The Very Best of Peru

After breakfast, we meet with our fellow passengers and learn more of our adventures ahead before embarking on a tour to explore Lima's rich history and culture. Admire the colonial facades of Plaza San Martín and Plaza de Armas as we wander through Lima’s historical centre. Discover the San Francisco Monastery with its underground catacombs and stroll through the contemporary districts of Miraflores and San Isidro, with their beautiful parks, boutique shops and modern architecture. Our tour concludes in the bohemian district of Barranco - loved by artists and musicians and brimming with charm. We return to our hotel late afternoon and the evening is ours to unwind at our leisure.

Leaving Lima behind, we join our flight to Arequipa. Known as the ‘White City’, Arequipa is surrounded by three volcanic peaks and much of its unique, baroque-styled architecture is made from the white volcanic stone quarried nearby. Upon arrival, we transfer to Casa Andina Premium Arequipa, our home for the next three nights. Arequipa is renowned for its gastronomy, and this evening we stroll along the city’s cobbled streets to one of its widely acclaimed restaurants and dine together, savouring traditional local favourites like prawn chowder - chupe de camarones, or rocoto relleno - a dish of stuffed peppers, before returning to our hotel for the remainder of the evening.

We start today by diving deeper into Arequipa’s charm with a guided walking tour. From the city’s most traditional neighbourhood of San Lázaro, we explore the main square, Plaza de Armas. Marvel at the grand cathedral, water fountain and the finely-carved 17th century facade of La Compañía Church. Inside we see intricately-painted ceilings, reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel, before ending our tour at San Camilo Market to sample local delicacies. Our afternoon is at leisure. You may wish to use this time to learn more about a frozen mummy found in the nearby mountains only a few decades ago, or perhaps explore the countryside and visit a colonial mansion built by 16th-century Jesuits.

This morning, we travel to the awe-inspiring Colca Valley, one of the world’s deepest gorges. En route we pass through Aguada Blanca National Park, an area of high Andean plateaus marked by lakes and meadows. Look out for herds of vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas grazing on the plains, as we ascend to a height of 4,910 metres above sea level, where we are rewarded with far-reaching views of the snow-capped volcanic peaks. We enjoy a light lunch in Chivay, where traditionally clad villagers don brightly embroidered skirts and wide-brimmed felt hats. We continue to our hotel, Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs, for the next two nights. The late afternoon is a perfect time to enjoy the thermal baths located in the grounds of our lodge, situated on the banks of the Colca River.

This morning, we set off on our scenic drive to Puno, a journey which takes us from the rugged mountain scenery of the Andean plateau to the serene waters of the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca. Along the way we stop to admire the unusual rock formations at the ‘forest of stones’ of Imata. Continuing our drive, we pass through humble settlements and vast open landscapes, before arriving at the fresh waters of Laguna Lagunillas. Situated at an altitude of 4,250 metres, the air is cool, and when flamingos visit the lagoon, they lend a pink tinge to the icy blue, windswept, beautiful backdrop. After an invigorating pitstop, we resume our journey eastwards, arriving at our hotel. Sitting on the shores of Lake Titicaca, our two-night stay at José Antonio is a perfect base from which to discover more about the ethnic culture of those that live on the lake’s islands.

After breakfast, we begin our exploration of the Sacred Valley with a visit to the small town of Pisac. Famous for its empanada ovens, we visit Pumachayoc, one of Pisac's oldest eateries. Owned by the same family for generations, owner Ernestina follows her father’s recipes using the original ‘superfoods’ of quinoa and fava beans, preparing sweet and savoury empanadas for us to sample. We also meet a local silversmith to learn more about their craft of traditional jewellery-making. Next, we head to the charming town of Ollantaytambo. Nicknamed ‘Ollanta’ by the locals, there are testimonies to the ingenuity of Inca engineering all around. From the ruins perched high on the surrounding slopes, to the water channels running through the town’s cobbled lanes, the town’s 700-year history is to be admired. Our day concludes with a visit to a typical home, providing insight into life in the Sacred Valley, before we return to our hotel for the evening.

More of the valley unfolds with a visit to the unique circular terraces of Moray. This pre-Inca agricultural area has underground irrigation channels, a variety of soils and changing temperatures, and is believed to have been an experimental plant nursery and agricultural research station. Afterwards, we visit the salt ponds of Maras. Reflecting Inca practices, the 4,500 ponds are managed by a system of collective ownership, called ‘ayni’, and different families are responsible for harvesting the salt by hand. Sunshine plays a part in its production and quality – the white and pinkish-coloured salt terraces are almost blinding in the drier season. We pause for a flavoursome lunch overlooking the valley landscape, and later, visit a local community, where skilled artisans teach us time-honoured weaving and dyeing techniques.

Once the capital of the Inca Empire, the historic charm of Cusco awaits. Today, we explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, starting with the colonial influences surrounding the Plaza de Armas and its renaissance-styled cathedral. Continuing on foot, observe the Inca influence as we make our way through small alleys, edged by ancient Inca walls of precision stonework, to Qorikancha, believed to be the most important temple for the Incas. Next, we visit the hilly, artistic San Blas neighbourhood, a traditional area famed for its culture, handicrafts and timeless, colonial-era houses. A treasure trove of galleries and bijoux eateries dot the winding, narrow lanes – the atmosphere distinctly bohemian. The indigenous name for Cusco is Qosqo, meaning 'navel of the world' – and we end our tour overlooking the city, taking in its spectacular panorama.

Cusco is an energetic city with so much to offer, and our day is free to explore at our own pace. Enjoy the ambience of the central plaza or step into the past and explore Sacsayhuamán, the Inca ceremonial fortress dedicated to the sun. Get up close to Andean camelids at Manos de la Comunidad or learn more about Peruvian gastronomy and take part in a cookery class. With so much history, there are bound to be secrets – join a walking tour at sunrise or sunset to hear stories only the locals know.

Early this morning we fly to Lima. Upon arrival, we transfer to the renowned Larco Museum for a tour. The museum is home to over 45,000 objects including pre-Columbian ceramics, textiles, gold and silver pieces, plus the museum’s famous and unique erotic ceramics collection from the Mochica culture. The tranquil ambience of the museum's Café Museo Larco restaurant, set in a garden of dazzling, cerise and orange bougainvillea, is where we enjoy our final meal together and completes our immersion into Peruvian history, culture and gastronomy. After lunch we head to the Sol de Oro Hotel & Suites for our final night in Peru.

It’s time to bid farewell to new friends and make our way to Lima Airport for our flight to Paris or Amsterdam, with the Air France / KLM partnership.

Our flight connects with our onward journey to London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh, or Aberdeen, bringing an end to our incredible journey.