Panoramic Peru

Day 1  Lima
On arrival, you will be welcomed at the airport by your Wendy Wu Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. The transfer time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Tonight, enjoy your first taste of Peruvian cuisine at a local restaurant.  

Day 2  Lima
This morning embark on an informative tour of Lima, formerly known as the ‘City of Kings’. Kick your Peruvian adventure off with a mouth-watering culinary tour. Begin by gathering your ingredients from the local markets before heading to the kitchen workshop where a local chef will teach you how to prepare some traditional Peruvian delicacies. After lunch, visit Lima’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre with its striking colonial architecture. Later uncover the fascinating Huaca Pucllana, an ancient pyramid built by a pre-Incan civilisation known as the Lima culture. Take in the sights and sounds of the bohemian Barranco district this afternoon before becoming acquainted with pisco, Peru’s national drink, at an insightful pre-dinner tasting session.  

Day 3  Lima to the Sacred Valley
Fly to Cusco and transfer to the Urubamba Valley. Also known as the Sacred Valley, it is home to Incan citadels and beautiful scenic landscapes. Spend the afternoon in Manos de la Cominidad, learning about the traditional crafts of weaving, pottery and jewelry making from local artisans. You will have the opportunity to join a hands-on workshop that will allow you to gain an understanding to the significance of preserving these ancient techniques, giving you a glimpse of the authentic cultural heritage and traditions of the community. Afterwards, make your way to the Pisac archaeological site, and uncover the ruins that surround you. You will spend 1 hour and 30 minutes here on a guided tour before transferring to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.  

Day 4  Sacred Valley
Today, journey approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the magnificent Moray, the Inca agricultural laboratory that boasts impressive circular terraces. These terraces are believed to have been used as a testing ground for various crops in order to determine the most optimal growing conditions, suggesting the advances farming techniques of the Incas. Continue to Maras, located 2 miles from Moray. Here, you will witness the marvelous salt evaporation ponds, used by the Incas to catch salty water as it emerges from the mountains, until the water evaporates leaving only the salt behind. The evaporation ponds are most famous for producing the pink table salt we all recognise today. Journey 30 minutes to Ollantaytambo where we’ll visit the preserved Incan houses and explore the old fortress, offering a glimpse into ancient Andean civilization.  

Day 5  Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
From Ollantaytambo, board the panoramic Vistadome train and travel through the mountainous landscapes to the small town of Aguas Calientes in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. From here, you will hop on the bus to the magnificent Machu Picchu. Long abandoned by the Inca, it came to international attention when it was stumbled upon by Hiram Bingham in 1911. It is now considered one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. A guided tour will provide you with some insight into the Inca Empire, this includes up to 4 hours of sightseeing with walking on uneven terrain. Return to the village of Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo) for your overnight stay.  

Day 6  Machu Picchu to Cusco
Enjoy the morning at leisure or choose one of these optional tours: visit Aguas Calientes’ thermal baths for a relaxing soak; or a second entrance to Machu Picchu for further explorations - perhaps even venturing up to the Inti Punku or ‘Sun Gate’. This afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes and take a 3 and a half hour train to Poroy. Then, transfer 2 hours by road to Cusco.  

Day 7  Cusco
Home to an incredible Incan legacy, Cusco has some of the richest heritage in Latin America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour will start at Koricancha , the temple of the sun and the Santo Domingo Church, where you will discover the sacred site once adorned with gold and life-size golden statues. Next, visit the Cusco Cathedral, home to stunning Cusco School paintings and intricate gold and silver reliefs. Participate in a traditional Quechua ritual with a Shaman, offering thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth). This evening enjoy a vibrant folklore show featuring traditional music and dancing.  

Day 8  Cusco to Puno
Today, take a train from Cusco to Puno. Journey through amazing Andean landscapes to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca, passing through the spectacular Peruvian highlands. The train has 4 dining cars, a bar car and observation car. Along the way you will enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared with exquisite Andean ingredients. Your meal will be accompanied with music and dance shows on board. Arrive at your hotel this evening.  

Day 9  Lake Titicaca
This morning, you will be picked up from the port of Puno and taken to the floating islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca, approximately 25 minutes by boat. Visiting two of these floating islands, your guide will explain the history of the area. You will also have the opportunity to speak with some of the residents, which will help you to understand their way of life and gain a cultural insight into this fascinating place. After, you will continue to the island of Taquile. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once a stronghold of the Inca, you’ll find wonderful textiles made by the island’s men here. You will tour the island and enjoy lunch before transferring back to Puno. Today’s sightseeing is a full day. This day is at altitude (3,820m).

Day 10  Puno to Colca Canyon
Today, travel to Colca, approximately a 5 to 6 hour drive, passing through Lagunillas and Tocra along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for flamingos, Andean ducks and llamas. Reach Pata Pampa at 4,820 metres altitude, where you can admire the volcanoes Ampato, Sabancaya, Hualca-Hualca and Mismi (the source of the Amazon River), as well as views of the Cordillera de Chila. Once in Chivay, enjoy the view of the terraces of the Colca Valley before having time to bathe in the natural hot springs.  

Day 11  Colca Canyon to Arequipa
After an early breakfast, depart Colca and travel to Arequipa, approximately 5 hours’ drive including stops. En route, stop at Condor Cross for a picturesque view of the canyon, and hopefully a few sightings of the native condors gliding on the thermals. Enjoy a short walk here with your guide. Hopping back in the bus, you’ll also visit the villages of Maca; an Andean community that experienced an earthquake in 1991, and Yanque; a settlement that contains arguably the most beautiful church in the valley.

Day 12  Arequipa to Lima
Peru’s spectacularly situated second city is surrounded by volcanoes and boasts some beautiful colonial architecture. Start to explore the city at the Carmen Alto viewpoint before visiting Yanahuara Quarter and admiring the UNESCO-listed Plaza de Armas and the Monastery of Santa Catalina. Fly from Arequipa to Lima this afternoon with a farewell dinner in Lima.  

Day 13  Lima
Today you will transfer to the airport for your return flight to United Kingdom. Arrive home the following day.