Fly from Lima to Arequipa, an attractive city with many fine colonial buildings, the most famous of which is the Santa Catalina monastery.
After exploring Arequipa drive about 4 hours to the Colca Canyon, the deepest canyon in the world. In the morning there is a very good chance that you will be treated to the sight of huge Andean Condors rising up from the canyon on the morning thermals. There are some great lodges in this area where you can enjoy a relaxing stay in comfortable rooms with good food.
A flight from Arequipa brings you to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. You will head out from Puno and visit the floating reed islands of Uros before spending the night on Amantani Island as guests of a local family. The next day you visit Taquile, a very traditional island known for its weaving and knitted products, before heading back to Puno.
From Puno travel by train through the Andes to Cusco. Cusco is the favourite city of most visitors to Peru, as the mixture of ancient history, traditional Andean culture and a relaxed atmosphere makes it a charming place to stay. You will have the opportunity for both guided and individual exploration, and will also visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Having explored Cusco and Sacred Valley, it is time to visit Machu Picchu, the famous lost city of the Incas, and one of the most magical and mysterious places on earth. You will overnight in a nearby town, giving plenty of time to explore the ruins early the following day before most of the tourist buses arrive.