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Home > Destinations > Treasures of Peru (2012)
Rich in stunning natural beauty, colourful street markets and exquisite colonial grandeur, Peru boasts more archaeological ruins than any other country in South America. From the mystical lost city of Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, she is the captivating jewel in the Andean crown.
Fly from Heathrow via Madrid on LAN Airlines, arriving in Lima for 2 nights in the San Agustin Exclusive Hotel.
Take a half-day culinary tour in Lima (known as the gastronomical capital of South America) exploring the famous fusion cuisine of Peru – revered for its rich complexity and diversity. Begin the tour visiting a traditional market, view a demonstration of food prepared in the native ceviche style which is fresh seafood marinated and ‘cooked’ in citrus juices and incredibly delicious. Next onto a tavern to learn how to prepare the acclaimed Peruvian style ‘pisco sour’ cocktail – it is traditionally consumed as a refreshing apéritif. Enjoy a traditional lunch in a typical Peruvian restaurant to sample some local fare. (B/L)
Fly to Cusco – the archaeological capital of the region. Then transfer to The Sacred Valley of Urubamba at a slightly lower altitude. After lunch visit the mystic Inca town of Ollantaytambo to see the best surviving example of Inca town planning and is hailed as one of the only places the Incas were able to resist the attacks of the Spanish. Stay for 2 nights at San Agustin Recoleta. (B/L) Day 4: Sacred Valley of the Incas You have the option today to spend the day at leisure in beautiful Ollantaytambo. Alternatively there is an optional walking tour to Yucay (approx 4 hours). Begin walking around the archaeological marvel of Yucay with magnificent vistas of the surrounding landscape; view the Inca terraces that are still maintained and used, the highlight of the tour is the cosmic sun gate where the Andean people give thanks and ask for good times to the ancient Andean gods; after which you’ll have the chance to explore ancient cave paintings (petroglyphs) and pre-Inca tombs from 4000 years ago. (B)
Experience one of South America’s most iconic sites, the “Lost City of the Incas” – Machu Picchu. Transfer by the Vistadome train with panoramic views throughout your journey, ensuring you won’t miss any of the astounding Peruvian High Andes mountains. Stop at the town of Aguas Calientes, so called for its hot springs, then transfer by road to Machu Picchu, the impressive citadel located at the top of the mountain, appreciate the Inca architecture, some of the finest prehistoric architecture in the world. Overnight at the El Mapi Hotel. (B/L)
Spend the morning at leisure or you have the option to hike to the sacred Wayna Picchu (Young Peak) Mountain. In the afternoon return to Cusco by Vistadome train and transfer to the Eco Inn for 3 nights. (B)
Begin your morning with a walking tour of Cusco City – bursting with contrasting archaeological styles of the indigenous people and the influence of the colonial west, which gives this city a distinctive beauty. Start in the ‘Plaza de Armas’ (Main Square) this was the epicentre of the Incan Cusco and remains integral to contemporary Cusco life, then onto the San Blas bohemian neighbourhood an area where modernity coexists with tradition. Visit the Temple of the Sun (Koricancha), extraordinarily crafted and one of the most superb temples from the Inca Empire. Spend the afternoon at a local family house and share a typical homemade lunch from traditional Andean recipes. (B/L)
At leisure, where you have the opportunity to explore this fascinating city, the historical capital of the Inca Empire. Alternatively there is an optional half day horseback riding excursion that will take you through unspoiled Andean villages, and Inca vestiges. Take in breathtaking views over the picturesque city of Cusco finishing at the ceremonial site of the Temple of Moon. (B)
After breakfast transfer to Puno by coach, stopping in Andahuaylillas, Raqchi and Pucara en route. Arrive in Puno and transfer to the Jose Antonio Hotel for 2 nights. (B/L)
The highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca sits on the ‘altiplano’, the high barren plateau that extends across Peru and Bolivia. This morning take a boat ride to visit the Aymara Indians and their floating reed islands. The lake has long held deep significance for the indigenous people, its sacred waters believed to have been the birthplace of the legendary founders of the Inca race, the mythical ‘Children of the Sun’. Continue to Llachon, a less-visited Quechua community, where you will learn something of another traditional way of life by the lake. (B/L)
In the morning, transfer to Juliaca airport for your flight to Lima. Transfer to the Costa del Sol Ramada Airport Hotel where a day room is available until the evening LAN Airlines overnight flight to Madrid. (B)
Arrive in Madrid and continue by LAN/Iberia codeshare flight back to London Heathrow, arriving in the evening.
Please note: The itinerary above is applicable for 2012 and it may vary for 2011 departures. Please contact us for further details.
