Peru Highlights Journey: A Complete Introduction to Peru

Your journey begins in Lima, Peru’s cosmopolitan capital where centuries of history meet one of the world’s most celebrated culinary scenes. These opening days provide an introduction to the country’s rich cultural heritage while allowing time to settle into the rhythm of South America.

The historic heart of the city reveals grand colonial architecture, elegant plazas and UNESCO-recognised landmarks that reflect Lima’s importance during the Spanish Empire. Alongside this, the outstanding Larco Museum offers one of Peru’s finest collections of pre-Columbian art, providing valuable insight into the civilisations that flourished long before the arrival of the Incas.

The atmosphere shifts in Barranco, Lima’s creative district, where colourful streets, galleries, cafés and street art create a relaxed contrast to the city’s historic centre. Evenings are reserved for Peru’s internationally acclaimed cuisine before ending with a walk along the Miraflores Malecón, where dramatic cliffs overlook the Pacific Ocean and provide one of Lima’s most memorable sunset viewpoints.

Leaving the coast behind, an internal flight brings you into the Peruvian Andes. On arrival in Cusco, your driver takes you directly into the Sacred Valley, where three nights at a lower elevation provide a more considered introduction to the altitude. Across the stay, the valley unfolds through fertile landscapes, mountain communities and extraordinary examples of Inca engineering. Experiences can include Moray’s circular agricultural terraces, the salt pans of Maras, Pisac and the remarkable living Inca town of Ollantaytambo. Selected community encounters introduce weaving, agriculture and contemporary Andean traditions, while the pacing leaves enough space to adjust to the elevation before continuing towards Machu Picchu.

An early transfer brings you to Ollantaytambo station, where you board one of South America’s most scenic railway journeys. The route follows the Urubamba River through steep mountain scenery and cloud forest towards Aguas Calientes. On arrival, assistance is arranged for the short bus journey to Machu Picchu. Alongside an experienced local expert, explore the sanctuary’s temples, ceremonial spaces, agricultural terraces and remarkable stonework, following the entrance time and designated circuit secured for your visit. After exploring Machu Picchu, return to Aguas Calientes for a relaxed evening and an overnight stay beneath the surrounding mountains.

The morning after Machu Picchu remains unhurried, with time to rest or explore Aguas Calientes before returning through the Urubamba Valley by scenic rail. Your private driver meets you at the station and continues with you to Cusco for two nights. The following day reveals the former capital of the Inca Empire alongside a knowledgeable local expert. Precisely constructed Inca foundations, colonial churches and grand plazas introduce the city’s layered history through visits to Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha and the historic centre. Time is also left for San Blas, artisan workshops, galleries, markets and quieter streets beyond the principal landmarks. After experiencing the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, Cusco completes the wider story of the Inca heartland.

Leaving Cusco behind, the journey continues south through the high Andes towards Lake Titicaca. The landscapes gradually widen into the Altiplano, where open plains stretch towards distant mountains and the horizon seems to expand with every mile. At the centre of it all lies Lake Titicaca, a place of deep cultural importance and one of South America’s most distinctive high-altitude landscapes. We take you across the lake and along its shores to a carefully selected community, where traditions, agriculture and daily life remain closely connected to the water and surrounding mountains. Time on the lake, local encounters and quiet observation become the heart of this chapter.

The route continues directly from Lake Titicaca across high mountain passes and remote volcanic landscapes towards the Colca Valley. Along the way, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. Vicuñas move across the open plains, volcanoes rise in the distance and ancient agricultural terraces begin to appear along the valley walls. With two nights in Colca, there is time to explore without reducing the region to a single early-morning viewpoint. Visit traditional villages, follow scenic trails, relax at the lodge or spend time among the terraces that have shaped life here for centuries. Early the following morning, watch for Andean condors as they rise on the warm air above the canyon, gliding almost silently across one of Peru’s most impressive natural landscapes.

Leaving the Colca Valley, the journey descends through dramatic volcanic landscapes towards Arequipa, a city built from pale volcanic stone and framed by some of southern Peru’s most striking peaks. On arrival, explore the elegant historic centre, where colonnaded plazas, richly detailed churches and quiet courtyards reveal the distinctive character of the White City. The afternoon remains comfortably paced after the overland journey. Your final evening in southern Peru is left for a carefully selected dinner and time to reflect on a journey that has moved from the Pacific coast through valleys, ancient citadels, high-altitude lakes and volcanic landscapes.

The morning is dedicated to Santa Catalina Monastery, whose narrow lanes, painted courtyards and secluded chambers form a remarkable city within the city. Time is also left for a final look around Arequipa before departure.

Later, your private driver takes you to Arequipa Airport for the internal flight to Lima. Arrival assistance and a private transfer are waiting, bringing you to your final especially selected stay.

Breakfast, check-out, luggage handling and your private transfer to Jorge Chávez International Airport are coordinated around your onward flight.