Peru & Bolivia: Treasures of the Andes

Fly to Peru's capital, Lima. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring this fascinating coastal city at your own pace.

Take a guided tour through Lima's historic heart, where elegant colonial architecture reflects the city's Spanish heritage. Wander around the magnificent Plaza Mayor, visit the impressive Cathedral and explore the remarkable San Francisco Monastery, famed for its beautiful cloisters and intriguing underground catacombs.

Fly to the former Inca capital of Cusco and transfer to the Sacred Valley, once the agricultural heartland of the Inca Empire. Surrounded by soaring Andean peaks, the valley is a patchwork of fertile farmland, traditional villages and ancient Inca terraces, with the Urubamba River winding through its dramatic mountain scenery.

Journey through the heart of the Sacred Valley to discover some of Peru's most remarkable archaeological treasures. Wander amongst the dazzling white salt terraces of Maras, marvel at the mysterious circular terraces of Moray and explore Ollantaytambo, one of the finest surviving Inca settlements, where ancient stone streets lead to an imposing hilltop fortress.

Board the scenic train to Aguas Calientes and travel through the dramatic Urubamba Valley, then take a short bus to Machu Picchu. Hidden amongst mist-shrouded peaks, this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site continues to captivate visitors centuries after its construction. Explore the citadel's temples, terraces and ceremonial plazas with your expert guide, uncovering the stories behind one of the world's greatest archaeological treasures.

Enjoy a relaxed morning before returning through the spectacular Andean landscapes by train to Cusco, passing remote villages, rolling highlands and dramatic mountain scenery along the way. On arrival, the remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure.

Uncover Cusco's rich history on a guided walking tour. Admire the historic Plaza de Armas and browse the colourful stalls of San Pedro Market, where local produce, handicrafts and traditional flavours provide a wonderful insight to Andean culture.

Board the luxurious Titicaca Train for one of South America’s most scenic rail journeys. Relax in comfort as you travel across the dramatic Andean highlands, enjoying gourmet cuisine, live music, traditional dance performances and ever-changing mountain scenery en route to the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Cross into Bolivia and continue to the lakeside town of Copacabana, home to one of the country's most important pilgrimage sites. From here, cruise across the shimmering waters of Lake Titicaca to Sun Island, the mythical birthplace of the Inca civilisation. Explore ancient terraces, climb the Inca Steps and enjoy spectacular views before spending the night in this peaceful island setting.

Wake to the tranquillity of Lake Titicaca before returning to Copacabana by boat. Continue through the dramatic Altiplano to La Paz, a vibrant city dramatically cradled within a spectacular mountain basin and overlooked by the snow-capped peaks of the Andes.

Colourful markets, colonial landmarks and striking natural scenery make La Paz one of South America's most distinctive capitals. Browse the fascinating Witches 'Market, admire Plaza Murillo and take to the skies on the city's renowned cable car network for panoramic views. Later, discover the extraordinary rock formations of Moon Valley, sculpted by centuries of wind and rain

Fly to Uyuni and begin exploring the world's largest salt desert. Visit the atmospheric Train Cemetery before venturing onto the dazzling white salt flats. Discover Incahuasi Island, dotted with giant cacti, and end the day watching the sun set over one of South America's most surreal landscapes.

Travel across the northern reaches of the salt flats to the slopes of Tunupa Volcano, where spectacular viewpoints reveal the immense scale of this extraordinary landscape. Continue to the small community of Coquesa to visit its remarkably preserved pre-Columbian mummies before returning across the shimmering salt desert.

Fly back to La Paz and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Fly to Lima before travelling south along Peru's Pacific coastline to the tranquil town of Paracas. Fringed by golden beaches and overlooking a protected marine reserve, it provides the perfect place to unwind after your journey through the Andes.

This morning, cruise through the Paracas National Reserve to the wildlife-rich Ballestas Islands. Keep watch for playful sea lions, Humboldt penguins and countless seabirds as you pass the mysterious Candelabra geoglyph etched into the desert cliffs. Return to Paracas and enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the coast.

Transfer to Lima Airport for your onward flight, arriving home the following day.