Lima<- ->Cusco

Visiting: Peru

Lima<- ->Cusco

If you want to ‘do Peru’, then this trip is a must. Taking in all the highlights (Paracas National Park, the Nazca Lines, Colca Canyon, Arequipa and Machu Picchu) of this comparatively small but oh-so-welcoming South American country, this trip hugs the Peruvian coast, from the present-day capital, Lima to the ancient Inca capital of Cusco. Our travellers tell us that their favourite part of this trip is the week-long Community Inca Trail to Machu Picchu through the Urubamba Valley. As well as staying with our Quechuan Indian hosts to learn about their culture, you’ll be trekking an ancient trade route which is unique to Dragoman and well away from the tourist hordes trekking the ‘classic Inca Trail’, although that is still an option if you prefer. Another cultural highlight is staying in a typical Peruvian homestay in the quaint village of Raqchi where you’ll sample local dishes and be treated to a ceremonial singing and dancing display.

Border information: If you are starting at Cusco, enter Peru at Cusco Airport.

Free day to explore the wonderful city of Cusco, the capital of the Inca kingdom. There will be a group meeting at 10:00 hrs. Staying in a good quality colonial hotel in Cusco.

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Trekking in the Andes - either the community trek or the classic trek. This is one of the world's best treks and a highlight for most visitors to Peru.

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Trekking in the Andes - either the community trek or the classic trek. This is one of the world's best treks and a highlight for most visitors to Peru.

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Trekking in the Andes - either the community trek or the classic trek. This is one of the world's best treks and a highlight for most visitors to Peru.

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Trekking in the Andes - either the community trek or the classic trek. This is one of the world's best treks and a highlight for most visitors to Peru.

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Visit to Machu Picchu one of the world's most iconic sights. We'll have a guided tour with a local expert and plenty of time on site before catching the train back to Cusco.

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Today is a free day to recover from trekking with optional activities available in Cusco such as white water rafting. Overnight in the same colonial hotel

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Drive to Raqchi and visit ruins and local artisan centre. We stay overnight in local homestay. We stay in traditional family houses with clean but basic facilities. Whilst we are there we enjoy some of the ceremonial aspects of village life as well as much singing and dancing. This is a great local experience.

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440kms drive day to Chivay with optional visit to thermal springs. We stay overnight in a hotel at Chivay

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Today we will visit the spectacular Colca Canyon to view condors and also local communities. We will then head on to the beautiful white city of Arequipa.

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Free day to explore Arequipa.

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380kms drive day to Puerto Inca where we stay at a beach side campsite.

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A 270kms morning drive takes us to Nazca where you will have the chance of an optional flight over the mysterious Nazca lines and visit Chauchilla cemetery. We stay at a campsite with a pool.

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We drive 220kms and visit the oasis town of Huacachina for optional sand boarding and sand buggying and an overnight trip to the dunes.

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A short drive via the town of Ica takes us to Paracas National Park where we will visit the museum in the park before bushcamping in this spectacular location.

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In the morning we board a boat trip around the Ballestas Islands to view wildlife. We then head 270kms to Lima, arriving late in the afternoon. We stay in a good quality hotel in central Lima

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Free time to explore the city. There are many museums you can visit, such as the Museo de la Nacion, as well as cathedrals, plazas and cafes. It is also possible to visit the catacombs.

Border information: If you are leaving in Lima, exit Peru at Lima Airport.

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Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner