Classic Peru

Boarding your boat early this morning, you embark on a sea trip to visit the spectacular Ballestas Islands. Here thousands of seabirds wheel around the skies, and pelicans jostle with basking sea lion on rocky ledges - a truly unforgettable experience. Returning to Paracas you have an opportunity to explore the Paracas Nature Reserve where flamingos can be seen wading in the shallows. After lunch (not included) you take a short drive of one hour to Ica.
In Ica you can taste local wines and visit the excellent regional museum. You stay tonight at the atmospheric oasis of Huacachina, set on a tiny lagoon amidst palm trees and high sand dunes. Hotel - 1 night (B)

You spend much of today travelling (about 10 hours in all), through some spectacular scenery. The road follows rocky coastline past surf-lashed beaches before turning inland. Finally, a group of volcanic mountains heralds your arrival in Arequipa (2400m). This colonial city stands in a warm and sunny climate overlooked by the perfect, snowdraped cone of El Misti (5882m). Its fine buildings, constructed in distinctive local stone, are built to resist the ever-present threat of earthquakes.

Arriving in the late afternoon you have the evening free to savour the atmosphere of the beautiful arcades of the plaza. You then spend athe next day in the city. Visit the walled enclosure of the Convento de Santa Catalina - a miniature town occupying an entire block and which remained isolated from the rest of the city until 1970. Nowadays it provides a fascinating record of ecclesiastical life in bygone days. In the afternoon, there is time to explore the city further; perhaps an optional visit to the museum of Andean Sanctuaries whose highlights include the extraordinary ice mummies found atop some of Arequipa's numerous surrounding volcanoes is highly recommended. Hotel - 2 nights (B)

A spectacular and literally breathtaking journey, (about five hours driving time), over the high pass of Patapampa (4900m) offers spectacular views of the volcanoes of Ampato, Hualca Hualca and the smoking Sabancaya. Travelling over the high plains, or altiplano of southern Peru, you see yet more herds of llamas and alpacas before arriving at the eerie ruins of Sillustani. Known as ‘chullpas’, these funeral towers predate the Inca, and have confounded architects as to their design.

The ruins comprise several curious stone burial towers built by the 15th century Colla tribe which overlook the primeval landscape in a brooding, sinister fashion. After exploring this site you reach the town of Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. At this altitude the sun is very hot in the daytime but temperatures at night can drop below freezing in the winter months of June, July and August. Hotel - 1 night (B)

Travelling by boat you cross over to Taquile Island where you glimpse an age-old way of life with rich traditions of weaving, music and dance. The local style of dress echoes that worn in colonial times. The beautiful weaving and knitting here is famous, not least because it is entirely the work of the male population of the island and the results are available for sale in the crafts co-operative.  Boarding the boat you make the pleasant return trip across the lake to Puno.  Hotel - 1 night (B)

You spend this morning exploring the vast fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The skilfully constructed outer walls consist of massive blocks of stone, the largest weighing over 350 tonnes. Close by you also visit some of Cusco’s outlying Inca sites – Q’enqo, Puka Pukara and Tambo Machay. Sitting high above the town perch the ruins of Pisac with sweeping terraces and spectacular views. The local Thursday market here fills the main plaza with bustle and brightly-coloured costume.

After a 40-minute drive through the heart of the valley you arrive in Yucay your base for the next two nights. The Sacred Valley was the heartland of the Inca Empire; full of farmer’s fields, mountain views and quiet rural charm; you have a whole day to enjoy its delights. There is plenty to do in the valley; you can take to mountain bikes for a stunning ride from Chinchero via the Inca ruins of Moray before descending past the salt pans of Maras; alternatively you can explore on horseback or go white water rafting on the Urubamba River, stretch your legs with some stunning walking or relax and enjoy the peace (all optional). Hotel - 2 nights (Bx2)

You are woken with a hot drink and a bowl of warm water at your tent to prepare for what will be the most demanding climb of the trek. You follow the course of the Cusichaca River, ascending a broad valley to the village of Wayllabamba (3,000m), the last human habitation on the trail. Your porters go ahead and prepare your lunch which will be waiting close to the summit. The trail steepens through fertile cloud forest and eventually onto high altitude grassland. Finally you reach the highest point of the entire trail, called Warmiwañusca or Dead Woman’s Pass, located at 4200m. We pause to rest and enjoy the views before starting a steep descent into the valley below and our camp at Pacaymayo (3700m). About 6/7 hrs demanding walk mostly uphill. Camp – 1 night (BLD)

You awake to a spectacular vista and set off this morning on one of the most beautiful parts of the trail. A steep downhill section of some 2000 Inca steps brings you to your lunch stop at the picturesque ruins of Winay Wayna - meaning ´forever young` - considered by many to be their favourite ruins. Continue down through a forest of large trees and giant ferns towards your final stop. Excitement mounts as you conquer a steep flight of steps and arrive at Inti Punku, the Sun Gate.

The toil of the day is forgotten in an instant as you are treated to a spectacular view of Machu Picchu below. After lingering to admire the panorama, you walk through the site and catch a bus down the narrow access road to rejoin the Urubamba River in the village of Aguas Calientes where you check in to your accommodation and enjoy a well-earned long shower. About 4/5 hrs walking today, mostly downhill. Basic Hotel – 1 night (BL)