Peru - Land of the Incas

14 days from £5375 per person

A fascinating country, there is much more to Peru than the memorable Machu Picchu. With dense rainforest, snow-capped peaks and endless desert, Peru is also home to some of Latin America's great cities—all boasting impressive buildings, bustling squares and a treasure trove of archaeological and cultural attractions. Elsewhere visit the stunning Colca Canyon, beautiful Sacred Valley, the colonial gem of Cusco and the clear waters of Lake Titicaca for an itinerary encompassing wildlife, natural scenery, history and culture.

Route: Lima – Arequipa – Colca – Puno – Cusco – Machu Picchu – Cusco – Lima

Itinerary Highlights

Arequipa, dominated by the Misti volcano, is filled with beautiful colonial buildings built from white volcanic stone. The city has many charming squares and avenues to explore.

Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest, is famous for trekking and rafting. It is the home of the Andean Condor, which soar majestically over remote villages and terraced fields.

A unique and enchanting ancient city, set in a spectacular location in the heights of the Andes mountain range, Machu Picchu is rich in history just waiting to be explored.

Itinerary: Peru - Land of the Incas

Day 1 London Heathrow to Lima

Fly from London with Iberia Airlines via Madrid to Lima. On your arrival you will be met and transferred to the Miraflores Park Hotel for your two night stay. (N)

Accommodation in Lima: Miraflores Park Hotel (or similar)

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 introduction to the country's history. (B)

Accommodation in Lima: Miraflores Park Hotel (or similar)

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. (B)

Accommodation in Arequipa: Libertador Arequipa Hotel (or similar)

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. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Colca: Colca Lodge (or similar)

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)

Accommodation in Colca: Colca Lodge (or similar)

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. (B/L)

Accommodation in Puno: Libertador Isla Esteves Hotel (or similar)

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)

Accommodation in Puno: Libertador Isla Esteves Hotel (or similar)

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. (B/L)

Accommodation in Cusco: Belmond Hotel Monasterio (or similar)

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)

Accommodation in Cusco: Belmond Hotel Monasterio (or similar)

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)

Accommodation in Cusco: Belmond Hotel Monasterio (or similar)

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. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Machu Picchu: Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (or similar)

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, perhaps to the famous Sun Gate for excellent views of the ruins, or up Huayna Picchu for a unique panorama of the entire city. (B/L)

Accommodation in Cusco: Belmond Hotel Monasterio (or similar)

Day 13 Cusco to Lima – by air/ Lima to London

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. (N)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Domestic flights
Train travel as specified
Private car and driver
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

Peru - Land of the Incas

14 days from £5375 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Peru - Land of the Incas

What To Do Next?

What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

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