Classic Peru

This small-group guided tour by Explore Worldwide takes in Peru’s varied landscapes and cultural highlights over thirteen nights. It begins in Lima, with its mix of colonial history and coastal walks, before continuing to Arequipa where the Santa Catalina Convent offers a glimpse into cloistered life behind colourful walls. From here, the route climbs to the Colca Canyon, where the chance to spot condors is balanced by the altitude and a long drive to Puno on Lake Titicaca.

The tour continues with a boat trip among the reed islands where native Uros live, before following an Inca route through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, accessed by train through mountain cliffs to the village of Aguas Calientes. Careful management of visitor numbers here means the visit may be in staggered groups. Cusco rounds off the holiday with a walking tour passing Inca ruins, narrow streets and markets, and optional hikes to Rainbow Mountain for those wanting one last challenge.

The itinerary mixes active days with some free time, balancing altitude with rest, local traditions with archaeology, and cityscapes with highland vistas. It’s not a fast pace given the distances involved, but it’s enough to feel the country’s layers without rushing them.