Essential Peru

Start Lima.

Drive south along the coast and sail to the Ballestas Islands, home to the highest concentration of marine birds in the world; overnight in Ica.

On to Nazca; see the Nazca lines; optional scenic flight.

Turn inland from coastal desert, climbing high into the Andes.

Drive to Cuzco (3400m) visiting Inca sites on the way.

Free day to explore Cuzco.

Train to Aguas Calientes; tour of Machu Picchu.

Free morning or optional second visit to Machu Picchu; afternoon return to Cuzco by train and by road.

Free day for optional excursions.

Drive to Lake Titicaca (3800m), with stops en route; boat to Amantani Island for homestay.

Explore the island; afternoon boat to Puno visiting the floating reed islands.

Drive across the altiplano to Colca Canyon.

Morning condor viewing; afternoon drive past huge volcanoes to the 'White City' of Arequipa (2350m).

Morning visit Santa Catalina Convent; afternoon fly to Lima.

End Lima.