Lost World of the Incas

Fly overnight to Lima via Madrid.

Transfer to the 4-star Hilton Garden Inn Miraflores for a two-night stay and early check-in. Afternoon walking tour of Miraflores, a district of Lima that not only has beautiful landscapes and parks but also many surprises to discover.
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Peru’s vast capital is, at once, sophisticated and chaotic, colonial and cosmopolitan, arid and oceanfront. A tour of the city shows you the stately buildings of the Plaza des Armas; the Larco Museum of pre-Columbian art, housed in a hacienda; and, in the UNESCO listed Historic Centre, the monumental 17th-century San Francisco Convent, the largest in South America. Join an optional afternoon gastronomic walking tour in the bohemian and artsy Barranco district in Lima. Taste 15 different foods and drinks (pre-bookable).
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Fly to Cuzco and journey to the Sacred Valley (at an altitude of 2,400m), visiting the Manos de la Comunidad, for an insight of Andean peoples’ customs and crafts; and touring to the town of Pisac, known for its Indian Market, and overlooked by the ruins of an ancient citadel. Continue to Urubamba for two nights at the 4-star Hotel Taypikala Sacred Valley.
(B)

Enjoy the different aspects of this special place, where picturesque colonial towns and little crafting villages enjoy a peaceful co-existence with significant Inca sites. We visit the archaeological site of Moray, on a high plateau; Ollantaytambo fortress, with views of its beautiful Inca village, the best surviving example of Inca town planning; and include a stop to view the UNESCO protected Salt Mines of Maras, where thousands of salt pools are stepped into pre-hispanic terraces; making a special visit to Maras village.
(B)

Travel on the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes and make the final ascent by road to Machu Picchu (at 2,500m), covering a spectacularly scenic saddle of land with some 200, dry-stone-walled, religious and residential buildings. Among the most recognised ancient sites on earth, its cosmic alignment is acknowledged, but the Inca’s reason for it remains an enigma. Spend the rest of the day exploring the site at leisure, before returning to Aguas Calientes for an overnight stay at the 3-star El Mapi by Inkaterra Hotel.
(B, D)

Enjoy a morning in Aguas Calientes (‘warm waters’), perhaps to relax in the thermal baths and browse in the artisan shops; or return to the magical ‘old mountain’, Machu Picchu, for independent exploration (second entry to the site, pre-bookable only). This afternoon, return by road and rail (4hrs) to Cuzco, for three nights at the 4-star Hilton Garden Inn.
(B)

Once the Inca capital, awash with royal and religious buildings; then a 16th century Spanish colonial town, when monasteries and manor houses were built on the archaeological Incan remains, Cuzco and its surrounds offer revealing glimpses of centuries past. A tour today shows you the city’s cathedral and colonial buildings; the nearby Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman fortress and the baths of Tambo Machay; the Cultural Heritage archaeological complex of Kenko’s temple; and the Puca Pucara ‘red fort’ relics.
(B)

Day at leisure to explore Cuzco or join one of two optional excursions. Join either the excursion to the Rainbow Mountains, early morning departure towards Cusipata for breakfast, continue to Wasi Pata, which is the starting point of the hike to the Rainbow Mountain. You will walk for approximately 1h 40min, appreciating the Red Valley and the mountain chain of Ausangate on the way. You will also be able to contemplate a diversity of South American camelids, lakes and beautiful landscapes. Time to take in the breathtaking scenery of the colourful Vinicunca mountain. Return to Cuzco in the late afternoon, lunch is included. (12 hrs, 10km hiking and reaching altitude of 5.040m £65, pre-bookable) or join a guided visit to the San Blas district and wander the cobble stone streets as you browse the beautiful handicrafts and unique antique stores. Afterwards, visit the typical San Pedro market and take in the lively bustle of the workers and their colourful stands filled with fruits, vegetables, spices, and other local products. (4 hrs, pre-bookable).
(B)

Journey by road across the Andean high plain (at 4,300m), visiting the town of Andahuaylillas and its Church of St. Peter, its incredibly ornate interior earning it the epithet of ‘America’s Sistine Chapel’; and continue to the temple ruins of Racchi, en route to Lake Titicaca. At 3,800m, it is the world’s highest navigable waterway, mirror-still, mountain edged, dotted with islands, and steeped in legends. Divided between Peru (to the north and west) and Bolivia (south and east), this unique place is a world apart in more ways than just geographical. The 17th century Peruvian port of Puno is the lake’s main city; where we stay two nights at the 4-star Casa Andina Premium Puno.
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Sail to the floating islets of Uros, still inhabited by Aymara-speaking Indians, the islands’ bases, houses, and whimsical boats all built with buoyant totora reeds indigenous to the lake; and continue to Isla Tequile, about 45km offshore and a couple of centuries back in time, a culturally colourful, community governed island, renowned for its textile art, where we enjoy a home-cooked lunch.
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Transfer from Puno to Juliaca airport for the overnight flight to London via Lima and Madrid. Entrance to VIP lounge at Lima airport is included for three hours.
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Arrival at London Heathrow.