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LAND OF THE INCAS
Day 1 London Heathrow to Lima
via Madrid
Fly from London with Iberia Airlines via Madrid to Lima. On your arrival you
will be met and transferred to the Miraflores Park Plaza Hotel for your two
night stay.
Day 2 Lima
This afternoon explore the city with your guide. Places of interest include
the Plaza Mayor – the original site on which Lima was founded by the
Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535 – as well as the historic
cathedral, grand Presidential Palace and Church of San Francisco with its
collection of fine frescoes. The fascinating Archaeological Museum, depicting
the progression of Peru’s various early civilizations from the Chavin
in 1,000 BC to the Incas, is also well worth visiting and an excellent to
the countries history. (B)
Day 3 Lima to Arequipa – by air
After breakfast take a morning flight to Arequipa a town set in a beautiful
valley in the shadow of the snow-capped El Misti volcano. In the afternoon
visit the Santa Catalina convent – a miniature walled town within the
centre of the city – and a maze of cobbled streets, flower filled plazas
and brightly painted houses. The Jesuit Church of La Compania and museum displaying
the frozen Inca mummies found on Mount Ampato are also fascinating. Stay overnight
at the Libertador Arequipa Hotel. (B)
Day 4 Arequipa to Colca – 160kms
This morning set off with your guide on a scenic drive to Colca. A winding
road leaves the city and crosses the slopes of the Misti, Chachani and Ampato
volcanoes to arrive at Colca Canyon, the world’s deepest canyon. Stay
for two nights at Colca Lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 5 Colca (3,180m)
Early this morning visit Condor Cross, a location where you will hopefully
have an opportunity to observe these magnificent birds gliding over the canyon
and around the mountain peaks. The remainder of your day will be at leisure.
(B/L/D)
Day 6 Colca to Puno – 330kms
Leave Colca and drive across spectacular Andean countryside to Puno, stopping
en-route at the mysterious pre-Inca burial towers of Sillustani. On your arrival
in Puno stay for two nights at the Libertador Isla Esteves Hotel. (B/L)
Day 7 Puno (3,820m)
Today explore by motorboat the azure waters of Lake Titicaca which
at 3,820 metres is the highest navigable lake in the world. Visit
the floating ‘islands’ of the Uros Indians whose homes,
boats and island foundations are built from the tortura reeds found
in abundance on the lake. Later cruise to the island of Taquile where
the islanders are famed for their traditional colourful dress of elegant
waistcoats, floppy knit caps, layered skirts and embroidered blouses.
(B/L)
Day 8 Puno to Cusco – by train
This morning leave Puno and board the train for the spectacular ten hour journey
over the high plateau of the altiplano to Cusco. Reaching altitudes of over
4,300 metres travel past scattered villages, herds of llamas and vicunas.
Alternatively travel by car from Puno which will allow you to stop on the
way at the superb Inca ruins of Raqchi as well as the village of Andahuaylillas
to visit the beautifully decorated 17th Century Church. Stay for three nights
at the Monasterio Hotel. (B/L)
Day 9 Cusco (3,400m)
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Cusco to absorb
its wonderful atmosphere and enjoy some of the finest colonial architecture
in South America. Also visit some of the Inca sites that are situated in the
hills surrounding Cusco such as Sacsayhuaman, Puka Pukara, Quego and Tambo
Machay. At Sacsayhuaman you will see the remains of an Inca ceremonial centre
– its massive interlocking stones are magnificent, as are the views
over the terracotta roofs of the city below. (B)
Day 10 Cusco
Today visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas to see the colourful and traditional
market of Pisac and the massive fortress of Ollantaytambo. Enjoy lunch at
Huayocari Hacienda a private residence overlooking the mountains, offering
one of the finest views of the valley below. After lunch continue on to Ollantaytambo.
Constructed of rose-coloured granite, this huge fortress was once a thriving
complex of baths, temples and barracks. (B/L)
Day 11 Cusco to Machu Picchu – by train
This morning board your train bound for the legendary ‘Lost City’
of the Incas – Machu Picchu. Upon your arrival at Aguas Calientes station,
a twenty-five minute bus ride will bring you to the ruins of Machu Picchu.
Accompanied by your guide, explore the ruins as you visualize the lives of
the people who inhabited this remarkable citadel. Stay overnight at the Machu
Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. (B/L/D)
Day 12 Machu Picchu to Cusco – by train
Rise early this morning to witness the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Later explore
this magnificent citadel on your own or take a hike with your guide, perhaps
to the famous Sun Gate for excellent views of the ruins, or up Huayna Picchu
for a unique panorama of the entire city. In the early afternoon return by
train to Cusco and stay overnight at the Monasterio Hotel. (B/L)
Day 13 Cusco to Lima, Lima to Madrid, Madrid to London – by air
Today return by air to Lima where a short stay room will be reserved until
your departure this evening on the Iberia Airlines flight via Madrid to London.
(B)
Day 14 Arrive London
Arrive into London Heathrow in the evening.
High Altitude: In many places of this itinerary the altitude exceeds 3,000m above sea level. Please consult your doctor as to the suitability of this journey in relation to your health and the possible risks of altitude sickness.
STAYING ON
Walk the world famous Inca Trail which follows part of the ancient path used by the Inca messengers who once carried news between Cusco and the mysterious citadel of Machu Picchu. Easily added, this is an awe-inspiring trek although please note that this will be undertaken at high altitude.
Marvel at the mystical Nazca Lines. Reached by air from Lima fly to Ica and board a light aircraft for the 45 minute flight over the Nazca Lines. One of Peru’s foremost archaeological treasures arguments abound as to meaning of these great designs.
Remote and untouched, the northern Amazon can be reached by air from Lima to Iquitos in northeast Peru. From here a speedboat will take you the 40kms along the Amazon to your base, Ceiba Tops, which is an excellent place from which to explore the beautiful primary rainforest reserve of this great river.
Adventure is close at hand with direct flights from Lima and Cusco to Puerto Maldonado – gateway to the southern Amazon. One of the worlds most remote and extraordinary rainforest environments travel by motorized canoe along the Madre de Dios River to stay at the charming and comfortable Reserva Amazonica. In the company of excellent guides explore the park, and its meandering rivers, by boat and on foot.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – LAND OF THE INCAS
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £5,180. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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