Intriguing, revealing, and ranging from haunting valleys to high-altitude Andean peaks, this is a journey by road, rail, and air, from the capital, Lima, to the cobbled streets of Cuzco, exploring Peru’s Inca heritage in the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca
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 1911 discovery of Machu Picchu must have been overwhelming, not least because there was no written record that the ‘lost city’ ever existed; and here it stood, in a spectacularly scenic but barely accessible setting, built in the 15th century, and abandoned after just 80 years. The Incan Empire was hugely extensive in its heyday, but short-lived; highly advanced in many ways, but with no written form of its Quechua language; which makes it all the more surprising that Quechua is still spoken in the Peruvian heartlands of the Inca civilisation, intermingled with Aymara-speaking descendants of the earlier Bolivian culture. This tour introduces both, visiting Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley; Machu Picchu, hidden in ferns and forestry for 500 years, and famously shrouded in mists and mystery; and Lake Titicaca, the birthplace of the Incan empire, and home to the floating Uros islands, ingeniously built and lived on by Aymaran Indians. Contemporary and colonial sites add an extra dimension to the tour; in Lima’s modern metropolitan skyline contrasting with the golden façades of its historic heart; the lavishly frescoed Andahuaylillas church; and Cuzco, intertwining past and present, with all its history on show.
Cultural & Natural Wonders
Jules Verne Sightseeing
3 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Solo Group Departure
Local Expert Guides
Immerse yourself in the Andean culture, visiting the typical and rural village of Maras in midst the Sacred Valley. You will be welcomed by a group of villagers, who will introduce you to their culture, customs and traditions. Learn how to dance ‘huanyo’, a few words of Quechua or how a traditional hat is made.
Day 1 Fly to Lima, and transfer to the 4-star Casa Andina Select Miraflores for a two-night stay.
Day 2 Peru’s vast capital is, at once, sophisticated and chaotic, colonial and cosmopolitan, arid and oceanfront. A tour of the city shows you the stately buildings of the Plaza des Armas; the Larco Museum of pre-Columbian art, housed in a hacienda; and, in the UNESCO listed Historic Centre, the monumental 17th-century San Francisco Convent, the largest in South America. (B, L)
Day 3 Fly to Cuzco and journey to the Sacred Valley (at an altitude of 2,400m), visiting the Manos de la Comunidad, for an insight of Andean peoples’ customs and crafts; and touring to the town of Pisac, known for its Indian Market, and overlooked by the ruins of an ancient citadel. Continue to Urubamba for two nights at the 4-star Hotel Taypikala Sacred Valley. (B)
Day 4 Enjoy the different aspects of this special place, where picturesque colonial towns and little crafting villages enjoy a peaceful co-existence with significant Inca sites. We visit the archaeological site of Moray, on a high plateau; Ollantaytambo fortress, with views of its beautiful Inca village, the best surviving example of Inca town planning; and include a stop to view the UNESCO protected Salt Mines of Maras, where thousands of salt pools are stepped into pre-hispanic terraces; making a special visit to Maras village. (B)
Day 5 Travel on the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes and make the final ascent by road to Machu Picchu (at 2,500m), covering a spectacularly scenic saddle of land with some 200, dry-stone-walled, religious and residential buildings. Among the most recognised ancient sites on earth, its cosmic alignment is acknowledged, but the Inca’s reason for it remains an enigma. Spend the rest of the day exploring the site at leisure, before returning to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay at the 3-star El Mapi by Inkaterra Hotel. (B, D)
Day 6 Enjoy a morning in Aguas Calientes (‘warm waters’), perhaps to relax in the thermal baths and browse in the artisan shops; or return to the magical ‘old mountain’, Machu Picchu, for independent exploration (second entry to the site £80, pre-bookable only). This afternoon, return by road and rail (4hrs) to Cuzco, for two nights at the 4-star Hilton Garden Inn. (B)
Day 7 Once the Inca capital, awash with royal and religious buildings; then a 16th century Spanish colonial town, when monasteries and manor houses were built on the archaeological Incan remains, Cuzco and its surrounds offer revealing glimpses of centuries past. A tour today shows you the city’s cathedral and colonial buildings; the nearby Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman fortress and the baths of Tambo Machay; the Cultural Heritage archaeological complex of Kenko’s temple; and the Puca Pucara ‘red fort’ relics. (B)
Day 8 Journey by road across the Andean high plain (at 4,300m), visiting the town of Andahuaylillas and its Church of St. Peter, its incredibly ornate interior earning it the epithet of ‘America’s Sistine Chapel’; and continue to the temple ruins of Racchi, enroute to Lake Titicaca. At 3,800m, it is the world’s highest navigable waterway, mirror-still, mountain edged, dotted with islands, and steeped in legends. Divided between Peru (to the north and west) and Bolivia (south and east), this unique place is a world apart in more ways than just geographical. The 17th century Peruvian port of Puno is the lake’s main city; where we stay two nights at the 4-star Casa Andina Premium Puno. (B, L)
Day 9 Sail to the floating islets of Uros, still inhabited by Aymara-speaking Indians, the islands’ bases, houses, and whimsical boats all built with buoyant totora reeds indigenous to the lake; and continue to Isla Tequile, about 45km offshore and a couple of centuries back in time, a culturally colourful, community governed island, renowned for its textile art, where we enjoy a home-cooked lunch. (B, L)
Day 10 Transfer from Puno to Juliaca airport for the flight back to Lima, returning to the Casa Andina Select Miraflores for an overnight stay. (B)
Day 11 Enjoy time at leisure, perhaps to stroll through the lively, shop-lined, Piura Passage; or join an optional activity, which includes a visit to one of the markets in this gastronomic city, and a cookery class (£155, pre-bookable). Transfer to the airport for the overnight return flight. (B)
Day 12 Arrival at London Heathrow.
Notes
This is a full itinerary with many visits on foot including some uneven surfaces and inclines.
Entry to Machu Picchu is restricted and early booking is recommended.
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 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 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 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 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 hairdryer, safe, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Amazon Extension
For the jungle experience stay three nights at the charming Hacienda Concepcion chosen for its location between the Tambopata Nature Reserve and the shores of Madre de Dios river. 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 Hacienda Concepcion Lodge 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.
This lodge is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and on the banks of the Rio Madre de Dios. Dining room, bar, spa and no WiFi. 30 rooms with private facilities, hot water and mosquito net. Electricity is provided for several hours each day.
Modern 4-star hotel in the Miraflores area, close to Kennedy Park. Restaurant, bar, spa, sauna and WiFi (free). 155 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
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 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 hairdryer, safe, mini-fridge, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
Sundays
per person in a twin/double room
Air France from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £605
Flight Options
Air France from Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester and Newcastle – On request
Air France Business Class - On request
KLM from Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heathrow, Manchester, Newcastle and Southampton – On request
KLM Business Class - On request
Optional Excursions
Machu Picchu 2nd day ticket £80
Market and cookery class £155
Extension Options
Extension - Nazca Lines
4 nights £1195
Single supplement £595
Extension - Amazon
4 nights £1355
Single supplement £325
Extension - Arequipa & Colca Canyon
4 nights £1425
Single supplement £1165
Extra Nights - Lima
Casa Andina Miraflores
(per night) £70
Single supplement £65
Arrival or departure transfer £55
Privately Guided
Add £1495 per person
Tour Only
Save £650
Arrival or departure transfer add £55
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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