This journey focuses on the southern highlights of Peru incorporating Machu Picchu, the ancient city of Cusco, the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman and a lagoon in the centre of the Amazonian Tambopata Nature Reserve.  On the 9 day version we also take you along some of the most spectacular sections of the Inca Trail, only without the camping, instead staying at a hotel close to the ruins. For the 14 day version we incorporate a 4 day trek along the Inca Trail and additional acclimatisation time in the Andean city of Cusco.

Your journey begins in Lima where after an overnight stay we fly you south to the Inca capital of Cusco.  This is one of South America's most beautiful cities, steeped in history, culture and architecture both from the Inca and Spanish colonial periods.  The day you arrive, we take you on a visit to some of the highlights of the city as well as the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman.  Both here and in Cusco you can see examples of the incredible Inca 'dry stone' walls built from perfectly interlocking boulders of Stonehenge proportions.

Your time in Cusco provides an opportunity to start acclimatising to the altitude.  From Cusco we take you to the Inca Trail by train, on a journey which passes through some stunning Andean scenery following the Urubamba River to the town of Ollantaytambo.  The 9 day version of this trip joins the Inca Trail in its latter section for a half day trek to Machu Picchu.  Along the way you can enjoy some spectacular views of the Sacred Valley, and the ruins which include Chachabamba, famous for its ancient systems of water channels and fountains.  The longer version incorporates other ruins too and three nights camping amongst some stunning Andean scenery.

Towards the end of the trail you will pass through Wiñay Wayna ('forever young') which is the largest of the Inca Trail sites, with its chain of ritual baths and curved terraces.  There is some excellent cloud forest along this section of the trail, with giant ferns and moss bearded trees.

Some of the most commanding views of Machu Picchu are from the Sun Gate (Intipunku) which is the point from which you make your final descent to the monument.  You will be able to explore Machu Picchu itself in the afternoon and the following morning.

After a train journey back to Cusco and an overnight stop there, we fly you from the Andes to the lowland Amazon rainforest and a lagoon in the centre of the Tambopata Nature Reserve.  This is one of the best places in the Amazon to see Giant River Otters, as well hundreds of species of birds and seven types of monkey.  It is not uncommon to see troops of fifty or more Squirrel Monkeys along the banks of the lagoon.  In the water there are many black caiman and 10 foot long Paichi - the world's largest freshwater fish.

Expert naturalist guides provide a detailed education in the ecology of the rainforest here and excursions on the lake enable you to explore waterside wildlife such as Hoatzins and amongst 100 foot Mauritia palms.

The lakeside lodge we use is comfortable and a joint venture with local families whose traditional activity is the harvesting of Brazil nuts. This is an important sustainable activity in the Amazon since Brazil nut trees can only pollinate when surrounded by healthy rainforest.

The 9 day version is an ideal extension to a Yacht Safari to the Galapagos, or as a basis from which to explore other parts of Peru or Latin America. Both itineraries can be tailored to suit your interests and timings.

Click here for sample 9 day itinerary.

Click here for sample 14 day itinerary.

Dates  This trip can be run on a private basis any day of the week, but the rates shown below are applicable for small group departures starting each Sunday and Thursday (9 day version) or Monday and Thursday (14 day version) for which a minimum 2 persons are needed to run the trips. Prices 9 Days version: £1,590 pp sharing 14 day version: £1,890 pp sharing Optional upgrades For either version: add £290 for 5 star hotels add £790 for 5 star+ Single supplement (for either version) The following supplements apply based on at least one other person booking onto the trip Add £265 for regular 3/4 star version Add £455 for 5 star accommodation Add £825 for 5 star + These relate upgrades cover accommodation in Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley. There are no upgrades available in the Amazon or on the Inca Trail itself. Price includes Domestic flights. All accommodation in 3 & 4 star hotels (upgrades available as above) All transfers. Expert local guides leading on a combination of private and small group basis Full board in jungle lodges and on the Inca Trail Breakfasts in hotels Price excludes International flights Sleeping bag for Inca Trail International departure tax ($30.25*) Domestic flight taxes ($6.05*)* correct at time of writing Flights We can arrange international flights that fit into the departure dates, or allow you more time to explore South America if you wish.  Return flights to Lima start from about £630. Activity Level Moderate.  A regular level of fitness is preferable for this journey as some trekking is required.

Photographs kindly provided by Paul Cripps, El Monasterio, Sandoval lodge, Ralph Pannell