Connoisseur Peru

Arrival in Lima, reception and transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, flight to Cuzco, reception and transfer to the hotel of your choice. Free morning to acclimatize to the altitude.
Afternoon guided visit of the four ruins nearby; the Sacsayhuaman Fortress overlooking the city 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. Dinner and folkloric show in the evening.

Meals: B & D

An early start by Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes. Guided visit of 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 guided 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). Accommodation in Aguas Calientes.

Meals: B

Opportunity to return to the Sanctuary before your afternoon train to Cuzco.

Meals: B

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the morning return flight to Lima. Transfer to the bus terminal for the journey to Huanuco. Reception and transfer to your hotel.

Meals: B

Free morning to explore Huanuco before a guided visit to Kotosh, just 4 km from this picturesque highland town. Nearly 5,000 years old, Kotosh is one of the earliest signs of civilisation in the Americas. The site features a series of pyramidal-shaped mounds including a chamber decorated with a mud sculpture of two pairs of crossed arms, one of the oldest examples of sculpture in the Andes. Due to the absence of ruins of housing in the area, it is believed that Kotosh was a sacred pilgrimage centre rather than an urban settlement.

Meals: B

Bus journey south to the city of Huancayo, capital of the Junin department. Accommodation.

Meals: B

Free day to explore the city and its surroundings at your own leisure.

Meals: B

Excursion to the Mantaro valley including a trip to the Ocopa convent, which houses one of the largest libraries of all Franciscan convents in Peru.

Meals: B

Daily excursion to the Chanchamayo valley, the coffee capital of Peru. Here the growers, using age old techniques roast the fine arabica beans into what is widely regarded as the best coffee in Peru.

Meals: B

Fabulous train journey south to Huancavelica on the affectionately named "Macho train". Running alongside the Mantaro river and through some stunning mountain scenery, you will eventually arrive to Huancavelica, a very seldom tourist frequented town. Transfer to your hotel.

Meals: B

A chance to enjoy Huancavelica and her surroundings at your own pace. Perhaps a visit to the petrified forest of Sachapite just outside of the town or just relax in the termal baths near Lircay. The surrounding countryside is littered with many ancient ruins awaiting discovery.

Meals: B

Spectacular trip to Lake Choclococha, a huge inland sea across from where lies the remnants of an ancient village. You will have an opportunity to see many species of bird including Andean geese and hawk eagles as well as some vicuñas that come down to drink by the lakeside.

Meals: B

Long trip back to Lima through some unforgettable, rarely-ventured Peruvian countryside. Transfer to your hotel.

Meals: B

Free day before returning to Lima and your international flight home.

Meals: B