Peru & Beyond

17 days - from $3395

A leisurely tour exploring the highlights along the way from Lima to La Paz

After exploring the grand beauty of Lima’s streets and colonial architecture, we fly southward to Arequipa. This is one of Peru's loveliest cities – home to the famous 16th century Santa Catalina Convent and gateway to the stunning Colca Canyon. Further inland is Cusco, the Sacred Valley and, high above the Urubamba River, the remarkable citadel of Machu Picchu. Continuing eastward we explore Lake Titicaca, including the waterborne communities of the Uros Indians and the amazing burial chambers at Sillustani. Before arriving in La Paz we have the opportunity to discover the ruins of ancient Tiahuanaco, once the centre of a powerful, self-sustaining empire and thought to be one of the oldest civilisations in the Americas.

Highlights

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

Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Lima3-4: Arequipa5-6: Colca Canyon - Arequipa7-8: Cusco9: Cusco - The Sacred Valley10: Peru's Challenge Community Project - Cusco11-12: Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes - Cusco13: Puno14: Lake Titicaca - Sillustani - Puno15: Tiahuanaco - La Paz16: La Paz17: La Paz
Included:

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

• Local flights from Lima to Arequipa, and Arequipa to Cusco.

• 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.

• Non-trekking visit to Machu Picchu.

• 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.

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

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

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

• 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.