Visits to Machu Picchu, Colca Canyon, Arequipa, Cuzco and Lake Titicaca
Amazon
Rainforest
Extension
Why not extend your stay in Peru with
a 5 day visit to a jungle lodge on the Tambopata
River
Walking
and Exploring in Peru
This
fascinating 18-day tour features many of the jewels in Peru’s
crown, from the extraordinary colonial cities of Arequipa and Cuzco
to the dramatic Colca Canyon (one of the world’s deepest canyons)
and the vast, luminous Altiplano. We walk by Lake Titicaca and stay
on Taquile Island, home to a thriving Indian community.
The tour
culminates with a spectacular and varied 4-day trek along the Inca
Trail to the magical lost city of Machu Picchu.
On the first
leg of the tour we fly from Lima to Arequipa, a beautiful city
nestling at the foot of the conical el Misti volcano (5821m). It is
the ideal base to begin acclimatising before continuing to higher
altitudes. From here we make a spectacular two-day journey into the
Colca Canyon to observe the magnificent Andean condor. From Arequipa
we fly to the market town of Juliaca on the Altiplano (High
Plateau), and continue south by road. We make a detour to Sillustani,
a spectacular pre-Inca burial site overlooking Lake Umayo, then
continue onto Puno, the main port of Lake Titicaca at a breathtaking
3830m. Lake Titicaca, is the world’s highest navigable lake. Vast
(about 180km long) and of a beautiful deep blue, it supports many
highland Indian communities on its islands and shores. From Puno we
make a two-day lake trip to visit the Indians of Taquile Island, one
of Peru’s most unique and beautiful spots. We return to Puno and
travel onto Cuzco, heart of the Inca Empire and hub of activity for
highland Indians coming to its busy markets, this is a beautiful
city with plenty to see. From Cuzco we set off on the Inca Trail, a
four day trek along an ancient pilgrimage route to the enigmatic
site of Machu Picchu.
Duration: 18 days Tour Code: LPH Grade: Moderate - Challenging Day Stages:
10 - 15km. Approx 6 hours trekking per day whilst on Inca Trail. Group Size: Min 2, max 15 plus trek leader
Day 1 Arrive Lima.
2 Fly to Arequipa and free to explore. 3 To the Colca
Canyon, past Chachani volcano and across high puna. Descend to
Chivay in Colca valley. 4 Condor viewing above Colca Canyon,
and return to Arequipa. 5 Free day in Arequipa. 6 Fly
to Juliaca, via Sillustani to Puno. 7 Boat across lake for
overnight visit to Taquile island. 8 Free time on island,
afternoon return to Puno. 9 Bus across Altiplano to Cuzco. 10
In Cuzco. Half-day guided city & ruins tour. 11 Start
4-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. Drive to km 77, then trek to
Huayllabamba. 12 Continue over Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200m)
to the Pacasmayo valley. 13 Over the 2nd pass (4,000m), and
through cloud forest to camp at Phuyupatamarca pass. 14
Dramatic descent of Inca stairway to the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu. 15
Optional return to site or climb Puticusi. Afternoon train to Cuzco.
16 Free day in Cuzco and/or Sacred Valley. 17 Fly to
Lima. Free in Lima until flight out. 18 Arrive UK.
Sherpa
Notes
Max
Altitude
4200m.
Accommodation
and Meals
Hotels 12 nights (B&B only), family house 1 night (bed and
breakfast only), camping 3 nights (all meals).
Support
Fully supported trek, you need only carry your backpack, porters
carry all other gear.
Amazon
Rainforest Extension
Why not extend your stay in Peru with
a 5 day visit to a jungle lodge on the Tambopata
River