Peru Encompassed

Welcome to the City of Kings. Perched on cliffs by the Pacific Ocean, Lima enjoys wide acclaim on the world food scene. Receive a warm welcome by your A&K representative and transfer to your boutique hotel in Miraflores.

Atemporal

Today meet your AK guide and enjoy a half day tour of Lima, starting in Plaza Mayor, the original site upon which Lima was founded. admire architectural masterpieces including the historic Cathedral, the grand Presidential Palace and Santo Domingo Convent.

After you have explored the historic centre, travel across Lima to the Larco Museum where the extensive private collection of pre-Inca ceramics is considered to be the largest of its kind in the world. It showcases remarkable chronological galleries providing an excellent overview on 3,000 years of development of Peruvian Pre-Columbian History. For an unforgettable experience, Larco is one of the few museums in the world where visitors can also choose to enter the storage area with its 45,000 classified archaeological objects.

Atemporal | Meals: B

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco and onwards by road to the Sacred Valley of the Incas (2,900m). It is difficult to imagine anywhere better to soak up the tranquillity of the mountain-ringed valley than your luxury property. Take time to acclimatise the local way – with rest and coca tea.

Sol y Luna | Meals: B

This morning, experience a unique visit to an Andean highland community to meet local Quechua-speaking farmers and weavers. This personal encounter introduces you to the lifestyle and traditions of these Incan descendants. Experience complete cultural immersion as you join in the daily activities and discover how local communities live today. Learn how vibrant food is being cooked in wood-fired, mud-brick stoves and delve into the ancient agricultural methods used for centuries in this challenging Andean mountain environment.

Afterward visit the dramatic salt mines of Maras. These evaporation ponds — numbering 6,000 in total — have been used to produce salt here since pre-Inca times, and the natural colour variation of the pools, staggered in terraces down the side of the canyon, make them a breathtakingly beautiful sight. Continue on to Moray, where a mysterious Inca archaeological site is located. The ruins of the circular agricultural terraces are thought to have been used by the Incas to determine the optimal conditions for growing crops.

Sol y Luna | Meals: B

Begin your pilgrimage to Machu Picchu (2,400m), stopping en route at the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo, where the Incas celebrated their greatest victory over the invading Spanish. Board the train and sit back and relax and absorb the majestic Andean landscape as you wind through the mountains and cloud forest to the lost city of Machu Picchu. Overlooking the raging Urubamba River and discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in a hidden tangle of trees, the true history of Machu Picchu will forever remain an enigma, as the Incas left no written records. After roaming the magnificent ruins with your private expert guide, there is time to explore on your own. Tonight, stay in an intimate styled Andean village with terraced hills, waterfalls, stone pathways. Relax in a hidden corner or indulge in an invigorating spa based on a mystical Andean approach.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel | Meals: BD

Rise with the sun to walk through Machu Picchu in the early morning mist before the crowds arrive, an experience some consider the spiritual highlight of the journey. Or, for superior views across the ruins, pre-book to climb further to the highest mountain, Huayna Picchu for a dramatically different panorama. Later board the Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo and continue by road to Cusco, the former ancient capital of the Inca Empire.

Perched among the Andes at an elevation of 3,400m, Cusco stands as one of Peru's most enchanting cities. Its landscape is adorned with Inca temples, churches, museums, and colonial palaces, woven together with a vibrant blend of Spanish and Quechua heritage.

Palacio Nazarenas | Meals: B

This morning, discover Cusco on a city tour that includes the architecturally stunning cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and the ornate Santo Domingo Temple, a 16th-century Dominican church built on the foundations of the Koricancha, the Incas' principal religious building, dedicated to the worship of the sun. Continue to the well-preserved ruins of Sacsayhuaman, a testament to Incan architectural skill. This imposing fortress, which witnessed the greatest battle between the Spanish and the Incas, is compiled from colossal stones and overlooks the red-tiled roofs of Cusco.

Palacio Nazarenas | Meals: B

Enjoy a day at leisure. You may choose to continue to explore the city, walk the streets of the bohemian San Blas area, or to head out to visit the ruins and villages of Pikillacta and Andahuaylilias. The more intrepid may want to visit famous Rainbow Mountain, a striking geological landmark renowned for its colourful stripes which are made up of layers of 14 different minerals.

Palacio Nazarenas | Meals: B

Begin a relaxing journey by rail from Cusco to Lake Titicaca, when you board the Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train. Settle down and unwind in your stylish suite as you roll southeast toward Puno. Savour your first lunch on board in one of the elegant dining cars, sampling refined Andean specialties served with contemporary flair. Alight at Tinta Station to discover Raqchi, a one-of-a-kind Incan archaeological site and considered one of the most important constructions of the Inca Empire, characterised by its peculiar and extraordinary architectural technique.

Enjoy views of the stunning La Raya Mountain range before preparing for an elegant dinner on board. Afterward, you may wish to head to the observation car for a chat with your fellow passengers as the train continues to Lake Titicaca, where it stops for the night.

Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train | Meals: BLD

Awaken early to catch the breathtaking sunrise across Lake Titicaca, and enjoy a refreshing hike in the Raya to meet a local family before breakfast on board. Disembark to explore the eclectic beauty and rich diversity of life on Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark by traditional boat to the Uros, extraordinary artificial islands created from carefully woven reeds that are constantly renewed. Then continue to Taquile Island for lunch before a visit to the beautiful Collata Beach.

Back on board your train, enjoy afternoon tea as you depart for the Saracocha lagoon. En route, savour some refreshing cocktails and canapés. Arrive in Saracocha, where you stop for the night and sit down to a sumptuous dinner.

Andean Explorer, A Belmond Train | Meals: BLD

Watch the sunrise surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Lake Lagunillas before enjoying a delicious breakfast onboard. Later, visit the Sumbay cave, home to fascinating cave paintings estimated to be over 8,000 years old.

Return to the train for the short ride to Cañahuas where you will leave the train to drive to the Colca Canyon. Stop en route to explore the charming village of Chivay before checking in to your accommodation.

Puqio | Meals: BD

Today is dedicated to exploring the Colca Canyon. Travel to Cruz del Condor, where you can marvel at the depth of the canyon which is considered to be one of the planet’s deepest, and watch the majestic flight of the condors in their natural habitat. The adventurous may choose to partake in an optional trek from Cruz del Condor to Cruz del Cura.

Continue on to Cabanaconde, a quaint Andean village known for its stunning views of rugged landscapes and terraced fields, traditional architecture, vibrant culture, and friendly locals. On your return, visit the towns of Macca and Yanque, offering a glimpse into traditional Andean life. You will also stop at the viewpoints of Wayra Punku, Antahuilque and Choquetico for breathtaking panoramic vistas of the rugged canyon landscape and the winding Colca River below before returning to Chivay. In the afternoon you have the option of going on a short trek to Uyu Uyu.

Puqio | Meals: BLD

Journey overland through the Pampa de Arrieros and the town of Yura as you descend to Arequipa, often called the ‘White City’ due to the extensive use of sillar, a white volcanic rock, in its architecture.

Cirqa | Meals: B

Explore the colonial district of Yanahuara, renowned for its Andalucian-style churches and picturesque landscape. Proceed to the neighbourhood of San Lázaro to absorb views of the Church of San Francisco with its impressive 18th-century plaza; the architecturally fascinating Main Square surrounded by arcs of white volcanic stone; the façade of the Cathedral; and the Company of Jesus Church with its baroque cloisters.

Afterward, proceed to visit Santa Catalina Monastery. Founded in 1579, it is the most important religious monument in Peru. This sprawling complex offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the nuns who once lived within its vibrant walls. Wander through its cobblestone streets, adorned with brightly painted buildings in shades of blue and red, reminiscent of a bygone era. Explore its tranquil courtyards, and marvel at the exquisite colonial architecture and intricate religious artwork that adorns its chapels and halls.

Cirqa | Meals: B

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima and onward connection.

Meals: B