Experience the very best of Peru on this sixteen-day tour of the south of the country, one of the most privileged regions of this unique territory. Discover natural treasures in Paracas and delight your palate with the intense flavours of the local cuisine in Peru’s capital of gastronomy, Arequipa. Explore the dizzying heights of the Andes and visit fascinating, traditional villages on Lake Titicaca. Of course, no trip to Peru would be complete without delving into its rich history, and the Incan archaeological sites you will witness as you travel along the Sacred Valley to Cusco are unrivalled. It is sure to be a trip you will never forget!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Cusco: The ancient Inca capital is a unique blend of pre-Columbian culture and Spanish architecture. Its temples, squares and streets are surrounded by hills that hide fantastic archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.
Coricancha: An impressive example of a blend of Incan and colonial architecture. The original complex was dedicated to the veneration of the sun and it was one of the most important temples in the Inca Empire. After the arrival of the Spaniards in Cusco, the temple foundations and walls were used as a base for the construction of the convent of Santo Domingo.
Colca Valley: Appreciate the elegance of the condors as they soar over the Colca Canyon. With a depth of approximately 3,400 metres, this canyon is one of the deepest in the world.
Lake Titicaca: The highest navigable lake in the world, a combination of nature and living culture. Embark on a boat ride to the islands of Taquile and the Uros, where the indigenous people maintain their legendary heritage to this day.
Machu Picchu: The ‘lost city of the Incas’ is what draws thousands of people to Peru each year. Hidden amongst the vegetation, this mountain-top citadel, built in complete harmony with the surrounding landscape, hosts a wealth of rooms, temples, bridges and religious sites that offer the visitor a chance to get closer to Peru’s fascinating past.
Short Itinerary
Day 1 : DEPART LONDON HEATHROW
Day 2 : ARRIVAL LIMA
Day 3 : LIMA: CITY TOUR
Day 4 : LIMA – PARACAS (265 km – 4 hrs)
Day 5 : PARACAS – BALLESTAS ISLANDS – NASCA (215km – 3.5 hrs)
Day 6 : NASCA LINES – AREQUIPA (570km – 10 hrs)
Day 7 : AREQUIPA: CITY TOUR & SANTA CATALINA MONASTERY
Day 8 : AREQUIPA – COLCA (165km – 3 hrs)
Day 9 : COLCA CANYON & VALLEY
Day 10 : COLCA CANYON – PUNO (250 km – 4 hours)
Day 11 : PUNO – LAKE TITICACA: UROS & TAQUILE
Day 12 : PUNO – CUSCO (390km – 8 hours)
Day 13 : CUSCO: CITY TOUR & ARCHAELOGICAL SITES
Day 14 : CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY – CHINCHERO – OLLANTAYTAMBO (75km – 1.5 horas)
Day 15 : SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES (115km – 3 hours)
Day 16 : DEPARTURE CUSCO
Tour Ends