Your itinerary
1. London to
Lima
Your door-to-door driver takes you to London Heathrow for your
flight to Lima, via Madrid, with Iberia. Head straight to the
downtown Holiday Inn Miraflores (3 diamond) and get comfortable for
two nights.
2. Lima
Enjoy a tour of Lima's old town this afternoon taking in
highlights such as the Plaza Mayor, the cathedral, the House of El
Oidor and the San Francisco monastery and catacombs. Round off the
day with a visit to the Gold Museum, containing gold, copper and
silver pre-Hispanic objects. B
3. Lima to Iquitos and Ceiba Tops
Fly to the jungle city of Iquitos and take a brief orientation
tour before following the Amazon River to the 3 diamond Ceiba Tops,
your home for two nights. Situated in the heart of the Amazon
rainforest, these simple but comfortable lodges are in keeping with
their surroundings, though they do have air-conditioning and
private bathrooms. Spend the afternoon on a hiking tour in the
rainforest before taking a guided night walk this evening,
accompanied by local guitar or flute music, or legends of the
Amazons told by your guide. B L D
4. The Amazon
During this morning's boat ride, you may have the unusual chance
to see pink dolphins swimming alongside your vessel as you cruise
to the small Yagua Indian Village. This afternoon, enjoy a walking
excursion to the nearby town of Indiana, where the locals are famed
for their blowgun prowess. B L D
5. Ceiba
Tops to Paracas
Exchange the lush Amazonian rainforest for the barren desert as
you head back to Iquitos for your flight to Lima. On arrival,
journey along the Peruvian coast by road to the oceanfront Hotel
Paracas (3 diamond), which welcomes you for an overnight stay.
B
6.
Paracas to the Ballestas Islands, Ica and Nazca
Cruise to the beautiful Ballestas Islands on this morning's boat
trip, home to a wealth of wildlife including the Humboldt penguin,
seals, sea lions and wheeling bird life, before this afternoon's
visit to Ica's Regional Museum and the Nazca Lines. Diverse giant
images carved into the ground, the origins and purpose of the lines
remain a mystery. Get a great aerial view on a light aircraft
flight (bookable locally; approximately $85) or admire them from
the local observation tower. The nearby Hotel Casa Andina (3
diamond) welcomes you for tonight. B
7. Nazca
to Arequipa
Start early this morning for the coach journey to Arequipa.
Relax for the first of two nights at the 3 diamond Posada del Inca
Hotel or similar in downtown. B
8.
Arequipa
Begin the day with a drive through Arequipa's countryside: visit
Sabandia, a restored mill with a spectacular view of El Misti, and
the restored mansion of La Casa del Fundador in Huasache. This
afternoon, head into town for a visit to the Convent of Santa
Catalina - almost a city within a city, this is a forgotten world
of narrow streets, tiny plazas and beautiful courtyards. Explore
the cathedral and Church of La Compania before spending the rest of
your afternoon at leisure. B
9.
Arequipa to Cusco
Fly to Cusco and unpack at the 3 diamond Novotel Hotel or
similar for the next three nights, set close to the main square.
This afternoon, explore Cusco city with its blend of Inca and
Spanish cultures, including visits to the Temple of the Sun, the
cathedral, the ruined Inca baths of Tambomachay, the Puca Pucara
labyrinth and fortress, the Kenko amphitheatre and the fortress of
Sacsayhuaman, which offers incredible panoramic views over the
city. B
10.
Cusco
Today is free for you to enjoy Peru's magnificent Inca capital,
the oldest continuously occupied city in the Americas. Take a
stroll around the town and perhaps explore sights such as the
ornate church of La Merced, the Popular Art Museum or the
Pre-Columbian Museum. This evening enjoy a cultural show with
dinner. B D
11. Pisac
and Ollantaytambo
Spend this morning strolling through Pisac's colourful market
before a tour of the remarkable Inca-built fortress of
Ollantaytambo. Return to Cusco for an evening at leisure. B L
12. Cusco
to Machu Picchu
Travel by rail today, following the river through the Urubamba
Valley, bound for the 'lost city' of Machu Picchu. Surrounded on
three sides by 1000ft gorges, the city was protected for centuries
by its remoteness and inaccessibility. Little is known about the
ruins, but your guided tour will unveil a wealth of interesting
information, both factual and speculated. Continue to Aguas
Calientes National Park for one night in the Machu Picchu Pueblo (3
diamond)or similar. B L D
13. Machu
Picchu to Cusco
This morning is free for you to explore at your own pace and
marvel at the Incas' remarkable feats of engineering, which enabled
them to build a thriving city without knowledge of the wheel.
Returning by rail late this afternoon, you'll have stunning views
of Cusco as you descend to the city and return to the 3 diamond
Novotel Hotel or similar for one night. B
14. Cusco
to Puno
En route to the village of Puno, enjoy a winding journey up
through the Andes, crossing the snow-capped heights of La Raya,
skirting the magnificent Vilcanota Valley, and visiting Racchi
Temple and Andahuaylillas Church. Spend the night at the 3 diamond
Posada del Inca Hotel, situated on the banks of Lake Titicaca. Fed
by more than 25 rivers, 'the sea at the top of the world' was
sacred to the Incas. B L
15. Puno
to the Uros Islands and Lima
An incredible lakeside view accompanies your breakfast this
morning before you set out for the Uros Islands. Made of reeds and
anchored by logs, these extraordinary islands are still inhabited
by a thriving fishing community. This afternoon, stop at the
ancient burial ground of Sillustani and visit the ancient tombs,
including the symbolic Lizard and Snake Towers, before your flight
to Lima via Arequipa. Spend a final night at the 3 diamond Holiday
Inn Miraflores. B
16. Lima
and flight home
Journey to Lima airport for your Iberia flight, via Madrid, to
London Heathrow. B
17.
London
Arriving at London Heathrow this morning, you'll be chauffeured
home by your door-to-door driver.
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