Andean Nations

23 days - from $5080

Two of Latin America's most colourful Andean nations wrapped together in one great trip!

Having explored Lima's colonial centre we fly south to the white city of Arequipa, home to the famous Santa Catalina Convent and gateway to stunning Colca Canyon. Further into the mountains we explore the heart of the Inca Empire including Cusco, the Sacred Valley and high above the Urubamba River, the citadel of Machu Picchu. Continuing eastward we discover Lake Titicaca, including the floating islands of the Uros Indians and the ancient burial towers at Sillustani. From La Paz our adventure crosses the Altiplano to the spectacular salt plains of Uyuni and the small city of Potosi, a colonial treasure trove surrounded by dramatic mountains that once contained the largest known silver reserves in the world. Finally we arrive at Sucre, arguably Bolivia’s finest city and one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial settlements in South America.

Highlights

• The potions of 'Witches’ Market'
• Tiahuanaco's 'Gateway of the Sun'
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed colonial city of Sucre
• Uyuni Salt Desert's caves and cacti
• La Paz - the world's highest 'unofficial' capital city
• 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
• The towering Inca citadel at Ollantaytambo
• The condors of one of the deepest canyons in the world - Colca Canyon
• The white volcanic 'sillar' architecture and Cathedral of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Arequipa
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre of the Peruvian capital Lima
• 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

Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Lima3-4: Arequipa5-6: Colca Canyon - Arequipa7-8: Cusco9: The Sacred Valley - Cusco10: Peru's Challenge Community Project - Cusco11-12: Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco13: Puno14: Lake Titicaca - Sillustani - Puno15: Tiahuanaco - La Paz16: La Paz17-18: La Paz - Uyuni Salt Desert - Uyuni19-20: Potosi21-22: Sucre23: La Paz
Included:

• The services of Peregrine's expert English-speaking local tour leaders in both countries, and local guides at some sites.

• Local flights from Lima to Arequipa, Arequipa to Cusco, and Sucre to La Paz.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Lima; 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; La Paz including Witches Market and Valley of the Moon; high Bolivian Plateau; sliver mining town of Potosi; and the colonial city of Sucre.

• Non-trekking visit to Machu Picchu.

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

• Full-day 4WD excursion to the Uyuni Salt Plains.

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

• Visit to Peru's Challenge Community Project at Pumamarca.

• Scenic train journey around Lake Popoo and across the Altiplano in Bolivia.

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

• Return train Cusco-Aguas Calientes-Cusco, and bus to Machu Picchu.

• Arrival transfer.

Flights outside of the tour itinerary, 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.