Southern Peru Tour

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

Departing Lima this morning we take a public bus south, following the Pacific coastline, before turning towards the fertile mountain valleys that lie around town of Nazca. Our journey takes us through some of the driest desert regions on earth and into the winegrowing landscapes of the Ica Valley, a region that produces some excellent vintage, as well as Peru’s distinctive local tipple, ‘Pisco’, a particularly potent mix made from the white grape. Our final destination for today is the oasis town of Nazca, lying in the shadow of Cerro Blanco, which, at over 2000m, is the highest sand dune on earth.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

Some specialists have speculated that the Nazca Lines represent the world’s largest astrological calendar. Huge birds, spiders, whales, other creatures and geometrical figures are represented in outline.  Here there is the option to climb nearby viewing platforms for views out over the lines etched into the desert. There should also be time for optional visit to the nearby Antonini Archaeological Museum, the Chauchilla pre-Inca cemetry or the Nazca aqueduct. Later today we take another public bus, continuing south through the night towards the city of Arequipa and the volcanic landscapes of the Andean Mountains. Later today we take another public bus, continuing south through the night towards the city of Arequipa and the volcanic landscapes of the Andean Mountains.

Overnight Public Bus (U)

The beautiful city of Arequipa is spectacularly located at the foot of the volcanic slopes of El Misti, a perfect conical peak that rises to some 5822m above this grand colonial city, The city itself was founded by the Spanish in 1540, on the site of an old Inca settlement, and today is famed for its colonial architecture, including what is arguably one of the finest arcaded city squares anywhere in the Americas. Arriving this morning we will transfer to the hotel, after which the rest of the day is free to explore at your leisure, perhaps taking in the elegance of the Plaza de Armas and its immense twin-towered cathedral. You might also like to visit the striking 17th century churches of La Compania and San Agustin and the colonial grandeur of Casa de Moras, or perhaps pay a visit to the extraordinary Santa Catalina Convent, a miniature walled town in the heart of the city, which once housed 450 nuns and serving ladies in total seclusion for nearly 4 centuries. Riddled with a network of cobbled streets and lavishly restored with period furnishings and beautifully ornate touches, the convent is without doubt one of the highlights of any visit to the city. Other recommended sights are the old university and the archaeological museum, which has a fine collection of ceramics and mummies. Otherwise you may choose to take a seat at one of the cafes overlooking the main square and watch the comings and goings.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

A spectacular river gorge lying to the north of Arequipa, the Colca Canyon measures twice the depth of the more famous Grand Canyon and at one time it was believed to be the deepest gorge on earth (until it was eclipsed by the deeper Cotahuasi Canyon). Largely unknown to the outside world until the latter years of the 20th century, today it affords us an opportunity to discover a world of Andean villages and Inca terraces that make up one of the most outstanding natural settings in the Americas. This is the world of the Altiplano, where the Rio Colca meanders through a landscape of towering volcanic peaks that offer a stunning backdrop to a land inhabited by Cabana and Collagua Indians. Home to the massive and majestic Andean Condor, these awe-inspiring vistas derive their name from the old Incan practise of storing harvested grain in natural vaults carved into the canyon walls, vaults that the Indians called colcas. Alternatively today you may wish to explore more of the city and visit places you may not have had time to visit yesterday.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

Travelling by public bus again today we turn east, heading towards the beautiful landscapes that surround the unique waters of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the word (3856m). Our destination is the town of Puno, a centre of Incan folklore nestling in a bay at the northwestern tip of the lake and the perfect base from which to explore something of the cultural and historical significance of the lake itself.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

An immense body of water, Lake Titicaca covers over 8,000 sq km and its shoreline has been the home to the Aymara and Quechua for millennia. Its sacred waters have long been a site of religious ritual and devotion, from the earliest civilisations to the Inca conquerors, who believed the lake to be the site where the legendary founders of their dynasty arrived on earth. The Uros people have lived on the lake itself for countless generations, on ‘floating islands’ of totora, a reed-like papyrus that grows in the shallows and is used in the construction of houses and boats. Today we’ll explore something of their unique world with a visit to Los Uros and Taquile, hopefully learning something of a people whose traditions live on for the most part only in the myths and legends of their oral history. Driven onto the lake to escape the attentions of larger ethnic tribes and further isolated by the arrival of the Spanish, the Uros had little contact with the mainland for generations, preferring instead to isolate themselves amongst the reeds and waters of their marine environment. After our visit to the Uros Islands we’ll then continue by boat to Taquile Island, a setting that has managed to preserve much of its Inca and pre-Incan heritage and where the locals still speak the language of the Inca-Quechua. This afternoon we will take a walk to the highest point of the island, where we can enjoy the sun bathing the lake in the golden glows of sunset. Later this evening there may be an opportunity to enjoy an optional folklore show. Please note that accommodation is limited to rustic, dorm-style facilities in a local house.

Overnight Village House (H)

This morning is free on Taquile Island to make the most of a setting where the local people still preserve a rich tradition of music and dance. You might like to take a walk up to the Inca ruins (optional), or visit the market, presenting an ideal opportunity to buy some of the locally made embroidery that is produced by the men of the island. Later this afternoon we then return to Puno by boat, where there is the chance to pay a visit to the restored British built Yavari Steamer (optional) or take a stroll through the markets in search of excellent llama and alpaca wool items.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

Today we follow the legendary route taken by the first Inca ruler – Manco Capac – on his way to find Cuzco, passing through a landscape that is both desolate and magnificent, where flocks of llamas and alpacas graze amongst the windswept meadows. We’ll travel via the small market town of Ayaviri and La Raya, traversing the northern extremes of the Antiplano and crossing La Raya pass (4321m) and the continental divide, before beginning the descent towards Cusco along the Rio Vilcanota. There is also the opportunity to take the classic train journey from Puno to Cusco (optional) – one of the great railway journeys of the world. The full day journey covers some spectaular scenery over the high altiplano. Please note: the train must be pre-booked at time of booking and costs 115GBP per person.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

The old capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is the archaeological capital of the Americas and the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent. Imbued with an atmosphere of mystery and grandeur, the Spanish-style city of today, with its attractive pink tiled roofs, arcaded plazas and steep winding alleyways, stands upon tremendous Inca foundation stones, its links with the Inca Empire everywhere to be seen, from the stone walls that line the city streets, to the museums filled with artefacts and relics of a long dead people. This morning we make a short orientation tour of the city with the tour leader pointing out the key sites, before some free time to continue exploring further. We will see the Inca wall of Hatunrumiyoc with its famous twelve-sided stone (its typical bevelled joints creating the patterns of light and shadow so typical of Incan walls), as well as the rich majesty of the Plaza de Armas and the incredible remains of Qoricancha, once the heart of Inca society. The city itself is filled with monuments to its more recent colonial past too, with churches and galleries in abundance, making it an ideal city to enjoy at your own pace (entrance fees not included).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

This morning we transfer to the railway station to catch the train to Aguas Calientes, our gateway to one of the greatest of all archaeological sites. The train slowly meanders down the valley, following the tumultuous waters of the Urubamba River through a series of rock cut tunnels before emerging at the small town of Aguas Calientes, serenely nestling amidst a lush landscape of cloud forests. From here we take a public bus up to the mountain complex of Machu Picchu, the fabled ‘lost city’ of the Incas and probably the most spectacular feat of engineering in ancient America. The rest of our time is then spent in this magnificent city, dividing our time between a guided tour (4 hours) and some free time to explore these spectacular ruins privately. Temples, stairways, palaces and gabled stone dwellings are scattered everywhere, testifying to the energy and ingenuity of the builders. Not without reason is this site probably the most revered tourist attraction in the Americas; its location alone is dramatic in the extreme, teetering on the saddle of a high mountain peak that towers above the valley below. Built in the mid 15th century by Pachacuti, the city was thought to have been a major agricultural centre for the Incan Empire and its inaccessibility seems to have preserved it from the looters of the intervening years, resulting in the remarkably well-preserved ruins that we see today. Returning by bus to our simple accommodation in Aguas Callentes, situated on the valley floor below, this evening then affords a chance to relax in the local thermal baths (optional).

Overnight Hostel (H+)

This morning there’s the option to re-visit Machu Picchu for sunrise when the site is largely free of crowds. You may like to take a walk up to Wayna Picchu, climbing the steep peak to look down on the Temple of the Sun, or hike to the ruins of Winay-Wayna, a four hour return journey that will take you down a granite Inca stairway to an impressive site overlooking the terraced fields of Intipata. A walk down to the Gate of the Sun (Inti- Punku), affords some spectacular views back towards Machu Picchu itself, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Andes. This afternoon we catch the train back to Cusco.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

With a full free day in Cusco there’s the chance to go white water rafting on the Urubamba River; grade 2-3 (optional), or perhaps visit the market town of Pisac, strategically located at the head of the Urubamba Valley (optional). Pisac once controlled the road connecting the Inca Empire with Paucartambo on its eastern borders and the magnificent Inca ruins that once so dominated this valley still occupy the mountainside above the town, providing a worthy match for any of the temples of Machu Picchu. Other alternatives include a full day visit to the outlying Inca sites at Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambo Machay, or maybe a visit to the fortress-citadel of Saqsaywaman. Built to defend the Inca capital, Saqsaywaman broods high above the town, its huge, zigzagging stone walls broken into 66 sharply projecting angles to catch attackers in a withering crossfire. Meant to represent the head of a puma, 20,000 conscripted workers toiled for 90 years to finish it and it was the site of one of the most fiercely fought battles of the Spanish conquest, when the Incas made one last ditch attempt to drive out the Spanish, an attempt that ended in defeat and death for thousands of them. Otherwise you may want to chill out in Cusco and enjoy the atmosphere of this lively town.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)