All of our arrangements have been specially designed to incorporate a reason to travel and, for ease of choice, these have been categorised under the titles shown below.
12 nights from
£3845
Hiram Bingham’s 1911 discovery of Machu Picchu must have been overwhelming, not least because there was no written record that the ‘lost city’ ever existed; and here it stood, in a spectacularly scenic but barely accessible setting, built in the 15th century, and abandoned after just 80 years. The Incan Empire was hugely extensive in its heyday, but short-lived; highly advanced in many ways, but with no written form of its Quechua language; which makes it all the more surprising that Quechua is still spoken in the Peruvian heartlands of the Inca civilisation, intermingled with Aymara-speaking descendants of the earlier Bolivian culture. This tour introduces both, visiting Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley; Machu Picchu, hidden in ferns and forestry for 500 years, and famously shrouded in mists and mystery; and Lake Titicaca, the birthplace of the Incan empire, and home to the floating Uros islands, ingeniously built and lived on by Aymaran Indians. Contemporary and colonial sites add an extra dimension to the tour; in Lima’s modern metropolitan skyline contrasting with the golden façades of its historic heart; the lavishly frescoed Andahuaylillas church; and Cuzco, intertwining past and present, with all its history on show.
Immerse yourself in the Andean culture, visiting the typical and rural village of Maras in midst the Sacred Valley. You will be welcomed by a group of villagers, who will introduce you to their culture, customs and traditions. Learn how to dance ‘huanyo’, a few words of Quechua or how a traditional hat is made.
This is a full itinerary with many visits on foot including some uneven surfaces and inclines.
Entry to Machu Picchu is restricted and early booking is recommended.
On Day 5, your main luggage is transported to Cuzco so an overnight bag is needed for the Machu Picchu stay (max. 5kgs).
Day 8 includes a long transfer with sightseeing en route.
Altitude
Part of your itinerary will be travelling at altitude. We therefore strongly recommend that anyone, regardless of age, should consult their doctor to ensure that they are fully fit and understand the effects of travelling at altitude. This is absolutely essential if you have any pre-existing heart conditions, anaemia or lung problems.
For the jungle experience stay three nights at the charming Hacienda Concepcion chosen for its location between the Tambopata Nature Reserve and the shores of Madre de Dios river. Tour includes an oxbox lake visit, a canopy tower walk, parrot watching at a clay lick, visit to a local farm and ethno-botanical walk.
By air experience the enigma of the Nazca Lines (weather permitting) and by boat visit the nearby Ballestas Islands, home to a large sea lion colony. Stay two nights in Paracas and one night in Lima.
Combine a visit to Arequipa, Peru's second most important city, on the foot of the impressive Misti volcano, with the Colca Canyon - twice as deep as the Grand Canyon.
Extra nights are on request, please call to discuss your requirements
Hilton Garden Miraflores (per night) £52
Single supplement £44
Arrival or departure transfer £75
Experience a second day of Machu Picchu, with entrance and shuttle bus to Machu Picchu included.
Join an optional afternoon gastronomic walking tour in the bohemian and artsy Barranco district in Lima. Taste 15 different foods and drinks.
After an early morning pick up, stop at Cusipata for breakfast, before arriving at the community of Wasi Pata which will be the starting point of the hike to the Rainbow Mountain. Walk for approximately 1h 40min, appreciating the Red Valley and the mountain chain of Ausangate on the way. Enjoy the diversity of the South American camelids, lakes and beautiful landscapes you pass. Arriving at the top of the walk, you will have 30mins to rest and take in the breathtaking scenery of the colorful Vinicunca mountain before heading back the same way. From Wasi Pata, return to Cusipata for lunch and a short rest, before driving back to the city of Cusco, arriving late afternoon.
Level: Difficult (you should already get used to the altitude for a few days)
Hiking distance: 10km
Highest point: 5,040m
Join a guided visit to the San Blas district and wander the cobblestone 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.
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 10 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 1 dinner, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
5 Books Inspired by the Americas
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Grand Tour of South America
A tour of five countries, and a journey of a lifetime, this is a grand adventure, from Peru’s Pacific Ocean port, and Machu Picchu ruins, to Brazil’s South Atlantic beaches, via Bolivian Lake Titicaca, the capitals of Uruguay and Argentina, and the fantastic Iguassu Falls
Mysteries of the Maya & Aztecs
An introduction to Aztec, Zapotec and Mayan cultures, visiting magnificent Mexico and Guatemala, travel through the centuries by road and river, via lakes, valleys and colonial towns
