Across the Andes - From Lima to the Amazon Basin

10 days from £3985 per person

One of Peru's great advantages is its diversity with the unique opportunity to discover history, culture and wildlife in three distinct geographical terrains. Taking advantage of the new non-stop British Airways flight to Lima, start your journey in the country’s capital where plenty of time will be available to see the city. From Lima fly to Cusco to explore the fascinating ancient cultures of the high Andes including a visit to Machu Picchu. End your journey experiencing the diverse ecology of the tropical Amazon basin and Tambopata National Reserve which is home to an exceptional array of birds, mammals, reptiles and insects.

Route: Lima – Cusco – Reserva Amazonica – Lima

Itinerary Highlights

Lima is on Peru’s pacific coast and is a large, modern city with a well-preserved colonial old town and excellent museums. Food is superb here with fresh seafood and world-wide influences.

Spectacular Machu Picchu, high in the Andes, was built in the 15th century and later abandoned. Huge blocks of stone were used expertly without the use of mortar.

Deep in Peru’s tropical Amazon region, Reserva Amazonica is perfectly placed to experience the jungle and learn about the unique plants and exotic animals that inhabit it.

Itinerary: Across the Andes - From Lima to the Amazon Basin

Day 1 UK to Lima

Depart London Gatwick on the British Airways non-stop flight to the Peruvian capital Lima. Capital of Peru, Lima is the largest city in the country and a city of grand colonial architecture, first-class museums and exquisite churches. (N)

Accommodation in Lima: Casa Andina Centro Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Lima

Today explore the city with your guide. Places of interest include the Plaza Mayor – the original site on which Lima was founded by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535 – as well as the historic cathedral, grand Presidential Palace and Church of San Francisco with its collection of fine frescoes. The fascinating Archaeological Museum, depicting the progression of Peru’s various early civilizations from the Chavin in 1,000 BC to the Incas, is also well worth visiting and an excellent introduction to the country’s history. End the day with a drive along the Lima’s Pacific coast through the enchanting neighbourhoods of San Isidro, Miraflores and Larco Mar. (B)

Accommodation in Lima: Casa Andina Centro Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Lima to Cusco – by air

This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco. Cusco is the former ancient capital of the Inca Empire. In the afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Cusco, including the beautiful Plaza de Armas, to absorb the city’s wonderful atmosphere and marvel at some of the finest colonial architecture in South America. (B)

Accommodation in Cusco: Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar)

Day 4 Cusco

After breakfast leave Cusco and drive to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This enchanting valley is home to a number of fascinating Inca ruins with two most important found close to the traditional colonial village of Pisac and charming Ollantaytambo with its monumental fortress. Spend time in Pisac and then enjoy lunch at Huayoccari Hacienda – a private residence overlooking the mountains offering fabulous views of the valley. After lunch continue to Ollantaytambo which dates to the 13th century. Walk the village’s narrow cobbled streets then visit the rose-coloured fortress which once housed baths, fountains, temples and barracks. (B/L)

Accommodation in Cusco: Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar)

Day 5 Cusco – visit Machu Picchu

Today transfer to the railway station and board a train bound for the legendary ‘Lost City’ of the Incas, Machu Picchu. Upon your arrival at Aguas Calientes a twenty-five minute bus ride will bring you to the ruins of this famous Inca city. With its breathtaking location Machu Picchu is the foremost archaeological site on the continent and the highlight of a visit to Peru. Unknown to the outside world until the 20th century, explore this UNESCO protected citadel with your guide before returning to Cusco by train in the afternoon. (B/L)

Accommodation in Cusco: Casa Andina Koricancha (or similar)

Day 6 Cusco to Puerto Maldonado – by air/ Puerto Maldonado to Reserva Amazonica – by boat

This morning transfer to Cusco Airport and fly to Puerto Maldonado. On arrival board a boat and travel along the Madre de Dios River to the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge where you will stay for the next three nights. Set on a 40,000 acre private nature reserve, this luxurious eco-lodge lies deep in the heart of Peru’s Amazon rainforest adjacent to the Tambopata National Reserve. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Reserva Amazonica: Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge (or similar)

Days 7 - 8 Reserva Amazonica

Over the next two days explore the Reserva Amazonica and Tambopata National Reserve with a naturalist. This region is one of the most biologically diverse in the world and there is also a canopy walkway and butterfly house. The reserves are home to over 100 species of mammal including howler, capuchin and squirrel monkeys, otter, sloth and elusive jaguar. Birdlife is rich and varied with colourful toucans and macaws common and close to 1,000 different species of butterfly have been recorded. There will also be a chance to spot piranha, turtle and caiman. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Reserva Amazonica: Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica Lodge (or similar)

Day 9 Reserva Amazonica to Puerto Maldonado – by boat/ Puerto Maldonado to Lima – by air/ Depart Lim

Today return by boat to Puerto Maldonado and return by air to Lima. On arrival in Lima connect onto the evening overnight British Airways flight non-stop to London Gatwick. (B)

Day 10 Arrive UK

Arrive back into the UK in the afternoon. (N)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Domestic flights
Private car and driver
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Wildlife viewing with local naturalist
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

Across the Andes - From Lima to the Amazon Basin

10 days from £3985 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Across the Andes - From Lima to the Amazon Basin

What To Do Next?

What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

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When to Visit

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