Highlights of Peru - Solo Tour

Follow in the footsteps of adventurers as you explore the remains of the Incas' final stronghold in Peru's 'lost city' Machu Picchu, visit colonial towns and discover some of the islands of Lake Titicaca on this fascinating trip.

What's Included:

• Just You Tour Manager as your host & Specialist Local Guide
• Return flights from Heathrow with Avianca via Bogota
• A dedicated Just You representative to greet you at selected UK airports
• Use of an airport lounge in the UK
• 8 nights in 4-star hotels plus 2 nights in flight
• 15 meals : 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners including a welcome drink & dinner
• Overseas transfers, internal flights, other transportation & porterage

Day 1: UK - Lima

Today you'll fly to Lima, the 'City of Kings'.

Day 2: Lima

Founded in 1535 by the Spanish Conquistador, Francisco Pizarro, much of Spain's colonial influence can still be seen in Lima. Beautiful squares, fine churches and mansions have changed little since the 17th century. Must-see sights include the cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace and the Presidential Palace, which all feature on our included tour. The pre-Inca and Inca artefacts in the city's many museums are also fascinating and you'll have a chance to see them too. Get to know your travelling companions over a drink this evening. ​

Day 3: Cuzco

It's important to allow your body time to acclimatise to the high altitude in Peru, so we've left today free for you to do just that.​

Day 4: Cuzco

The Valley of the Incas is awash with intriguing sites and fascinating tales. If you choose to join today's optional excursion you'll visit the lovely town of Chinchero, where a colourful market sells all kinds of uinque handicrafts.

Next, you'll visit the impressive Inca ruins of the Ollantaytambo fortress and temple, which offer a fascinating insight into the distinctive Inca style of building. The site was under construction at the time of the Spanish invasion, therefore many of the buildings were abandoned and remained unfinished.

Day 5: Machu Picchu

The famous ruined city of Machu Picchu was rediscovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. Perched above a steep valley, swathed in dense jungle and often referred to as the 'lost city', this is a truly incredible site. We travel to Machu Picchu by narrow-gauge railway and take the bus up to mist-shrouded mountain tops and the captivating ruins. A Local Guide will accompany us and be on hand to answer questions. Wandering around the site and exploring the ruins for yourself is one of the greatest ways to experience Machu Picchu.​

Day 6: Cuzco

Cuzco, the former Inca capital, features a fascinating combination of Inca and colonial architecture in its mansions, churches and cobbled streets. Discover the city and the surrounding Inca sites, including the mighty ruins of the stone Sacsayhuaman Fortress, on a tour today.

This afternoon we're going to visit a community centre in Ccaccaccollo to learn how the Planeterra weaving co-operative has impacted the village. Very few communities benefit from tourism and this centre helps maintain a traditional way of life, helping bring back weaving traditions whilst supporting small local communities. Today, more than 55 women are part of the association, constantly learning new methods, whilst also maintaining traditional ones. Women involved the project report that all of their children are now able to study at university, and they are the first generation to be completely literate in Spanish. Learn all about weaving and dyeing techniques used to create traditional garments and have the opportunity to purchase them.

Day 7: Cuzco - Puno

Today we're going to travel to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. We'll travel through magnificent scenery and make several stops en route. First we'll visit Andahuayluillas, where a beautiful 17th century church contains an organ decorated with angels and cherubs. Next we'll call at the ruins of Racchi, and after an included lunch we'll see the archaeological site of Puca-Pucara, before arriving in Puno.

Day 8: Puno - Lake Titicaca

We've an early start today, as we make our way to the Uros Islands. Floating on Lake Titicaca, they have been constructed from the totora reed that grows around the edge of the lake. They are home to descendants of the region's native population, and we'll spend some time learning about their day-to-day life before setting sail for Amantani Island. This permanent island is located 4,150 metres above sea level and its history can be traced back to pre-Incan times. For a truly unforgettable and authentic Peruvian experience, we're going to stay overnight in the homes of local families here. Your host family will welcome you on arrival and after showing you around their home, you'll sit down to lunch with them. Later, we'll journey to one of island's highest points, an ancient ruin known as the Pachatata ceremonial centre, where we'll watch the sun as it sets. We'll then head back to our hosts' homes, where dinner will be served accompanied by traditional music.

Day 9: Puno - Lima

After enjoying breakfast with our host families, our explorations of Lake Titicaca's islands continues as we set sail for Taquile Island. Home to a tight-knit community, life here hasn't really changed for more than 1,000 years, and the Taquileños create everything they need themselves, including unique textiles and handicrafts. In fact, UNESCO has even inscribed its textile art on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. We'll spend time with the locals, learning how both the men and women produce woven and knitted items. There's also time to take in exceptional scenery of terraced fields tumbling down to the bright blue waters of the lake and stone paths dating from pre-Hispanic times. Later we'll return to Puno, where we'll head to a restaurant for dinner. We'll then transfer to the airport for our flight back to Lima.

Day 10: Lima - UK

During a free morning, why not head back into Lima to soak up more sights. Later we'll transfer you to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.

Day 11: UK

You'll arrive in the UK today.