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Pisac market
On Lake Titicaca

Andes & Incas - a Family Holiday in Peru - 2010/11 Itinerary

14 days - from $2030

• Discover the animals and people of the Andean 'altiplano'
• Sail out to the remarkable floating islands on Lake Titicaca
• Explore the ancient Inca site of Machu Picchu

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Arequipa & Lake Titicaca
After exploring Peru's vibrant capital Lima, we fly south-west to Arequipa, an attractive Andean town backing against the peaks of the Cordillera Volcanica. Arequipa stands at the foot of El Misti volcano (5842m), with its perfect snow-capped cone, and many of its buildings are made with a pearly volcanic rock. This is the heart of Peru's alpaca wool business and we hope to pay a visit to a farm and get up close to these woolly four-legged beasts! Moving on to sacred Lake Titicaca (3856m), the highest navigable inland 'sea' on earth, we'll take a boat out to the 'floating' Uros Islands: these are made entirely of reeds, and their inhabitants fish, hunt birds and live off the lake plants.


Cusco - the Navel of the Universe
We then drive across the high Altiplano, where bowler-hatted Indians graze flocks of llamas. En route we plan to stop at the impressive funeral towers at Sillustani and the ruins of Raqchi Temple. In Cusco, the Inca 'Navel of the Universe', we'll visit Sacsayhuaman temple fortress. Built to defend the Inca capital, Sacsayhuaman sits high above the town; its imposing stone walls took 20,000 workers 90 years to finish. We'll also visit one of Latin America's most famous and lively markets - Pisac, with its huge and varied collection of multi-coloured beads.


Machu Picchu - the Lost City
Our highlight is a trip by train to the amazing ruins of Machu Picchu, which lie on the saddle of a mountain and hang on the clouds like an eagle's nest. The site was rediscovered in 1911, 400 years after it was abandoned, and remains shrouded in mystery. Nobody knows why it was built or why it was suddenly abandoned (drought, fire, disease or the advancing Spanish conquistadores?). There's a chance to follow part of the legendary Inca Trail here, or to try some whitewater rafting through the Urubamba valley below.

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Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Lima. Day 2 Lima This bustling city on the coast was founded by the conquistadores and became known as 'the city of Kings'. We'll explore the colonial heart of the city and visit the amazing Gold Museum. Days 3/4 Arequipa Flying up to this attractive Andean town, we explore the city including the famous Santa Catalina convent. There may also be time for an optional trip out to Colca Canyon. Days 5/6 Lake Titicaca From our base in Puno we take a boat on the highest navigable lake in the world, visiting the floating islands home to the Uros Indians. Days 7/9 Cusco Traversing the Andes by bus (or train) we arrive in the ancient Inca capital where cobbled streets and Inca stone walls still dominate the buildings in the old centre. During our time here we'll explore the city, take a trip out to Pisac Market and discover the incredible fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Days 10/11 Machu Picchu Departing by train today the line follows the Urubamba River through the Sacred Valley towards the impressive Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. After exploring the site we head back to Cusco by train once again. Day 12 Whitewater rafting With a free day in Cusco, why not try the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Urubamba River? Day 13 Lima We fly back to Lima today. Day 14 End Lima.

Accommodations: 13nts hotels; 13 breakfasts & 1 lunch included. Amazon Extension - plus 3nts comfortable jungle lodge; 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 3 dinners included.
Transport: Bus/Train/Boat/Flights as itinerary.
Comment: This trip is suitable for families of all abilities, although be aware of the effects of altitude. If you wish to take the train between Puno and Cusco this costs extra and must be reserved at time of booking.
Group: Approx. 15 to 20.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s), boatmen and some local guides.
Trip Reference: FPS2010

Dates & Prices
Start End Prices in US$ Child Price in US$ Local Payment Availability
10 Apr 1123 Apr 11$2030$2030 0
24 Jul 1106 Aug 11$2030$2030 0
07 Aug 1120 Aug 11$2030$2030 0
21 Aug 1103 Sep 11$2030$2030 0
18 Dec 1131 Dec 11$2030$2030 0

Prices and itineraries shown for tours departing from January 2011 onwards are subject to change and confirmation with the publication of our 2011/12 brochure, due to be published in October 2010.