Mountains to the Lakes Expedition

We meet you on arrival in Lima and transfer you from the airport to your city hotel. As we drive in, first glimpses of the coastal capital unfold – a fitting introduction to the journey ahead. You settle in and prepare for what’s to come.

We travel south from Lima to Paracas along the Pacific coast, skirting desert landscapes and coastal plains. In Paracas we board a boat to the Ballestas Islands within the Paracas National Reserve to watch seabirds, sea lions and other marine life.

We drive from Paracas to Huacachina through the Ica Desert, crossing sweeping dunes and stark plains. We visit the Tacama Winery to sample local wines and Peru’s national spirit, pisco. At the oasis, you can relax by the tranquil lagoon ringed by towering dunes, before we set off on a dune buggy ride across the sands – an exhilarating way to savour vast desert views and the warm colours of sunset.

From Huacachina we cross the desert plains to Nazca, drawing closer to one of South America’s great mysteries. We visit the Nazca Lines and learn about the ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor, then explore the Chauchilla Cemetery near Nazca, viewing remarkably well preserved mummies in an open desert setting. We travel overnight by coach from Nazca to Arequipa – the route climbing from stark desert landscapes into the Andes.

On arrival in Arequipa, you have the rest of the day at leisure – explore the historic centre at your own pace and relax before the next travel day.

You have free time to explore Colca Canyon at your own pace – choose from optional rafting, cycling or trekking.

You enjoy another free day in and around Colca Canyon – you can choose to go rafting, cycling or trekking.

After arriving in Arequipa, you have time to settle in – explore the historic centre and relax before the next travel day. We then travel overnight by coach from Arequipa to Cusco, crossing high Andean terrain en route.

We explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas near Cusco – visiting ancient sites, sweeping agricultural terraces and lively local markets.

We transfer from Cusco to the Inca Trail trailhead in the Urubamba Valley, ready our kit and begin the trek. We follow ancient paths through broad valleys, evocative ruins and dramatic mountain scenery.

We continue along the Inca Trail, climbing steadily over lofty mountain passes and into lush cloud forest. The route weaves between soaring peaks and verdant valleys – a challenging yet rewarding stretch of the Andes.

We press on along the Inca Trail, moving beyond the crowds to pass remote ruins and sweep through dramatic Andean landscapes.

We visit Machu Picchu, exploring the iconic Inca citadel nestled within cloud forest. Afterwards, we return by train to Cusco – a scenic journey following the Urubamba River valley.

You have free time in Cusco to rest or explore at your own pace – visit museums, wander through churches and browse the local markets.

You enjoy another free day in Cusco – perhaps wander through museums, step inside historic churches or browse lively local markets.

We travel from Cusco to Puno, gaining altitude as we approach Lake Titicaca and arrive in the town on its shores. You have time to settle in before exploring the lake region.

We travel by boat from Puno across Lake Titicaca to the Uros floating reed islands, meet the communities who live on the water and learn about their traditions and daily life. We continue by boat to either Amantani or Taquile – quieter islands with a strong sense of community – and stay overnight with a local family, sharing meals and experiencing island life at first hand.

You have free time in Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca – take it easy in town and soak up the lakeside atmosphere.

We travel from Puno to Copacabana – crossing the Peru–Bolivia border en route – and arrive on the Bolivian shore of Lake Titicaca. We reach the lakeside town and conclude the day’s journey. You settle in and enjoy the calm lakeside atmosphere.

We travel from Copacabana to La Paz, climbing high into the Andes as we approach Bolivia’s capital. On arrival, you have free time to explore at your own pace – browse markets, visit museums or head to city viewpoints, choosing the activities that best suit your interests.

You have free time in La Paz to explore bustling markets, insightful museums and panoramic city viewpoints – choose what appeals and set your own pace. When it is time to leave, we collect you from your hotel and transfer you to the airport – a final drive that rounds off your journey through the Andes. Your trip concludes in La Paz after the airport transfer – depart with lasting memories of the high Andes of Peru and Bolivia.