Detailed Itinerary
Day 1-4: Lima
Our slow travel holiday to Peru starts in vibrant and colourful Lima, giving you enough time to explore properly, take it all in, and give yourself time to relax and adjust to your holiday. Head out on a cycling tour spotting architectural gems, street art and local cuisine. With your guide enjoy a private Gastronomy tour, learn about the cities history and visit previous no-go areas and cultural hotspots. Wander the streets and have a rooftop sunset drink… making time to take it all in at a slower pace.
Day 5 – 6: Arequipa
Head to the ‘white City’ of Arequipa, fames for the traditional colours of the buildings. To save a 20 hour drive here you will fly, but where possible this slow travel holiday avoids flights. Be curious on foot, exploring the plaza, San Francisco Church, Monastery and the famous ‘Maestros Canteros’
Day 7 – 8: Colca Canyon
Be driven through stunning landscapes dominated by volcanos stopping for llucnh and views. Continue to your lodge on the Colca River spending the next day and a half relaxing and peace and nature. Witness the flight of majestic Condors, visit local churches and colourful markets. Begin your beautiful drive to Lake Titicaca.
Day 9 – 10: Lake Titicaca
A perfect way to escape the crowds, Lake Titicaca by kayak. Avoid the busy routes heading with your guide to floating reed islands of the Uros Community. Island hop, meet the locals, walk around the UNESCO protected Taquile Island, enjoying lunch and live music. A magical day to explore this emerald blue lake in a different way.
Day 11: ‘Sun route’ Inca Trail
Another amazing off the beaten path experience. Detour en route to Cuzco with a trek along the ancient Great Inca Trail. Learn about he traditions and legends along the walk. Have a hearty lunch before visiting the temple of Wiracoha
Day 12 – 16: Sacred Valley
The best way to take in Peru is to slow down and take more time in the Sacred Valley. There is so much richness to see and enjoy here. Experience or flagship[ community immersion activity – a day with the Misminay Community. Try your hand at brick making, cookery, Quecha lessons, textile weaving and hike to lookout points all the while hearing the locals stories history. An important cultural experience that helps towards sustaining the community. On your other days spent exploring the Sacred Valley you will head on a Agricultural and Gastronomy day, a Reforestation experience, take day hikes and witness the Pumamarka ruins. Visit the Choquechaka Conservation area stopping and a coffee roaster/distillery. Keep active and go kayaking or choose an SUP along the beautiful Piuray Lagoon to discover rare birds and stunning natural surroundings. Be amongst nature and peace as you really get under the skin of this amazing valley. Take time to also just relax at your hotel, enjoy the views, bird song, and delicious food. There is no rush here, do things slowly and properly.
Day 17 – 18: Machu Picchu
Drive to Ollantaytambo starting the final stretches of the Inca Trail (around 6 hours) Visit Winay Wayna continuing through highlands jungle to the famous Sun Gate for your first unforgettable views of the Inca city of Machu Picchu. Explore one of the true Wonders Of The World, walking amongst ruins and terraces, delving in to the history of the Incas. Be fascinated by the engineering skills and how the ancient buildings cling to the mountain sides. The scale and sights are almost other worldly.
Day 19 – 20: Cusco
A picturesque train leads you back to Cusco where we spend a few days getting to know this incredible cultural city and UNESCO protected town. Take in the key historic and architectural hot spots, explore iconic San Pedro Market for a taste (literally) of modern Cuzco and have a day free to easily explore on foot at your own pace. Be sure to book into a restaurant for some world renowned Peruvian fine dining or local delicacies.
Day 21-22: Lima
Back to Lima for your final days in this exhilarating and charming country. We suggest keeping these days free to take things slowly and at your own pace, or we can add a private guide to whatever areas you would like to explore and know more about.
22 days from £3900 pp
Based on two adults sharing, travelling in low season, subject to availability
Includes
All accommodation, excursions, and transport, including Ecuador to Galapagos return airfare
Excludes
International flights, travel insurance and tips