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.
Itinerary
| Days 1-2 |
(Mon) Arrive in Lima and transfer to hotel. City tour. |
| Day 3 |
Fly to Cusco. Afternoon walking tour. |
| Day 4 |
Full-day tour of the Sacred Valley, visiting the ruins of Qenko, Puka Pukara and Tambo Machay, Ollantaytambo and the markets at Pisac. |
| Day 5 |
Morning free in Cusco. Afternoon visit to Pumamarca ruins and Peru's Challenge. |
| Days 6-7 |
Train to Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu. Return to Cusco. |
| Day 8 |
Drive to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. |
| Day 9 |
Cruise Lake Titicaca and visit Sillustani burial chambers. |
| Day 10 |
Cross into Bolivia and head to La Paz via the ancient ruins of Tiahuanaco. |
| Day 11 |
La Paz city sightseeing. |
| Day 12 |
Trip ends in La Paz after breakfast (Fri). |