Cusco, Lima, and Machu Picchu - these are all names that resonate with the distinction of cities like Paris, London or Prague, but with a mystery akin to Madagascar, Marrakech or Chang Mai. Peru is a country of epic scenery, where llamas graze in the shadow of forgotten temples and smoke crawls forward from volcanic peaks, shrouding the land of ancient Inca warriors. Sample the local delicacy of guinea pig, gaze upon the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, or traverse the hidden passages of the epic Amazon River.

Day 1 - Depart for Lima
Day 2 - Lima, Cusco, Urubamba, Sacred Valley (B)
Day 3 - Sacred Valley (B)
Day 4 - Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco (B)
Day 5 - Cusco (B)
Day 6 - Cusco to Puno (B, L)
Day 7 - Uros and Taquile Islands on Lake Titicaca (B, L)
Day 8 - Puno to Lima (B)
Day 9 - Depart Lima (B)
Day 10 - Arrival

View a more detailed itinerary here

The land of ancient Inca warriors

Peru is known for its relic-ridden landscapes and amazing sites that spur recollections of days gone by. Without a doubt the main attraction is the impressive ruins at Machu Picchu - the best known archaeological site on the continent. Enjoy a scenic train ride through the sacred Urubamba Valley to discover this "Lost City of the Incas", where mountains and semi-tropical jungles managed to conceal these impressive ruins until the early 20th Century. Artifacts lay everywhere in Peru, and the stretch of small villages that reaches out from Cusco towards the northern mountain slopes is punctuated by some of the most incredible ruins in the Americas. 

Cities fit for a king

Known as "The City of Kings", Lima is a captivating place full of Spanish colonial architecture, treasure trove museums and culinary masterpieces. Recognized as the gastronomical capital of the Americas, Lima's cuisine is considered among the best in the world, mixing flavours from Spanish to West African to Japanese. It's also where the Peruvian arts live - in its stately museums, edgy art installations and baroque churches. Opt into a half-day tour to experience the modern and colonial sides of the city, with a visit to Plaza Mayor and San Francisco Church balanced by the current day sites in Miraflores and San Isidrol.

Equally as impressive is the historic Cusco - the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere, where Andean and Spanish cultures coexist in the cobblestone streets flooded with colourful folk dancers and ancient relics. Brush against the white stone walls of Santo Domingo Convent - an important place of worship - then visit the cathedrals of the copper-roofed Main Square and the military stronghold of Sacsayhuaman Fortress.

Other Peruvian sites uncovered
Enjoy a boat cruise on the iridescent blue waters and crisp mountain reflections of the highest navigable lake in the world. Lake Titicaca houses manmade islands composed of totora reeds, and a host of unique customs that collide between the meandering plateaus and epic mountain peaks of the Peruvian Andes. You'll also visit the ceremonial sites and festive activities of Taquile, a native community that produces fine, colourful textiles, or perhaps journey to the small village of Pisac and peruse the Peruvian handicrafts and jewellery that spread across this impressive market.