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Peru

Mysteries of the Desert, Andean Mountains and Amazon Rainforest

Criollo Tour - 14 Night Itinerary

Discover Peru's diverse landscapes and history, from the coastal desert to the altiplano, the high peaks of the Andes to the lush Amazon rainforest.

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Travel Highlights

  • Discover historic Lima with its fascinating museums and excellent fusion cuisine
  • Explore the coastal desert region including a flight over the mysterious Nazca Lines
  • Explore the Altiplano and Lake Titicaca, home to traditional Andean life and customs
  • High mountain peaks around Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas
  • The 'Vistadome' train train to Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas
  • Stay at an eco-friendly Amazon Rainforest lodge deep in the jungle
  • Chance to see the rare giant otter, caiman and many species endemic to Peru

Tour Route

This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of departure date, route, duration, flights, cabin, hotels, transport and excursions.

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Map of Criollo

Tour Itinerary

Historic Cathedral of Lima and Plaza de Armas with colonial architecture and palm trees.
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Friday, 13 June 2025

Fly to Lima

Depart the UK to Lima on an overnight flight. 


Saturday, 14 June 2025

Welcome to Lima

Arrive in Lima. You will be met at the airport by your tour guide who will take you to your hotel for a 1 night stay including breakfast and given a short walking introduction to the local area. It is also an opportunity for our guide to provide advice, explain your programme and answer any questions you may have. Your guide will make suggestions about where to go, restaurants, and places to visit that may be of particular interest to you.

In the afternoon take a guided tour of the city including the historic centre. Visit the Presidential Palace, Plaza San Martín and the Larco Herrera Museum, with a fabulous collection of ancient artefacts from all over Peru. 

 

Allpa Hotel
Lima - Tourist Hotel

Allpa

This small contemporary hotel is located in the heart of Miraflores, with plenty of access to local conveniences such as restaurants and shops. The rooms are comfortable, spacious and modern although simple in character, and all with modern amenities such as WiFi, air conditioning and private facilities. The hotel has a bar and restaurant serving…

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Lima - First Hotel

Casa Andina Select Miraflores

The 4* Casa Andina Select Miraflores Hotel is located near the Kennedy Park and a few minutes away from the main shopping centres and restaurants of Miraflores. It’s a hotel that combines a contemporary Andean design.

The air-conditioned superior rooms are well-appointed with private bathroom, hair dryer, coffee making facilities, safe, iron and other facilities.…

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01 HB Fachada 01
Lima - Deluxe Hotel

Hotel "B"

A superbly renovated family house in the bohemian area Barranco, Arts Hotel "B" is a fusion of high-ceiling historical elegance and modern cultural sophistication. The rooms are spacious and elegant with modern amenties, some with balconies overlooking the boulevard or the square. The restaurant offers excellent modern Peruvian cuisine, providing the highest levels of service.

Accommodation…

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The hummingbird geoglyph stretches across the Nazca desert in a mysterious display of ancient precision.
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Sunday, 15 June 2025

Nasca Lines

Travel by road to Paracas and onto your hotel for a 1-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Transfer to Pisco Airport for your flight over the Nazca Lines in the afternoon. These are an incredibly precise collection of figures and lines, as yet unexplained but may represent an astronomical calendar. The images include that of a monkey, hummingbird, whale and astronaut. Lunch is included today.

The Paracas Candelabra geoglyph etched into a coastal hillside near the Ballestas Islands, Peru.
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Monday, 16 June 2025

Ballestas Islands and return to Lima

Enjoy an early morning excursion to the Ballestas Islands. The islands themselves are beautiful, with eroded caves and inlets, and sea lions frolicking around in our wake. We will see gannets, pelicans, and maybe the elusive Humboldt Penguins. After an included lunch, return to Lima by road in the afternoon and check-into your hotel for a 1-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.

 

 

 

Allpa Hotel
Lima - Tourist Hotel

Allpa

This small contemporary hotel is located in the heart of Miraflores, with plenty of access to local conveniences such as restaurants and shops. The rooms are comfortable, spacious and modern although simple in character, and all with modern amenities such as WiFi, air conditioning and private facilities. The hotel has a bar and restaurant serving…

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3000X2000 Habitacionsuperiordobleselectmirafloresroomserviceconvistaciudad
Lima - First Hotel

Casa Andina Select Miraflores

The 4* Casa Andina Select Miraflores Hotel is located near the Kennedy Park and a few minutes away from the main shopping centres and restaurants of Miraflores. It’s a hotel that combines a contemporary Andean design.

The air-conditioned superior rooms are well-appointed with private bathroom, hair dryer, coffee making facilities, safe, iron and other facilities.…

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Country Club
Lima - Deluxe Hotel

Country Club

Located just 7 miles from the international airport in the exclusive residential area of San Isidro with a pleasant view overlooking Lima Golf Club. 

Opened in 1927 and declared a Peruvian Cultural Monument, the historic Country Club offers luxurious and lavish accommodation in single or double air conditioned rooms equipped with cable TV, minibar and internet…

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Arequipa's Plaza de Armas and Cathedral with El Misti volcano in the distance.
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Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Discover Arequipa

Early morning flight to Arequipa, Peru's second largest city set in a rich green valley at the foot of the mighty El Misti Volcano. Transfer to your chosen hotel for a 1 night stay. The buildings in the centre have been built almost exclusively of the volcanic material 'sillar', a white, porous rock, giving Arequipa its nickname of 'The White City'. Your guide will meet you at your hotel for a delightful tour of the city visiting the church of La Compania and other colonial buildings, including the Plaza de Armas and Cathedral. The Santa Catalina Convent once housed some two hundred nuns and is a fascinating maze of colourful alleyways and rooms. 

Hotel Posada Monasterio Arequipa
Arequipa - Tourist Hotel

Posada Del Monasterio San Augustin

In a perfect location in front of the Convent of Santa Catalina, the characterful San Agustin Posada del Monasterio Hotel is a traditional Sillar house dating back to the 18th century. It has been completely restored preserving its architectural heritage with modern touches.

The hotel has 46 rooms, a restaurant serving international and local dishes and…

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MHG 5954 Casa Andina Arequipa Hotel Arequipa Hoteles Arequipa Alojamento Arequipa Hotel 5 Estrellas Arequipa Turismo Arequipa Libertador Arequipa
Arequipa - First Hotel

Casa Andina Premium

Formerly the old Mint, the Casa Andina Premium Arequipa has been beautifully restored into a modern first class hotel with lots of character. The hotel is well located in front of the Santa Catalina Convent and within easy walking distance from the Plaza de Armas.

Public areas include a restaurant and bar. There is free Wi-Fi…

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Cirqa Relais & Chateaux, Arequipa
Arequipa - Deluxe Hotel

Cirqa Relais & Châteaux Hotel

The Cirqa Relais & Châteaux hotel is located only one block away from the city’s main square. The striking historic complex formed part of the San Agustin church and lies within walking distance of many of Arequipa’s architectural jewels. 

Honouring this original concept, Cirqa is a place of both rest and fine cuisine. In the parador,…

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Sheep graze across the Andean Altiplano under vivid skies in South America.
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Wednesday, 18 June 2025

The Uros Islands, Lake Titicaca

This morning travel by road to Puno, on the shore of Lake Titicaca. Transfer to your hotel for a 1-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.

Afternoon guided excursion to the floating reed islands of Uros. The Indians inhabited the reed islands over five hundred years ago when the Uros built floating homes to isolate themselves from the Collas and the Incas.

Although the Uros Indians of these islands have intermarried with Aymara Indians and no pure-blooded Uros now exist, many of the inhabitants still practice the old traditions of fishing, trapping birds and living on lake plants. The totora reeds which grow abundantly in the shallows of the lake are used for their boats, houses and islands. 

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Puno & Lake Titicaca - First Hotel

Casa Andina Premium

The Casa Andina Premium, Puno is a few minutes’ walk outside of Puno city centre, including Lima Street which is very popular amongst tourists and locals alike.

The hotel lobby boasts a stone fireplace, ideal for warming up after being out in cold weather. It has 53 rooms, all with TV, FREE Wi-Fi, telephone, en-suite bathroom…

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Typical room
Puno & Lake Titicaca - Deluxe Lodge

Titilaka Lodge

Experience Lake Titicaca on a secluded private peninsula staying in a luxury lodge on the lake shore.

Titilaka Lodge features sumptuous lake view suites, intimate fireside dining, wraparound terraces, and a heated outdoor pool. A serene setting, surrounded by incomparably blue waters, graced with dramatic dawns and spectacular sunsets.

The lodge is all-inclusive, with 18…

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Cusco's vibrant Plaza de Armas bustles with charm beneath Andean skies and colonial spires.
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Thursday, 19 June 2025

Bus or train journey to Cusco

Today is one of the highlights of the tour with a scenic journey by bus (tourist), private vehicle (first), Peru Rail train (with lunch, high tea and entertainment included) to Cusco. 

Travelling across the Andean altiplano is an unforgettable experience. You will stop at local villages, meet local people and have the chance to haggle for local textiles and other crafts.

The trains stop at remote stations, where you can get off the train and explore. The journey passes dramatic landscapes of snow capped mountains and wide panoramas. 

On arrival in Cusco, you will be met by our representative and taken to your hotel in Cusco.


Friday, 20 June 2025

Excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas

Enjoy our extensive, special full day tour of the Sacred Valley. We begin by visiting the market at Chinchero, where locals come to barter and sell local produce and handicrafts.

Also visit a local weaving collective, to learn the traditions of weaving by hand on a back-strap loom. Next you will proceed to Moray, thought to have been an open-air crop laboratory of the Incas, followed by the pre-Inca salt pans of Maras. After lunch, visit the stunning fortress town and ruins of Ollantaytambo.

This large archaeological complex is believed to have been a significant agricultural, administrative, social, religious and military centre. The town itself is geometrically perfect; with straight streets, trapezoidal doors and Inca drainage systems.

Finally we travel to the colonial town of Pisac, built on the ruins of an Inca citadel and located at the entrance to the immensely fertile Urubamba "Sacred" Valley. Here you can see the bustling market and watch the sunset over the mountains from the ruins. 


Saturday, 21 June 2025

Exploring Cusco

Enjoy an included morning guided tour of Cusco today. Beginning in the main square of Cusco we visit the cathedral, built by the Spanish on Inca foundations and with an unusually variation of the Last Supper. 

From the city centre we travel into the mountains above Cusco to visit the archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman and Kenko. The mighty fortress and complex of Sacsayhuaman was built with massive stones, some weighing over 100 tons and placed together like a jigsaw.

On the return we stop at a vantage point for a superb view of the city and the surrounding mountains, before returning to your hotel. 


Sunday, 22 June 2025

At Leisure in Cusco

Today you have the flexibility to pursue your own interests and relax enjoying the unique atmosphere in Cusco. 

MW Top Lounge (1)
Cusco - Tourist Hotel

Maytaq Wasin

Situated in the heart of the Incan empire, only a few steps away from the main plaza, the Maytaq Wasin Hotel is contemporary in design, boasts high ceiling and plenty of natural light. There is a shaded terrace with views of the hills and chic common areas with modern decor. The hotel is only 150…

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Cusco - First Hotel

Casa Andina Premium

This beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house, just 4 blocks from Cusco’s main square – Plaza de Armas, is complete with authentic colonial character. It offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel but the comforts and services of a much larger property.

The hotel has 93 air-conditioned rooms offering private bathroom, safe, minibar, safe, TV, kettle and…

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Belmond Monasterio
Cusco - Luxury Hotel

Belmond Monasterio de Cusco

Built 300 years ago atop Inca foundations, the building was originally the Seminary of San Antonio Abad. In 1995, the seminary was tastefully converted into a luxury hotel while still preserving its original architecture of arched galleries surrounding two elegant colonial style courtyards. The Belmond Monasterio de Cusco is  Cuzco's premier hotel, providing its guests…

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Ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu set high in Peru's Andes mountains.
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Monday, 23 June 2025

Journey to Machu Picchu 

Travel aboard Peru rail's "Vistadome" train from the Sacred Valley to the Aguas Calientes village located at the foot of Machu Picchu.

This is a spectacular journey through a dramatic and changing landscape with some fantastic views. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will be met by your guide and travel via a winding road up the mountain before finally glimpsing the magical site of Machu Picchu.

Stay for one nihght in the valley below or by the entrance at the Belmond Macgu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge hotel. Enjoy an afternoon guided tour of this incredible site and learn about the history and culture of the Incas in this ancient wonder of the world. 

Casa Andina Standard
Machu Picchu - Tourist Hotel

Casa Andina Classic

Located by train station, the hotel is modern, functional but bland, useful for an overnight stay. The standard rooms have no windows but others look out over the station or behind to the Urubamba river.

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Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo
Machu Picchu - First Hotel

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo

Conveniently located next to the train station in Aguas Calientes, all cabanas have spacious rooms with en-suete bathrooms and are set amongst dense vegetation with gardens spread through the grounds, linked by winding paths. there is a restaurant & bar, a spa, walks and an orchid trail, that combined with the lush vegetation of the…

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Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
Machu Picchu - Deluxe Lodge

Sanctuary Lodge, Belmond Hotels

Set in its own gardens and the only hotel in such close proximity to the magical ruins, the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge offers twenty-nine well-appointed rooms and two suites. Also located just outside the gates to the Lost city of the Incas, this beautiful hotel is the only one to command views of the site.…

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Passengers relax in comfort aboard a scenic train bound for Cusco, framed by panoramic Andean views.
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Tuesday, 24 June 2025

Return to Cusco

The morning is free to explore Machu Picchu. You may wish to climb Huayna Picchu, a steep climb but well worth it for the fantastic views of the valley and a different perspective of Machu Picchu. Alternatively, there is a gentle climb, back along the Inca Trail, to Intipunku the Gate of the Sun, and the first sight one has of the complex if walking the Inca Trail. In the afternoon, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes and the train back to Ollantaytambo Station and onto Cusco, where we stay for 1 night.

Casa San Blas Boutique
Cusco - First Boutique

Casa San Blas

The Boutique Hotel Casa San Blas provides a service based on personalised attention within the context of a friendly, home-like atmosphere. The hotel is located in the historic artisans quarter of San Blas, just two and a half blocks from Cusco's main plaza. The rooms are decorated with a select collection of weavings designed to…

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Cusco - First Hotel

Casa Andina Premium

This beautifully renovated 18th-century manor house, just 4 blocks from Cusco’s main square – Plaza de Armas, is complete with authentic colonial character. It offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel but the comforts and services of a much larger property.

The hotel has 93 air-conditioned rooms offering private bathroom, safe, minibar, safe, TV, kettle and…

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Belmond Monasterio
Cusco - Luxury Hotel

Belmond Monasterio de Cusco

Built 300 years ago atop Inca foundations, the building was originally the Seminary of San Antonio Abad. In 1995, the seminary was tastefully converted into a luxury hotel while still preserving its original architecture of arched galleries surrounding two elegant colonial style courtyards. The Belmond Monasterio de Cusco is  Cuzco's premier hotel, providing its guests…

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Relaxing hammock terrace overlooking jungle lodges in Tambopata, Peru.
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Wednesday, 25 June 2025

Amazon Lodge & Canopy Tower

We fly to Puerto Maldonado today, where you will be greeted and travel by motorised canoe for the one and a half hour journey to your lodge in the Rainforest staying for 2 nights including accommodation, all meals, transport and guided excursions daily.

You will receive an orientation and briefing on the lodge and the eco-tourism project before the afternoon visit to the canopy tower.

From the top you not only get spectacular views of the river and the surrounding forest but also excellent opportunities to observe birds from the canopy. 


Thursday, 26 June 2025

Wildlife Safari & Community Visit

Up at dawn this morning to visit the Tres Chimbadas oxbow lake in search of morning wildlife. Here you take a long, easy canoe ride looking for giant river otters, turtles, hoatzin and wading birds.

We return to the lodges via jungle trails in time for a visit to a small parakeet clay lick.

In the afternoon, visit the community's ethnobotanical centre, which studies the relationships that exist between peoples and plants. 

Vibrant parrots and macaws gather at a clay lick deep in the Peruvian Amazon rainforest.
Tambopata Amazon Lodges - First Lodge

Tambopata Research Centre

Here, deep in the 700,000 hectares of the reserve, several species of macaws and parrots congregate to lick the minerals off a 500m long cliffside on the Tambopata riverbank.

The forest surrounding the centre has three types of terraced floodplain, terra firma, bamboo forest and palm swamps. There are 25 kilometres of trails under the…

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2980 Reserva Amazonica
Tambopata Amazon Lodges - Deluxe Lodge

Reserva Amazonica

The wildlife in the area is remarkable, from giant and colourful macaws, to toucans, parrots, tapirs, tamarind monkeys, owls, Southern Amazon Red squirrels, as well as a large variety of monkeys. Reserva Amazonica also holds the world record for ant species in a single place (362 species).

The lodge offers spacious facilities and well-equipped private cabins,…

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Plaza San Martin in Lima's historic center, featuring statue of Jose de San Martin and colonial architecture.
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Friday, 27 June 2025

Lima

Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Lima, where we stay for 1 night. In the afternoon, enjoy an included tour exploring both the colonial and modern districts of the city. We also visit the Museo Arqueologico Rafael Larco Herrera, which showcases remarkable chronological organised galleries providing an excellent overview on 3000 years of development of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. 


Saturday, 28 June 2025

Fly back to the UK

Final day at leisure in Lima. Afternoon transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. 

 


Sunday, 29 June 2025

Arrive in the UK

Arrive in the UK in the morning.

Allpa Hotel
Lima - Tourist Hotel

Allpa

This small contemporary hotel is located in the heart of Miraflores, with plenty of access to local conveniences such as restaurants and shops. The rooms are comfortable, spacious and modern although simple in character, and all with modern amenities such as WiFi, air conditioning and private facilities. The hotel has a bar and restaurant serving…

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Casa Andina Private Collection
Lima - First Hotel

Casa Andina Private Collection

The stylish Casa Andina Private Collection is located in the heart of Miraflores, close to many excellent restaurants. The 148 rooms are furnished in the modern European style, with modern amenities and private facilities. There is a lounge, swimming pool, bar, restaurant, and adjoining sandwich cafe for light snacks.

Accommodation is on a bed and breakfast…

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Miraflores Park Plaza
Lima - Deluxe Hotel

Belmond Miraflores Park

The Belmond Miraflores Park is a deluxe oceanfront boutique hotel surrounded by a lush gardens, located in Miraflores, one of Limas most exclusive residential districts.

A modern exterior hides a touch of finesse throughout the hotel, whose 81 rooms and suites are luxuriously decorated with marble and granite bathrooms and king size beds. The observatory Restaurant on…

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Atemporal, Lima
Lima - Luxury Boutique

Atemporal

Located in the upmarket district of Miraflores, Atemporal is a classic ‘Casa en Lima’ that preserves the individuality of original Peruvian mansions of the 1940’s. With only six rooms and an intimate atmosphere, the house offers the experience of a grand hotel in a secluded and private setting.

Choose between cosy, charming or grand rooms, each…

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Price Guidelines

Season Low Season High Season
Travel Dates January-June & September-November July-August &, December
Room Arrangement Tourist First Tourist First
Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms £4,948 £5,552 £5,714 £6,280

Prices are a guideline per person, for travel within the next year and booking early and are subject to availability. Please see below what is included and request a detailed quotation with a guaranteed price for your specific departure date and for Special Events, Summer, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.

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What's Included

  • 17 Days / 14 Nights
  • International flights (2 overnight)
  • Internal flights
  • Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
  • 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 2 dinners
  • Transfers to and from airports
  • Transport throughout the itinerary
  • Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
  • Prices are per person
  • Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on reques
  • Exclusive list of restaurant suggestions

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