Breathtaking Peru escape with Sacred Valley & Amazon

An awe-inspiring adventure through Peru’s Incan landmarks and Amazon jungle, with choice of hotels, breakfast and full-board, travel and excursions

Day 1-2: Lima

Gaze out at the vast metropolis as you touch down in Lima, Peru’s magnetic capital and one of South America’s largest cities. Set along dramatic cliffs on the country’s Pacific coast, this historic city was founded by the Spaniards in the 16th century on the site of a pre-Incan settlement, and continues to dazzle with its historic landmarks, soaring skyscrapers, sprawling parks and beaches, and world-renowned culinary scene. Spend the rest of your first day exploring at your leisure, and on the following day, enjoy a fascinating half-day tour of the city. You’ll start with the swanky Miraflores and San Isidoro districts before heading towards Lima’s historic centre, where you’ll visit the awe-inspiring Convent of Santo Domingo and Plaza de Armas, stopping by the Parque del Amor for swoon-worthy snaps of the Peruvian coastline.

Day 3: Lima - Cuzco - Sacred Valley

Today, you’ll say goodbye to Lima and jet off to Cuzco, the former Incan capital perched at 3,399 metres above sea level. From here, head straight to the heart of the Sacred Valley, stopping at the unique Museo Sulca, a living museum where you can watch local communities weave traditional textiles and preserve centuries-old customs. The rest of the day will be yours to spend as you wish - and you’ll want to take time to soak up the region’s spellbinding scenery.

Day 4: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Sacred Valley

Get ready to do some serious bucket-list ticking today, as you set off for Machu Picchu, the iconic Incan citadel that is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Wonder of the World. Start by transferring to Ollantaytambo’s railway station to ride a train to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll board a bus for Machu Picchu. Discovered in 1911, the citadel is considered one of the foremost examples of landscape architecture on Earth, and was reserved exclusively for Incan rulers, who considered themselves descendants of gods and worthy of a ‘palace in the clouds.’

Spend around two and a half hours touring this legendary site and admiring your otherworldly surroundings before returning to Aguas Calientes. Should time allow, explore the town at your own pace before returning to your hotel - and for added comfort, upgrade your train tickets in the booking process.

Day 5: Sacred Valley - Cuzco

Set off for a scenic journey to Cuzco today, with the option of a final ‘Essence of the Sacred Valley’ excursion before saying farewell. The excursion will include a visit to the church of Chinchero and the colourful textiles of the PARWA Centre, as well as lunch, a stop at Ollantaytambo’s Incan ruins, and a trip to the Racchi panoramic viewpoint for sweeping vistas across the valley.

Day 6: Cuzco

A vibrant city bursting with history, museums and cosmopolitan offerings, Cuzco will be yours for the taking with a whole day to spend at your leisure. Don’t know where to start? An optional half-day city tour will take you past some of Cuzco’s most iconic spots, from Plaza de Armas and the cathedral to the site of the Koricancha Temple, a former Incan palace that’s now home to a spectacular Dominican convent. Your final stop will be the lively San Blas neighbourhood, known for its artistic atmosphere, shops and artisan workshops.

Day 7: Cuzco - Iquitos

As your Incan escapades come to a close, you’ll transfer to the airport and board a flight to Iquitos, a thriving port city known as the gateway to the northern Amazon. After settling in at your hotel, spend the remainder of the day relaxing before your Amazon adventure begins on the morrow.

Days 8-10: Amazon

Channel your inner explorer as you delve deep into the Amazon today, heading towards the atmospheric lodge that will be your home base for the next few days. Take in the captivating landscapes of the Peruvian jungle as you glide down the river on a boat, before arriving and settling into your cabin. Once here, the lodge will be your launchpad for all manner of jungle pursuits, be it savouring traditional Amazonian cuisine, spotting elusive wildlife, cruising down the river or taking in once-in-a-lifetime sunsets. Please note that the activities and dining options available in the Amazon will vary depending on the lodge.

Day 11: Amazon - Iquitos - Lima

Keep an eye out for the famous pink dolphins as you round off your time in the Amazon and sail back to Iquitos. From here, you’ll hop on a flight back to Lima for a final overnight stay.

Day 12: Lima - UK/Ireland

After a whirlwind tour of Peru’s Incan landmarks and dreamy Amazon rainforest, you’ll head to the airport for your flight home, with memories under your belt that truly span the centuries.