Peru & the Treasures of the Incas
Wonder at the magical, awe-inspiring Inca sites of the Andes with its spectacular scenic vistas, then delight in the Spanish colonial architecture of Peru's major cities.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Plaza de Armas, Lima, Peru
The Awe-inspiring Andes
La Compania, Arequipa
Awe-inspiring Colca Canyon (optional on day 4)
Countryside around Colca Canyon
Sillustani on Lake Titicaca
Taquile Island, Lake Titicaca
Local weavers
Train from Cuzco to Machu Picchu
Sacsayhuaman. Cuzco
The Andes
The Inti Raymi Festival on June 24th
Local people going to the Inti Raymi Festival
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Your Itinerary
DAY 1: Depart UK.
DAY 2: Arrive Lima.
On arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights.
DAY 3: Lima.
Immerse yourself in this fascinating city on a morning tour of Lima's historic downtown, with visits to the splendid baroque monasteries of San Francisco and the beautiful Plaza de Armas and San Martin, before exploring the residential district of San Isidro and garden district of Miraflores. The afternoon is free to seek out further sights. (B)
DAY 4: Lima - Arequipa.
The day begins with an early morning flight to Peru's second largest city, situated in an exquisite valley in the lee of a snow-capped volcano. Bursting with fantastic 17th and 18th century architecture, Arequipa casts up many delights, for today's sightseeing. See the cathedral and Plaza de Armas square, old neighbourhoods of San Lazaro and Yanahuara, and the delightful Jesuit church of La Compania with its own exquisitely painted interior known as the 'Sistine Chapel of America'. Afterwards head to the famous 17th century Santa Catalina Convent. (B)
DAY 5: Arequipa - Colca Canyon - Chivay.
An early morning start taking the Yura Highway past the snow-capped volcanoes of Chachani, Ampatao and Misti en route to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. At 10,725 feet, it is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and home to the great Andean condor. After arriving in Chivay, the gateway to the canyon, visit the Amphitheatre of Ocolle and the hot springs of La Calera. (B, L, D)
DAY 6: Chivay - Colca Canyon - Puno.
A highlight of today is a chance to see the great Andean condor that inhabits the Colca Canyon. Travel to the Cruz del Condor observation point, which is a popular stop to view the condors as they soar gracefully on the rising thermals. Next stop is Puno, beautifully located on the famous Lake Titicaca and the greatest centre of Peruvian folklore. (B)
DAY 7: Puno.
Relax in the atmosphere of stunning Lake Titicaca, one of the world's highest navigable lakes, before your included visit to the much-photographed Uros Indian community, who live on floating reed islands in the lake. Continue to the town of Chimu, where locals make beds, boats, roofs and houses from 'totora' (Cyprus Escrypus). End the day with a visit to the historical town of Chucuito where you can see the pre-Inca ruins. (B)
DAY 8: Puno - Cuzco.
Experience a mesmerising journey by coach through the spectacular Andes to Cuzco, climbing to altitudes of 14,108 feet. En route you will visit the town of Andahuaylillas, the ruins of Racchi and the small town of Pucara.
DAY 9: Cuzco.
Cuzco was once the capital of the mighty Incan Empire and is also home to many beautiful Spanish colonial buildings. A tour of this fine city includes visits to the historic Plaza de Armas - the ceremonial square of the Incan Empire - and cathedral with its adjacent churches and former residential buildings of the old town. You will also visit some of the superb Inca ruins in the surrounding scenic countryside, including Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay, Kenko, a giant rock covered in strange carvings, and Puca Pucara. (B)
DAY 10: Cuzco.
A free day to soak up the unique atmosphere of Cuzco. How about exploring its baroque churches, museums and shops before dining in the splendid surroundings of a converted Conquistador's palace? (B)
DAY 11: Cuzco - Sacred Valley of the Incas and Pisac Market - Yucay.
A half day's sightseeing in the Sacred Valley of the Incas begins with a visit to the colourful Pisac Indian Market. All varieties of Peruvian handicrafts are displayed here, ranging from practical hand-woven sweaters to highly decorative jewellery and sculptures. Looking down on the town from a great height stands an impressively located Inca fortress. After strolling around the market, continue via some of the world's loveliest mountain scenery to the town of Yucay, located in the Urubamba Valley. The afternoon is free or you can join our optional excursion to Ollantaytambo. (B)
DAY 12: Yucay - Machu Picchu - Yucay.
A once in a lifetime trip to legendary Machu Picchu. The day starts with a bus ride to Ollanta, then a train ride that climbs through narrow ravines up to Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu. From here take the bus to the top of this stupendous mountain to marvel at its magical archaeological ruins. Machu Picchu is one of the great archaeological treasures of the world, whose purpose is still a mystery. There'll be plenty of time to enjoy the site and its awe-inspiring views before returning to Yucay. B
DAY 13: Yucay - Cuzco - Lima.
Journey to Cuzco for your flight to Lima and an overnight stay. (B)
DAY 14: Lima - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in the Amazon Rainforest. (B)
DAY 15: Home landing in the UK.
Maximum elevation on this tour is 15,748ft.
Accommodation on Tour
Standard Hotels - Lima: Casa Adina Select; Arequipa: Posada del Inca Arequipa; Colca Canyon: Casa Andina Colca; Puno: Jose Antonio Puno; Cuzco: Hotel Eco Inn Cuzco; Yucay: Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay.
Deluxe Hotels - Lima: Sonesta Hotel El Olivar; Arequipa: Casa Andina Private Collection Arequipa; Colca Canyon: Colca Lodge; Puno: Casa Andina Private Collection Puno; Cuzco: Casa Andina Private Collection Cuzco; Yucay: Casa Andina Private Valle Sagrado.
Inti Raymi Festival of the Sun
Special departure - 16 June
Join us and experience a pre-Hispanic ceremony to render homage to the sun. Enjoy this Incan festival packed with dances, parades, street fairs and concerts. The centrepiece of the festival is the all-day celebration (June 24, Cuzco area), which includes a procession and a stage show that re-enacts the ancient ceremony.
Andean Explorer Option
As an alternative to your bus journey from Puno to Cuzco on day 8, why not journey through the Andes on the world renowned first-class Andean Explorer? Don't miss out on a trip on this train, decorated in the style of the great Pullman trains of the 1920's, whose open-air observation car offers unsurpassed views of the stunning Andes. See the Altiplano, the Huatnay River and the Andean Plains. The journey is broken by a scenic stop at La Raya whose picturesque snow-draped peaks are often shrouded by mist or fine rain.
Call us to book this option. Supplement starts from £135 per person
Your Holiday Map
Peru & the Treasures of the Incas
Peru & the Treasures of the Incas 12 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
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Peru & the Treasures of the Incas 12 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.
| Date | Depart From | Price from PP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Apr 2012 | Birmingham |
Departure Times
Book by 13 February and save £150 per couple. Available on selected dates and subject to availability. |
Select |
| 10 Apr 2012 | Glasgow |
Departure Times
Book by 13 February and save £150 per couple. Available on selected dates and subject to availability. |
Select |
| 10 Apr 2012 | London Heathrow |
Departure Times
Book by 13 February and save £150 per couple. Available on selected dates and subject to availability. |
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| 10 Apr 2012 | Manchester |
Departure Times
Book by 13 February and save £150 per couple. Available on selected dates and subject to availability. |
Select |
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Peru & the Treasures of the Incas
Price from £2354.00
What's Included
- Flights UK - Lima - Arequipa; Cuzco - Lima - UK
- Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
- Meals on tour 12 breakfasts (B) 2 lunches (L) 1 dinner (D)
- Travel on tour by coach or minibus
- Local guides will accompany the tour in each centre
- Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
- Transfers between overseas airports and hotels
- All local and airport taxes/service charges (excluding personal departure tax of approximately US$33)
Holiday highlights
- Colca Canyon
- Chivay
- Lake Titicaca Uros Island
- Chimu and Chucuito Visit
- Puno - Cuzco Scenic journey through the Andes
- Cuzco City sightseeing, Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay, Kenko and Puca Pucara
- Sacred Valley of the Incas Pisac Indian market
- Machu Picchu Guided sightseeing
Departures from
- Birmingham
- Glasgow
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
Departures between
10 Apr 2012 to 12 Mar 2013
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.
