Imagine Peru

Famed for its outstanding diversity, this short and sweet trip really captures the essence of Peru, combining stunning landscapes with picturesque colonial charm and ancient treasures, we are sure it will leave you wanting more.

1. Fly to Lima

2. Days 1-3: Lima

   Upon arriving in Lima you’ll be whisked off to your hotel in the trendy Miraflores district. During your time in the capital you’ll uncover some of the city’s highlights on a guided tour and at your own leisure we suggest exploring the bohemian neighbourhood of Barranco with its cool pavement cafes, interesting museums and quirky boutiques. There’s a lovely coastal walkway along the top of the cliffs in Miraflores, you can watch paragliders swooping across the sky and surfers fooling around in the waves below. This is also an ideal spot to enjoy your first Pisco Sour whilst the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, and be sure to book a table at one of the city's top restaurants, where exotic and unusual ingredients result in innovative fusion dishes.

   Accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Miraflores (2 nights)

3. Days 3-5: Sacred Valley

   You’ll need to board a flight to reach Cusco before transferring straight across to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a beautiful region rich in nature, culture and ancient wonders. This is the perfect base for your introduction to the history of the Incas, with many culturally important sites and adventurous activities on offer. Lower lying than Cusco, the Sacred valley forms the gateway to Machu Picchu, thus making it ideal for acclimatising to the altitude here.

   Accommodation: Sonesta Posadas del Inca Sacred Valley (2 nights)

4. Days 5-6: Machu Picchu

   Jump on the train and watch out of the window as the scenery changes from snow-capped mountains to fast flowing rivers and tropical jungle as you arrive into Aguas Calientes, the town at the foothills of Machu Picchu. It’s then a short zip-zag bus up to the entrance of the world-famous lost city where you’ll enjoy a guided visit exploring the main sections of the ruins whilst learning about the area’s fascinating history and those who once lived there. The American explorer Hiram Bingham “rediscovered” it in 1911, by which time it was completely buried beneath jungle vegetation. After a busy morning you’ll be thankful for the delicious lunch served at the nearby Sanctuary Lodge before heading back down to Aguas Calientes where you’ll have time to go souvenir shopping and stay for the night.

   Accommodation: El MaPi (1 night)

5. Days 6-9: Cusco

   You’ll have the morning free in Aguas Calientes to do as you please. Perhaps you just want to relax or visit the hot springs that give the town its name. The more adventurous may choose to hike up to one of the vantage points high above Machu Picchu for a literally breath-taking bird’s eye view of the citadel down below. In the afternoon, you’ll board the train all the way back to Cusco where you’ll stay for the last few nights of this trip. It’s a vibrant and enticing city, oozing with a rich eclectic history reflected in its intricate Inca temples, fancy baroque churches and colonial architecture. There are lively traditional markets, bustling plazas, boutique galleries and museums, trendy hotels and an ever-growing number of gourmet restaurants. Whilst we have included a guided half-day city to introduce you to some of the highlights, it’s easy enough to then explore the rest of Cusco at your own pace.

   Accommodation: Casa Andina Premium Cusco (3 nights)

6. Fly home via Lima

   Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast at the hotel and then fly back to Lima, ready to check in for your flight home.

Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu