Day 1 – Fly to Lima

Fly to Lima, Peru’s capital. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel where the rest of the day is yours to relax and acclimatise before a delicious Peruvian-style welcome dinner.

Day 2 – Explore Lima

Founded by conquistador extraordinaire Francisco Pizarro in 1535 and known as the ‘Ciudad de los Reyes’ (City of Kings), Lima is a fascinating and stately city. Your city tour starts with a visit to the intriguing Huaca Pucllana, a pyramid constructed by an ancient culture. Then, stroll the streets in and around the UNESCO-listed historic city centre, renowned for its magnificent colonial architecture.

Day 3 – Into the Sacred Valley

Hop on a plane and fly to Cusco, passing through the city and heading straight into the renowned Scared Valley of the Incas, known for its breathtaking scenery and hillside citadels. As you explore, visit one of its many charming towns, where a local community will introduce you to their more traditional way of life. Afterwards take a tour around the Pisac archaeological site, before you continue to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Day 4 – Train to Machu Picchu

Begin the day in Moray, walking through the striking circular terraces, believed to have been used by the Incas for agricultural experiments. Afterward, you’ll visit Maras, where over 3,000 salt ponds carved into the mountainside capture salty spring water, producing the famous sal de Maras. In Ollantaytambo explore the impressive ruins, including the Temple of the Sun, and observe the still-functioning Inca terraces and water systems, before heading to Aguas Calientes.

Day 5 – Discover Machu Picchu

From the floor of the valley, ascend to Machu Picchu perched high on a mountain ridge. Abandoned by the Incas in the 16th century, the citadel remained a local secret until it was brought to the world’s attention by explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. You’ll have plenty of time to explore these remarkable and wonderfully atmospheric ruins before hopping back on the Vistadome train in the afternoon. Disembark in Poroy and transfer to Cusco.

Day 6 – Explore Cusco

At the heart of modern-day Cusco is the city that was once the glorious capital of the Inca Empire, razed and built over by the conquering Spanish in the 16th century. This area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represents a captivating blend of Incan and colonial heritage and is a big part of your explorations today. Wander the Plaza de Armas and the Convent of Santo Domingo while also learning about the Incan architecture beneath your feet. Then, visit the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, experiencing a traditional Quechua ritual led by a Shaman, providing a spiritual connection to Andean traditions and Inca heritage.

Day 7 – Train to Titicaca

All aboard the train to one of the world’s highest lakes! Journey across the Peruvian highlands to Lake Titicaca, enjoying the views as you relax in comfort and style. Four dining cars, where a gourmet lunch of Andean ingredients will be served, and a bar car will keep your refreshed throughout your travels while music and dance performances, will keep you entertained.

Day 8 – Across Lake Titicaca

Cross into Bolivia and journey to the lakeside town of Copacabana, before cruising across the spectacular waters of Lake Titicaca to the Island of the Sun. Explore the Inti Wata Cultural Complex, discover the island’s rich heritage and witness a traditional indigenous ceremony, before enjoying lunch aboard the catamaran as you cruise back across the lake.

Day 9 – Travel to La Paz

Journey through the spectacular Andes to La Paz, Bolivia’s vibrant high-altitude capital, with views of snow-capped peaks along the way. Explore the colourful Indian and Witches’ Markets, admire views of the mighty Illimani mountain and discover the otherworldly landscapes of Moon Valley. Finish with a ride on La Paz’s famous Teleférico cable car, enjoying panoramic views across the city and surrounding mountains.

Day 10 – The Salar de Uyuni

Fly to the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia’s incredible salt flats. Enjoy a picnic lunch while admiring the surreal landscapes and experiment with perspectives on this vast, flat expanse. Tonight, sleep in a unique salt hotel.

Day 11 – Meet the Mummies

Explore the salt flats where, weather permitting, you’ll meet the intriguing Coquesa mummies, ancient human remains preserved in a cave near the Tunupa Volcano. After exploring the cave, pause to take in the views from this incredible vantage point, the shimmering white flats spreading out into the distance.

Day 12 – Into the Atacama

Wave farewell to Bolivia as you cross into Chile and the stark beauty of the Atacama Desert, travelling to the desert outpost of San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 13 – Discover the Moon Valley

The next day, begin your explorations, visiting the charming desert village of Toconao then, as the sun sets drive to the otherworldly Moon Valley where you can watch the colours of lonely volcanoes and jagged cliffs shift through a spectrum of yellows, reds and purples as night falls.

Day 14 – Venture to El Tatio

Rise before dawn to travel through the twilight to reach the El Tatio Geysers, set within a ring of volcanoes. Relax this afternoon before setting out again late in the evening to make the most of the Atacama’s dark skies. There is nowhere better in the world for stargazing; tonight, you will be given a guided tour of the heavens with a glass of local wine in hand.

Day 15 – Travel to Santiago

Transfer to Calama and fly down to Santiago, Chile’s capital city. Later, tour the city stopping at sights like the Plaza de Armas, home to the impressive 18th-century cathedral and 19th-century post office. Pop up to the top of Cerro Hill for views over the city and, on clear days, to the mountain peaks beyond.

Day 16 – Discover Valparaiso

Take a day trip to the port city of Valparaiso. Unique and full of roguish charm, the city is set along the seafront and on the hills above, the two parts connected by vintage funiculars. The hilltop ‘cerros’ (neighbourhoods) are packed with colourful mansions and cobbled streets and are a delight to wander. While here, enjoy lunch and a tasting of wines from nearby vineyards.

Days 17 – 19 – Fly Santiago to Australia

Transfer to the airport for your flight home, arriving 2 days later.