Peru High Country

17 days - from $3625

Overland Andean adventure, with the unforgettable high altitude trekking of Salkantay leading us to magical Machu Picchu

Few trips give such an in-depth appreciation of the captivating culture and landscapes of Peru’s Sacred Valley and Lake Titicaca – for those wanting ancient trails, imposing mountain scenery, traditional villages and fascinating cities, this is the perfect adventure! Trekking Salkantay should be on every trekker’s ‘to do’ list – more than any other Sacred Valley trail, this one gets you among the finest scenery and takes you higher (up to a staggering 4950 metres), before joining the classic Inca Trail to majestic Machu Picchu. There’s no better way to relax weary limbs than taking in Lake Titicaca, a spellbinding inland sea of deep azure, home to the floating reed islands of the Uros Indians. Finish off in La Paz – with its head in the clouds, non-stop bustle and a market at every street corner, it’s an utterly distinctive destination, and a memorable end to an unforgettable adventure.

Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient Inca capital of Cusco
• The floating reed islands of the Uros people on the highest navigable lake in the world - Lake Titicaca
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre of the Peruvian capital Lima
• Warminwanusca - 'Dead Woman’s Pass' on the Inca Trail
• The towering Inca citadel at Ollantaytambo
• The colourful market town of Pisac
• The 'Lost City of the Incas' - UNESCO World Heritage-listed Machu Picchu
• The potions of 'Witches’ Market'
• Puno - a town four kilometres above sea-level
• Salkantay - trekking the most remote reaches of the Sacred Valley
• La Paz - the world's highest 'unofficial' capital city
• Tiahuanaco's 'Gateway of the Sun'

Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Lima3-4: Cusco - The Sacred Valley5-7: Salkantay Trek8: Inca Trail: Wayllabamba - Yuncachimpa (5km)9: Inca Trail - Pacaymayo (11km)10: Inca Trail - Winaywayna (15km)11: Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes (5km) - Cusco12: Cusco13: Puno14: Lake Titicaca - Sillustani – Puno15: Tiahuanaco - La Paz16-17: La Paz
Included:

• The services of Peregrine's expert English-speaking local leader throughout the tour, and local guides at some sites.

• Local flight from Lima to Cusco.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Lima; Cusco; ceremonial ruins of Sacsayhuaman; the Sacred Valley including the ruins at Qenko, market town of Pisac and Inca citadel at Ollantaytambo; La Raya (4335 metres); Sillustani burial chambers; ruins of Tiahuanaco; and La Paz including Witches Market and Valley of the Moon.

• 3-day trek on the Salkantay Trail.

• 4-day trek on the ‘Classic’ or ‘Lares’ route to Machu Picchu.

• 6 nights full service camping, including the services of horsemen/horses (Salkantay), porters (Inca Trail) and a cook.

• Guided tour of Machu Picchu, including park fees.

• Half-day boat excursion on Lake Titicaca, including the floating reed islands of the Uros Indians.

• Free time to explore Lima, Cusco, Puno and La Paz.

• Train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.

• Arrival transfer.

International flights, airport departure tax, 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.