Peruvian Highlights

Peruvian Highlights

Walking and Exploring in Peru Including The Inca Trail. 

This fascinating 18-day tour features many of the jewels in Peru's crown, from the extraordinary colonial cities of Arequipa and Cuzco to the dramatic Colca Canyon (one of the world's deepest canyons) and the vast, luminous Altiplano. We walk by Lake Titicaca and stay on Taquile Island, home to a thriving Indian community. The tour culminates with a spectacular and varied 4-day trek along the Inca Trail to the magical lost city of Machu Picchu.

On the first leg of the tour we fly from Lima to Arequipa, a beautiful city nestling at the foot of the conical el Misti volcano (5821m). It is the ideal base to begin acclimatising before continuing to higher altitudes. From here we make a spectacular two-day journey into the Colca Canyon to observe the magnificent Andean condor. From Arequipa we fly to the market town of Juliaca on the Altiplano (High Plateau), and continue south by road. We make a detour to Sillustani, a spectacular pre-Inca burial site overlooking Lake Umayo, then continue onto Puno, the main port of Lake Titicaca at a breathtaking 3830m. Lake Titicaca, is the world's highest navigable lake. Vast (about 180km long) and of a beautiful deep blue, it supports many highland Indian communities on its islands and shores. From Puno we make a two-day lake trip to visit the Indians of Taquile Island, one of Peru's most unique and beautiful spots. We return to Puno and travel onto Cuzco, heart of the Inca Empire and hub of activity for highland Indians coming to its busy markets, this is a beautiful city with plenty to see. From Cuzco we set off on the Inca Trail, a four day trek along an ancient pilgrimage route to the enigmatic site of Machu Picchu.

Details

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Lima. 2 Fly to Arequipa and free to explore. 3 To the Colca Canyon, past Chachani volcano and across high puna. Descend to Chivay in Colca valley. 4 Condor viewing above Colca Canyon, and return to Arequipa. 5 Free day in Arequipa. 6 Fly to Juliaca, via Sillustani to Puno. 7 Boat across lake for overnight visit to Taquile island. 8 Free time on island, afternoon return to Puno. 9 Bus across Altiplano to Cuzco. 10 In Cuzco. Half-day guided city & ruins tour. 11 Start 4-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu. Drive to km 77, then trek to Huayllabamba. 12 Continue over Dead Woman's Pass (4,200m) to the Pacasmayo valley. 13 Over the 2nd pass (4,000m), and through cloud forest to camp at Phuyupatamarca pass. 14 Dramatic descent of Inca stairway to the Sun Gate and Machu Picchu. 15 Optional return to site or climb Puticusi. Afternoon train to Cuzco. 16 Free day in Cuzco and/or Sacred Valley. 17 Fly to Lima. Free in Lima until flight out. 18 Arrive UK.

Notes

Max Altitude: 4200m.
Accommodation and Meals: Hotels 12 nights (B&B only), family house 1 night (bed and breakfast only), camping 3 nights (all meals).

Support: Fully supported trek, you need only carry your backpack, porters carry all other gear. 

Extend your stay in Peru with a 5 day visit to a jungle lodge on the Tambopata River
£517 extra pp plus £20 Insurance Supplement.

Text, dates and details supplied by Sherpa Expeditions.