Tour description
We’ll meet in Lima, the capital of Peru, then drive to Pisco along the sandy coastline. Before long we'll move on to Ica, an idyllic oasis where you can take an optional buggy ride through the sand-dunes or chill out at Lake Huacachina. Then we’ll go to Nazca, famous for its lines. From the viewing platform (or from a light aircraft) you can properly discern the immense figures of different animals and geometric lines long since etched in the desert. Nearby other interesting historical sites can be visited including the Aquaducts of Cantalloc, the Paredones Inca ruins, and the cemetery at Chauchilla where sun-bleached skeletons guard their centuries-old graveyard.
Beautiful Plaza de Armas
On day 4 we’ll go by night-bus along the coast and mountains to Arequipa, at the foot of the Misti volcano. Its central square, Plaza de Armas, is Peru’s most beautiful. It’s surrounded by baroque churches built from volcanic stone, cobble-stone streets and white-washed adobe walls. Arequipa’s cuisine is famous, and we recommend 'cuy' (grilled guinea-pig).
Herds of vicuñas
On day 6 we’ll drive towards the Colca Canyon along herds of vicuñas, llamas and alpacas (relatives of the llama; they produce small amounts of extremely fine wool). We’ll arrive in the afternoon to the small Indian settlement of Chivay where we’ll enjoy a dip into the relaxing hot springs. Llama steak is likely for dinner! Here we’ll climb to 4800 metres and the views over the surrounding volcano peaks will be wonderful. On the excursion further into the Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest gorges, you should see condor.
The highest capital on earth
Next we’ll drive through the Altiplano, the world’s most extensive high plateau outside Tibet, to arrive in Puno, on Lake Titicaca. At 3812 metres it’s the highest commercially navigable lake in the world. There’s an optional tour to the Uros islands, where Indians still have reed houses and boats. On day 9 we’ll drive to La Paz, one of the two capitals of Bolivia and the highest capital on earth.
Salar de Uyuni
On day 11 we’ll make a long trek by Jeep over the salt plains of Salar de Uyuni. On day 13 we continue to the legendary silver-town of Potosí. At 4090 metres, it’s the world’s highest city. Here you may tour one of the continent’s largest silver mines. On day 15 we’ll return to La Paz and then go on to Copacabana, the famous pilgrimage site on the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca. Nearby Sun Island can be visited by boat too; legend says it’s where the Inca dynasty began.
Explore Inca ruins
On day 17 we’ll take a bus along the Altiplano to the royal city of Cuzco to explore Inca ruins, take a spectacular rafting tour on a cold Andes River, or visit the Sacred Valley. Around the Plaza de Armas you’ll find great bars and restaurants serving great Peruvian and international cuisine.
Famous Machu Picchu
On day 20 we’ll travel by train to Aguas Calientes and its hot water springs. The main reason to go here however is of course Machu Picchu which you can either visit in the late afternoon or in the early morning when the surroundings are bathing in magical light. Should you so desire you can disembark from the train and hike the last part of the Inca trail.
On day 21 we return to Cuzco, then on day 22 we fly from Cuzco to Lima for one final night in Peru's vibrant capital city. The following day, day 23, the tour ends at noon and we say goodbye to our new friends.
Incatrail (not sold separately)
During this tour you have the option of booking a 2 day trip to the Incatrail. You will walk the old pathways of the Incas before you reach Macchu Picchu. It is strongly advisable to book this well in advance as we are unable to guarantee you if you book less then 3 months in advance.
Costs are ₤125 for 2 days /1 night. Before booking an Inca trail excursion please check real time availability http://www.inca-trail.com.pe/dispo/index.php?lg=en Please note that the Inca Trail is not available during the month of February.
Due to earthquake damage a decision to alter the itinerary of this tour has been taken. On day 3 you will transfer to Ica with a visit to Ballestas. Day 4 will be at leisure in Ica, the rest of the itinerary remains unchanged.