Incas & Conquistadors + The Pacific Coast & Sea Lions + Lake Titicaca : Introduction - A 16 day / 14 night holiday from Llama Travel

Introduction

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This 16 day holiday combines the culture and nightlife of Lima; the wonderful mountain scenery, ancient ruins and traditions of Cusco; the sand dunes of the southern desert close to Paracas, visit the wildlife sanctuary of the Ballestas Islands; and the beauty and purity of Lake Titicaca.

Itinerary in brief
Day 1:	Fly from UK to Lima (2 nights).
Day 2:	Optional Colonial Lima excursion.
Day 3:	Travel to Paracas and enjoy a free afternoon (2 nights).
Day 4:	Optional Archaeological Nazca excursion.
Day 5:	Visit the Ballestas Islands before returning to Lima (1 night).
Day 6:	Fly to Cusco (6 nights).
Day 7:	Optional Inca Cusco excursion.
Day 8:	Optional Sacred Valley excursion.
Day 9:	Optional Machu Picchu excursion or Short Inca Trail excursion.
Day 10:	Free day in Cusco or Machu Picchu.
Day 11:	Free day in Cusco.
Day 12:	Journey from Cusco to Lake Titicaca by coach or by the Andean Explorer Train (2 nights).
Day 13:	Full day excursion on Lake Titicaca visiting the Uros Islands and Taquile island.
Day 14:	Fly to Lima (1 night).
Day 15:	Flight to the UK.
Day 16:	Arrival in the UK.

Overview

Lima, on the Pacific coast, was the most important and magnificent city in South America for the Spanish. Visit the colonial district and some of the finest museums in the world, with amazing collections of pre-Hispanic treasures.

Cusco, majestic capital of the Inca Empire, is set in a valley 3,300m high in the Andes and has a unique charm and a relaxed atmosphere. Explore the city, a blend of Inca and Spanish styles, then salsa the night away. Visit the nearby Sacred Valley of the Incas. Take a breathtaking trip to Machu Picchu, lost city of the Incas, set in stunning mountain scenery or alternatively, walk the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Staying in Cusco, you can experience ancient cultures, wonderful scenery, lively festivals and colourful markets. There is also hiking, mountain biking, white water rafting, horse riding, paragliding and even hot air ballooning.

The The Nazca Lines are 2,000 year-old etchings in the face of the desert. Mystery surrounds these giant images of animals and birds, geometric shapes and straight lines up to 40 miles long. Paracas is a small town on the Pacific coast. The Ballestas Islands are nearby, home to thousands of sea lions, penguins and sea birds. A boat ride around the islands offers an incredible opportunity to see these wonderful creatures up close, as the sea lions play around your boat.

Lake Titicaca, at 3,820m above sea level, is the highest navigable lake in the world. At this altitude, the pure air creates wonderful light, and the views of the snow-capped Cordillera Real rising over the lake are superb. This immense body of water is home to the Uros people, who live on reed islands they have woven, and to the people of Taquile Island, who create some of the finest crafts in the Andes. A boat ride to these islands is an unforgettable experience. Lake Titicaca lies at the edge of the Peruvian altiplano. Crossing this expanse of high sierra gives you a fascinating view of the harsh environment, where many people still live by subsistence farming.