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Lake Titicaca

Machu Picchu & Titicaca - 2010/11 Itinerary

14 days - from $1790

• Wander the colourful street markets of La Paz
• Trek the Inca Pilgrim Way on the shores of Lake Titicaca
• Follow the Inca Trail via the Sun Gate 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 side trips 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 walk a short part of the Inca Trail via Winaywayna and arrive at 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 the tour in La Paz. Days 2/3 La Paz After exploring the world's highest capital city, there's time to visit the nearby sites of Tiahuanaco or Chacaltaya. Day 4 Lake Titicaca We drive to Copacabana on the shores of the highest navigable lake in the world. Days 5/6 Isla del Sol Over the next 2 days we follow the Inca Pilgrim Way, staying in a great eco-lodge on the 'island of the sun'. Day 7 Puno Today we cross the border into Peru. Days 8/10 Cusco Traversing the Andes by bus (or train) we arrive in Cusco, the ancient Inca capital. After exploring the town, we head out to nearby Sacsayhuaman and the colourful Pisac market. Day 11 Inca Trail Getting off the train at KM104, we spend a day walking along the Inca trail to Machu Picchu via Winaywayna and the Sun Gate. Day 12 Machu Picchu We explore the citadel with our guide before returning by train back to Cusco. Day 13 Lima We fly to Lima today where there's time for a city tour this afternoon (optional). Day 14 Tour ends in Lima.

Accommodations: 11nts hotel, 2nts at an eco-lodge on Isla del Sol and; 1nt hostal in Aguas Calientes 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners included.
Transport: Bus/Train/Boat/3 days walking along Pilgrim Way and Inca Trail/Flights as itinerary.
Comment: Walking the Inca Pilgrim Way is a highlight and relatively easy, though bear in mind the altitude. The walk to Machu Picchu takes about 5-6 hours and involves quite a lot of ascent and is graded as moderate.
Group: Approx. 14 to 18.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver and local guides.
Trip Reference: PB2010

Dates & Prices
Start End Prices in US$ Local Payment Availability
18 Sep 1001 Oct 10$17900
16 Apr 1129 Apr 11$19200
21 May 1103 Jun 11$19200

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.

The price of a Single Room Option does not necessarily guarantee a single room for every night of the tour. For more information, please refer to the trip dossier / more details for this tour.
Single rooms are available for this tour at a supplement from US$ 175, depending on availability.