A journey through Peru visiting outstanding monuments, from Lima to Cuzco’s cobblestone streets to the Sacred Valley and Macchu Picchu, through the Andes to Lake Titicaca
(limited dates/availability)
1 March 2020
Lima - 2 nights
Sacred Valley - 2 nights
Machu Picchu - 1 night
Cuzco - 2 nights
Lake Titicaca - 2 nights
Lima - 1 night
Flight - 1 night
Hiram Bingham's sense of wonderment when, in 1911, he discovered the 'lost' city of the Incas can scarcely be imagined. Not only was there no written record that Machu Picchu had ever existed but its ruins were extensive, unspoiled and stood in surroundings of outstanding natural beauty.
The Inca Empire stretching from Chile to Ecuador was the largest the Americas had ever seen and at its time was the greatest in the western hemisphere. Highly advanced, it had nonetheless failed to discover the wheel and had developed no writing system for its language, Quechua. This allied to the fact that its heartlands lay mainly amongst the inaccessible peaks and jungles of the interior of Peru largely explains why these important sites remained undiscovered for so long.
Our arrangement explores Machu Picchu and the principal Inca sites in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Several outstanding colonial monuments are also visited in Lima and contact is made with present-day descendants of the Inca, the Quechua-speaking Indians living in Andean mountain villages and on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Cultural & Natural Wonders
Jules Verne Sightseeing
3 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Solo Group Departure
Local Expert Guides
Group Size: 5 - 25
Visit the rural village of Maras in the Sacred Valley where you will learn about Andean culture and traditions.
Day 1 Fly from London Gatwick to Lima (Mar 29-Oct) or London Heathrow via Madrid (Jan-Mar 21). Stay two nights at the 4-star Casa Andina Select Miraflores.
Day 2 Tour of Lima includes the impressive buildings of the Plaza de Armas, the 17th-century Convent of San Francisco, the largest in South America and part of the Historic Centre of Lima on the UNESCO World Heritage list and the hacienda-housed Larco Museum. (B, L)
Day 3 Fly to Cuzco (3,400 metres) and transfer to the Sacred Valley (2,400 metres), visiting the Living Museum of the Andes and the famous Pisac Market en route for two nights at 4-star Taypikala Sacred Valley (3-star Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay or Hacienda Valle 2019). (B)
Day 4 Visit the archaeological site of Moray and Ollantaytambo fortress to view the best surviving example of Inca town planning. A stop to view the Maras Salt Mines. Special visit to Maras village. (B)
Day 5 Join the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes before the final ascent by road to Machu Picchu. Tour the ruins with the rest of the day at leisure to explore the site. Overnight at the 3-star El Mapi by Inkaterra Hotel in Aguas Calientes. (B, D)
Day 6 In the morning time to ascend to the archaeological site once more for independent exploration before returning by rail and road to Cuzco (4 hrs) in the afternoon. (Optional second entrance to Machu Picchu - £65). Stay two nights at the 4-star Hilton Garden Inn. (B)
Day 7 Tour of Cuzco includes the Temple of the Sun, cathedral and the Plaza de Armas, the imposing Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the underground temple of Kenko, the Inca baths of Tambo Machay and the 'red fort' Puka Pukara. (B)
Day 8 Journey across the Andean high plain by road visiting Andahuaylillas Church, considered to be the 'Sistine Chapel' of the Americas, and Raqchi ruins before reaching Puno (6 hrs) on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest commercially navigable lake in the world at 3,812 metres. Spend two nights at the 4-star Casa Andina Premium Puno (3-star Sonesta Posada del Inca 2019). (B, L)
Day 9 Visit to the floating islands of Uros. These Aymara-speaking Indians still live on islets made from tortora reeds of Lake Titicaca. Visit Taquile Island and enjoy a home cooked lunch. (B, L)
Day 10 Fly from Juliaca to Lima for overnight at the 4-star Casa Andina Select Miraflores. (B)
Day 11 Optional visit to a market and cookery class (£125). Return overnight flight to London. (B)
Day 12 Arrive London.
Notes
This is a full itinerary with many visits on foot including some uneven surfaces and inclines.
On Day 5, your main luggage is transported to Cuzco so an overnight bag is needed for the Machu Picchu stay (max. 5kgs).
Day 8 includes a long transfer with sightseeing en route.
Altitude
Part of your itinerary will be travelling at altitude. We therefore strongly recommend that anyone, regardless of age, should consult their doctor to ensure that they are fully fit and understand the effects of travelling at altitude. This is absolutely essential if you have any pre-existing heart conditions, anaemia or lung problems.
Modern 4-star hotel in the Miraflores area, close to Kennedy Park. Restaurant, bar, spa, sauna and WiFi (free). 155 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
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A 4-star hotel surrounded by a garden and close to Urubamba. Restaurant, bar, pool and WiFi (free). 53 rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
This 3-star hotel is situated in the heart of Aguas Calientes. Facilities include restaurant, bar, WiFi (free) and 130 rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
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Modern 4-star hotel located on a hillside within the historical district of Cuzco. Restaurants, bar, spa, WiFi (free) and 137 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
This 4-star hotel offers panoramic views over Lake Titicaca. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free) and 45 rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Amazon Extension
For the jungle experience stay three nights at the charming and community owned Posada Amazonas (full board) chosen for its location on the banks of the Tambopata River and within the Infierno Community reserve. Tour includes an oxbox lake visit, a canopy tower walk, parrot watching at a clay lick, visit to a local farm and ethno-botanical walk.
Day 1 Fly from Lima to Puerto Maldonado for the journey by boat (45 mins) to the Posada Amazonas for three nights (full board). Canopy tower walk. Enjoy an evening lecture. (B, L, D)
Day 2 Morning activities include a catamaran ride around the oxbow lake. Afternoon ethno-botanical tour. Night walk. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Visit a parrot clay lick and a trail to visit the giant ceiba tree. Visit to a local farm. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Return to Puerto Maldonado for the flight to Lima. Overnight at the 4-star Casa Andina Select Miraflores. (B)
Day 5 Return overnight flight. (B)
Day 6 Arrive London.
Modern 4-star hotel in the Miraflores area, close to Kennedy Park. Restaurant, bar, spa, sauna and WiFi (free). 155 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
This community owned lodge is within the Infiermo Community Reserve. Dining room, bar, shop, WiFi (free) and 30 rooms (open to the jungle to one side) with private facilities, hot water, mosquito net, safe and hammock and lounge chair. Electricity is provided for several hours each day.
Nazca Lines Extension
By air experience the enigma of the Nazca Lines (weather permitting) and by boat visit the nearby Ballestas Islands, home to a large sea lion colony. Stay three nights in Paracas and one night in Lima.
Day 1 From Lima, travel by scheduled bus to Paracas (4 hrs) and transfer to the 4-star Hotel La Hacienda Paracas on the shores of a bay for three nights. (B)
Day 2 Morning flight over the Nazca Lines (weather permitting). (B)
Day 3 Tour of Ica including a visit to the regional museum to admire archaeological remains as well as potteries, textiles and mummies. Continue to the Huacachina oasis and a vineyard, where you will learn about the wine and pisco production. (B)
Day 4 Boat tour of the Ballestas Islands. Later, continue by scheduled bus to Lima (4 hrs) for overnight at the 4-star Casa Andina Select Miraflores. (B)
Day 5 Return overnight flight. (B)
This 4-star hotel is located right by Paracas Bay. Restaurant, bar, pool, gym, spa and WiFi (free). 87 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and TV.
Modern 4-star hotel in the Miraflores area, close to Kennedy Park. Restaurant, bar, spa, sauna and WiFi (free). 155 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Arequipa and Colca Canyon Extension
Combine a visit to Arequipa, Peru's second most important city, on the foot of the impressive Misti volcano, with the Colca Canyon - twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.
Day 1 Travel to Colca (6hrs) via Chivay and afternoon at leisure with the opportunity to visit La Calera hot waters. Spend two nights at the 3-star Hotel Casa Andina Standard Colca. (B, L. D)
Day 2 Depart for the 'Condor's Cross' and a visit to Maca and Yanque. (B)
Day 3 Visit the Colca Canyon. Lunch in Chivay and then travel to Arequipa (4 hrs) crossing the Colca Valley. Spend two nights at the 4-star Hotel Casa Andina Premium. (B, L)
Day 4 City tour including the Santa Catalina Monastery. (B)
Day 5 Fly to Lima for overnight at the 4-star Casa Andina Select Miraflores. (B)
Day 6 Return flight. (B)
This 3-star hotel lies at the edge of the Colca Valley. Restaurant, bar, WiFi (free) and 52 rooms in traditional stone casitas with private facilities, hairdryer, safe and satellite TV.
A 4-star hotel in an 18th-century colonial mansion made of volcanic stone in the centre of Arequipa. Restaurant, bar, spa and WiFi (free). 40 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
Modern 4-star hotel in the Miraflores area, close to Kennedy Park. Restaurant, bar, spa, sauna and WiFi (free). 155 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
2019
Sundays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Gatwick
| October 6 | £2695 |
2020
Sundays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Gatwick
(Feb – Mar 1 Iberia from Heathrow via Madrid)
| February 2 | £2795 |
| March 1 | £2895 |
| March 29 | £2745 |
| April 19 | £2745 |
| August 2 | £2945 |
| September 6 | £2795 |
| September 20 | £2775 |
| October 4 | £2775 |
2021
Sundays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Gatwick
(Jan – Mar 21 Iberia from Heathrow via Madrid)
Sundays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Gatwick
Sundays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Gatwick
(Feb – Mar 1 Iberia from Heathrow via Madrid)
Sundays
per person in a twin/double room
British Airways from Gatwick
(Jan – Mar 21 Iberia from Heathrow via Madrid)
(limited dates/availability)
1 March 2020
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Limited availability, on these dates
2021: Jan 31
Solo Group Departures
2020: Mar 1
No single supplement
Single supplement £565
Flight Options
London/Lima/London
British Airways World Traveller Plus from £675
British Airways Club World from £2145
Optional Excursions
Machu Picchu 2nd day ticket £65
Market and cookery class £125
Extension Options
Extension - Nazca Lines
4 nights £975
Single supplement £495
Extension - Amazon
4 nights £945
Single supplement £345
Extension - Arequipa & Colca Canyon
4 nights £1095
Single supplement £895
Extra Nights - Lima
Casa Andina Miraflores
(per night) £55
Single supplement £50
Arrival or departure transfer £25
Privately Guided
Add £1295 per person
Independent Arrival
Save £650
Arrival transfer add £25
Departure transfer add £25
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 10 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 1 dinner, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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