Inca Adventure

12 days - from $2415

Lima, the gateway to Peru, is built around Plaza Major (Plaza de Armas) and is home to an imposing Government Palace as well as an impressive cathedral. Nearby are several museums and San Francisco Monastery, famous for its remarkable catacombs. To the south-east and nestled in the Andes lies the former Inca stronghold of Cusco where we have ample time to wander around the labyrinth of cobblestone streets, taking in the colourful handicraft markets or maybe trying some 'cuy' (guinea pig) -a local delicacy available in many of the excellent restaurants! Out in the Sacred Valley is the small market town of Pisac and the magnificent Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo. And then comes the most stunning of Inca sights, Machu Picchu - the 'Eagle's Nest' of the Inca Empire. Continuing inland we come to Puno, where we discover beautiful Lake Titicaca. As our adventure draws to an end we travel via the ancient ruins of Tiahuanaco to La Paz, in Bolivia. The capital is located in a canyon on the 'Altiplano' (High Plains), surrounded by snow-capped Mount Illimani. La Paz has a large Indigenous population, as we discover on a visit to the highly unusual Witches Market.

Highlights

• Colonial Lima
• Cusco
• Sacsayhuaman
• Pisac
• Ollantaytambo
• Aguas Calientes
• The Sacred Valley
• Machu Picchu
• Peru's Challenge Community Project
• Pumamarca Inca Ruins
• Puno
• Lake Titicaca
• Tiahuanaco
• La Paz

Itinerary:

Day 1-2 (Mon) Arrive in Lima and transfer to hotel. City tour.3 Fly to Cusco. Afternoon walking tour.4 Full-day tour of the Sacred Valley, visiting the ruins of Qenko, Puka Pukara and Tambo Machay, Ollantaytambo and the markets at Pisac.5 Morning free in Cusco. Afternoon visit to Pumamarca ruins and Peru's Challenge.6-7 Train to Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu. Return to Cusco.8 Drive to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca.9 Cruise Lake Titicaca and visit Sillustani burial chambers.10 Cross into Bolivia and head to La Paz via the ancient ruins of Tiahuanaco.11 La Paz city sightseeing.12 Trip ends in La Paz after breakfast (Fri).
Included: Local tour leader, local guides, arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.
Not Included: International flights, airport departure taxes, visas where required, meals not included in the itinerary, insurance, laundry, any optional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.
Meals: 11 breakfasts,1 lunch,
Valid From: 03 Mar 08
Notes: On this trip you may link up with travellers on another of our tours. Public Holiday Inconveniences Please be prepared for the inconvenience of sights such as museums and churches being closed to tourists on public holidays (ie. Christmas Day and New Years Day). Throughout Latin America, quite a few museums are closed on Mondays.
Starts/Ends: Lima to La Paz
Trip Reference: PSIA