Birthplace of the Incas

Day 1 : Lima

You will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 : Lima

This morning on your shared tour you will explore the historic heart of the city where the Presidential Palace and impressive colonial buildings surround the main square. Visit the wonderful Santo Domingo Convent which dates back almost to the time of the conquistadors, where you have the opportunity to explore the catacombs. After exploring the historical centre head towards modern Miraflores to make a stop at the Parque del Amor, from where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Lima Bay area before returning to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure and we recommend you visit the excellent Larco Herrera Museum, which will provide you with an excellent insight into the Inca world you are about to visit.

Day 3 : Lima > Cuzco > Sacred Valley

Fly to Cuzco and transfer to your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

Day 4 : Sacred Valley

Today embark on a shared full-day sightseeing tour in the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. First stop will be at the village of Chinchero, famous for its weaving and a town where many still proudly wear their typical costumes. Enjoy a walk around the village, admire the Inca ruins and visit the Parwa cultural centre, where you will learn about the local textile processes. Then continue to the archaeological site of Moray and marvel at the enormous Inca circular agricultural terraces. It is not totally clear why the terraces were built, but most experts believe it was so they could experiment with different crops. Admire some great views before descending into the Sacred Valley and enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon visit the mighty fortress ruins of Ollantaytambo, scene of the last great battle between the Inca army and the Spanish conquistadores. Spend the night in a charming valley hotel.

Day 5 : Sacred Valley > Machu Picchu

Take a scenic 90-minute journey aboard Peru Rail’s Vistadome this morning to Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly known as Aguas Calientes), and from there transfer to the mountain top citadel of Machu Picchu to enjoy a guided tour of the ruins. Undiscovered until 1911, Machu Picchu more than justifies its title as one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’. Learn about the history, architecture and lifestyle of the inhabitants as your guide takes you through this incredible site. Afterwards return to Machu Picchu Pueblo for your overnight stay.

Day 6 : Machu Picchu > Sacred Valley > Cuzco

There is time to revisit the ruins this morning (at additional cost) or wander the markets of Machu Picchu Pueblo. Later return by train and private vehicle to Cuzco.

Day 7 : Cuzco

Today’s half-day tour of Cusco offers history, living culture and art. You will be able to appreciate how the Andean and Spanish cultures coexist here in harmony. Walk the halls of San Pedro market, the oldest in the city. Designed in 1925 by Gustave Eiffel, today it brings together hundreds of merchants selling local products. Also visit the Koricancha temple, which during the Inca empire was a center of worship of the Sun and on which the Santo Domingo convent was later built as part of the evangelization process. Its baroque style façade built on solid Inca walls perfectly summarizes the syncretism of cultures in the city of Cuzco. Next visit the monumental fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which with its enormous carved stone walls constitutes one of the best examples of Inca military architecture. Tour the archaeological center of Kenko, a ceremonial place where the sun, the moon and the stars were worshiped. Lastly, visit the Cathedral, the most important temple in the city. It was built by the Spanish on top of the palace of the Inca Huiracoha. Its interior houses a wonderful collection of colonial art composed of goldsmith pieces and representative canvases of the Cusco School of Art.

Day 8 : Cuzco > Puno

Enjoy a full-day scenic coach journey from Cuzco to Puno with a number of interesting stops included along the way and with lunch included. You will visit the town of Andahuaylas with its beautiful church, and later stop at the Inca site of Raqch’i, famous for a small market and impressively high Inca adobe walls and mysterious-looking storehouses. The scenery changes throughout the day and late afternoon arrive at Puno, situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Day 9 : Puno

Visit the floating Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca this morning on a shared tour and learn about the life of the people living there.

Day 10 : Puno > Lake Titicaca

Early in the morning, transfer by coach from Puno to Copacabana, crossing the border between Peru and Bolivia along the way. Copacabana is the most important pilgrimage centre for Roman Catholics in Bolivia who come to pray in the Church of the Black Madonna. You will enjoy a guided visit to the Basilica before sailing to Sun Island, the birthplace of the Inca Empire. On arrival in this legendary island visit the Inca Garden which features the traditional food and medicinal crops grown by the Inca, then continue with to the Inti Wata Cultural Complex This attraction includes the Ekako Underground Museum showcasing archaeological treasures, the Titicaca reed boat shipbuilders display, a handicraft centre and a variety of Andean camelids. Later return to the catamaran to enjoy a buffet lunch on board as you sail back towards Copacabana, then continue with a scenic land transfer to Chua where you stay overnight on a comfortable catamaran. Enjoy dinner on board.

Day 11 : Lake Titicaca > La Paz

At dawn sail to the southern region of Lake Titicaca enjoying breakfast on board during the navigation. Visit indigenous people from to isolated Pariti Island where you are involved in an exclusive community tourism programme, sharing and learning about the daily lives of the people. If the weather is fine, admire stunning views of the impressive ‘Royal Chain of the Andes’ with many peaks soaring above 6,000 metres. In the afternoon travel across the altiplano by coach to the city of El Alto. From here, take a spectacular cable-car ride down into the city of La Paz, and on arrival transfer to your hotel.

Day 12 : La Paz

Enjoy a half day city tour through La Paz. The journey unfolds through vibrant street markets teeming with exquisite handicrafts, intricate weavings, and intriguing items associated with witchcraft. Delve into the city’s colonial legacy with visits to historical landmarks including the San Francisco Church, the Gold Museum, and the iconic Murillo Square. Ascend to the “Mirador de Killi Killi” viewpoint, offering breathtaking panoramas. Encounter an outdoor replica of the Tiwanaku temple, delving into ancient history.
Head to the modern southern region of La Paz and venture to the awe-inspiring Valley of the Moon, where the intricate erosion has sculpted a clay mountain. Glide across the cityscape aboard the “Teleferico” cable car, treating yourself to an unparalleled vista of La Paz’s beauty. This comprehensive journey offers an unmissable opportunity to witness the city’s cultural richness, historical heritage, and natural marvels, providing an experience that is a must for everyone.

Day 13 : La Paz

Transfer to the airport where arrangements end.