Welcome to Lima! Your exploration of the ‘City of Kings’ begins with a jaunt through the snake-oil spectacle of the Mercado de Brujas, a real-life ‘witches market.’ You’ll get familiarized with the city on a guided tour of Central Lima, wandering vibrant streets filled with ornate colonial mansions, palaces and churches towards Plaza Mayor, the historic center of the city. Among the landmarks you’ll see is the increasingly unwelcomed statue of the city’s founder: Francisco Pizzaro. Enjoy a memorable welcome dinner at one of the city’s top restaurants, which offers fabulous views of mystical pre-Incan ruins. 

Venture out by boat to the Islas de Ballestas, a biodiverse set of islands known as the Peruvian Galapagos. Here you might catch a glimpse of Peruvian pelicans, Humboldt penguins, Inca terns, Peruvian boobies, and turkey vultures, amongst other impressive creatures. Next, you’ll examine the Paracas Candelabra, a mysterious prehistoric geoglyph etched into petrified sand, then after a spot of lunch, take off over the Nazca Lines to view these vast, mysterious, ancient works of land art. No one knows where these sprawling glyphs came from or how on earth people were able to design them millennia before air travel existed! Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening. 

The rolling sand dunes around the Huacachina Oasis inspire mirages, but the lake at the center — one of the few true oases in the Americas — is real. Rip across the desert in a dune buggy before refreshing yourself with local wine and local Pisco, and a tour of one of South America’s oldest wineries. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, before returning to Lima, where you’ll enjoy a delicious Peruvian dinner in a restaurant with breathtaking Pacific Ocean views. 

After a quick flight from Lima to Cusco, journey into the Sacred Valley, a verdant region rich with archeological sites and Incan village markets. Get an insider’s perspective on a town known for its fabric dyeing and textile weaving; a private weaving workshop will reveal techniques rarely seen outside the Valley. After a magical morning, you’ll head straight for El Mirador, a stunning vantage point for high-altitude views of the dramatic landscapes below. After lunch, check out the town of Pisac and wander through the local market, known for its multi-coloured textiles, local foods, and indigenous clothing - a great opportunity to pick up some souvenirs and take some great photos. Head back to your hotel for dinner. 

Start the morning by learning firsthand about some of the greatest discoveries of the ancient Incas. You’ll marvel at the rosy earth tones of the Salt Pans of Maras, colorful, open salt mines that have been in use since the Incan Empire. Head to the beautiful lagoon of Piuray, for an Andean picnic lunch, on the shores of the lagoon. In the afternoon, explore the ruins of Ollantaytambo and visit the ancient, experimental, terraced farm of Moray. Then, find out where the Sacred Valley gets its name when you join local shamans for a spiritual ceremony to make an offering to Pachamama, Mother Earth.

As dawn rises over the Andes, take a panoramic train ride to one of the world’s most incredible hikes: the famed Inca Trail. Along the path, you’ll pass various archeological wonders and breathtaking views, such as the Urubamba River valley vista and the Choquesuysuy archaeological complex. The highlight is Winay Wayna, a set of stunning 15th century ruins named for the orchids that dot the landscape. Stopping for picnic lunch. Continuing on, stand in awe at your first glimpses of Machu Picchu as you descend, arriving at the “old mountain” just before sunset after most visitors have already departed. Take your time enjoying the complex in peace and quiet. 

Today you will fully explore a true wonder of the world with a knowledgeable host who will unlock the secrets of this archeological paradise. Machu Picchu seems impossible. How was it built in 15th century Peru, especially at a staggering 7,000 feet of elevation? With more than 150 buildings ranging from temples to bathhouses and sanctuaries, and over 100 hand-crafted staircases, it truly has to be seen to be believed. After hours of exploration, you’ll glide back to Cusco aboard the Vistadome train, taking in panoramic views of the Andes. Reflect on the incredible day you’ve just had with your co-travelers during dinner at a sustainable restaurant that supports local producers. 

Not all Incan legacies endure as well as Machu Picchu’s stone ruins. Handmade rope bridges suspended across rivers and chasms were once a vital part of a vast network of pathways, the Incan superhighway Qhapaq Nan. The village of Q’eswachaka keeps this tradition alive. During your visit, admire the surprising strength of one of the last Incan rope bridges. Forged from grass and straw, the community here crafts the entire bridge by hand. Next, you’ll visit four picturesque lagoons called Pampamarca, Oscoqocha, Acopía and Pomacanchi, and stop to enjoy an al fresco lunch amongst remarkable flora and regional fauna. Later, the evening is yours to explore Cusco, the cultural heart of Peru. 

Spend the day enjoying Cusco’s vibrant culture. Stops at the Museo de la Coca and the Cusco Cathedral’s dazzling golden altar present two different sides of this historic city.  You’ll also see the façade of the Qoricancha temple, considered the most sacred Inca building in Cusco. A mouth-watering lunch in one of the city’s town squares awaits. Just outside of town are a few of the last sites you can’t leave Peru without seeing: the humbling 200-ton monoliths of Sacsayhuaman, the geometrical genius of The Twelve-Angled Stone, and the bathhouse ruins of Tambomachay. End your day with a delicious farewell dinner in the grounds of the Pre-Columbian Art Museum. 

Today we say goodbye. You’ll be guided to the airport, or set off to further explore more of Peru on your own.