This 18 day holiday combines the culture and nightlife of Lima; the wonderful mountain scenery, ancient ruins and traditions of Cusco; the beautiful colonial city of Arequipa and the spectacular Colca Canyon, home to giant condors; the famous Inca Trail, a four-day hike across the Andes ending in Machu Picchu; 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: | Fly to Arequipa and have a city tour (1 night). |
| Day 4: | Travel across the altiplano to the Colca Canyon (1 night). |
| Day 5: | View the condors soaring in the canyon before returning to Arequipa (1 night). |
| Day 6: | Fly to Cusco (3 nights). |
| Day 7: | Optional Inca Cusco excursion. |
| Day 8: | Optional Sacred Valley excursion. |
| Day 9: | Start the Inca Trail (3 nights). |
| Day 10: | Inca Trail. |
| Day 11: | Inca Trail. |
| Day 12: | Morning arrival at Machu Picchu. Afternoon journey back to Cusco (2 nights). |
| Day 13: | Free day in Cusco. |
| Day 14: | Journey from Cusco to Lake Titicaca by coach or by the Andean Explorer Train (2 nights). |
| Day 15: | Full day excursion on Lake Titicaca visiting the Uros Islands and Taquile island. |
| Day 16: | Fly to Lima (1 night). |
| Day 17: | Flight to the UK. |
| Day 18: | 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.
Arequipa, a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site, has an impressive colonial centre largely built of white volcanic rock. A must is a visit to the vast Santa Catalina Convent, founded in 1579, but only opened to the public in 1970. Three immense volcanoes rise above the city, including the near-perfect cone of El Misti, at 5,825m.
The nearby Colca Canyon, deeper than the Grand Canyon, offers incredible views, as well as one of the best opportunities to see the world's largest flying birds in the wild. Giant condors rise up on the thermals, and, if you are lucky, glide past only metres away.
The Inca Trail is a spectacular four-day hike starting in the Sacred Valley, rising through the Andes, before descending again to the cloud forest of Machu Picchu. The scenery constantly changes as you climb and descend, and you are rewarded with some of the finest mountain views on earth. There is no better way to arrive at Machu Picchu than on foot at the Sun Gate at dawn, visiting the ruins in the early morning light before most of the tourists arrive. Our trek includes porters to carry everything, including your personal belongings; cooks who prepare a varied menu; tents for your 3 nights on the trail; and a guide who will explain the different Inca sites you pass.Although most people have no problems, the Inca Trail reaches altitudes of 4,200m, so you should have a good level of fitness. A Short Inca Trail option is also available. Recent changes in regulations have limited the number of people allowed on the Inca Trail. Therefore, we recommend booking well in advance.
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.