Extraordinary Peru
Lima, Paracas, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Cusco, LimaHow do you want to spend a two-week holiday? If the answer involves hurtling across vast sand dunes and seeing penguins and llamas up close, this adventure tour in Peru is for you. You'll explore the lost city of Machu Picchu and see the impressive Colca Canyon before tucking into delectable cuisine at some of Lima's most celebrated eateries.
Journey highlights
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Discover the origins of Peru’s famous cuisine and dine out at some of Latin America’s most celebrated restaurants in Lima
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See penguins in the morning, visit an oasis in the desert at lunch and sand board down huge dunes before sunset
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Wander the cobbled streets and colourful alleys of Arequipa flanked by spectacular volcanoes and witness the mighty Andean Condor swooping through the skies of the impressive Colca Canyon
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Snap that iconic self at the ancient Inca site of Machu Picchu
- Extraordinary itinerary:Our Extraordinary Journeys offer unforgettable cutting-edge hotels, experiences and restaurants with a focus on design, fashion and innovation
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
- J
- F
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- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
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- N
- D
The fact that much of Peru is at altitude, means that there are two defined seasons: rainy and dry. The rainy season typically lasts from November to March, with the heaviest rains arriving in January and February. The best time to visit areas at altitude, such as Cusco and Machu Picchu, is during April-October. Though daytime temperatures rest in the mid-to upper 60s throughout the year, the city sees fewer rain showers during its winter months. Bring warm clothing as night-time temperatures dip into the low 30s and 40s due to the altitude.
Itinerary
Fly to Lima
Lima
Upon arrival in Lima you’ll be whisked off to your hip boutique hotel in the city’s bohemian Barranco district, known for its cool pavement cafes and lively bars, colourful street art and quirky shops. With just a handful of guest rooms, you’ll be guaranteed an intimate and relaxing stay. The hotel’s décor reflects the trendy neighbourhood, expect a sleek modern design with a smattering of vintage trinkets and colourful Peruvian artwork.
Just a stone’s throw from the hotel, you’ll find a lovely coastal walkway along the top of the cliffs, where you can watch paragliders swooping across the sky and surfers fooling around in the waves below. This is an ideal spot where to enjoy your first (probably of many) Pisco Sour whilst the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean and turns the sky a gorgeous blend of burnt orange and purple hues. There will be time for you to explore Lima properly at the end of your trip, so this evening why not freshen up, enjoy a cocktail on the rooftop and head out for dinner at one of the city’s funky eateries.
Paracas
Following a restful night and a delicious breakfast, bid farewell to the urban landscape as your driver transports you down the coastal highway towards the beaches and vast desert landscapes of Paracas. Arriving at your fabulous beachside retreat in time for lunch (there are three fantastic restaurants to choose from), enjoy the rest of the afternoon soaking up some sun beside the pool or check out the sumptuous offerings at the spa.
The next morning, it’s time for the real adventures to begin! First off, hop on board and enjoy a two hour boat trip around the Ballestas Islands (sometimes referred to as the poor man’s Galapagos) where you’ll observe an abundance of wildlife, including penguins diving off the craggy rocks, pelicans and boobies diving for lunch, seals and sea lions playing in the water and pods of dolphins and maybe even turtles swimming alongside the boat. You'll also see the candelabra, a huge mysterious geoglyph carved into the sands on the mainland, the origins of which remain a complete mystery.
Afterwards, transfer to Ica, Peru's main grape-growing region (where they produce the local alcoholic spirit Pisco rather than wine) and take a leisurely lunch which might include your first taste of some Peruvian classics. There’s a short stop at a local museum, famous for its collection of creepy mummies, before arriving at the day’s ultimate highlight, Huacachina Lagoon, a mirage-like oasis in the middle of the desert. Clamber into buggies for an exhilarating ride up and down the huge sand dunes, some of which reach 80 metres high. Fasten your seatbelts and hold on tight, it’s a thrilling experience! At the top of the dunes there’s also the option of trying out sandboarding, not for the faint hearted but highly recommended. Once your heartbeat returns to normal there might be time for a toast on the sands, before coming back to the hotel for dinner.
Arequipa
There’s no rush this morning, so take it easy, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and work on your tan whilst catching up on your favourite podcast beside the pool. Your driver will pick you up for the journey back to Lima where you’ll board a short flight across to the gorgeous colonial city of Arequipa, known as the White City due to its pearl-coloured architecture.
Your home here is a stunning new boutique property in the centre of town, occupying the site of a former monastery, it has been lovingly revamped with luxurious modern flourishes. You should arrive into Arequipa in time to glimpse the sun going down over the three dramatic volcanoes that guard the city and dinner will be served out on the romantically lit terrace when you’re ready. It’s part of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux portfolio, so expect a mouth-watering array of dishes championing local produce with a contemporary twist.
The next day you’ll be given a full guided tour of the city and its picturesque surroundings. The main highlights include the Santa Catalina convent, a photogenic labyrinth of colourful alleyways and hanging tropical plants, followed by a visit to Juanita, the mummified Inca ‘Ice Maiden’. Here you'll discover the grisly truths about human sacrifices (typically young girls) that occurred on the high Andean peaks overlooking Arequipa.
Colca Canyon
The next morning, journey overland through a desolate and windswept yet spectacular landscape, stopping to photograph vicunas and guanacos (relatives of the more famous llama) grazing alongside the road as you hurtle towards the cavernous Colca Canyon. Pass through remote villages, wander through bustling local markets and walk across Inca terraces, it’s a gentle introduction to Peru’s ancient traditions and cultures.
Once you arrive at your hotel, sensationally located within the canyon itself, there will be plenty of time for a heavenly rejuvenating soak in the natural hot springs, best enjoyed with a glass of wine, whilst you watch the dark night draw in and the bright stars twinkle above.
Accommodation: Colca Lodge Spa and Hot Springs ( 1 night )
Arequipa
It’s an early start this morning in order to get to the best observation point for the Cruz del Condor, known as the sanctuary of the condors. Perched high above the canyon, this is the perfect spot to appreciate the jaw-dropping natural beauty of the area and to observe the flight of the mighty condors themselves. It’s a real spectacle so you’ll want to have your camera fully charged! On route back to Arequipa there’s time for several interesting stops and lunch along the way. The afternoon can be spent meandering the pretty streets and enjoying cocktails up on the rooftop bars.
Accommodation: CIRQA ( 1 night )
Cusco
Another new destination awaits you today. Board a flight from Arequipa to Cusco where you’ll spend the next three nights in Peru’s most vibrant and enticing city, oozing with rich history and colonial architecture. Cusco once sat at the centre of the Inca empire and is the gateway to Peru’s most famous landmark, Machu Picchu. Today, Cusco is a tourist mecca, with a mixture of traditional markets, bustling plazas, boutique galleries and museums, trendy hotels and an ever-growing number of gourmet restaurants and popular nightlife spots.
That afternoon we have included a short orientation tour, introducing you to some of the city’s highlights, and the following day you’ll visit the picturesque Sacred Valley, on the outskirts of the city. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, you’ll stop in at traditional villages with colourful markets and fascinating Inca sites such as the impress fortress of Ollantaytambo.
Of course, the main attraction here is Machu Picchu and deservedly so, it’s one of the seven modern wonders of the world. Most people have seen photographs of it, but nothing will prepare you for seeing it in its full glory. For hundreds of years it lay abandoned and it was only rediscovered in 1911 by an American archaeologist who happened to stumble across it. The journey there is impressive in itself, you take a train through dramatic scenery and then a bus zig-zags up to the top of the mountain where you finally lay eyes on the ancient citadel. You’ll have a chance to walk around the huge site and get those all-important selfies, maybe even with a photobombing llama!
Accommodation: Inkaterra La Casona ( 1 night )
Lima
If you’re still looking for souvenirs (who doesn’t want a fluffy llama?), this morning is probably the time to do so. Later that afternoon catch a flight back to Lima where you’ll return to your original hotel for your final two nights. Lima is now regarded as the foodie capital of Latin America and the restaurant scene is constantly evolving so there's always somewhere new and exciting. The hotel’s knowledgeable staff will happily make recommendations and book you into one of the city’s trendiest dining establishments.
An orientation tour of the city will take you around some the best parts, including a “must” visit to the private Larco Museum, which contains a fascinating collection of ancient ceramics and unique gold pieces dating back to pre-Inca civilisations. There’s also a walking tour of Barranco, to give you a better feel and understanding of its vibrant street art and point you in the right direction towards its hippest bars where you can return later to toast your final evening in Peru.
Fly home
Call us on 020 3930 4802 to start planning your holiday.
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and includes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 2024 | GBP £6,900 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| May 2024 | GBP £6,900 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| June 2024 | GBP £6,900 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| July 2024 | GBP £6,900 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| August 2024 | GBP £6,900 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| September 2024 | GBP £6,600 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| October 2024 | GBP £6,900 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| November 2024 | GBP £6,900 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| December 2024 | GBP £6,900 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| January 2025 | GBP £6,200 | GBP £900 | plan your trip |
| February 2025 | GBP £6,200 | GBP £900 | plan your trip |
| March 2025 | GBP £6,600 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
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April 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
May 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
June 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
July 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
August 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
September 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,600
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
October 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
November 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
December 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
January 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,200
Deposit from*GBP £900
-
February 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,200
Deposit from*GBP £900
-
March 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,600
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
- plan your trip
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