Peru is such a fascinating country and we have created this itinerary to make sure you see as many different areas of it as possible.

You will travel from the world famous Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, to the Madre de Dios region of the Amazon rainforest; with many other exciting stops along the way. The captivating history and culture of this country will enchant all members of the family starting during the Pre-Inca period, through the Incas themselves, then the Spanish influence up to modern day.

The archaeological sites are so well preserved, it is easy to picture how life in this area used to be. We have included a range of activities in the itinerary to ensure a mix of adrenaline along with making full use of the country’s endless natural resources, from the sacred valley through to Lake Titicaca and on to the barren desert of Ica.

Day 1: Flights and Arrivals
You will be met at Lima Airport by a representative, who will transfer you to your hotel which is located in the popular Miraflores district of the city. There are a huge number of small shops and restaurants to explore on your first evening in Peru.

Day 2: Welcome to the Jungle!
Today you will transfer back to the airport to get started on your adventure.

You will fly to Puerto Maldonado in the south of Peru and deep into the heart of the Amazon rainforest. Here you will be met by your local expert guide and transferred to the river to travel two and a half hours by boat further into the jungle. Along the route you will see a range of wildlife including capybaras, turtles and an array of birdlife.

On arrival at the lodge you will be met for an introduction and briefing about the next few days. There is then free time to explore before heading out on a night time Caiman search by boat with a flash light to catch the red gleam from their eyes.

Day 3: Oxbow Lake visit, Canopy climbing and night walk
Today you will get a full taste of this wonderful environment.

This morning you will hike through the jungle to the nearby Oxbow lake to explore by a canoe. The lake is home to piranhas, hoatzin, caiman and horned screamers and otters are also sometimes seen here.

This afternoon, replicating the daily work of macaw researchers, you will climb a 30 metre tree using a rope and harness and from this vantage point you will have a fantastic macaw’s eye view of the forest. The rainforest seems to come alive at night, which makes night walks along the trails around the lodge a wonderful experience.

Each step along the path someone from the group will notice a new animal, plant or insect for your guide to teach you about.

Day 4: Canopy Tower, Mammal Clay Lick, Brazil nut trail and Sea Kayaking
An action packed day today with an early start to watch sunrise from the top of the 25 metre scaffolding tower – a real once in a lifetime experience!

You will then return to the lodge for breakfast, before hiking to the Mammal Clay Lick for a chance to see deer, guan and parakeets and also the rainforest pigs that are occasionally seen here.

From here you will continue on to the Brazil nut trail and your guide will teach you about the history of the Brazil nut industry and its importance to the area and how the nuts are now sustainably farmed.

This afternoon you will take to the river on sea kayaks to paddle up a portion of the Tambopata River and observe wildlife such as birds, caimans and turtles.

Day 5: Puerto Maldonado to Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas
After breakfast you will retrace the journey back to the airport and fly into the beautiful city of Cusco.

Upon arrival you will be met by your new guide, an expert in this area, and travel into the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This afternoon you will take part in a ceramics class with a local expert who will demonstrate various traditional techniques indigenous to this area.

Day 6: Mountain biking from the ancient site of Maras to the Moray salt mines
Today we will combine two of the popular visitor sites in the Scared Valley.

Instead of travelling by bus you will use mountain bikes to travel between the two sites. You will visit the archaeological site of Maras which was used as a laboratory for plants to adapt to higher altitudes. The trail is mainly downhill or flat and you will enjoy spectacular views of the Andean Mountains all around as you descend into the valley to the Moray salt mines which are still a main source of industry in the area. At the valley bottom you will be picked up and transferred to the world famous site of the Inca Fortress at Ollantaytambo for a private guided tour.

Day 7: Zip lining through the Sacred Valley
This morning you will have a real adrenaline rush as you take part in a zip wire course offering you stunning views of this hallowed place.

There are six zip lines in total which vary between 100 and 500 metres. Each line is unique and offers a slightly different aspect; magnificent views can be seen of the mighty Urubamba River from above. The journey will end at Ollantaytambo, where you will take the scenic Vistadome train for a 90 minute journey through the Urumbamba Valley to the town of Aguas Calientes.

This afternoon will be free to explore this wonderful area.

Day 8: Machu Picchu
Today is the highlight of many people’s two weeks. One of the seven wonders of the ancient world Machu Picchu does not disappoint.

The bus ride up to the site gives an insight into the terrain the Inca people had to negotiate to build this magnificent structure. During your private guided tour you will learn about the 100 year history of the site and how it remained undiscovered to the Spanish; it was not plundered or destroyed as so many other places were.

This afternoon we have left for you to explore this amazing area independently or just to sit and soak up the stunning views and atmosphere. It is also possible to climb nearby Wayna Picchu Mountain for a different perspective on this important historic site.

Day 9: Making new friends
Today you will transfer to the local Community of Patabamba who are well known for the quality of their textiles, coloured with natural dyes and unique designs which are very symbolic. You will be able to go with them to collect the flowers and plants used to dye wool. This short walk offers astonishing views of the Sacred Valley.

You will then return to the community to learn about the colouring and weaving process and take part in creating some textiles. After a delicious lunch prepared by members of the community you will transfer back to Cusco.

Day 10: Rafting and the journey to Puno
Today is a full day of adventure and culture. You will leave Cusco to travel to the vast Lake Titicaca in South Eastern Peru.

On the way you will stop at the rafting camp to prepare for this mornings White Water rafting on the Chuquicahuana River. This activity is always great fun and the dramatic mountain ranges around the river are especially dramatic from your vantage point in the valley bottom. The river varies from grade 3 to 4 in places and the rafting will last approximately 2 and a half hours before returning to the camp for a relaxing sauna, hot shower and delicious lunch.

You continue on to Puno this afternoon.

Day 11: Kayaking on Lake Titicaca and Uros Island
This vast lake shares the border with Bolivia and is the largest lake in South America. Many tourists visit this lake, but this morning you will not be on one of the many large tourist boats visiting the islands, but exploring by kayak with your expert local guide.

You will visit one of the lesser known communities of Llachon in the peninsula de Capachica who live an isolated existence from the rest of the world and by kayak you will head out to explore the lake.

After lunch you will join one of the larger boats to visit one of the world famous floating islands and learn about this completely unique way of life.

Day 12: Puno to Paracas
Today you will fly back to Lima and be met by your guide, before continuing your journey along the Pan-American Highway crossing the desert coast alongside the Pacific Ocean. Here you will check into your luxurious hotel and have the rest of the day free to relax.

Day 13: Ballestas Island, Huacachina Oasis with buggies and sandboards
Today by speedboat you will visit the Ballestas Islands to see the range of wonderful wildlife here including sea lions, Guanay Cormorant, Peruvian pelicans and with some luck even one of the famous Humboldt penguins.

From here your journey will continue to the Huacachina Lagoon; an idyllic oasis surrounded by white dunes with a romantic atmosphere. From here you will head out in sand buggies to explore the vast desert in the area. It is also possible for you to try sandboarding; a fantastic activity with a very soft landing should you fall off!  It is also possible to arrange a flight over the famous Nascar Lines; many unexplained designs drawn into the sand from Pre Inca times, which can only be seen from the air (please see supplement for price information).

Day 14: Paracas to Lima
This morning is free for you to enjoy the hotel’s facilities before transferring back to Lima for your final evening in Peru.

Day 15: Adios Peru!
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your return flights home.