This journey ideally combines adventure with seeing the best and most famous sites in Peru. We begin with a short flight to the ‘White City’ of Arequipa in Southern Peru dominated by the stunning conical “El Misti” mountain. At 2600m Arequipa is the ideal place to begin our acclimatisation to the rarefied air of the Andes. One can explore Arequipa’s fine Plaza, the ice mummy museum or visit the many alpaca textile shops. We then board a private minibus and head off through remote villages to the impressive Colca canyon and the delightful Colca Lodge. Here we have the chance to see Condors over one of the world’s deepest canyons, hike to geysers or just relax in some of the finest hot-springs imaginable.

A spectacular drive through the altiplano brings us to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. This busy lakeside town is the base for our day trip on Lake Titicaca. We take a private express boat to visit the floating reed islands of Uros and Taquile Island. These are renowned for their ancient way of life, weavings and spectacular views of the lake.

We then take one of the World’s classic railway journeys* from Puno across the high plains to Cusco. We spend a day exploring Cusco, the former Inca Capital - a wonderful place to explore full of culture, history, good restaurants and fun nightlife. Now fully acclimatised, our next adventure takes us from Cusco through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing the Inca Fortress town of Ollantaytambo, before embarking on the famous Inca Trail to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu.**

This relaxed five day / four night trek involves spectacular Andean scenery along an ancient paved Inca trail and visiting many ruins. Our final night is in the colourful town of Aguas Calientes before spending a whole day exploring the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu. The return to Cusco is by luxury train and bus in time for a celebration meal. The next day we fly down to Lima to catch our international flight home.

* Please note: the train only operates five times a week, there is a luxury bus alternative on the other days.
** For those who do not wish to trek, there is an option to visit Machu Picchu by train and to spend time exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Lima. Transfer to hotel and rest up.

Day 2
An early morning spectacular flight along the Peruvian coast brings us to the “White City” of Arequipa, the ideal place to start acclimatizing to the rarefied air of the Andes and a beautiful city to explore. Arequipa boasts a magnificent marble Plaza de Armas, quaint old town streets, the picturesque Santa Catalina Monastery and Juanita the Ice maiden museum. Alpaca wool is Arequipa’s finest export and there are plenty of opportunities for treating yourself to some stunning textiles here.(B)

Day 3
Driving out of Arequipa we enjoy spectacular views of the mountains surrounding the city before climbing high into the Andes and descending into the amazing Colca canyon. The Colca canyon is one of the World’s deepest canyons and is home to Condors and a fascinating local culture, totally different from any other place you will visit on this trip. We over night in the charming Colca lodge. Soaking in the World class hot-springs is the prime activity here, closely followed by exploring the lodge’s restaurant, bar or games room. (B/L/D)

Day 4
The private guide and minibus are at your disposal for the day. An early morning drive to Cruz del Condor is recommended in search of the world’s largest flying bird, the condor, who nest in the cliffs of one of the world’s deepest canyons (approx. 3,400m deep). Hiking to near-by ruins and a tour of the unique native culture and weavings in the area are also available activities. On return to the lodge plenty of time is left for just relaxing in the hot springs. (B/L/D)

Day 5
A spectacular drive through the high Andes, passing beautiful lakes and huge vistas as we travel on a newly asphalted road to Juliaca and on to our destination of Puno. En route we can take a visit to Silustani ruins, whose fascinating circular burial chambers pre-date the Incas. The amazing stone work of this early civilisation was obviously a strong influence on the famous Inca stone masons. In Puno we check into our hotel and can explore this interesting town and barter for locally hand-knitted woollen goods. (B/B/L)

Day 6
Lake Titicaca is a photographer’s dream, its clear sapphire water and the astounding blue skies are mesmerizing. A full day’s boat trip with your own private guide ensure you see all the sights in safety and style. The famous floating reed islands of Uros and the ancient traditions and weavings of Taquile Island are explained and viewed at your leisure. We return to our Puno hotel for the night. (B/L)

Day 7
Today we board the luxury all day train from Puno to Cusco. This classic Orient Express train journey, recently voted “one of the top ten railway journeys of the world” cuts across the formidable Peruvian Altiplano, whose high plains are rich with llama herds, green Ibises and mountain villages where life is harsh but the resilient locals keep their communities with pride and good humour. On arrival at Cusco train station we transfer to your hotel. This evening we stretch our legs around the spectacular Plaza de Armas and dine in one of the many excellent restaurants as we begin to explore the fascinating city of Cusco. * Please note: the train only operates five times a week, there is a luxury bus alternative on the other days. (B/L)

Day 8
A free day to explore Cusco. From the Plaza de Armas, we suggest a visit to the sun temple, Qoricancha, a walk up to the San Blas district and for the energetic a visit to Sacsayhuaman fort overlooking the city. For those looking to relax there are countless excellent bars and cafes overlooking the Plaza de Armas and plenty of bargain hunting to do in the artisan markets. We meet in the evening for a briefing on the Inca Trail (B)

Day 9
From Cusco we drive into the sacred valley of the Incas, calling in at the impressive ruins at Ollantaytambo. At the end of the road we meet the team of porters and cooks for lunch and start to trek along the banks of the Urubamba river. This is ideal for acclimatisation purposes. We camp the night at Llactapata (2,788m) beside some spectacular ruins. This is camping and trekking in style. Whilst walking all you need to carry is a daypack - all camping equipment is carried by our support team of traditional porters. All camp chores are done for us and delicious food is served by a cook and his helpers.(B/L/D)

Day 10
We trek up the Cusichaca valley to the small hamlet of Huallyabamba, the last inhabited place on the trail. The path continues on up past humming birds and stunted cloud forest. Our camp is at Llulluchupampa (3680m) - a beautiful grassy area with outstanding views down the valley. (B/L/D)

Day 11
Possibly the hardest day of the trek, we rise early and head to the top of Warmiwanusca (Dead woman’s pass 4200m). This is the highest point of the trail before we descend into the Pacasmayo valley and then climb again passing the first of many Inca ruins Runkuracay. Our second pass of the day (3850m) gives us spectacular views of the Vilcabamba range. Walking on incredibly well preserved Inca pathway we pass Sayacmarca ruins with plenty of time for an in depth tour and explanation before passing through a tunnel and a gentle climb which brings us to Phuyupatamarca ruins (3650m) where we camp. (B/L/D)

Day 12
Our final days hiking brings us down into the Cloud forest on a Inca stairway to Winay Wayna (2,600m), another interesting ruin full of orchids and swallows. And so to Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun for our first glimpse of Machu Picchu (2,400m). After treasuring the moment we pass through the ruins and catch a bus down to our hostal in the colourful town of Aguas Calientes and celebrate our return to civilisation.(B/L)

Day 13
First thing in the morning we return to Machu Picchu and have it virtually to ourselves for a full guided tour, with time afterwards to climb Huayna Picchu, walk out to the Inca bridge or else just wander through the ruins soaking up the amazing atmosphere. We have a late lunch in Aguas Calientes before boarding the afternoon train back to Poroy. Here our waiting bus speeds us back to our Cusco Hotel. If you have the energy we can then explore Cusco’s excellent nightlife. (B/L)

Day 14
An early morning flight from Cusco to Lima, in time to connect with your international flight home.(B)

Prices and departures

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