#### In the Sacred Land of the Incas | 13 Days Of all the trips we have taken, Peru is definitely one of our favourite destinations. Perhaps it is the fascinating history of the Incas, the breathtaking and ever-changing landscapes, the world-famous Peruvian cuisine with its award-winning restaurants, the thrilling activities, the majestic Machu Picchu, or the locals who continue to honour their culture and traditions. It may sound like a cliché, but believe us, there is a reason Peru is on the bucket list of every true traveller. No matter how many places around the world you have visited, nothing compares to the emotions Peru will evoke. See the map, explore the attractions and you will understand why this itinerary is ideal Departures from Thessaloniki, Athens and Larnaca 3 exclusive guaranteed departures 28/07, 25/08 and 21/10 Choose the No Flight option and join us from the airport of your choice 2 domestic flights within Peru are included, avoiding long journeys by bus
If you are travel addicted, you know the excitement before a big trip, especially when the destination is Peru. Dress comfortably for the long journey and get ready for the trip of a lifetime. We meet at the airport and depart for Lima, the capital of Peru.
We arrive in Lima early in the morning and take a domestic flight directly to Cusco, located at 3,399 metres above sea level, avoiding unnecessary travel and waiting for hotel check-in. Our local friend will meet us at Cusco airport and we will continue by bus to Ollantaytambo, at 2,792 metres, allowing us to acclimatise more comfortably. Known locally as Ollanta, this picturesque village reveals the traditional layout of an Inca town, with narrow cobbled streets inhabited since the 13th century. Ollantaytambo was also an important Inca fortress and ceremonial centre. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy Peru's internationally renowned cuisine.
After breakfast, we head to the train station and travel through spectacular landscapes to Aguas Calientes and the legendary Machu Picchu. Located high in the Peruvian Andes at 2,430 metres, this ancient Inca city is often referred to as the Lost City of the Incas. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu welcomes more than one million visitors annually. Our local friend will introduce us to the fascinating history and culture of the Incas while we explore one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and freely roaming alpacas.
Cacao is an important part of Peruvian culture, and today you can optionally join a chocolate workshop where you will learn every stage of the process, from harvesting cacao to producing chocolate, before making your own to take with you. You will also have free time to explore Ollantaytambo's market and shop for souvenirs before we travel towards Cusco. Along the way, we stop in Chinchero to discover traditional natural yarn-dyeing techniques and the process of creating handmade textiles. You will also have the opportunity to feed alpacas and see the adorable local cuy guinea pigs.
Hiking enthusiasts can optionally join our local guides for an excursion to spectacular Humantay Lake at 4,200 metres. Named after nearby Mount Humantay, the lake is considered one of the most beautiful and sacred in the Cusco region. Its turquoise waters, framed by the snow-covered Salkantay mountains, create an unforgettable landscape. We leave very early for the approximately 122 km journey from Cusco before beginning the hike. Part of the route can also be completed on horseback for an additional locally negotiated fee. Those who prefer not to participate can enjoy free time in Cusco.
Rainbow Mountain is one of the highlights of any visit to Cusco. Located at 5,036 metres, Vinicunca offers an extraordinary landscape created by colourful mineral deposits, with layers of red, pink, turquoise and yellow stretching across the mountain. We depart early, stopping in Cusipata before continuing to Fulawasipata at 4,660 metres. From the foothills of sacred Ausangate Mountain, we begin an approximately two-hour hike to Vinicunca, passing alpacas, llamas and vicuñas along the way. Horses are available locally for those who prefer not to complete the entire hike on foot. At the summit, there will be time to rest, admire the spectacular scenery and take photos before descending and returning to Cusco. Those who do not participate can enjoy free time in Cusco.
We begin our day at San Pedro Market, where you can experience everyday life in Cusco through its colourful stalls, local produce, handicrafts and souvenirs. Try a freshly squeezed juice before continuing with a guided tour of the historic centre, including the main cathedral, Santo Domingo Monastery and Plaza San Francisco. Nearby Plaza de Armas offers plenty of shops selling clothing and souvenirs. Beyond its historical importance, Cusco is a vibrant cultural destination with an internationally acclaimed culinary scene that we will also have the opportunity to discover.
Today we leave Cusco behind and continue our journey towards Puno, the gateway to spectacular Lake Titicaca.
Lake Titicaca lies in the central Andes at 3,812 metres above sea level, between Peru and Bolivia, and is considered the world's highest navigable lake. Today we discover its extraordinary landscapes and learn about the Uros, an indigenous community famous for creating floating islands from dried reeds. We will learn more about their traditions, history and everyday life while experiencing one of South America's most distinctive cultural landscapes. Afterwards, we continue towards Arequipa, where we will spend the night.
After breakfast, we explore Arequipa, known as the White City because of the white volcanic stone used throughout its architecture. Peru's second-largest city is renowned for its beautiful colonial buildings, with more than 500 historic mansions in the old centre. Arequipa is also famous for its traditional picanterías, where visitors can discover distinctive local cuisine. Later, we head to the airport and take our flight to Lima, where we spend the night.
An action-packed day begins at 04.30 with our departure for Paracas. From there, we take a speedboat to the Ballestas Islands, often called the Little Galapagos, passing the mysterious Candelabro geoglyph along the way. The islands are home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife, including migratory birds, Humboldt penguins and Pacific sea lions. We then continue to Ica and the Huacachina oasis, where we relax, have lunch and take photos before boarding nine-seat buggies for an adrenaline-filled ride across the golden dunes. We finish with sandboarding on some of the area's impressive dunes before returning to Lima, potentially close to midnight.
We explore Lima's historic centre and its colourful Plaza de Armas, home to the Government Palace and impressive cathedral. Those looking for an extra dose of adventure can optionally experience paratriking and see Lima and the Pacific Ocean from above. Accompanied by an instructor and powered by a motor, you will take to the skies when the wind conditions are right, combining adrenaline with spectacular panoramic views.
All great journeys eventually come to an end. Early in the morning, we head to the airport for our return flight. We leave Peru with unforgettable memories of its landscapes, culture, history and adventures, already looking forward to the next Dream Trip.
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