection of amazing and distinctive Peruvian ceramics from the many cultures of Peru through the ages. After your tour of Lima, you will return to your hotel.

In the evening there will be a dinner to welcome you to Peru.

Overnight: Jose Antonio Hotel Or Similar, Lima

Day 3 - Fly to Cuzco. Transfer to Sacred Valley with visit to weavers of Ccacaccollo town and exploration of Pisac Ruins.

Today you fly to Cuzco where on arrival you will be met and transferred down to the Sacred Valley to check into your hotel in Urubamba. This valley is set at a lower altitude then Cuzco which will help with your initial acclimatisation, and enjoyment of the remainder of your time in Peru.

The Sacred Valley, known by the Incas as 'Vilcamayo', is a beautiful, fertile valley carved by the Urubamba River which flows from the high Andes all the way to the Amazon Jungle. High above the valley, snow peaks glisten in the sun while in the fertile fields below local people harvest crops such as maize, quinoa and many kinds of potato - this valley was once the breadbasket of the famous Inca Empire. Everywhere there is evidence of earlier Inca settlement with a host of terraces, walls, temples and burial towers in varying states of repair. And marking the opposite ends of the Sacred Valley stand the two remarkable Inca citadels of Pisac and Ollantaytambo.

En route to Urubamba you will visit Ccaccaccollo, a small, picturesque town perched on the mountainside, overlooking the Sacred Valley. In this town you will see an important initiative to re-invigorate age old traditions in making textiles, an art and a way of life that was being lost. Here some 50 families subsist on agriculture and textiles, with women doing the weaving and the men in charge of the farms. Age-old weaving techniques passed down from mother to daughter. During your visit you will learn how various textiles are made - shearing the wool, spinning the wool, washing it with natural soap, and then collecting various plants and flowers to make natural dyes. Finally you will see the process of weaving textiles on traditional wooden looms to make blankets, ponchos and chullos, the traditional local hats. The women of Ccaccaccollo are working to preserve their unique way of life for future generations.

After this enlightening visit you will drive to the town of Pisac, which lies at the eastern end of the valley. Here, situated above the town is found an extensive and impressive Inca hill top complex clinging to the mountain top. The citadel at Pisac was originally positioned on a major Inca route into the Sacred Valley and controlled access to the eastern jungle. The ruins are set high above the valley floor and have tremendous views. Terraces, water ducts and steps are cut out of solid rock, and in the upper sector of the ruins, the main Intihuatana ('hitching post of the sun') is equal to any of the Inca structures at Machu Picchu. Above the temple lie still more ruins, mostly unexcavated, and among the higher crevices and rocky overhangs several ancient burial sites are hidden. Modern Pisac town dates back to colonial times and has an interesting artisan market where you can check out the local handicrafts and test your bartering skills. After your sightseeing you will continue along the valley to your hotel in Urubamba town.

Overnight: Sonesta Posada Del Inca Yucay Or Similar, Urabamba

Day 4 - Visit Huilloc village (40 minute drive) and then Ollantaytambo. Train to Aguas Calientes.

This morning you will drive up to Huilloc, a remote traditional village where you can catch a glimpse of the authentic culture of the valley's Quechua communities. You'll meet villagers and witness their day to day life, learn about their ancient traditions and see how they are dedicated to preserving them. The women of Huilloc have a rich tradition of weaving textiles which they still practice today by hand. The fabulous vivid textiles they produce bear images which date back to their ancestors - condors, cougars and Huallata birds. You will also have the opportunity to buy some of these textiles direct from the producer, should you wish to.

After lunch, shared with the villagers of Huilloc, you will drive back down into the Sacred Valley to visit Ollantaytambo an attractive little town located at the western end of the Sacred Valley. The town is built on top of original Inca foundations and is probably the best surviving example of Inca town planning. It is located at the foot of the spectacular ruins of an Inca fortress which protected the way to the lower Urubamba Valley. Here in 1536 the ruler Manco Inca managed to stem the tide of Spanish expansion. This victory was short-lived however when the Spanish returned with four times their previous force. Manco Inca retreated to his jungle stronghold in Vilcambamba and Ollantaytambo fell to the Spanish. The complex was still under construction at the time of the conquest and was never completed. The fortress and town represent some of the best of Inca architecture and construction, with fine examples of beautifully carved polygonal stones and monumental rocks. Large worked blocks, some weighing as much as 100 tons, were quarried from a site more than a thousand vertical feet above the valley floor using a technique of pecking with hammer stones, then moved down and across the Urubamba River, several kilometres, to the site. Inclined ramps were built to raise the blocks several hundred feet up hill to the construction area.

Later you will transfer to the station to take the train to Aguas Calientes. This beautiful two hour journey takes you down the valley alongside the rushing Urubamba River. You will then have a few hours to relax and explore the town and you might even like to try out the nearby hot springs there which give the town its name.

Overnight: Hatun Inti Boutique Hotel, Aguas Calientes

Day 5 - Visit Machu Picchu. Train to Poroy in Sacred Valley and transfer to Cuzco.

After an early breakfast, you drive the short distance up the zigzag road to Machu Picchu to get there before the main crowds and also when the light is better for those all-important photos. Machu Picchu is a place that really lives up to expectations; the setting is breath-taking and the ruins themselves are sensational.

Machu Picchu for many years was lost to the jungle, until it was rediscovered in 1911 by the Yale professor Hiram Bingham. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and one of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World' in 2007. You will have guided tour of the ruins taking in such points of interest as the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, the Sacred Plaza and Intihuatana - 'the hitching post of the sun', and then there is time to wander amongst the old Inca walls and just sit and take in the scale of the place. Eventually you catch the bus back down to Aguas Calientes to board the afternoon train back along the Urubamba Valley. You will alight from the train at Poroy and your waiting bus will speed you back to Cuzco and your friendly hotel.

Cuzco is a fascinating city. It was formerly the capital of the extensive Inca Empire which stretched from Ecuador through to Chile. Today there are still reminders of this Inca city with many foundations and walls of Inca buildings still visible, even when overlaid today by Spanish architecture. There are plenty of excellent little cafés on the main square and in nearby streets, some with balconies overlooking gardens, fountains and cobbled streets. In the evening you may eat in one of the many fine restaurants in the area, where really excellent food from a wide range of national cuisines is available. You may find you have the added bonus of sitting alongside a finely worked Inca wall while you eat your dinner.

Overnight: Cost Del Sol Ramada Or Similar, Cusco

Day 6 - Cuzco city tour. Visit Inca sites of Sacsayhuaman and Tambomachay. Evening dinner with folklore show.

Today you will have a tour of the city of Cuzco and its surroundings. Originally the capital city of the Incas, Cuzco was conquered and became an important Spanish colonial city. Much fine Inca stonework has survived the ravages of centuries of earthquakes and Spanish colonialism. You will visit the attractive Plaza de Armas with its Baroque Cathedral and fine colonial buildings. In the cathedral you can see the works of the Cusco School of painters, including the famous Last Supper which features guinea pig on the menu, a traditional Peruvian delicacy! You will also visit one of the most important Inca buildings of Cuzco, the Koricancha, the Inca temple of the sun, now overlaid by the church of Santo Domingo. The Koricancha was perhaps the most impressive and sacred site in the Inca world. It featured fabulous stone work, the walls were covered with gold and there were life-size statues of plants and animals made out of pure gold and silver.

Later you will visit two of the most celebrated Inca sites in the hills above Cuzco. Firstly you will drive up to Sacsayhuaman, the most impressive of these sites, with its magnificent Inca walls built from huge rocks fitted together with such precision that not even a piece of paper will fit between them. The site was originally thought to be a fortress but more recent theories suggest a great temple to the Sun with evidence of an altar and seats cut into the rock. From Sacsayhuaman you can enjoy fantastic views over Cuzco. Not far from Sacsayhuaman lies the archeological complex of Tambo Machay which was an important ceremonial centre in Inca times celebrating the importance of water to the Incas. These ceremonial baths are still in excellent condition and comprise several water fountains on three different levels and a rock pool which is ingeniously filled via a hidden channel. This is a very beautiful and atmospheric spot.

In the evening you will visit the Tunapa Restaurant for dinner and a traditional dance show, featuring folk music and the accompaniment of Andean instruments such as the quena, charango, flute and zampoña.

Overnight: Cost Del Sol Ramada Or Similar, Cusco

Day 7 - Attend the Inti Raymi Festival (June) or spend the day at leisure in Cuzco (August).

For those travelling on our June departure you will have the whole day in Cuzco for the Inti Raymi Festival, joining in the festivities with the locals. Inti Raymi is Cuzco's major festival and the whole city will be in festive mood.

The Inti Raymi Festival was the most important festival in the Inca calendar. This 'Festival of the Sun' re-enacts one of the most important Inca ceremonies and celebrates the importance of the sun in Inca culture. It is held at the winter solstice, marking the date when the sun apparently changes its course to come back closer to the earth and days start to get longer again. Today there are parades and ceremonies in the main Plaza de Armas in town while the principle event is the re-enactment of the Inca ceremonials in the spectacular ruins at Sachsayhuaman.

If you are travelling in August, you will instead have a day at leisure in Cuzco. You may want to do some further exploration and sightseeing, browse some of Cuzco's tourist shops or simply relax and watch the world go by in one of the town's many cafes or bars.

Overnight: Cost Del Sol Ramada Or Similar, Cusco

Day 8 - Scenic train ride to Lake Titicaca – 10½ hours.

Today you experience one of the great scenic train journeys of the world. An early morning transfer takes you to the railway station where you will be welcomed aboard your train by musicians. This is a luxury train with exceptional service - there is a comfortable dining car which serves excellent food, a bar, and an observation car at the end of the train with large glass windows and one open-air section.

The train travels through spectacular scenery on its leisurely journey to Puno. On first leaving Cuzco it is bucolic with farms, small villages and towns, then, as you climb higher the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular with views of snowy mountains and high altiplano scenery. The highest point of the journey is at La Raya (4,319m/14,170ft) where at around midday there should be the chance to get out for a leg stretch. A delicious lunch will be served once you are back on the train.

On arrival in Puno at around 18:00 you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Puno for a two night stay. Puno is considered the folklore capital of Peru and your hotel is right in the centre of town so well placed to find a good restaurant in the evening. The local trout here is very good.

Overnight: Hotel Jose Antonio Or Similar, Puno

Day 9 - Boat trip on Lake Titicaca to visit the Uros Islands. Travel to Amantani Island and spend the night in a homestay.

After breakfast you will transfer to the port to board your motor boat for a full day cruise on Lake Titicaca. First you will visit the amazing floating islands of Uros. About 60 islands have been created using totora reeds, initially to provide protection from enemies. The inhabitants use the totora reed to make their homes, their furniture and their boats and today still make their living from the lake supplemented with sales of handicrafts to tourists. Your guide will be on hand to explain what you see - the history, traditions, and agricultural and weaving methods of these indigenous peoples.

After your visit to the Uros you will sail on for a further to the island of Amantani, which is home to about 4,000 Quechua-speaking locals. It is here where you will be immersed in the local culture by staying with one of the families in a homestay. You’ll visit their home and join them in some fun activities.

Later in the after you will walk to the highest point of the island Temple of Pachamama (or Pachatata) where you will be treated to some amazing sunset views over Lake Titicaca.

You’ll then head back to your homestay to enjoy a traditional meal before joining other families at the local community hall for a small celebration.

Overnight: Homestay On Amantani Island

Day 10 - Visit Taquile Island. Return to Puno.

Today you will visit picturesque Taquile Island. This island is a traditional Quechua speaking community and is a unique place. In the past, the inhabitants were isolated from the mainland and are very independently minded with strong notions of community and family. They still have their own distinctive dress and traditions, including a weaving tradition that goes way back to pre-Inca Andean cultures. The most characteristic garments of Taquile are the 'chullo, a knitted hat with an earflap and 'the calendar waistband', which depicts the annual cycles connected to ritual and agricultural activities. You will visit families of weavers to learn more about this artisan craft, and also enjoy a walk along a pre-Inca trail.

After lunch in a local restaurant you will make the return trip to Puno, and back to your hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Jose Antonio Or Similar, Puno

Day 11 - Drive across the Altiplano to Chivay, 3,600m/12,00ft - 5 hours (with high point on drive of 4,820m/15,814ft). Optional visit to hot springs

Another early start as you leave Puno behind drive across the altiplano to the Colca Canyon. You pass through high Andean landscapes including the area known as "Lagunillas", famous for its lakes and associated migrant birds. Here you can see some of the typical wildlife of this high region including llamas and guanacos, a less well known American camelid, as well as flamingos and Andean ducks. You will cross Tocra, a high plain at more than 4,500 metres and the high point of the day's drive at Pata Pampa (literally high plain) at 4,820 metres. From this point you can see several volcanoes - Ampato, Sabancaya, Hualca-Hualca, Mismi (the source of the Amazon River), and the mountains of the Cordillera de Chila.

Approaching Chivay you start to get your first views of the Colca Canyon, and continue to Coporaque, a modern village located in the upper reaches of the Colca Canyon, where you take lunch at Casa de Mamayacchi Lodge. After lunch your guide will take you for a walk around Coporaque and its surroundings. The agricultural terraces on the steep hills here were built by the Aymara culture before the Incas conquered the area in the 14th century. The Colca Canyon is filled with such terraces which are still cultivated today. They create level land for farming, make irrigation possible and help to prevent soil erosion.

After your Coporaque walk you return to your vehicle and visit some natural hot springs, where if you wish you can enjoy a relaxing soak. The entrance fee needs to be paid locally. Finally you arrive at your hotel in Chivay, on the edge of the Colca Canyon.

Overnight: Hotel Aranwa Pueblito Encantado Del Colca

Day 12 - Visit Colca Canyon viewpoints and the villages of Pinchollo, Maca and Yanque. Drive to Arequipa.

Today you will spend time in the Colca Canyon. Firstly you head out early to Cruz del Condor Viewpoint which at 3,287m/10,784ft, offers fantastic views over the deepest part of the canyon where it is 3,400m deep. This is one of the best places to see Andean Condors and if you are lucky and conditions are favourable, you will see these majestic birds as they cruise the thermals out of the canyon. You will then have a walk along the canyon with further opportunities to spot condors before exploring further in the Colca Canyon. You will visit the traditional village of Pinchollo and continue to another splendid viewpoint at Antahuilque, where you can see some wonderful 1,500-year-old terraces, constructed by the Collaguas, a culture flourishing well before the time of the Incas.

Your expedition continues with another lookout point at Choquetico, famous for its hanging tombs the 'tumbas colgantes' high in the cliffs above. You will also visit Maca, another traditional Andean community and finally the village of Yanque, with its old colonial church, one of the loveliest in the Canyon region.

After lunch you will drive to the attractive city of Arequipa, known as the White City.

Overnight: Casa Andina Select Or Similar, Arequipa

Day 13 - Sightseeing on foot in Arequipa. Market visit, cooking class and lunch with local family.

The lovely city of Arequipa was founded in 1540 and is overlooked by three imposing volcanoes. It has a fine Unesco World Heritage listed historic centre and many fine colonial era buildings, carved from white volcanic rock, giving the city its nickname 'the White City'. It's most famous building is the huge Santa Catalina Monastery which is like a city within a city, complete with fountains and cobbled streets.

In the morning you will explore the historic city centre on foot and then visit the San Camilo market to select cooking ingredients for lunch. From the market you will walk to a local family home for a cookery class using your ingredients and then for lunch enjoy eating the dishes that you have helped prepare.

Overnight: Casa Andina Select Or Similar, Arequipa

Day 14 - Fly to Lima. Transfer to hotel.

You will transfer to Arequipa Airport for the flight to Lima. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. You should have time for a stroll round Miraflores before dinner.

Overnight: Jose Antonio Hotel Or Similar, Lima

Day 15 - Morning at leisure in Lima. Afternoon sightseeing in Barranco. Pisco sour tasting and farewell dinner.

This morning is free for more sightseeing or shopping in Lima. Your guide will be able to assist with ideas. In the afternoon you will walk from your hotel to Barranco, a district which is considered to be the most romantic and bohemian in Lima. In an otherwise rather gloomy city, Barranco really stands out with its street art and bright, colourful buildings. The district has been home to some of Peru and Latin America's finest artists, musicians, designers and photographers and is also where you will find Lima's best bars and top quality restaurants.

Barranco has many old colonial mansions and some of Lima's most interesting museums are found here. You will visit some of the highlights such as the picturesque main plaza, the Barranco boardwalk and the famous 'Puente de los Suspiros' (Bridge of Sighs), which has been a meeting point for young lovers for decades and has inspired many famous Peruvian poets and singers. You will also visit the renowned MATE, museum home to the collections of Peruvian photographer Mario Testino, and the Pedro de Osma Art Museum.

In the evening you get to try an iconic Peruvian speciality, with a tasting of Pisco Sour, Peru's most famous drink. This will be prepared for you by an expert and you will taste three types of Pisco which have made this such a famous drink: Pure Pisco, blend Pisco and green must Pisco. After the tasting there will be a farewell dinner to celebrate the completion of your fabulous Peru journey.

Overnight: Jose Antonio Hotel Or Similar, Lima

Day 16 - Transfer to the airport. Depart for UK.

Today you will have some free time in Lima before a group transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.

Overnight: Departure Day

Day 17 - Arrive UK.