We travel from Lima to Arequipa, a beautiful colonial city at the edge of the Valley of Volcanoes. From here we make a spectacular journey into the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world and an ideal spot for observing the magnificent Andean Condor.
From Arequipa we fly to the high plains of Peru known as the Altiplano and take a boat out onto the expansive Lake Tititcaca to visit the Indians of Taquile Island.
Travelling on to Cuzco, we embark on the beautiful four-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu.
[NB: This tour can be complemented by our 5 day extension into the rainforest wildlife paradise of the Tambopata Reserve or our 5-9 day jungle expedition into Manu National Park.]
Joining the tour
On booking you will be sent the following information: name and address of Lima hotel, advice on how to get there and time of rendezvous with tour leader.
Itinerary details
Note: Should circumstances dictate, certain details, such as overnight stops, may vary from those shown in the day-by-day itinerary below.
Day 1 Join the tour in Lima. (1 night hotel)
Day 2 We take an early flight to the colonial city of Arequipa (2,325 metres), which sits at the foot of three tremendous volcanoes: El Misti (5,821m), Chachani (6,075m) and Pichu Pichu (5,542m). The city is built of earthquake-resistant sillar, a white pumice stone.
Arequipa is a city with many attractions of its own and additionally is a good base for visiting the remarkably deep canyon of Colca. With a year-round spring climate and sunshine guaranteed for 300 days of the year, it is the perfect place to begin acclimatising before continuing upwards.
Evidence suggests that there have been people living in the Arequipa area for six to eight thousand years. The early inhabitants were hunter-gatherers. In the 7th century the Huari culture made an impact as did the later Tiahuanaco culture (10th century) and then the Incas.
The 17th and 18th centuries saw the city's importance grow thanks to the silver mined at Potosi in Bolivia and, in the 19th century, from the export of alpaca wool to Britain. There are several impressive sillar colonial buildings, the most well known being the incredible 'mini city' of the Santa Catalina Convent.
Today Arequipa (officially founded by the Spanish in 1540) is an important commercial city of 650,000 inhabitants. (1 night hotel)
Day 3-4 We make a two day tour to the Colca Canyon. The head of the Colca valley is at about 4000m above sea level. At this altitude very little grows and the land is only used for grazing.
Lower down the valley, around Chivay (3,633m), the land is suitable for agriculture; here the typical agricultural terraces are seen. A few kilometres from Chivay the valleys begins to narrow and the sides steepen to form the Cañon de Colca, which has an average depth of 3,400m for over 100km.
Although there is evidence of occupation here several thousand years ago, the landscape owes its appearance to the more recent pre-Inca Collaguas and Cabanas people. They were great agriculturalists and the designers and builders of the characteristic irrigation canals and terraces of the Colca Canyon. Their gods were the region's mountain spirits; Hualqa-Hualqa mountain (6,075m) was worshipped for its power to control the water flowing into the valley. Now, as then, the Colca agricultural produce is some of the best in Peru. Volcanoes bordering the canyon include Coropuna (6425m) and Ampato (6320m).
North of the canyon is the Cordillera Chila, one of whose peaks (Mismi, 5596m) is considered the source of the Amazon river.
One of the great attractions of the Colca Canyon is the Andean condor, giant among birds of flight and mythological symbol of ancient Andean civilizations. In spite of weighing some 10 or 12 kilos the condor, with a wing-span of over three metres, achieves amazing efficiency in flight. With barely a beat of its wings it is able to soar to great heights and glide enormous distances. The Colca Canyon is one of very few places where you are almost guaranteed close-up sightings of these majestic birds. (1 night hostel)
Day 5 Free day in Arequipa. Not to be missed is the excellent museum (Museo Santuarios Andino) housing the Inca mummy Juanita (found at over 6000m on Ampato in 1995). Another must is Santa Catalina convent. Founded in 1579 and closed to all visitors until 1970, this fascinating labyrinth of alleyways is a city in itself. At one time 300 nuns lived here shut away from the world. A tour gives an impression of what life must have been like. Don't forget your camera. (1 night hotel)
Day 6 Today we take a short flight to the altiplano market town of Juliaca. The altiplano is the vast highland plateau straddling Peru and Bolivia. There are few trees; just ichu scrubgrass, roaming herds of llama and alpaca and scattered potato plots. Lake Titicaca is the major feature of Peru's altiplano. This amazing, deep blue lake at 3838m has a unique charm and supports many Indian communities on its islands and shores. We travel by bus to the bustling lake-shore town of Puno, the main stopping-off point for visits to the islands on the Peruvian side of the lake. (1 night hotel)
Day 7-8 Two day trip to Taquile Island on Lake Titicaca. Taquile Island is one of the most idiosyncratic and beautiful spots in all of Peru. Located some four hours by boat from Puno, it is only 4km long and on average 1km wide but supports a population of almost 2,000 Taquileños.
The island has several archaeological sites dating from the Tiahuanaco culture. But it is the culture of the people living here today that makes Taquile so interesting; a culture far removed from our own and distinct from the rest of Peru. Taquile is known for the extremely high quality of the sophisticated weaving, practised from a young age by both men and women. The islanders spin, knit and weave whenever they have a free moment in the busy agricultural calendar.
By staying overnight on Taquile with the local indians we have plenty of opportunity to explore the many trails leading around the island, and to experience an island lifestyle unchanged in centuries. After a morning on the island, the next afternoon we return to Puno. (1 night village house, 1 night hotel)
Day 9 Today we take the train or bus across the altiplano to Cuzco.
About half way, we climb to a pass at 4300 metres, and then descend into the lush, fertile world of the Vilcanota valley. Eventually, turning into the Huatanay valley, we travel the final kilometres to Cuzco. Archaeological capital of South America, Cuzco and the surrounding region contain a wealth of archaeological and cultural treasures unequalled in the Old World.
Cuzco is also a lively and exciting city boasting a wide range of restaurants and an active nightlife to suit everybody. Nowadays Cuzco's main source of income is tourism, but it remains an important market town for the many farming communities that surround it. Street markets contain a huge range of highland and jungle produce.
Cuzco is a beautiful city with a unique fusion of Inca stonework and elegant Spanish colonial architecture. Legend has it that Cuzco was founded around AD 1100 by the first Inca king, Manco Capac, and his sister queen, Mama Ocllo, in AD 1100. He was the son of the Sun god (Inti) and she the daughter of the Moon goddess. They were sent to earth at Lake Titicaca with instructions to and civilise humanity.
Their travels took them to Cuzco, where Manco Capac plunged his staff into the ground. This was the sign that he had found the capital of the new (Inca) empire. Archaeological evidence suggests that, for the first few hundred years, the Inca tribes kept within a short radius of Cuzco with little conquering ambition. Only in 1438, with the arrival of Pachacutec (ninth Inca Emperor), did serious expansion begin and soon Cuzco was at the centre of a rapidly expanding empire.
Pachacutec also masterminded the design of the imperial capital. The heart of the city was Huacaypata a large central plaza, and scene of all important ceremonies in the Inca calendar. This was surrounded by the sumptuous palaces of the Inca kings. The characteristic interlocking stonework of these Inca structures is today still much in evidence.
When Francisco Pizarro and the Spanish Conquistadores reached Peru, Cuzco was the thriving capital of a flourishing empire. But an internicine civil war within the ruling family made its conquest relatively easy. The Spanish were impressed by the grandeur of Cuzco, but spent little time admiring it before they began to loot it of its treasure.
From the time of Pizarro's arrival until 1572, Cuzco witnessed many battles of native resistance as well as power struggles between the colonists. The Spaniards' appointed ruler, Manco Inca, soon realised he was no more than a 'puppet'. In 1536 he led an attack on the city but, against all odds, the Spanish managed to break out of the besieged city and retake it. The Incas retreated to Vilcabamba, deep in the mountains to the north.
Tupac Amaru, the last leader of the rebel Incas at Vilcabamba, was finally captured by the colonial powers and put to death in Cuzco in 1572. (2 nights hotel)
Day 10 Free day in Cuzco
Day 11-14 Leaving Cuzco early, we drive to the village of Chilca to begin our trek. The journey takes us across the Pampa de Anta and on to Ollantaytambo, a town which retains more Inca architecture than any other inhabited town. We have time to explore before continuing to Chilca (2700 metres) and beginning our trek (mid morning).
The Inca Trail formed only a small part of the extensive network of Inca highways. This 'Royal Road' to Machu Picchu, reclaimed from the cloud forests only this century, clearly had important ritual functions and probably served as a sacred pilgrimage route related to the veneration of natural and celestial phenomena. Many well-preserved and finely-constructed sites along the trail suggest access was limited to an elite.
Its (and Machu Picchu's) absence from early Spanish chronicles shows that its existence was unknown during colonial times, and helps explain how it escaped destruction. The Trail is a paradise for botanists and birdwatchers due to a rapid succession of ecological and climatic transition.
The region's flora includes 60 species of orchid, and the varied avifauna includes hummingbirds and various birds of prey. For most of the first day we walk through a temperate environment.
The second day features the first major ascent of the trek. We follow the Llullucha valley up to the treeless puna and on to Warmiwanusca Pass (4200 metres). From here we descend to our camp in the Pacasmayo valley (3600 metres) or at the nearby ruins of Runkurakay.
The third day is one of the most beautiful. From our second pass (4000 metres) we descend through lush cloud forest on a paved Inca pathway past the ruins of Sayajmarca and Conchamarca and continue to the third pass at Phuyupatamarca (camp). The views into the bottom of the Urubamba gorge 1700 metres below are spectacular.
On day four of the trek we make a dramatic descent along an ancient stairway to the beautiful sacred sanctuary of Huinay Huayna (2700 metres) before continuing to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate), and feasting our eyes on the stunning Lost City of Machu Picchu spread out below.
We intend to descend to the site mid-afternoon, and enjoy the peaceful scene, before dropping a further 400 metres to the railtrack town of Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night.
Tonight you have the opportunity for a well deserved soak in the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes. (3 nights camp, 1 night hostel, all meals except final dinner)
Day 15 Today you have the whole morning to enjoy Machu Picchu further if you wish (optional). There is ample time to explore the extensive site, as well as climb the dramatic path up Huayna Picchu mountain, before boarding the afternoon train to Cuzco; one of the great railway journeys. (2 nights hotel)
Day 16 Free day in Cuzco. If you fancy something more energetic than shopping, you may want to go white water rafting (optional) on the Urubamba river.
Day 17 Today we fly down to Lima, the City of Kings. Tour ends Lima.
You could extend your trip by trekking the Inca Trail or visiting the Amazon.
Check out our Peru group trips, or our many tailor made Peru options. You can always contact the office for more information on tailor made and group options.
Check our Books and Maps section where you will find a range of literature to help you get the most out of your South American adventure.
Practical information
Small groups mean flexibility and informality. Your tour leader will be on hand to iron out any problems and give informed advice on things to do, where to eat etc. In towns we use clean, comfortable hotels. In more remote areas, accommodation can be more simple. When camping we use two person lightweight tents. On the trek, all equipment is transported for us and meals are prepared by our local cook.
Fitness and experience:
In order to get the most out of the tour you should be in good physical condition. It is not easy to grade the fitness level required for the treks, since it is a subjective matter. However, we have classified this trek as moderate. We trek approximately five to eight hours per day with several long ascents and descents. On the trek all personal belongings other than a day-pack are carried for you.
Altitude: Shortness of breath is normal when first arriving at altitude. Acclimatisation time is built into the tour programme. The highest point on the trek is 4200m, but we will be camping below that level.
Climate:
Peru is located entirely within the tropics, but the climate varies significantly according to season and geographical zone.
Coast: May to October damp and misty but very little rain. (Average day/night temperature in Lima 20C/13C)
December to March warm and sunny.
Highlands: May to October
sunny days and chilly evenings. Best time for walking in the mountains. (Average day/night temperature in Cuzco 21C/3C) (N.B. at higher altitudes temperatures can drop well below freezing at night, and the sun is very strong). December to March is the rainy season.
Visas: Currently, no visa is required by British citizens visiting Peru, but your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of travel. Non-British passport holders should check visa requirements with the Peruvian Embassy. All requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Vaccinations: Please check with your doctor or travel clinic for latest advice as requirements are subject to change. Vaccinations for yellow fever, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis and polio are recommended and malaria precautions are needed for visiting jungle areas.
Personal expenses: We recommend you carry most funds in US dollars cash (mixed denomination, unmarked and undamaged bank notes) and some US dollar travellers cheques, which can be changed in larger towns and typically incur a 3% commission. Cash cards are also useful as ATM machines are available in most large towns visited on this itinerary.
Credit cards can be used in some restaurants and for obtaining cash in certain banks.
The cost of the tour includes all meals while on the trek and all breakfasts elsewhere, but you will need money to cover: other meals, snacks and drinks (approximately 30-50% cheaper than Europe); handicrafts; airport tax ($25 international, $10 national); optional excursions (rafting $30); extra entrance fees; tips; laundry etc.
International Flights: We can arrange your international flights at competitive rates through our ATOL-bonded agency. Approximate prices are shown on the Dates and Prices sheet sent with the brochure.
Insurance: Your insurance policy must cover you against medical expenses and repatriation. Please send us a copy of your policy as soon as possible after booking.
Luggage & Equipment: Bring a main piece of lockable luggage to be left in the Cusco hotel while you are trekking. For the trek, re-pack into a kit bag, holdall or rucksack. This will contain your sleeping bag, torch, toiletries, changes of clothes, spare footwear etc. It will be transported for you by porter. You will also require a day-pack to carry items you need to hand.
(Please let us know if you'd like to be sent a comprehensive equipment list).
Optional Extensions: If you would like to spend more time in Peru or neighbouring countries we can arrange this for you. Some of the extensions we offer are:
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5 day visit to Cuzco and the world famous archaeological site of Machu Picchu
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High altitude train journey across the altiplano to Lake Titicaca,
* Journey down the desert coast to the enigmatic Nazca lines.
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Spanish and/or Quechua language courses in Cuzco year-round.
* 5 day Amazon rainforest expedition into the Tambopata Reserved Zone.
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5-9 day jungle expedition into Manu National Park.
Facts and figures:
Peru
Population: 25 mill (50% indian, 32% mestizo, 12% white and 2% black).
Capital city: Lima,
population approximately 7.5 million.
Geography: Five times the size of the UK, Peru, the third largest country in South America, covers 1.28 million sq km. It is bounded to the N by Ecuador and Colombia, to the E by Brazil and Bolivia, to the S by Chile, and to the W by the Pacific Ocean.
Economy: Agriculture (33% of economically active population), fishing and mining are the traditional sectors of employment, with manufacturing (10%) increasingly important. The service industry employs 27% of the workers. Major food crops are rice, maize and potatoes, while the major cash crops are coca and coffee. Important exports are copper, zinc, gold, lead, silver and petrol. |
