Peru Explorer - Discovery Holiday

An in-depth exploration of the highlights of southern Peru

This trip is the perfect three-week introduction to one of the most diverse countries in South America, visiting all the major highlights.

Our journey contrasts the incomparable scenery of the Andes with the lush vegetation of the world's richest rainforest, as well as its driest desert. Peru's landscape is adorned with ancient cities, buildings and fortresses of colossal size and in settings of amazing beauty.

For walking enthusiasts there is the option to trek the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and for wildlife lovers the Ballestas Islands and the Amazon Rainforest.

Premium departures

Selected departures of this trip are Premium departures - these are indicated in the Dates and Prices section. The itinerary is exactly the same as for the standard weeks, but we use upgraded accommodation wherever possible and offer a premium trekking service on the Inca Trail option, with a higher personal weight limit. Please see the Trip Notes for full details.

Moonstone Trek Option

We now offer the Moonstone Trek as a fantastic, more challenging and isolated trekking alternative to the Inca Trail route on this trip - and no permits are required! For more information please visit Moonstone Trek Option page.

What makes this trip responsible?

On this trip, we use small, locally owned hotels wherever possible, and use local tour leaders and other staff to ensure that local communities benefit as much as possible. For the Inca Trail option, we operate a zero-impact policy, removing all waste from campsites and separating it for easy recycling/composting. We use a toilet tent at lunch stops and in camp, removing the need to dig holes at campsites. Our camp staff are paid a fair wage and receive all accommodation, transport and food during the trek. They are also trained and encouraged to put environmental protection practices into use in their own communities.

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Countries visited: Peru

Day 1

Depart London.

Day 2

Arrive Lima; afternoon city tour.

Day 3

Drive south to Paracas, visiting Pachacamac and Pucusana.

Day 4

Sail to Ballestas Islands; continue south to Nazca via Ica.

Day 5

Drive along coast before turning inland to Arequipa.

Day 6

City tour, including Santa Catalina Convent.

Day 7

Drive to Colca Canyon.

Day 8

Explore the canyon, including condor viewing site.

Day 9

Drive via Sillustani to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Day 10

Sail to Uros reed islands; afternoon explore lake shore.

Day 11

Spectacular drive across the altiplano to Cuzco.

Day 12

Drive to the Sacred Valley, visit Pisac market and Inca ruins.

Day 13

Optional rafting trip; overnight Cuzco. For Inca Trail option, days 13-16 are spent trekking.

Day
14 - 15

Free time in Cuzco.

Day 16

Take the train to Machu Picchu.

Day 17

Explore Machu Picchu; afternoon return to Cuzco.

Day 18

Tour of Cuzco and Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman.

Day 19

Free time in Cuzco.

Day 20

Short flight to Puerto Maldonado; boat deep into rainforest; afternoon jungle walk.

Day 21

Jungle exploration.

Day 22

Fly to Lima; depart.

Day 23

Arrive London.

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Trip Notes contain all the detailed information you need. A full day by day itinerary, accommodation details, guides and other practical information. Download Now

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Exodus images from PERU EXPLORER

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Young Uros child on reed island, Lake Titicaca.