Arrival in Lima, reception and transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, a group guided visit of colonial and modern Lima, including the cathedral, dating from 1654, the main square, which still houses the original bronze fountain built in 1650, and the San Francisco Convent and its catacombs. Known as the city of the kings, Lima was founded in 1535 by Pizarro and rebuilt in 1991, the same year that UNESCO declared it a world heritage site. One of the very few South American cities that preserve the colonial past, Lima was home to the Spanish viceroy during the time of the Spanish colonialists. The tour also includes a visit to the residential areas of San Isidro and Miraflores, stopping at Larco Mar to enjoy a view of the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Return to your hotel. Free evening.

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Puerto Maldonado. Reception and transfer to the Tambopata River port in Puerto Maldonado for the canoe trip to your jungle lodge. After arrival a short orientation and a complete briefing on the lodge before visiting a 35 metre scaffolding tower for a spectacular view of the river, the surrounding forest and an opportunity to observe birds from the canopy including parrots, toucans and macaws. Return to the lodge.

Early wake at dawn for a visit to the Tres Chimbadas oxbow lake. Here we will take a long, easy canoe ride around the lake looking for giant river otters, turtles, hoatzin, and wading birds. The giant river otters that are seen in Tres Chimbadas belong to a resident family of nine. Return to the lodge for lunch before embarking on your afternoon outing to the community's ethno botanical center. We will hike the trails around the centre with one of the residents who will explain the everyday uses of forest resources in medicine, construction, food and fiber. Return to your lodge.

After an early breakfast departure by boat back to the city of Puerto Maldonado, directly to the airport, for your return flight to Cuzco. Transfer to your hotel. Free day.

Today a guided visit of the four ruins nearby; the Sacsayhuaman Fortress overlooking the of Cuzco, a pre Inca architectural masterpiece; Kenko, a rock sanctuary whose main attraction is the monolithic altar representing a puma, the red Fortress of Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay, a beautiful fountain fed by a spring forming a series of basins continue to the city of Cuzco; the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun.

Full-day excursion to the beautiful Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Inca situated between Pisac and Ollantaytambo. It is an exceptionally fertile valley that was and still remains the larder of Cuzco. Visit the village of Pisac, founded during colonial times, and set at the foot of a hill crowned by the remains of an ancient Inca city. On Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Indians barter their products in the main square and artisans from around the area sell their woven alpaca wool blankets and ponchos, engraved gourds, antique reproductions, jewellery, etc. On Sundays it is also the meeting place for Mayors from all the villages in the region, dressed in their traditional costumes to attend morning mass. After a buffet lunch, a visit to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town which was not defeated by the Spanish with an opportunity to explore the ruins which tower above.

An early transfer to the train station for the 7.30 AM Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. After check in to your hotel, a guided visit of the ruins and the most spectacular ancient city in the world. This fabulous city contains houses, temples, warehouses, a large central square; and all connected by narrow roads and steps that are surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side. After the tour, free time to enjoy this spiritual wonder. Opportunity for a trek (approx 1 hour) up to the sungate (Intipunku), which is a part of the Inca Trail, for a magical view of the sanctuary or alternatively an unguided climb to the top of Wayna Picchu, with a magnificent view of the whole Sanctuary (recommended for fit individuals only). Return to your hotel in the evening.

After breakfast, opportunity to return to the ruins for a more personal appreciation. Entrance tickets included but no guide as we feel some time for personal discovery will enhance your appreciation of this magical and spiritual site. Return to Cuzco in the afternoon ad transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight to Lima and transfer to the bus station for the public bus to Nazca. Overnight accommodation.

Before breakfast, a tour flight over the enigmatic Nazca Lines; gigantic drawings and geometrical figures engraved in the driest desert of Peru and dating back to 250 AD. Drawn throughout over 1000 Km2 of desert on the Pampas of San Jose in Ica, and due to their enormous size and largely unknown origin, leaves an indelible impression on all who visit this most mysterious archaeological site. With representations of animals, such as a spider, a monkey and several birds, they are believed to be an enormous astronomical calendar or possibly an offering to the gods. First discovered in 1550 it was not until the advent of flight, in the 1920's that the lines were first realised for their significance. Return to your hotel for breakfast before Return to your hotel for breakfast before continuing your journey onto Arequipa via public bus, some ten hours further south.
Arrival in the evening and transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, a guided tour of the white city, so-called because many of the buildings are made of volcanic sillar. Visiting the Chilina valley and the old San Lazaro district with a general view of the city from the Yanahuara Belvedere. There are marvellous views including the imposing Misti Volcano overlooking the city. A visit to the Plaza de Armas and its Cathedral, the cloisters of La Compañia Church, the Church and Square of San Francisco and the extraordinary Santa Catalina convent which is built from volcanic lava and dates from the 16th century. Return to your hotel.

After breakfast, early departure passing by the thermal baths of Yura and climbing up towards the National Reserve of Pampa de Cañahuas at 3800m. Here groups of alpacas, vicuñas and sometimes-even guanacos can be seen. After driving several hours more, the descent to the Colca Valley begins. The trip continues down the valley, passing next to several villages until you arrive at Chivay, the most important town of the valley. Transfer to your hotel.

An early start to visit the Colca canyon, the second deepest canyon in the world (the deepest canyon lies only a few kilometres from here). You shall also have an opportunity to see the huge condor, the world's largest flying bird before returning to Arequipa and transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Lima and take the long distance bus to Huaraz. Arrival in the evening and transfer to your hotel.

Free day at leisure to help plan for the Trek ahead.

SANTA CRUZ TREK

Leaving early morning, we drive along the Santa River passing several villages until we reach the present day Yungay. The road winds slowly up into the gully between the Huascarán massif and the Huandoy three-pronged peak, driving until Cashapampa. Start of the trek. Hiking for about six hours until Llamacorral where we will camp at 4000m.

After breakfast, hike for about six hours. We will see Mt. Taulliraju looming above us and on the other side its glacial lake. The glacier will add colour and contrast to the amazing view down the Santa Cruz Valley. The peaks of Santa Cruz, Quitaraju, Artesonaju and Alpamayo, the most beautiful mountain in the world, will come into view as well as the two lakes of Ichicocha and Hatuncocha. The trail ascends into Taullipampa, where we will camp at 4400m.

Early breakfast. The trail starts ascending towards Punta Union, a pass at 4700m (15,711 ft). This old trail was heavily used in pre-Columbian and colonial times as a route for transporting goods from the eastern side of the Andes to the main valley. As we approach the pass, you will enjoy amazing panoramic views down the Santa Cruz Valley to the west, and views of the Huaripampa Valley to the east. The peaks of Santa Cruz surrounded by Andean vegetation of Quenual (Pilylepis), the snow-capped peaks of Paria and Taulliraju, Artesonraju and Huaripampa will all come into view. Camp in the vicinity of Paria or Tuctu 3800m in the heart of Huascarán National Park.

After breakfast, hike through the Huaripampa valley, Colcabamba, Vaquería and finally to Portachuelo of Llanganuco at 4750m, (15,580 ft.) From this point, you will get a spectacular view of Mt. Huascarán, Huandoy, Pisco and Chacraraju. Private transportation to Huaraz. In the evening, take the return night bus back to Lima. Transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international flight home.