Peru Splendors with Arequipa & Colca Canyon

Welcome to the modern city of Lima!

Upon arrival, you will be met by your Globus representative.

Legendary Lima

This afternoon, your Local Guide focuses on the city's colonial heritage during a walking tour. Start at the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and the cathedral. From here, stroll to the venerable San Francisco Monastery with its splendid 17th-century cloister murals. For a special treat, Globus Local Favourite stop at a local food market to get a real taste of life for the local people. This evening, enjoy dinner at one of Lima's Peruvian restaurants with your fellow travel companions. (B/D)

LOCAL FAVOURITE - LOCAL TASTES: Stop for a real taste of Peru at a local market. Sample some of the local fruits and vegetable that aren't found in other parts of the world. You can also find spices, meats, seafood, and even a souvenir or two. And you'll definitely want to take some photos of the beautiful, brightly hued displays.

Empire of the Andes

Fly to Cusco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Head into the Sacred Valley of the Incas and visit the semi-circular Kenko Amphitheatre with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages and see the ancient site of Puca Pucara.

Also, in the Sacred Valley, experience an Globus Local Favourite El Pago a la Tierra, or Mother Earth Ceremony, performed by a local shaman. Meet local families who preserve the ancient technique of Pre-Columbian weaving using South American camelid fleece. This is your chance to get up close to the various camelids, including alpaca, llama, guanaco, and vicuna, indigenous to the region.

Continue to Pisac, an old mountain village, where you will have free time to shop for local wares, such as alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewellery, or hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases at its famous market. Stay in the Sacred Valley tonight, with dinner at the hotel. (B/L/D)

LOCAL FAVOURITE - CULTURE & TRADITION: Feel the earth, smell the coca leaves, and taste the chicha today as you make payment to Mother Earth. Participate in an Globus Local Favourite El Pago a la Tierra, an ancient ceremony led by a shaman thanking Mother Earth and asking for good health, wealth, and safe travels. These mystical ceremonies have been practiced in Peru since before the arrival of the Incas.

Mystery on the Mountain

This morning, visit the Inca Fortress of Ollantaytambo, followed by Globus Local Favourite a visit to a local home, meet some of the area's families, and experience their way of life in the Sacred Valley. Then, board the Vistadome train for a scenic journey through the lush Urubamba Valley.

Upon arrival, ascend the mountainside to legendary Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas." Your Local Guide will introduce this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct, and will bring you closer to the mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures. Tonight, you may wish to try a Pisco Sour (a traditional Peruvian cocktail) or an Inka Kola, before the included dinner. (B/D)

LOCAL FAVOURITE - TIMELESS TRADITIONS: Today, you are invited into a local family's home in the Sacred Valley. Learn about their traditions like weaving that has been passed down for centuries from ancestors. See how they cook, live, sleep, work, and maybe ask about the cuy (Guinea pigs) they keep in their house.

Here Comes the Sun

A morning at leisure in Machu Picchu allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu with your second included entrance to the ruins. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the Sacred Valley by train and continue to Cusco. (B/L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORY & MYSTERY: Staying overnight in Machu Picchu allows you to get up early and experience the ruins at their most pristine before the crowds arrive. Watch as the mist slowly burns off and the sun rays illuminate the ruins. While you are there, you may even want to try and get a selfie with one of the local llamas or alpacas!

Sun Worship & Spanish Conquests

On your guided sightseeing tour of Cusco today, learn more about the Inca and Spanish influence. Begin at the heart of Cusco in the Plaza de Armas (main square), with a visit to the imposing Cathedral, where construction began in 1550 and was finally completed 100 years later.

Join a traditional Globus Local Favourite Pasacalle through the streets of Cusco before continuing to Koricancha and the Santo Domingo Monastery and see how the two sites have become one. The Temple of the Sun at Koricancha was once the most important Inca site, dedicated to the worship of the Sun. The walls, altars, and decorations were all said to be covered in gold-until the Spaniards looted the temple and then built the contrasting Baroque Santo Domingo Monastery on top of the temple's foundations.

Also visit the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco. It remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones-with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons-was built. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)

LOCAL FAVOURITE - CULTURE & TRADITION: A special treat is in store for you when you are greeted by a group of Andean musicians dressed in vibrant Inca textiles. They will escort you on a Pasacalle (Andean Parade) through Cusco while playing traditional music and performing ancient dances-an experience you won't soon forget!

Lava Love in Peru

Fly to Arequipa, known as the "White City," as its buildings are made of sillar, a white volcanic rock found throughout the area. Upon arrival, a city tour of Arequipa shows off the Plaza de Armas, the cathedral, and the Jesuit Church, considered the best example of the mestizo baroque style. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CITY SIGHTS: Surrounded by three volcanos, Arequipa is Peru's second largest city behind Lima. The city is built from volcanic material and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage city. Beyond the architecture, Arequipa is known for its authentic cuisine. Visit a local picanteria in the city and taste some of Peru's best food.

Terrace Views

Drive across Pampa Canahuas within Aguada Blanca National Reserve, the habitat of vicunas and a variety of birds. Admire beautiful Pre-Columbian terraces still being cultivated by native Collaguas. After lunch, arrive in Colca Canyon, an impressive geological formation carved out by the river.

More than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon is one of the deepest in the world. Observe the spectacular terracing, considered among the most extensive in southern Peru. These terraces, which allow cultivation and meticulously controlled irrigation of the steep slopes of the canyon, were built by natives between the 9th and 14th centuries. (B/L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT: Colca Lodge is nestled on the banks of the Colca River, surrounded by hundreds of pre-Inca platforms. Each room features stunning views of the Colca valley, gardens, and an occasional llama or alpaca. The hotel also is lucky enough to boast its own natural thermal pools - a perfect way to relax at the end of the day.

On Condors' Wings

This morning, visit the observation point of Condors' Cross, for the chance to see Andean condors soaring in this native habitat. From here, also enjoy the impressive Colca Canyon panorama. Next, visit the town of Yanque before returning to your hotel. (B/L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - WONDERS OF NATURE: The Colca Canyon is home to the largest flying bird in the world, the condor. With wingspans of up to 11 feet, these massive vultures glide on the thermal updrafts along the canyon walls above the stunning landscapes of Arequipa. Don't miss the chance to come eye to eye with these magnificent aerialists.

Homeward Bound

Return to Arequipa and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Lima. Free time this evening. (B/L)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - LOCAL TASTES: Enjoy a last chance to enjoy the fantastic food of Peru with a last night in Lima. Toast the trip with a Pisco Sour, sip a spoonful of ceviche, or catch the fish of the day with a dish of fresh seafood.

Safe travels until we meet again!

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)