INCA ROYAL HIGHWAY

22 days from GBP2,549 to GBP2,949 including flights

Tripcode: APR

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Lima.
Day 2: We leave Lima and drive southwards along the coast to Paracas. Here we take a speedboat past the mysterious Candelabra, a 50-metre pre-Columbian petroglyph on the cliff face. From there, we move onto the Ballestas Islands, a fascinating marine wildlife reserve with an abundance of sea lions and sea birds. An hour's drive farther south will be our lunch stop at the oasis of Huacachina, surrounded by some of the largest sand dunes in the world. Optional sand boarding and dune-buggying. In the afternoon we start climbing above the coastal mist onto the 600-metre plateau and arrive at Nazca.
Day 3: In the morning we can take an optional flight over the famous Nazca Lines. These are one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries, consisting of enormous drawings and patterns etched in the desert sand, only properly seen from the air. After the flight we continue through the desert and time allowing visit Chauchilla, one of over a hundred such cemeteries within the Nazca Valley. Our day draws to an end at Puerto Inca. This extensive ruin was the port of the Incas, connected by road to Cuzco. We rest up in chalet style accommodation overlooking the bay. Dinner is included and afterwards we can relax by a campfire whilst our crew will prepare hot wine with rum!
Day 4: /
Day 5: The road now climbs inland to Arequipa, the second city of Peru. This beautiful colonial city is set in a fertile oasis beneath the symmetrical peak of the volcano El Misti. We have two nights here in a lovely modern hotel, close to the Plaza de Armas. There are many excellent restaurants with balconies overlooking the Plaza, where we can enjoy our evening meal. There is plenty to visit and we have a full day to explore the Compania church, the Jesuit monastery and the convent of Santa Catalina, which is actually a small town within a town, retaining features from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Day 6: We now begin the hardest part of the trip as we climb onto the altiplano. The route takes us straight up into the hills over appalling dirt roads, which reach well over 4700m in places. This difficult drive is rewarded by some spectacular views and we will reach our hotel in Chivay where the most idyllic hot springs await us. Lunch will be served en route accompanied with the Andean brew Mate de Coca.
Day 7: After breakfast we continue to the Colca Canyon and the Cruz del Condor. If we are lucky we will see the giant condors soaring on the morning thermals. In the afternoon we return to Chivay to enjoy some quality time in this most characteristic Andean village.
Day 8: A challenging day but nevertheless spectacular as we head out across the Altiplano passing through Andean villages, farming communities and the immense copper mine of Tintaya. There'll be no shortage of llama with their herders, and overhead, eagle and hawk before we descend to more favourable road conditions at Sicuani. Now journeying alongside the River Urubamba, we'll appreciate the most idyllic old-world landscapes of the high altiplano, dotted with Inca and Pre-Inca ruins.
Day 9: The day will start with a briefing from our guide on the Inca Trail. The rest of the day is free to explore Cuzco. The city itself is widely considered to be the most interesting in South America, with its many fine Spanish Colonial buildings. It is an excellent place for shopping, with good markets for handicrafts, some excellent restaurants and even an English pub.
Day 10: Today is spent in the valley of the Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, exploring the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay and notably Pisac with its tremendous terracing. Ollantaytambo will be our final call rounding off a superb day.
Day 11: Most of the group will spend days 11-14 walking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Having seen off the group, those not wishing to walk the trail will return to Cuzco. The rest of the day is free.
Day 12: In the morning there is an optional tour of the village of Maras and then the remarkable earth works at Moray on the Maras's plain, the snow peaks of San Juan and adjoining glacier Chicon providing a magical back drop. It is documented that the Inca developed these natural formations to replicate the varying climatic zones within the empire. Our guide will offer a number of explanations before our short walk through the extraordinary saltpans of Maras, most probably worked before the arrival of the Inca. We take lunch in the village of Urubamba and in the afternoon we will head back to Cuzco via Chinchero, thought to have been the royal estate of Topa Inca, son of Pachacuteq.
Day 13: We catch the early train to the village of Aguas Calientes. On arrival, there is an optional trek to the top of Putucusi (approximately 4 hours return) or a leisurely stroll to the Mandor waterfall with possible sightings of Peru's national bird, the spectacular Cock-of-the-rock. Later, we relax in the hot springs from which the town takes its name.
Day 14: We meet the walking group at Machu Picchu, tour the ruins and return with group to Cuzco.
Day 15: Optional rafting along the Urubamba river, bungy jump in Action Valley or take afternoon tea at the palatial Monasterio hotel.
Day 16: An early start as we head south east on paved roads to the shores of Lake Titicaca. The crew will present lunch before you join our private boat service to Isla Amantani. Having been meet by your host family, a walking tour of the island will ensure a magical view of the surrounding peaks and endless skies as we watch the sun set across this legendary lake.
Day 17: Having breakfasted with your hosts, we'll cross onto Taquile Island. There are some Inca ruins on Taquile Island but the main fascination is the opportunity to gain an insight into traditional Indian life. The islanders make a living by selling their handmade woollen goods, which are of exceptional quality. Later in the day, we return to Puno.
Day 18: Keeping close to the shoreline, we'll follow the Lake to the border town of Kasani. Having completed immigration formalities, we'll drive to the port of Copacabana where we can have lunch. Time allowing we can explore the town before making a short ferry crossing linking us with the main road to the world's highest city � La Paz.
Day 19: A free day to investigate this fascinating city. The local markets surrounded by good local food and modern restaurants are definitely a highlight. There are various options for day trips and activities that your leader can help organise. Later in the evening we'll meet up for a final group meal.
Day 20: We take a spectacular flight to Lima from the world's highest commercial airport of El Alto, (4058m masl) crossing the Andes back to the South Pacific Coast.
Day 21: Free day in Lima: transfer to the airport in the evening for the flight home.
Day 22: Arrive London.