Highlights of Peru & The Andean Explorer

Arrival in Peru

Arrive at Lima International Airport. Representative meets you in arrivals hall and transfers you to Belmond Miraflores Park (5 star) for 2 nights. Depending on flight arrival time, explore the local area before your first Peruvian dinner (payable locally).

Lima

Leisurely breakfast then relax at the hotel before lunch. Early afternoon Lima city tour with local guide including Plaza Mayor (UNESCO World Heritage Site), historic cathedral, Government Palace, City Hall, Archbishop's Palace, San Francisco Monastery, and the Larco Museum in an 18th century mansion featuring ancient Peruvian gold, silver and erotic ceramics.

Meals: Breakfast

Lima to Cusco by air – Cusco

Early breakfast then private transfer to Lima Airport for scheduled flight to Cusco. Met on arrival and transferred to Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado in the Sacred Valley. En route visit the Awanakancha Centre showcasing traditional Andean textile weaving, spinning and dyeing, and an exhibition of South American camelids.

Meals: Breakfast

Sacred Valley & Ollantaytambo

Scenic drive through the Sacred Valley. Explore Pisac town and its bustling market, then visit the Pisac ruins with stunning valley views. Lunch at Hacienda Huayoccari with colonial and folk art collection. Afternoon visit to Ollantaytambo with its impressive Inca fortress, 16 massive terraces, steep stone steps and the Sun Temple.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Further exploration of the stunning Sacred Valley

Visit Chinchero town and market (3,762m), a traditional Andean community preserving pre-Hispanic weaving techniques. Lunch at Iskay Restaurant in Maras with Chef Tatiana Mendoza using organic garden ingredients. Visit the salt pans of Maras and the agricultural terraces of Moray. Return to hotel for dinner (payable locally).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu

Private transfer to Ollantaytambo train station. Travel to Machu Picchu on the Vistadome train with panoramic windows, snacks and beverages. Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. Buffet lunch at Sanctuary Lodge. Private guided tour of Machu Picchu citadel (2,430m), including giant walls, terraces and ramps. Overnight at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge with full board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Exploring Machu Picchu & onwards to Cusco

Morning hiking options: Inti Punku (Sun Gate, approx. 2 hours) or Huayna Picchu (approx. 2.5 hours, subject to availability). Alternatively explore the citadel at leisure. Late afternoon bus to Aguas Calientes, then board the Belmond Hiram Bingham train to Cusco with elegant dinner on board (soft drinks, Peruvian wine and Pisco). Transfer from Poroy station to hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cusco

After breakfast, half-day tour of Cusco including the Cathedral on Plaza de Armas, Santo Domingo Temple (built on Koricancha Inca temple foundations), the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, and Qenqo with its carved rock patterns. Afternoon free to explore Cusco independently.

Meals: Breakfast

Cusco to Puno on board the Andean Explorer

Private transfer to Wanchaq train station to board the Belmond Andean Explorer. Lunch on board. Stop at Raqchi (Temple of Wiracocha) for an Inca site visit. Canapes and teatime on board. Stop at La Raya (border of Cusco and Puno regions). Pre-dinner cocktails and dinner in the dining car. Arrive Puno at Lake Titicaca station; overnight on the train.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lake Titicaca and Puno

Early rise to experience sunrise at Lake Titicaca. Breakfast on board. Boat excursion to the Uros floating islands and Taquile Island. Lunch at a local restaurant on Collata Beach with entertainment by local dancers and artisan demonstrations. Afternoon tea at the station before the train departs for Arequipa. Dinner on board; overnight at Saracocha.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lake Lagunillas and onto Colca Canyon

Early breakfast then excursion to Lake Lagunillas. Visit Sumbay Caves with over 500 paintings and engravings of local wildlife. Farewell to the Andean Explorer; private transfer to Colca Canyon. The Colca Valley features high peaks, deep chasms, pre-Inca terraces and 16th century colonial towns. Watch for condors. Check in to Belmond Las Casitas.

Meals: Breakfast

Colca Canyon

Early morning visit to Condor Cross viewpoint to observe condors in flight and appreciate the canyon's depth. Excursion to Cabanaconde village, Maca and Yanque with colonial churches, and Antahuilque Viewpoint. Return to hotel for lunch (payable locally). Afternoon guided visit to Chivay market. Evening free at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Colca Canyon, Arequipa & Lima

After breakfast, guided visit to villages on the other side of the valley including Coporaque, Chinina, Uyu Uyu and Ichupampa. Transfer to Arequipa airport with packed lunch provided. Internal flight to Lima. Representative meets you on arrival and transfers you to Belmond Miraflores Park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed)

Departure from Lima

Final breakfast in Peru. Representative meets you in the hotel lobby for private transfer to Lima Airport for your international flight home.

Meals: Breakfast