Day 7 Sacred Valley – Chinchero, Moray & Maras
A fabulous day of ancient history and vibrant culture. Visit Chinchero for a snapshot of traditional textiles and the weaving techniques passed down through generations. You will also visit the Chinchero archaeological complex, one of the most important in the area, featuring terraces and aquaducts, set against gorgeous crisp mountain views.

Head onwards to Moray, where it is thought that perhaps the Incans conducted research into agriculture. Today this is an impressive site, a vast amphitheatre created by huge, incredibly precise circular terraces. From here continue to the salt mines of Maras where hundreds of flat white terraces cascade down the mountainside. Hear about how the Incans extracted salt from the land and soak up stunning panoramic views of the mosaic of terraces and ponds to the mountains beyond.

Day 8 Sacred Valley – White Water Rafting
Time for some adrenaline fun! Start your Urubamba rafting journey on easy waters while admiring the spectacular views of the mountains, Inca ruins and terraces. Enjoy some class 2-3 rapids along with some thrilling whirlpools. Disembark near the historic town of Ollantaytambo and transfer back to your hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure.

There are many other alternatives if this does not appeal – zip-wiring, SUP, biking, horse-riding, hiking, kayaking – the options are endless according to energy levels!

Day 9 Sacred Valley – Culture & Community
Enjoy a full day cultural immersion in a local community. The village lies in a spectacular setting in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Here you will learn more about the traditional Andean lifestyle and take part in some of the different daily activities. You will have the opportunity to enjoy some cooking, construction or agricultural experiences as well as a hike around the community before indulging in a delicious lunch prepared with traditional local ingredients. A great day of hands on activities and a superb way to witness ancient traditions firsthand.

Day 10 Sacred Valley – Zip-lining
An exciting morning as you take zip-lines over the Sacred Valley. This activity is so much fun, and children will love the thrill of following a series of seven ‘zips’ over dramatic scenery with incredible views along the valley. Each line is different from the others – start off with a short, easy one and graduate to longer zips, upping your zip-line expertise as you go! (If this isn’t for you, we can arrange hiking, biking, kayaking, SUP, or you can even lend a hand with a local reforestation project).

This afternoon, take a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Town. Nestled at the foot of the iconic citadel, this is the gateway to what will no doubt be a highlight of your holiday. Spend the rest of the day wandering around the small town or perhaps visit the nearby hot springs.

Day 11 Machu Picchu
One of the most important landmarks in the world awaits you: Machu Picchu! A short bus ride brings you to one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World – an unforgettable sight. Perched on a ridge at 2,430m, between enormous peaks, the lost city of Machu Picchu is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world, spread wide over the mountainside. Explore the ruins on a guided tour, hearing about the stories that this mysterious place holds, and following small passageways through the vast rock walls. No-one knows exactly what the building were originally used for… Was it a permanently inhabited city or a country retreat for the Inca nobility? Either way, it is stunning.

In the afternoon you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then continue on by car to Cusco.

Note: Active families might like to consider the ‘Inca Express,’ a one day hike that allows you to arrive at the fabled site of Machu Picchu on foot, through the Sun Gate, in the afternoon just when other visitors are leaving. You then return to the site the following day for a more relaxed visit. If you’d like to do this or the longer Classic 4-day Inca Trek, please ask us for details.

Days 12-13 Cusco
You have two full days to explore the city. Once the centre of the vast Inca Empire, Cusco offers an intoxicating combination of ancient religious sanctity and colonial splendour. Wander through the cobbled streets and you will come across huge stone blocks that were cut in Incan times with remarkable precision before turning a corner to find a lovely square that is framed by exquisite colonial buildings painted in pastel colours and attractive Spanish churches.

We will include a morning guided tour for your first day to give you your bearings visiting the colourful San Pedro Market, the Koricancha temple, the impressive hilltop fortress of Sacsayhuaman and the imposing cathedral in the Plaza de Armas. You will also visit the city’s iconic local market before spending the rest of your time at leisure. Wander around the artistic quarter where you can find many excellent cafes and restaurants and head to the markets to bargain for souvenirs.

Day 14 Cusco – Puno
Travel from Cusco to Puno. The quickest way to do this is to fly, but by far the most dramatic and enjoyable method is to travel by Titicaca train over the high Altiplano enjoying meals and the most phenomenal views enroute. We will book the most convenient service depending on the schedules at the time your travel (not all services operate on all days). If you prefer, you can also choose to travel overland by either private car or tourist bus, stopping at some of the sites along the way. These include the otherworldly ruins of the Temple of Wiracocha in Raqchi and the exquisite chapel at Andahuaylillas.

Day 15 Lake Titicaca
Head out onto Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, with spectacular views towards the Andes and over the lake itself. Visit a small community of Uros Indians who live on floating reed islands in the middle of the lake before continuing to Taquile, considered to be the most beautiful of the islands. On arrival you will climb uphill for an hour to a central point where you can enjoy the stunning views. Enjoy lunch of fresh lake trout before viewing the colourful textiles that the islands are famed for. Afterwards return to Puno.

Note: There are various ways to experience Lake Titicaca. We have found that the day trip works well and avoids the more touristic elements found on some of the islands. If you are interested in staying overnight in a simple island homestay or in one of the more comfortable floating hotels (limited availability) please do discuss with your travel consultant.

Day 16 Puno – Colca Canyon
Continue on your journey travelling towards the Colca Canyon. Your route today takes you via Lagunillas where you can stop to admire the extensive birdlife and the high pass at Pata Pampa (4,910m). Here there are truly breath-taking views over the volcanoes of Ampato, Sabancaya, the Hualca-Hualca as well as the Mismi (the source of the Amazon River). You will also travel through the Pampa de Toccra, home of the alpaca, as well as varieties of birds in which the elegant flamingo stands out. As you approach the town of Chivay you will enjoy stunning views of the beautiful multi-coloured terraces of the Colca Valley.

Day 17 Colca Canyon
Rise early and depart for the Colca Canyon, a dramatic gorge that claims to be the deepest in the world and which is home a population of condors. You will watch these giant birds, the largest land birds on earth with a wing span of up to 3m, as they soar on the thermal currents that rise from the valley floor. It is a truly remarkable sight.

Later visit the picturesque town of Pinchollo, located in the heart of the Colca Canyon, Wayra Punku town, and the Antahuilque viewpoint from where you can see amphitheatre-shaped 1,500yr old agricultural terraces and beautiful lagoons that surround the famous valley. You will also visit the small Andean community of Maca before returning to Chivay for lunch. The afternoon is free. If you are feeling active we can arrange either a horse ride or a cycling trip out into the countryside.

Day 18 Colca – Arequipa
You will have the morning free to relax at your hotel and enjoy the landscape surrounding you. Later you will continue driving to Arequipa.

Arequipa is a gorgeous colonial city, its pretty centre a UNESCO world heritage site and packed with pastel coloured Spanish-style villas, whitewashed churches and busy piazzas all set against the impressive backdrop of the El Misti Volcano.

Day 19 Arequipa
A half day tour to explore the heart of Arequipa. The Yanahuara and Carmen Alto viewpoints are unmissable stops, from where you can appreciate the fantastic landscape. Visit the historic centre and beautiful Main Square, where the city was founded in 1540. The buildings in Arequipa are built in ashlar, the white volcanic stone that gives it its name of ‘White City’. End your walk in one of the most iconic places in the city: the fabulous Monastery of Santa Catalina.

The rest of the day is free to relax and explore independently.

Day 20 Arequipa – Lima
After breakfast transfer to the airport for a flight back to Lima. A taste sensation awaits you today… Did you know that Peru is the second largest producer of organic cocoa in the world? Get your tastebuds ready – on this fun activity, discover the amazing variety of flavours in the local cocoa. Accompanied by a cup of freshly roasted coffee and two expert guides, experience a chocolate tour, sampling various regional cocoa products to taste the difference. Feel like connoisseurs as you make notes on your tasting sheets, grading the aroma, melt and even the snap! It’s also the perfect place to pick up any chocolate-themed souvenirs to take home.

Day 21 Lima
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.