Machu Picchu, Nazca & Colca Canyon

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy an informative and interesting city tour of Lima, including its Historic Centre and the Santo Domingo Convent. Start by exploring the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro before heading to the older parts of the city. Visit the impressive Convent of Santo Domingo and walk to the Plaza de Armas to admire the exquisite colonial architecture that surrounds it. Finally, stop in the Parque del Amor, where you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Peruvian coastline. Overnight stay in Lima.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, transfer to the bus station and enjoy a scenic journey heading south along the coast to Paracas. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and get out and explore this small port town which boasts beautiful beaches and fascinating wildlife. Overnight stay in Paracas.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, take a boat to the Ballestas Islands, where you can see thousands of birds, sea lions and seals in their natural environment.  From Humboldt penguins and South American sea lions to a multitude of marine birds, be in awe of the beauty of these tranquil islands. The famous Candelabra design, a figure of the Nazca culture engraved in the desert, can also be seen from the boat. In the afternoon, transfer to the bus station for a bus to Nazca. Arrive in Nazca, famous for its mysterious Nazca lines, although the city is named after the civilisation that flourished here between 100 BC and 800 AD. This region also has a strong heritage of viticulture, although today, this is one of the dryest places on earth with only 4 millimetres of rain, on average, a year. Overnight stay in Nazca.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have the unmissable opportunity of taking an optional flight over the Nazca lines.* In the afternoon, transfer to the bus station to catch a regular night bus to Arequipa, one of the most important economic and industrial centres in Peru. Arequipa's city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to various religious monuments and historic buildings such as the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa. The city sits at the foot of the Misti volcano which provides a beautiful skyline backdrop. Overnight transfer. 

* Optional Nazca Lines Flight: Experience the mystery of the Nazca lines from the sky, with a flight over the ancient lines, some measuring 30 metres in width, which depict strange images, shrouded in conspiracy and speculation. See the Astronaut, the Monkey and the Condor, among other depictions and decide for yourself the meaning of these ancient messages to the Gods. Minimum 3 pax. $220 approx per person to be paid at the destination.

Please note: the transfer to Arequipa is through the night and you will arrive at the destination the following morning. It's suggested that passengers bring snacks for the overnight transfer, as no meal service is provided on board the bus.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you have the opportunity to take an optional city tour of Arequipa.* Alternatively, spend the day at your leisure, exploring this historic city. Overnight stay in Arequipa. 

* Optional City Tour of Arequipa: Visit the sights of Arequipa such as the Plaza de Armas, the Monastery of St Catherine and the Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa. The Monastery of St Catherine is the most important and impressive religious construction in Peru. Next, head to the beautiful Barrio del Solar to visit the Church of La Compañía de Jesús, a temple that constitutes the oldest and most important testimony of religious architecture made with ashlar volcanic stone. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, travel to the Colca Valley, an ancient area that boasts sweeping valleys and is home to famous giant Andean Condor. On the way, pass through the town of Yura, the spectacular landscapes National Reserve of Aguada Blanca and stop in Patapampa. Pass through Chivay before arriving in Colca. Enjoy the facilities of your hotel and dinner. Overnight stay in Colca.

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early this morning, headed for the quaint village of Yanque, home to a historic church and considered the most beautiful village in the Colca Valley. Next, take in the views as your drive towards Cruz del Condor, one of the best places in South America to view the giant Andean Condor! Arrive at the viewpoint and take some time to appreciate the incredible natural landscapes as you watch the legendary flight of the Condor, an unforgettable experience! After an action-packed morning, return to Chivay, stopping at the Huayra Punko viewpoint and the town of Maca along the way. Back in Chivay, enjoy some time at your leisure before departing towards Puno, a journey of approximately 6-hours. Make a rest stop along the way in Patahuasi and stop to observe the birdlife and landscapes in Lagunillas. After another short stop in Santa Lucia, you finally arrive in Puno, home of legendary Lake Titicaca and famed for its rich cultural heritage! Get settled at the hotel and enjoy the evening to relax at your leisure. Overnight stay in Puno.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day relaxing at your leisure, enjoying the views of Lake Titicaca or simply enjoying the facilities of your hotel. We recommend an optional excursion to Taquile & Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca.* Overnight stay in Puno.

* Optional Excursion to Taquile & Uros island: Depart by boat to Taquile island, which dates back to pre-Inca times. The Islanders are famous for their beautiful clothing, their incredible knits, and textile industry. Next, visit the community of Huayllano, on the same island, where the locals show their traditional crafts and agriculture.Enjoy a traditional lunch. Afterwards, visit the island of Uros situated in the middle of the national reserve of Lake Titicaca. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Puno station to take a bus to Cuzco. Leave the station and start your journey on the bus to Puno and enjoy the marvellous landscapes of the South Valley of Cuzco. Visit Andahuaylillas, a beautiful 17th-century church, featuring an impressive organ decorated with angels and cherubs. Continue on the road and visit the ruins of Racqui, also known as the ´Temple of the God Wiracocha. After lunch, discover La Raya, the highest point on the highway between Cuzco and Puno for amazing views of the landscape. Arrive in Cuzco and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Cuzco. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a fascinating half-day tour of Cuzco. Begin in the iconic Plaza de Armas, and visit the Cathedral. From here, walk to the Koricancha Temple, an impressive ancient Inca palace, in honour of the Sun God. Today, a Dominican church stands on the site. Finally, visit the lively San Blas neighbourhood, known for its artists, shops and artisan workshops. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, soaking up the atmosphere of the city and sampling the local cuisine. Overnight stay in Cuzco.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, an exciting day awaits you in Machu Picchu, one of the 7 wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Transfer to the village of Ollantaytambo to travel by train to Aguas Calientes* (Machu Picchu village) and enjoy the beautiful green mountain scenery along the way.

Once there, transfer by bus to the ancient Inca city of the Citadel for approximately a 2:30h visit which may take place in the morning or afternoon depending on availability. Enjoy the spectacular views of this Peruvian treasure built in the 15th century at an altitude of more than 2000 meters. 

Return by bus to Aguas Calientes and, depending on the return train schedule, you will have free time to explore the town at your own pace. Travel by train back to Ollantaytambo, transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Cuzco.

*The reservation includes a standard category train (Expedition train or Voyager train). You have the option to add a supplement to travel on a higher category train (360º train or Vistadome train) in the next step of the booking process.

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off towards Cuzco, with the opportunity to enjoy the optional Sacred Valley excursion along the way, to experience the best of the region.* Arrive in Cuzco and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, enjoying the lively plazas at night. Overnight stay in Cuzco.

* Optional Essence of the Sacred Valley Excursion: Discover the millenary history and vibrant culture of the Sacred Valley. Begin in Chinchero, visiting the Parwa Cultural Center to learn about traditional textiles and their symbolism. Observe the artisans in action, from the extraction of natural dyes to the weaving techniques passed down through generations. Explore the archaeological complex of Chinchero, an ancient agricultural and livestock center of the Tahuantinsuyo, and admire the Nuestra Señora de Monserrat church, an example of the fusion between Andean and Spanish cultures. Then, visit Moray, a fascinating archaeological site with concentric terraces that functioned as an Incan agricultural laboratory. Enjoy a local lunch before heading to Ollantaytambo, an ancient military, religious, and agricultural center. Tour its impressive stone fortress and main temple while enjoying unparalleled views of the town, which still retains its original Incan urban design. Stroll through its stone streets, visit the market, and immerse yourself in the authentic spirit of the Andes.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Canada. Night on board.

Arrive in Canada and end your trip.