Machu Picchu & Titicaca
14 days - from $2280
• Wander the colourful street markets of La Paz
• Trek the Inca Pilgrim Way on the shores of Lake Titicaca
• Ride the train through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
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La Paz & the Cordillera Real
Set against a towering backdrop of snow-covered peaks, La Paz (3636m) is even higher than Lhasa in Tibet. We have two full days to explore the lively Indian street markets bustling with locals cloaked in vermillion ponchos. There's also time for optional sidetrips to the ancient city of Tiahuanaco or to Chacaltaya for mountain views. A spectacular road takes us to the picturesque town of Copacabana nestled on the shores of Lake Titicaca below the Cordillera Real and the surrounding glaciers.
Islands of the Sun & Moon
From the small lakeside town of Copacabana (3856m), known for its miracle-working 'Dark Virgin', we begin our 2-day hike along the Inca Pilgrim Way. Using support vehicles for our luggage, we walk along old Inca paths to Yampupata and sail over to the sacred Isla del Sol to explore Pilkokaina (the former Inca's residence). Continuing on foot to Challa we'll see the Temple of the Sun, and also have the option to sail across to the smaller Isla de la Luna.
Cusco & Machu Picchu
There's a chance to see the funerary towers at Sillustani, before taking the bus (or train - optional) across the Altiplano to Cusco (3400m). We'll tour this fascinating city, then head for the amazing vine-covered ruins of Machu Picchu - the 'Lost City of the Incas'. We take a bus high up onto the ridge and explore the citadel on foot. There's time to wander among the extraordinary complex of temples, staircases and houses.
Explore the Amazon with a 3-night extension...
It is possible to extend your stay in Peru with a 3-night sojourn in a jungle lodge deep in Amazonia. Flying to Puerto Maldonado, you can explore the Amazon jungle by dugout canoe and also on foot for close-up views of exotic tropical flora. There's plenty of time to relax and soak up the atmosphere, see p220.
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Itinerary:
Day 1 Join La Paz. 2 & 3 In La Paz; walking tour; optional excursions to Tiahuanaco or Chacaltaya. 4 Drive Copacabana. 5 Walk the Inca Pilgrim Way to Yampupata; boat to Pilkocaina on Isla del Sol; explore ruins. 6 Walk via Jardin Incaico and Temple of the Sun to Challa. 7 Boat and drive to Puno. 8 Visit Sillustani; bus (or train, optional) to Cusco. 9 & 10 In Cusco; city tour; excursion to Sacsayhuaman temple, visit Pisac market. 11 Train Aguas Calientes; visit Machu Picchu. 12 Explore Machu Picchu; train and bus to Cusco. 13 Fly Lima. 14 Tour ends Lima.
Accommodation: 11nts hotel; standard hotels throughout although the hotel Copacabana is more simple;, 1nt hostal in Aguas Calientes, 2nts basic village house; 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners included.
Transport: Bus/Train/Boat/2-day walk along Pilgrim Way/Flights as itinerary.
Comment: Walking the Inca Pilgrim Way is a highlight and relatively easy, though bear in mind the altitude.
Group: Approx. 14 to 18.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver and local guides.
Trip Reference: PB
