Lima To La Paz

19 days - from $3940

An epic journey comprehensively exploring the Incan world’s highlights and highlands

Peru’s history and geography read like myth and fable: earth’s most mysterious figures in the Nazca desert; the world’s deepest canyon; volcanoes guarding cities and a gigantic lake halfway to heaven. On top of all that is the incomparable Sacred Valley, the heartland of Incan culture and home to Peru’s finest monuments and relics from the ancient world. Exploring Cusco then setting off along Incan pathways is a must for all who want to experience the full magic of the region, both to appreciate the quiet splendour of the mountains, and the full power of Machu Picchu, rearing up suddenly on a hidden peak deep in the countless folds of the Andes. Lake Titicaca’s combination of stunning scenery, intense colours and intriguing customs makes it a favourite of many who travel in the region, while La Paz’s striking streets and vivacious culture is a vibrant finale to our adventure.

Highlights

• The white volcanic 'sillar' architecture and Cathedral of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Arequipa
• The towering Inca citadel at Ollantaytambo
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient Inca capital of Cusco
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre of the Peruvian capital Lima
• Warminwanusca - 'Dead Woman’s Pass' on the Inca Trail
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nazca Lines - gigantic lines, symbols and animal images etched into the ground
• The floating reed islands of the Uros people on the highest navigable lake in the world - Lake Titicaca
• The condors of one of the deepest canyons in the world - Colca Canyon
• Tiahuanaco's 'Gateway of the Sun'
• The potions of 'Witches’ Market'
• Puno - a town four kilometres above sea-level
• The 'Lost City of the Incas' - UNESCO World Heritage-listed Machu Picchu
• The colourful market town of Pisac
• La Paz - the world's highest 'unofficial' capital city

Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Lima3-4: Lima - Nazca - overnight bus5: Arequipa6-7: Colca Canyon - Arequipa8-9: Cusco - The Sacred Valley10-13: (Important Note)10: Inca Trail: Km 82 - Wayllabamba (8km)11: Inca Trail - Pacaymayo (16km)12: Inca Trail - Winaywayna (15km)13: Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes (5km) - Cusco14: Cusco15: Puno16: Lake Titicaca - Sillustani – Puno17: Tiahuanaco - La Paz18-19: 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 Arequipa to Cusco.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Lima; desert cemetery of Chauchilla; Nazca Lines; Arequipa; 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.

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

• 3 nights full service camping, including the services of porters and a cook.

• Guided tour of Machu Picchu, including park fees.

• 2-day excursion to Colca - one of the deepest canyons in the world.

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

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

• 1 night on a deluxe overnight coach from Nazca to Arequipa in a reclining seat.

• Train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.

• Arrival transfer.

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.