Joining the tour

On booking, you will be sent the following information: name and address of Lima hotel, advice on how to get there, time of rendezvous with tour leader.

Itinerary details

Note: If circumstances dictate, certain details, such as overnight stops, may vary from those shown in the day-by-day itinerary below.

Basic tour 13 days/12 nights: Start Lima (day 1) End Lima (day 13)

This self-guided tour takes in many of the cultural and archaeological highlights of southern Peru.
The trip’s starting point is Peru’s capital city, Lima. From here you fly south to Arequipa, a colonial city built at 2,400 metres above sea level and spectacularly located beneath the volcanoes of Misti and Chachani. From Arequipa there is the option of a rewarding overnight side-trip to the Colca Canyon - one of the deepest in the world and a renowned location for observing the magnificent Andean Condor. The canyon is also famous for its Inca agricultural terraces.

From Arequipa you fly east to Juliaca on the Peruvian Altiplano then drive on to Puno on the shore of Lake Titicaca. Next day, you board a boat and cross the lake for an overnight visit to the fascinating Indian community of Taquile Island.

From here you travel north to Cusco, ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Today, Cusco is considered the archaeological capital of South America. A fascinating city, it uniquely combines Inca and Colonial architecture. The outlying area, notably the Sacred Valley, is also rich in archaeology.

Machu Picchu is without doubt the most famous site in Peru. The enigmatic ‘Lost City’ has posed modern archaeology with many questions and provided few answers. Our core itinerary takes you there by train for a guided visit and overnight stay. However, there is also the option of getting there via the four-day Inca Trail trek.
Before returning to Lima, you may opt to take a jungle option: either a camping expedition or lodge-based trip to the Amazon rainforest.

The basic 13-day tour can be complemented by the following:

• 2 day tour from Arequipa to the Colca Canyon.

• 4 day trek from Cusco along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

• Amazon Rainforest: 5 day lodge based tour from Cusco into the Tambopata Reserve

• Amazon Rainforest: 6 day camping tour into the wildlife-rich Manu National Park (deps Cusco Wednesdays and Saturdays)

We offer an option to upgrade to 4/5 star hotels.

Itinerary details

Day 1

Arrive Lima airport and transfer to hotel in Miraflores area. (1 night hotel)

Day 2

Transfer to airport and fly to the colonial city of Arequipa (2,325 metres), which sits at the foot of three volcanoes: El Misti (5,821m), Chachani (6,075m) and Pichu Pichu (5,542m). The colonial city, much of which still survives, was built from earthquake-resistant sillar, a white pumice stone. Arequipa is a city with many attractions and additionally is a good base for visiting the remarkably deep Colca Canyon. With a year-round spring climate and bright sunshine on 300 days of the year, it is an ideal place to begin acclimatising to the altitude.

Evidence suggests that man has been living in the Arequipa area for between six and eight thousand years. In the 7th century the Huari culture made an impact as did the later Tiahuanaco culture (10th century) and then the Incas.

Arequipa was officially founded by the Spanish in 1540. 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.

Today Arequipa is an important commercial city of about a million inhabitants. There are many impressive and important sillar-built colonial buildings, the best-known being the incredible and unique 'mini city' that is the Santa Catalina Convent. (2 nights hotel)

OPTIONAL COLCA TRIP

Day 3

Half day city tour and free time 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.

Day 4

Transfer to the airport and 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 communities. 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. You transfer 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. On the way visit Sillustani. Situated on a peninsula overlooking Lake Umayo, this is a site of funerary towers dating back thousands of years. (1 night hotel)

Day 5 & 6

We embark on a 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 Taquileńos.

The island has some small archaeological sites dating from the Tiahuanaco culture. However, 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 there is plenty of opportunity to explore the many trails leading around the island, to enjoy the stunning sunset and scenery, and to experience an island lifestyle unchanged in centuries.

After a morning on the island, return to Puno in the afternoon. (1 night village house, 1 night hotel)

Day 7

Bus across the altiplano to Cuzco. About half way, the road climbs to a pass at 4300 metres, and then descends into the lush, fertile world of the Vilcanota valley, turns into the Huatanay valley, and travels the final kilometres to Cuzco.

Day 8

Half day city and ruins tour in 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 wealth 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 very attractive city with a unique fusion of idiosyncratic Inca stonework and elegant Spanish colonial architecture.

Legend has it that Cuzco was founded around AD 1100 by the first Sapan Inca (emperor) 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 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 tribe 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. (3 nights hotel)

Day 9

Free day in Cusco.

Day 10

Full day Sacred Valley tour.

Day 11 & 12

2-day guided trip to Machu Picchu.

Early this morning, take a train to Machu Picchu, Lost City of the Incas. A short bus journey, amid these beautiful forested mountains, takes you to the site, perched dramatically on a ridge 400 metres above the Urubamba river.

Machu Picchu’s remoteness protected it from the plundering Spanish colony and when, early this century, it was rediscovered and cleared from encroaching forest, its structures were in surprisingly good condition. Since then, the enigmatic site has posed many questions and provided few answers.

The ruins are extensive and, following a guided tour, you have all day to explore the temples and palaces whose purpose still baffles archaeologists. Late in the afternoon, you descend to the railtrack town of Aguas Calientes, to the hotel. The next day you can return to Machu Picchu (optional) and enjoy the morning tranquillity, while further exploring the site, or climb Huayna Picchu mountain. Afternoon train back to Cuzco (1 night hotel Aguas Calientes, 1 night Cuzco).

OPTIONAL INCA TRAIL TREK

OPTIONAL AMAZON RAINFOREST TRIP

lodge based or camping.

Day 13

Today fly down to Lima. Depending on the time of your return international flight a Lima city tour will be arranged. Tour ends Lima.

2 day tour to Colca canyon

Join a group from Arequipa for a two day tour to the Colca Canyon. The head of the Colca valley is at approximately 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 Cańon 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)

Inca Trail

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.

Fitness and experience

In order to get the most out of the trek you should be in good physical condition. It is not easy to grade the fitness level required for the trek, 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.

INCA TRAIL TREK PROGRAMME

Fully inclusive 4 day Inca Trail, including all group meals, group equipment, guide, entry fees, and an extra porter to carry personal kit on the Inca Trail.

4 days/3 nights: Start Cusco (day 1) End Cusco (day 4)

Day 1

We leave Cuzco early and drive by bus to the village of Chilca, the starting point of our trek. The journey takes us across the Pampa de Anta and on to Ollantaytambo. This town retains much Inca architecture, more perhaps than any other inhabited town. We continue our journey to Chilca (2700 metres) and by mid-morning begin our trek.

The Inca Trail formed only a small part of the extensive network of Inca highways, but 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 also suggest that access was limited to an elite. Its (and Machu Picchu's) absence from early Spanish chronicles demonstrates that its existence was not known about during colonial times, and explains why the Inca religious structures escaped destruction at the hands of the Spanish conquerors.

The Trail is a paradise for botanists and birdwatchers due to the rapid succession of ecological and climatic zones which are crossed. The region's flora includes 60 species of orchid, and the varied avifauna includes hummingbirds and various species of birds of prey.

For most of the first day we walk through a temperate environment.

Day 2

The second day features the first major ascent of the trek. We follow the Llullucha valley up to the treeless puna and on to Huarmiwanusca Pass (4200 metres). From here we descend to our camp in the Pacasmayo valley (3700 metres) or at the nearby ruins of Runkurakay.

Day 3

The third day we cross the second pass (4000 metres) and 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. The views into the Urubamba gorge 1700 metres below are spectacular. We make a dramatic descent along an ancient stairway to the beautiful sacred sanctuary of Huinay Huayna (2700 metres), our camp.

Day 4

Early this morning we continue to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate), and at sunrise feast our eyes on the stunning Lost City of Machu Picchu spread out below. We intend to descend to the site to explore with the help of our guide. We then drop a further 400 metres to the railtrack town of Aguas Calientes where we board the afternoon train to Cusco; one of the great railway journeys of the world.

5 day lodge based extension into the rainforest wildlife paradise of the Tambopata Reserve

This Amazon rainforest option takes us into south-eastern Amazonian Peru, a relatively undisturbed area with unrivalled opportunities for wildlife viewing and wilderness.

Our Amazon rainforest Extension takes us to the Ese'eja Native Community territory, directly adjacent to the 1.5 million hectare Tambopata Candamo Reserved Zone in south-eastern Amazonian Peru.

The Reserve Zone was created in 1990 by the Peruvian government working in partnership with local grassroots and international conservation organizations. It protects the biological diversity of the entire watersheds of the Tavara and the Candamo Rivers and most of the watershed of the Tambopata River.

Diverse habitats are protected, ranging from the Andean highlands around the rivers' headwaters through some of the last remaining intact cloud forests to the lowland rainforests of the Amazon basin. Over 1,300 bird species (including 32 parrot species - 10% of the world's total), 200 mammal species, 90 frog species, 1,200 butterfly species and 10,000 species of higher plants are protected within this reserve.

Adjacent to the north-western corner of the reserve is the Ese'eja Native Community, adding its 10,000 hectares of communally-owned and managed tropical rain forests to the Reserved Zone's. Within this territory is Posada Amazonas, a community-owned lodge which we use as the base from which to explore the Amazon rainforest. Posada Amazonas is a comfortable lodge, constructed combining traditional native architecture and materials (wood, palm fronds, wild cane and clay) with modern, low-impact, eco-lodge technology.

Accompanied by Ese'eja and English-speaking Peruvian naturalist guides we will have the opportunity to explore the surrounding rain forest and nearby oxbow lake where we hope to see giant river otters. We will visit the parrot and small macaw clay licks near the lodge, and a 35-metre canopy tower provides easy access to one of the world's final biological frontiers: the rain forest canopy. The guides will also take us on an ethnobotanical walk to learn how forest resources are traditionally used by the Ese'eja, and to visit one of their small scale farms.

Over the past two years of work in the EseŽeja Native Community, the combined efforts of scientist Renzo Piana and the EseŽeja Community Members have discovered seven active large eagle nesting sites, four of them belonging to harpy eagles. If one of these has a chick, we will offer the option of visiting this largest of Amazonian avian predators.

Itinerary Details

Please keep in mind the specific guided activities vary with the weather, season and what is happening in the field during your stay.

Day 1

After flying to Puerto Maldonado on a scheduled flight we transfer to the Tambopata river port for a two hour boat trip by motorized canoe up the Tambopata River to the lodge, arriving early afternoon. The river trip is a good opportunity to observe caiman, turtles and riverine birdlife, such as black skimmer, pied lapwing, capped heron, jabiru stork, roadside hawk, kingfishers, swallows and fly catchers. After a full introduction to the lodge we visit a small parakeet clay lick, where dozens of blue headed parrots, orange cheeked parrots, cobalt winged parrots and sometimes the rare rock parakeet congregate to ingest clay, a riotous and colourful wildlife spectacle.

Day 2

We get up at dawn for a short hike to the Tres Chimbadas oxbow lake where we paddle around the lake in search of giant river otters, turtles, hoatzin and wading birds. After lunch we have an ethnobotanical walk with an Ese'eja native who will explain the everyday uses of forest resources. The EseŽeja ethnic group belongs to the Tacana language family, and has traditionally inhabited the Tambopata, Heath, Beni and Madidi river basins in Perú and Bolivia.

In 1948, the EseŽeja population was estimated to be 15,000 individuals. Presently, the EseŽeja Community of Infierno, on the Tambopata River has around 400 members, and although other EseŽeja communities exist along the Heath river, a drastic decrease in the population has occurred due to diseases introduced by foreigners and to the atrocities committed during the rubber boom. EseŽeja means, in their tongue, "true people".

The EseŽeja are superb river navigators, who traditionally shifted their settlements along the banks of the rivers in their territory, managing to travel up to the headwaters. Thus, EseŽejas spread the intensity of resource use throughout a territory of millions of hectares, without permanently affecting any particular site: a sustainable use of forest resources. The EseŽeja cosmology holds that humans may live in harmony with nature.

Optional night walk to look for amphibians and insects.

Day 3

After an early breakfast we visit a second parrot and clay lick, with a different variety of parrots from the first lick. Some of the large macaws, like the red and green macaw, and larger parrots like the mealy and yellow crowned Amazons, visit this lick as well as the smaller parrots and parakeets. We view the birds from a nearby hide. In the afternoon we visit a native slash and burn farm. The secret of the success of this sort of farming is mixed planting in small patches, so that the crops are not decimated by disease and pests spreading through monocultures, the use of a mixture of herbaceous and woody crops, and the genetic diversity of their crops. After our visit, we will be able to understand why the EseŽeja cultivation system is sustainable over the long term.

Day 4

Early morning return by boat to Puerto Maldonado and the airport. Fly to Lima, city tour, overnight in Lima. (1 night hotel)

Day 5

Tour ends in Lima.

INCLUDED

All flights and airport transfers, all meals while at the lodge, spacious en-suite bedrooms at the lodge, Ese'eja and English-speaking Peruvian naturalist guides throughout time at the lodge, all excursions.

A 6 day camping expedition into the Amazon rainforest area of Manu National Park

6 days/5 nights: Start Cusco (day 1) End Cusco (day 6)

Itinerary Details

Day 1

Leave from Cusco at 6.00 am in our comfortable bus. Ascend to the high mountain area of Paucartambo. On the way we visit the funeral towers or "chullpas" of Ninamarca. The bus then descends through the mysterious cloud forest full of beautiful orchids, heliconias and primitive ferns stopping to give you an opportunity to witness Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruviana) mating ritual. There are also possibilities to observe the Amazonian Umbrellabird (Cephalopteros ornatus), trogons (Trogon sp.) and many more. With luck you may see the only south american bear, the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus). In the evening we arrive at the village of Pilcopata, where we stay in a typical lodge with showers.

Day 2

After an early breakfast, the bus transfers the group to the port of Atalaya. The rest of the day is spent travelling on the Alto Madre de Dios river. On the way you can see variety of birdlife, like herons, egrets, kingfishers, and the ever present vultures of which the most spectacular is the condor of the jungle, King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa). Jaguar (Panthera onca) is frequently seen in this part of the park. Many rare animals prefer the mountane rainforest at higher elevations. In the afternoon we make a short stop at the village of Boca Manu to have refreshing cold beverage. Later on the group arrives to Blanquillo lodge, near the famous Macaw Lick. Walks if the time permits. Lodge with showers.

Day 3

Very early in the morning the group visit the Macaw clay lick. From a floating hide, you can observe how dozens or even hundreds of parrots start to gather to eat the clay, which they need on their diet. After the parrots, the brilliant and colorful macaws start to arrive, squaking loudly and illuminating trees with their bright colours. In the afternoon the group returns to Boca Manu and later to Limonal Park Ranger station. Walks to explore the zone in the afternoon. Camping.

Day 4

The boat trip continues and one will be able to understand why Manu is so famous for it’s wildlife. On the river edges you will observe groups of turtles, white caimans (Caiman cocodrylus) or maybe a capybara (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) and more. Arriving in the early afternoon at our campsite by the oxbow-lake of Otorongo. We will be the only agency camping there. Later visit the trails of the lake and giant otter observation tower together with the guide to learn the function and secrets of a tropical rainforest. Camping on covered platforms with showers.

Day 5

The group will visit another oxbow-lake called Salvador, which is a half hour boat trip from Otorongo. Here paddling silently on catamarans, you have possibilities to observe a family of giant otters and a variety of rare birdlife, like the brightly colored purple gallinule (Porphyrio martinica) or agami heron (Agamia agami). The afternoon it is spent walking some of the many trails, looking for, for example, for the black spider monkeys (Ateles paniscus) which seem to be more curios about you than you are about them. Here in Manu the animals have never suffered hunting pressure from man. Return in the afternoon to our camp by boat. Camping on covered platforms with showers.

Day 6

The call of the red howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus) will wake us up and after breakfast we start our return. On Manu river, the group might see many different animals, not seen on the way in. In the afternoon the group fly out.

Practical information

This is a self guided tour. This means you will not be accompanied throughout the toru by a tour leader. However, you will be met form all planes, buses and trains, and you will guided locally by professional guides. Our local representatives 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 little-visited wilderness areas, accommodation is sometimes more simple.

Fitness and experience

This trip is not physically demanding. If you decide to take up the Inca Trail option you should be in good physical condition. Trekking days, roughly five to eight hours, involve several long ascents and descents. On the trek all personal belongings other than a day-pack are carried for you. You are only expected to carry your day-pack.

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, 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 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 funds in US dollars cash (mixed denomination, unmarked and undamaged bank notes) and 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 biking and trekking expeditions 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, $7 national); optional excursions (rafting $25); 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. If you do not purchase insurance from us, please ensure it covers all activities you will be participating in, including trekking, mountain biking and white-water rafting if applicable. 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. 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:

High altitude train journey across the altiplano to Lake Titicaca,
Journey down the desert coast to the enigmatic Nazca lines.
Spanish and/or Quechua language courses in Cuzco year-round.

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 popn), 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.