Peru

Our journey begins as we gather in Toronto for our overnight flight to Lima, the capital of Peru.     

Upon arrival this morning, we transfer to our hotel in the upscale district of Miraflores. Following a chance to freshen up, we take a panoramic drive to experience the neighbourhood's modern energy. We then head to the renowned Larco Museum, housed in an 18th-century viceregal mansion built atop a pre-Columbian pyramid. Inside, we discover a private collection of Peruvian art, including exquisite gold and silver artifacts that offer a window into the ancient Andean worldview. As evening falls, we gather in the museum's enchanting gardens for a welcome dinner at the Larco Café, the perfect setting to toast the start of our trip. 

INNSiDE by Meliá Lima Miraflores (2 nights)  

We dedicate today to the UNESCO-listed historic centre, beginning in the Plaza Mayor and the colonial Cathedral of Lima. A short walk leads us to Casa Aliaga, a stunning mansion gifted by Francisco Pizarro to his captain Jerónimo de Aliaga, where his descendants still live to this day. We then explore the Church of Santo Domingo to view its impressive collection of viceregal altars and sculptures. In the afternoon, we explore the pre-Hispanic Huaca Pucllana. We traverse the squares and ramps of this massive adobe pyramid, built between 200 and 800 AD. The evening brings a special treat as we dine at the site's restaurant, enjoying Peruvian fusion cuisine against the backdrop of the illuminated ruins.

This morning we fly to Cusco, touching down in the high-altitude air of the Andes. Upon arrival, we drive into the Sacred Valley. Our journey introduces us to the region's history at the archaeological site of Pisac, home to a masterpiece of ancient farming: the largest complex of agricultural terraces in the area. We also explore the vibrant Pisac Market to admire local products. Then, we continue to our beautiful hotel to relax and acclimatize.  

Tierra Viva Valle Sagrado Urubamba (2 nights)

Today we delve deeper into the wonders of the Incas at Moray, where concentric terraces served as an ancient agricultural laboratory for experimenting with crops in varying microclimates. Our day continues with a unique culinary experience, a pachamanca lunch. This old culinary ritual, meaning "earth oven," is a feast of meats and vegetables cooked underground using hot stones. In the afternoon, we explore Ollantaytambo, a massive fortress that stands as a testament to Inca engineering and resistance against the Spanish colonizers.

Our full-day journey to the "Lost City of the Incas" begins aboard the Vistadome train, where panoramic windows offer uninterrupted views of the Urubamba Valley as we wind our way to Aguas Calientes. We spend our allotted time traversing the stone paths, temples, and terraces with a local guide, marvelling at the engineering and spiritual significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site. After our visit, we return to Aguas Calientes to board the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a transfer to our hotel in Cusco. 

Novotel Cusco  (2 nights)  

Cusco is a captivating intersection of cultures, where the Inca spirit remains as palpable as the ancient stone walls supporting its colonial city. We enjoy a relaxed morning to wander these historic streets before setting out to discover the city's landmarks. Our tour takes us to the majestic fortress of Sacsayhuamán for panoramic views, then descends into the bohemian artisan enclave of San Blas. In the city’s heart, we explore the Cathedral and the Coricancha, witnessing the dramatic fusion of the Convent of Santo Domingo built upon the Inca Temple of the Sun. Tonight, we celebrate our time in this magical city with dinner and a traditional performance.   
 

We embark on a spectacular rail adventure aboard the PeruRail Titicaca train to Puno. Traversing the dramatic landscapes of the Andes, the scenery unfolds through the windows of the 1920s-style Pullman carriages, as we enjoy a gourmet lunch and live traditional music. We can also breathe in the fresh mountain air from the open-deck observation car, making our transit to Puno not just a travel day, but a highlight of our Peruvian experience. 

Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno (2 nights) 

We venture onto the waters of Lake Titicaca today, the highest navigable lake in the world. Our first stop is the fascinating floating islands of the Uros, an ancestral society that constructs their homes and the islands themselves entirely from totora reeds. After exploring this unique way of life, we continue to Taquile Island, distinct for its Quechua-speaking residents who maintain traditions from the Inca Empire. We enjoy a tour of the island followed by a local lunch before returning to our hotel.   

This morning, we set out for the dramatic Aguada Blanca National Reserve. This vast plain offers us the chance to observe wild vicuñas grazing in their natural habitat. Continuing past the Toccra wetlands, home to alpacas and migratory birds, we reach the journey's highest point at the Patapampa Viewpoint. At 4,910 metres above sea level, we take in the majestic chain of volcanoes before descending to Chivay. Following lunch, the rest of the day is yours to relax before we reconvene for dinner at the hotel.

Colca Lodge Spa & Hot Springs (1 night)      

We rise early to witness one of the region's most spectacular natural displays at the Cruz del Cóndor. Here, perched on the edge of the canyon, we watch for the majestic Andean condor soaring on morning thermals. Our drive showcases the cultural heritage of the valley with visits to the traditional towns of Yanque and Maca. After lunch, we journey across the high Altiplano to Arequipa, known as the "White City" for its unique architecture with white volcanic stone. 

Casa Andina Premium Arequipa (2 nights)                

We explore Arequipa today, starting with panoramic views of the Misti and Chachani volcanoes from the Carmen Alto viewpoint. In the Yanahuara district, we admire the city's signature white sillar stonework before visiting the Plaza de Armas and the sprawling Santa Catalina Monastery, a vibrant citadel within the city. Our day concludes with a unique "Alpandino" fusion dinner at a local restaurant. 

Today, we fly back to the capital. Upon arrival in Lima, we travel south along the coast to Paracas. We arrive at our seaside resort in time to settle in before dinner. 

Aranwa Paracas Hotel (2 nights) 

The mysteries of the ancient world take centre stage today as we board a flight to view the famous Nasca Lines. From the air, we observe colossal geoglyphs like the monkey, spider, and condor etched into the desert floor, if weather permits. After lunch in Ica, we explore the city square and visit an artisanal distillery to sample local Pisco and wine. Our afternoon ends at the Huacachina Lagoon, a stunning oasis ringed by towering sand dunes, before we return to our resort. Tonight, we gather for our farewell dinner.
 

We set out by boat to the Ballestas Islands for a unique coastal wildlife experience. Amidst the rocky arches, we marvel at sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and guano birds in their natural habitat. After the tour, we travel back to Lima. 

Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport (1 night)              

Our journey concludes early this morning as we board our flight home to Canada.