Classic Peru Safari
An incredible itinerary exploring the bustling cities of Peru followed by tracking through the Peruvian Amazon rainforest in order in search of the incredible flora and fauna which calls this area home. Peru is a brilliantly diverse country, from the highlands of the Andes and its mysterious Incan archaeological sites to the lowland Pacific region and colonial splendour of Lima, intriguing Colca Canyon, the world's highest navigable lake Titicaca with its unique floating reed islands and the steamy Amazonian basin, filled with exotic wildlife and wonderful scenery. We have carefully selected this itinerary to showcase this incredible variety in what will be a journey of Latin discovery.
What to expect ?
After waking on your first morning and enjoying breakfast in the historic city of Lima, you will start a guided city tour, taking in Lima’s colonial centre. From here, you will catch your onward flight to Arequipa, Peru’s second largest and beautiful whitewashed city, often referred to as the 'White City'. Explore the green and fountain-filled Plaza de Armas, where the city’s cathedral can be found and the outstanding Santa Catalina convent.
Continue your journey towards Colca Canyon, a spectacular journey through some breathtaking scenery, which involves some dramatic shifts in landscape, from brilliant white snow fields to arid cactus forests. You will also drive across Pampa Cañahuas, which is inhabited by herds of Alpacas and Vicuñas. An early start will take you to Condor Cross, where you stand a good chance of seeing Andean condors circling above.
Head towards Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, and set off on an exciting day exploring the floating islands of Uros and Taquile.
Leave Puno for the Andean highlands and one of the continent's great cities, Cuzco, the ancient Inca capital of Peru. You'll arrive by Andean Explorer train, one of the few great South American train journeys, with the Andes as a backdrop and a 3-course lunch served on board. The city is an intriguing mix of where the two cultures collide and is the ideal place to learn and understand Incan culture. You can explore original Inca ruins and hispanic cathedrals and watch llamas roaming around the sun-filled cobbled plazas to local markets.
Set off to explore the Sacred Valley and the first stop Awanacancha (an Andean textile centre), is located just outside of the town of Pisac and then onwards to the archaeological site of Pisac, which is formed from a number of Inca dwellings and ceremonial temples. You'll then explore the famous Pisac Market, be prepared to bargain hard. Embarking on a scenic train journey starting in the luscious Andean highlands and descending through the Sacred Valley until you arrive at Aguas Calientes, your gateway to this magnificent ancient Incan city, Machu Picchu. Lost until its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911, this is the most famous Inca site in South America and appears to have been carved out of the granite from the mountain.
Begin the next stage of your exciting journey into Peru's Amazon by taking a short flight to Puerto Maldonado. Spend your days exploring this incredible wildlife paradise; the range of exciting half-day excursions includes a nearby Oxbow lake or the reserve’s very own canopy walkway, where you can observe many species from a different perspective high up in the treetops. Take a night hike with your expert naturalist or take a twilight river safari searching for nightjars, owls, capybaras and caimans.
Arrive back at Puerto Maldonado by motorised canoe and catch your onward flight to Lima, where you can return to Miraflores and enjoy another evening in this pretty district of the capital, before taking your international flight home.
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Why book this trip?
- Discover Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world
- Visit Uros, an Island within Lake Titicaca made from Tortura reeds by the local inhabitants, known as the ‘Water Tribe’.
- Explore the ancient Inca capital of Peru, Cuzco and find old temples and cathedrals.
- Catch a train through the Sacred Valley on your way to Machu Picchu.
- Meet the wildlife of the Peruvian Amazon via canopy walkways, boat rides, night safaris and fishing.
Accommodation Highlights
Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica
Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica provides elegant, private cabanas or the opportunity to live in a tree house in the jungle, for a unique and exciting experience like no other. The guiding is excellent and upon arrival you will meet with an interpreter who will make up your ideal itinerary depending on you; your length of stay, fitness levels and what you want to see etc.
Casa Andina Premium Collectio
Just 3 blocks from Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, this authentic colonial manor house provides a mixture of authentic and traditional character and modern day comforts and luxuries. The 94 rooms are all set around the 3 central courtyards; the main one, which features a gurgling stone fountain, has become emblematic of Cuzco. Several of the rooms throughout the hotel feature colonial frescoes which were discovered during the renovation. Guests are looked after, meals are served in a gourmet restaurant where you will dine by candlelight, and there is the option of added oxygen for those having problems adapting to the high altitude.