21 DAY PERU TOUR WITH INTREPID TRAVEL

During this 21 day Intrepid travel tour, take an in depth look at the best of Peru on an exciting journey that encompasses modern cities and ancient worlds. Explore the country's lush jungles, expansive lakes and harsh deserts. Enjoy local homestays, hike the famed Inca Trail and be immersed in fascinating Peruvian culture while discovering its history buried deep within the walls of lost cities.

PRICE: per person, tour code GSA

DEPARTURES: Selected Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays

INCLUDED:

• 21 day 'Peru Encompassed' Intrepid Travel tour
• Accommodation: Hotels (12 nts), jungle lodge (2 nts), homestay (2 nts), camping (3 nts), overnight coach (1 nt)
• Meals included: 19 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners
• Transport: Plane, overnight coach, train, minivan, boat, canoe, local bus, walking

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Sip a pisco sour in Pisco
• Scale Huacachina's sand dunes
• Be amazed by the Nazca Lines
• Discover desert mummies at Chauchilla Cemetery
• Nibble guinea pig in Arequipa
• Search for condors in Colca Canyon
• Experience traditional Lake Titicaca life at a homestay
• Sample Cuzco's famous coca tea
• Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Explore the steamy Amazon Jungle

ITINERARY:

Day 1 Lima

Get a taste of Lima's Peruvian-Spanish flavour in the Plaza de Armas.

Day 2 Pisco

The Paracas National Reserve is a haven for pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingos, sea lions and penguins - it's a great optional day-trip. Back in town, unwind with a pisco sour.

Days 3-4 Nazca

Perhaps head to the incredible Ballestas Islands - sometimes referred to as the 'Galapagos of Peru'. See the dramatic sand dunes of Huacachina before heading to one of the world's most mysterious archaeological sites, the Nazca Lines. Discover the desert cemetery of Chauchilla; the arid conditions of the desert have naturally mummified the remains of the people buried here some 1,500 years ago.

Day 5 Arequipa

Built at the foot of El Misti Volcano, Arequipa's colonial charm is enchanting. Marvel at the gleaming buildings made from pale volcanic rock, lending the city its moniker, White City.

Days 6-7 Chivay/ Colca Canyon

Spot llamas, alpacas and their cousins - vicunas, on the way to Chivay. Be impressed by the depth of the canyon while keeping an eye out for the resident Andean condors, the world's largest flying bird. In the evening, relax in thermal baths, dine on a llama steak or listen to live Andean music at a pena. Experience traditional local life staying with a family in Colca.

Days 8-10 Puno/ Lake Titicaca

Cross the Andes to explore the vast waters of Lake Titicaca. Learn about local lakeside culture during a homestay with an island-dwelling family.

Days 11-12 Cuzco

Discover Inca ruins and baroque churches, then perhaps have lunch at Aldea Yanapay Cafe - all profits go to supporting Cuzco's kids.

Days 13-16 Inca Trail/ Machu Picchu

Embark on the trek of a lifetime through dense forest and high plateaus, over several passes and up the steps of the Sun Gate to the fabled Machu Picchu ruins.

Day 17 Cuzco

Rest those weary legs at a cafe along Plaza de Armas.

Days 18-19 Amazon Jungle

Take a short flight to Puerto Maldonado. Travel by motorised canoe into the Amazon Jungle to stay in an eco-friendly lodge. Explore the jungle with local guides to spot the Amazon's magnificent flora and fauna in their natural habitat, and learn about the practical and medicinal uses for native plants.

Days 20-21 Lima

Soak up Lima's colourful history before bidding adios to wonderful Peru.