Spectacular Peru: From Rainbow Mountain to Machu Picchu

Welcome to Lima. Upon arrival, you’ll be taken to your hotel by a private transfer – then it’s time for the fun to begin. After meeting your group, you’ll explore the district of Miraflores together on an introductory walking tour. Then, to kick things off in style, you’ll learn how to craft the perfect Pisco Sour, the nation’s favourite cocktail, under the guidance of a local Pisco master. Salud. 

Begin the day in the Plaza de Armas, Lima’s main square. Take a stroll through the elegant streets with your fellow travellers, admiring the city’s colonial cathedrals and Incan landmarks. In the afternoon, head to one of Lima’s most innovative restaurants, as the chefs prepare a ream of Peruvian dishes before your eyes. Then, roll your sleeves up and learn how to make your own ceviche, a true Peruvian classic. Later in the afternoon, join your guide on a scenic walk through the bohemian district of Barranco, stomping ground of the city’s artists and musicians. The rest of the evening is yours, with Barranco offering an array of restaurants at your fingertips.

Today you’ll all catch a 90-minute flight from Lima to Puerto Maldonado, then step aboard a traditional Amazonian boat to cruise your way to your jungle lodge. With just enough time to freshen up, prepare to sweat all over again with an immersive rainforest trek. Hike through the steamy foliage, following huge butterflies through this lush habitat. In the evening, explore the rainforest under the cover of darkness with an atmospheric night-time boat ride down the river.

This morning will see you trek through the Tambopata Reserve to Lake Sandoval. Boasting a rich abundance of flora, fauna and wildlife, this route proves why this is regarded as the biodiverse capital of Peru. In the afternoon, take a canoe to the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway – a labyrinth of hanging bridges and observation decks towering 98 feet over the jungle canopy. Traverse the treetops from up high, with toucans, sloths and curious monkeys to accompany you on your strolls. As night falls, be ready to channel your inner Attenborough, observing how the jungle changes as nocturnal animals emerge from hidden corners.

Today’s adventure will take you from the wild Amazon to the Andean city of Cusco. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, this beguiling city is the gateway to ancient citadels and ruins, scattered across a vast mountainscape. After checking into your new hotel, explore the picturesque stone streets lined with Inca architecture and baroque cathedrals, seeking out the perfect place to dine tonight. Easy in a foodie haven such as this.

Start your morning the local way: in San Pedro Market, perusing stalls lined with fresh produce and traditional textiles. Then, you’ll dive straight into Cusco’s rich heritage. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this imperial city was the historic capital of the Inca Empire until the Spanish Conquest in the 16th century. Begin at Koricancha Temple, built in honour of the Sun God, before weaving through the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman and the Qenqo Temple. After lunch, you’ll have the option to visit Cristo Blanco, where a formidable white statue of Christ rises over the Andes. Alternatively, you can spend the afternoon in Cusco however you please.

Prepare for an unforgettable day of mountain biking in the Sacred Valley. Between shimmering salt terraces and Inca ruins, soak up magnificent views of the Andes expanding into the horizon. Your biking adventure will take you past the agricultural terraces of Moray, before gliding downhill to the salt mines of Maras. The rest of the day is best spent relaxing and preparing for the hike that awaits you all on Rainbow Mountain…

You’ll spend this morning making the journey towards Rainbow Mountain base camp, located at a staggering 4,000 metres. On arrival in Quesiuno, you’ll be greeted by a herd of mountain mules and muleteers, and from here it’s about six kilometres of high-altitude trekking to base camp, with glaciers and snow-capped peaks rising in every direction. It’s not an easy hike by any standards, and you’ll require a good level of fitness to tackle this ascent, especially given the high-altitude air. The support of your group will be invaluable, too, as you each cheer one another on. Arrive at camp in time for dinner as the night sky comes to life with stars – a stark reminder of why this challenge is so worth it. Then, make the most of a short sleep in mountain tents, with thermal sleeping bags for added warmth.

You’re off to an early start this morning as together you begin your ascent. Admire the spectacular beauty of the mountains as you go, with streaks of turquoise, maroon and gold painting the landscape in rainbow hues. From Vinicunca Pass, located at 5,020 metres, it’s a short hike to the summit. At the top, savour a quiet moment of triumph with your group, surrounded by breathtaking views of the sierra. Then, begin the long descent to Pucapause, where a private bus will be waiting to take you back to the Sacred Valley in time for some well-earned drinks.

Enjoy a relaxed morning as you recover from yesterday’s achievements. With a few hours to spare, we recommend exploring the picturesque Sacred Valley or paying a visit to the terracotta villages in the region. Come afternoon, catch a train to Aguas Calientes – your new home for the night.

Today is yours to experience Machu Picchu in its full splendour. Located at 2,430 metres above sea level, the lost Inca citadel looks out over the ridges of the Andes Mountains. Led by an expert guide, uncover the legacy of the Incas as the condors soar overhead. After your hike, hop on a bus back to Aguas Calientes, before catching a train back to Cusco.

After conquering Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu, your Peruvian adventure has come to an end. Depending on what time your flight is, you can explore Cusco a little more, before making your own way to your next destination. Or perhaps extend your adventure to neighbouring Bolivia. We’ll leave the decision with you.