After having explored the old colonial centre of Lima we fly southward to the 'white' city of Arequipa. This is one of Peru's most beautiful cities and 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. There's plenty of time to discover the heartland of the Inca empire. Continuing eastward we explore Lake Titicaca, including the floating islands 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.
Itinerary
| Days 1-2 |
(Wed) Arrive in Lima and transfer to hotel. Tour of Colonial Lima. |
| Days 3-4 |
Fly to Arequipa. City tour and optional activities. |
| Days 5-6 |
Overnight visit to Colca Canyon. Return to Arequipa. |
| Days 7-8 |
Morning flight to Cusco. Walking tour of Cusco. |
| Day 9 |
Full-day tour to the Sacred Valley including Pisac and Ollantaytambo. |
| Day 10 |
Morning free in Cusco. Afternoon visit to Pumamarca ruins and Peru's Challenge. |
| Days 11-12 |
Train to Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu. Return to Cusco. |
| Days 13-14 |
Drive to Puno. Cruise Lake Titicaca and visit Sillustani burial chambers. |
| Days 15-16 |
Cross into Bolivia and head to La Paz via the ruins of Tiahuanaco. Explore La Paz city. |
| Day 17 |
Trip ends in La Paz this morning (Fri). |