Experience the mystical culture of Peru, where a two-thousand-year-old history is uncovered in enchanting surroundings.

Enjoy unprecedented access to private culinary events and shopping tours in the capital city of Lima. There, learn the secrets of Peruvian cuisine, a sophisticated fusion of Incan and Spanish culture, defined by a cornucopia of tantalizing native fruits, vegetables and spices. Learn how to make the national dish of ceviche by esteemed chefs, while sipping Pisco, the clear grape brandy that serves as Peru's national drink.

In Paracas, cruise azure waters to the Ballestas Islands, a sanctuary for spectacular wildlife that is often referred to as Peru's Galapagos. Then soar overhead and admire the beguiling Nazca Lines, hundreds of sand carvings that date back thousands of years and can only be viewed from above.

By first class train, travel through the Sacred Valley to the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu, nestled in an emerald cloud forest and only rediscovered a hundred years ago. Spend two days exploring the vast archaeological ruins of the region, defined by its unforgettable scenery and vibrant indigenous culture.  Visit the colorful village markets of the Quechua tribe where vivid alpaca wool sweaters, carved handicrafts and other local specialties are sold as they have been for generations.

"In the variety of its charms and the power of its spell, I know of no place in the world which can compare with it."

                                                        Hiram Bingham

Encounter Cusco, once the capital of the Incan Empire that recently was declared a UNESCO World Heritage city. Surrounded by ancient stone walls and framed by the Andes Mountains, the picturesque city contains a myriad of architectural and cultural history, and is situated nearby the intriguing ruins of ancient temples and palaces.

Fly to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, located on the border of Peru and Bolivia.  At this perfect retreat, often called "the sea in the sky," relax aboard a private yacht, and sail upon its serene waters, with stops to explore colorful nearby man-made islands.

Be invited on a thrilling 13-day journey through the heart of Peru.

• 13 Day Itinerary: Peru
• Day 1: Lima

  Half-day city tour

  

  Be introduced to Lima, the Spanish Vice-Royal capital of South America, home to some of South America's most remarkable colonial mansions, churches and squares. The city of Lima is a cradle of several Pre-Columbian cultures, dating back thousands of years. All were part of the Inca Empire until the Spanish Conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded the city in 1535. On this evening tour, relive Lima's history and visit the city's vice-royalty sites, including San Martin Square, Plaza de Armas, The Archbishop's Palace, and the Cathedral. Enjoy the masterpiece of colonial architecture, the San Francisco Church, home to some of the best examples of colonial religious art. After a drive through Lima's most exclusive areas, including stops at incredible ocean lookout points, dine at Huaca Pucllana. Situated at the foot a 4th century archaeological site composed of adobe and clay pyramids, enjoy a fine meal in a spectacular setting.
• Day 2: Lima

  Half-day culinary tour, Half-day shopping tour

  

  Enjoy a unique culinary experience on a half-day themed tour of Lima. Begin at the local market, where you will learn about Peru's abundance of local ingredients, including specialty fruit, vegetables and seafood. At one of Lima's best seafood restaurants, learn how to prepare ceviche. Continue the morning with a guided visit to a Pisco tavern and cellar, where an expert will teach and prepare a Pisco Sour and other Peruvian cocktails, before conducting a special Pisco tasting. Have lunch at a local Peruvian restaurant, before visiting a specialty cook store to shop for indigenous cooking supplies. The tour concludes with a tasting of your choice of coffee or coca tea, the divine and sacred herb of the Incas.
  
  On an afternoon shopping tour, tour the best shops and galleries in Lima, for exclusive Peruvian crafts, souvenirs, jewelry and art. Visit shops including Barranco, Mari Solari's Peruvian folk art shop and gallery, along with Dedalo. At Larco Mar, a cliffside park with open-air shopping, enjoy the opportunity to shop for national specialties, including Peruvian alpaca textiles and extraordinary handicrafts.
• Day 3: Paracas

  Private transfer to Paracas, 4x4 evening excursion

  

  From Pacific waves to desert sands, admire the varied landscapes of the Peruvian coast and desert on a private 4-hour transfer from Lima to Paracas.  After spending the afternoon at leisure, at 5 p.m., be picked up from Hotel Paracas for an incomparable 4x4 excursion over one of the world's most beautiful deserts in the world. Cross Paracas' vast dunes at sunset, before enjoying a gourmet dinner under the stars.
• Day 4: Paracas

  Ballestas Islands, Nazca Lines

  

  Discover the sights and sounds of the Peruvian coastline on a private boat trip to the Ballestas Islands, a sanctuary for wildlife. Witness sea lions, Humboldt penguins and an endless number of migratory birds, as you listen to the fascinating history of the islands. Along the way, there will be ample opportunity to marvel at the Candelabro, a mysterious geoglyph carved in desert stone.

  In the afternoon, from Pisco's airdrome, visit the Nazca Lines, one of the most important legacies of the pre-Incan culture of Peru, believed to have been created by the Nazca people over 2,000 years ago.  Only discernible by air,  straight lines and sharp angles, carved into the reddish-brown earth, depict massive animal figures in the desert below.  Captained by one of the best pilots in the region, fly over these mysterious drawings and witness hundreds of incredible carvings of animals, that stretch across the vast arid desert.
• Day 5: Lima

  Private transfer from Paracas to Lima, Cafe del Museo, Larco Museum

  

  Return to Lima in the morning from Paracas with a private transfer.  Then enjoy a gourmet lunch at acclaimed Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio's Café del Museo Restaurant, located in the Larco Museums resplendent gardens. After lunch, visit the exceptional Larco Herrera Museum, one of Peru's largest museums and home to over 45,000 Pre-Columbian art icons.  Chronologically uncover 3,000 years of Peruvian history in impressive galleries that trace the nation's history.  Then venture inside the stunning 18th vice-royalty mansion that houses the museum's extensive Peruvian gold and silver collection.
• Day 6: Sacred Valley of the Incas

  Private transfer to Cusco and Sacred Valley of the Incas, Lunch at La Hacienda Huayoccari, half-day excursion to Pisac Market and Ruins

  

  Fly from Lima to Cusco, located in Peru's legendary Sacred Valley of the Incas. With a moderate altitude, beautiful scenery, picturesque villages and friendly locals, Cusco is an excellent starting point to adjust to the Valley's altitude change.  Overlooking amazing views of the Sacred Valley, enjoy exclusive access and tour Hacienda Huayoccari, a beautiful private house and ranch renowned for its fine collection of antiques and folk art. Built by one of Cusco's most prestigious families, be invited to a gourmet lunch at this remarkable setting.

  After lunch, visit the Pisac mountaintop complex, known for its small, polished stones that perfectly fit together. On a two-hour uphill hike, discover the main ruins, which feature temples of the sun, moon, rain, rainbow and stars, as well as a few Inca crosses. Then explore the charms of Pisac village, with its picturesque churches and well-known traditional market where local Quechua Indians sell their handicrafts in wall-to-wall stalls. Be delighted by the myriad of fine handmade items including vivid embroidered alpaca sweaters, carved gourds, ceramics, musical instruments, paintings, and jewelry.
• Day 7: Sacred Valley of the Incas

  Half-day mountain biking, Lunch at Wayra

  

  Begin your day with a personalized bike tour of the Cusco highlands. Marvel at views of the Cusco, considered to be the gateway to Machu Picchu on a customized bike descent, varying on the skills and experience of the rider.

  Then as local dancers perform spirited renditions of traditional "Caballo de Paso" and "Marinera," lunch on the festive terrace of Wayra Restaurant located in the Sacred Valley.
• Day 8: Sacred Valley of the Incas

  Machu Picchu, Half-Day excursion to Maras and Moray, Inca Rail first-class train service to Aguas Calientes, Dinner and overnight in Machu Picchu

  

  Witness some of the best archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley with a half-day excursion to the ancient salt mines of  Maras and the agricultural terraces of Moray. Moray's natural sinkholes are believed to have once been a crop laboratory, determining optimal conditions of each species. 
  
  Enjoy a gourmet outdoor lunch, then privately transfer to Ollantaytambo train station for a first-class departure to the man-made wonder that is known simply as Machu Picchu. With panoramic windows, the Inca Rail train offers unsurpassed scenic views of the landscape. Be greeted at Aguas Calientes train station with a reception. Then spend your evening in this unforgettable environment at leisure. Or choose from a number of suggested recommended excursions, including nature walks amongst the cloud forest or a visit to an extraordinary orchid garden.
• Day 9: Machu Picchu

  Huayna Picchu, Transfer by Hiram Bingham luxury train service to Cusco

  

  After a short ride to Machu Picchu's Citadel, climb the mystical Huayna Picchu Mountain and witness the ruins from above. The ascent is approximately 2 hours, measured at a slow pace. Then, accompanied by a certified English speaking guide, explore the captivating ruins of Machu Picchu, the astonishing Pre-Columbian city, believed to have been built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti.

  After lunch, your time is at leisure before returning to the charming town of Aguas Calientes, the departure point for the Hiram Bingham Train.  At 5:50 p.m., board this luxurious train, named after the explorer who discovered the hidden remains of Machu Picchu one hundred years ago. Each 1920s Pullman train carriage is painted a distinctive blue and gold, and features warm and elegant interiors. Enjoy cocktails, then a gourmet dinner on this scenic three-hour journey through the Sacred Valley to Cusco.
• Day 10: Cusco

  Half-day city tour and Four Ruins, Lunch at Incanto, Dinner at MAP Café

  

  Once the ancient capital and spiritual heart of the Incan empire, Cusco was an important cultural center for centuries. It is now home to some of Peru's most talented textile and ceramic artists and is also renowned for its superb cuisine.  Take a half-day private guided tour through Cusco.  Framed by the Andes and lined with arcades and carved wooden balconies, Cusco's Plaza de Armas or main square is the city's main attraction and home to a number of annual celebrations.  Built in the shape of a Latin Cross, visit the Renaissance-style Cathedral, which contains nearly 400 colonial paintings from the Cusco School of Art. Then stop at the Koricancha Temple, a Catholic church and convent, considered to be a masterpiece of Incan architecture.
  
  Venture outside the city to the main ruins, including Sacsayhuaman, a walled complex of religious and military significance. Visit Puca Pucara, believed to have once been a hunting lodge, with its chambers, storerooms and upper esplanade lookout. Stop at Quenko, a temple complex renowned for its zig-zag carvings, then visit Tambomachay, historically used for ritual bathing by the higher nobility. Lunch at Incanto Restaurant, then enjoy the afternoon at leisure. 
  
  Set inside an updated colonial house with a minimalist glass structure, dine at MAP Café, which serves award-winning contemporary haute Andean cuisine.
• Day 11: Lake Titicaca

  Private transfer to Titilaka via domestic flight to Juliaca

  

  In the morning, depart to Juliaca Airport, then transfer by car to Titilaka, altitude 12,502 feet. As you acclimatize to the altitude, it is recommended that guests stay well-hydrated and enjoy a siesta. Experience traditional tea time, followed by a sightseeing local flora and fauna excursion by boat to observe the region's striking landscape. From panoramic terraces overlooking the lake, enjoy sunset cocktails before dinner in the main dining room.
• Day 12: Lake Titicaca

  Taquile, Socca

  

  Located in front of the Chucuito Peninsula, on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca stands the island of Taquile. Explore the archaeological remains of the island, including its stone quarters, doors, windows and pathways. Due to the thermal effect of the lake, which provides high levels of oxygen to the atmosphere, the island possesses a favorable micro-climate for agriculture.
  
  After a siesta, travel east and visit the rustic town of Socca, situated between wetlands and farms. Watch the idyllic sunset from the highest navigable lake in the world, a sensational site to behold.
• Day 13: Lake Titicaca

  All-day sailing excursion

  

  After breakfast, be escorted to Titilaka's private pier and be met by the captain of your vessel, who will lead you on an unforgettable 8-hour sailing journey. On this full day excursion, visit the pristine uninhabited beaches and bays of this spectacular region.