Peruvian Explorer
Peru – Tour
This tour offers an exciting introduction to some of Peru's
most stunning scenery and fascinating cultural icons
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
2013 dates and prices:
Thu 13 Jun - Sat 29 Jun
Accommodation:
Hotels
Grade:
Tour
Max altitude reached: 4,500m/14,754ft
(Volcanoes Pass, day 6)
Duration:
17 Days, London to London
Min/Max group size:
3/12
Guaranteed to run for 3
Trek leader:
Local leaders
Land only:
Joining in Lima, departing
from Cuzco
Land only With flights
£2,345
£3,595
This departure attends the Inti Raymi festival in Cuzco
Other departures:
Sat 03 Aug - Sun 18 Aug
Sat 07 Sep - Sun 22 Sep
These departures have a slightly different itinerary
and are available from the office or can be
downloaded from mountainkingdoms.com
Prices include all internal flights, transport and park
entry fees
Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines, Colca Canyon,
Ballestas Islands, Lake Titicaca, the Inca sites
of the Sacred Valley and the mountain city of
Cusco – all the must see sights of Peru in one
thrilling cultural tour
tel: 01453 844400
fax: 01453 844422
[email protected]
www.mountainkingdoms.com
Introduction
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The Ballestas Islands (Little Galapagos) and the enigmatic Nazca lines
Colonial Arequipa - the White City
The Colca Canyon and its condors
The reed islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca
Luxury Train to Cuzco and Cuzco City
Inca sites of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu
Optional Amazon jungle extension
This tour is an exciting introduction to some of Peru’s most stunning scenery and its fascinating culture, offering
the best of Southern Peru in an itinerary of just 16 days. You will see an extraordinary range of scenery, from
the coast and desert south of Lima to the mountain peaks of the high Andes and from the amazing Colca Canyon
to the high altiplano around the blue waters of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.
In addition to this fabulous scenery Peru also has an amazingly rich heritage and culture and you will experience
some of the highlights of this – the ‘White City’ of Arequipa, vibrant Cuzco with its wonderful Spanish colonial
architecture as well as legendary Machu Picchu. You will also see hardy indigenous highlanders, often dressed in
colourful traditional garb, herding llamas and working in their fields while in addition there are excellent
wildlfe opportunities with good chances of seeing condors at Colca Canyon.
After a boat trip to the Ballestas Island and an overflight of the Nazca lines you travel to Arequipa, at 2,800
metres, the ideal place to start to acclimatise to the rariefied air of the Andes. You will have time to explore
this beautiful Colonial city. You then travel on to the the spectacular Colca Canyon where you may spot
condors, visit local villages and soak in hot springs, before continuing over the high altiplano to Puno, a city on
the shores of Lake Titicaca. Here you will take a boat ride out on the lake to visit the floating islands of the
Uros and the starkly beautiful island of Taquile. These people living on the lake follow time honoured customs
and are famous for their traditional weavings From Titicaca you then take one of the world’s classic rail
journeys by luxury train from Puno to Cuzco. You will have time to explore fascinating Cuzco and enjoy its
facilities before continuing to the beautiful Sacred Valley, once the fertile bread basket of the extensive Inca
empire. In the Sacred Valley you will visit some of the many fabulous Inca ruins before travelling on again to
visit iconic Machu Picchu, the icing on the cake of this fabulous trip.
You may also add on an extension to this trip. There are two possibilities: one is to visit the Amazon rainforest
with opportunities to see monkeys, macaws, caiman and giant otters. Or you may travel further north from Lima
to visit Huaraz, the climbing and trekking capital of Peru, from where you may visit ancient pre Inca ruins or a
string of beautiful lakes high in the Cordillera Blanca. Full details can be found at the end of this itinerary.
Tour Guides
Throughout this trip you will have English speaking local guides - they are properly certified/registered guides,
and in their company you will certainly gain an insight into the way of life, traditions and culture of Peru.
IMPORTANT: Please be aware that this trip involves travel above 4,000m/13,120ft. Whilst all our itineraries
are carefully designed to optimise acclimatisation to high altitudes, participants on this trip are likely to
experience some symptoms of being at altitude. The Dossier pack we provide when you book your holiday
includes comprehensive advice on safe travel at altitude. If you require further information or advice on travel
at altitude prior to booking please contact the office to speak to an experienced member of our team.
Alternatively we recommend www.medex.org.uk as a good source of information.
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Outline itinerary
Days 1-2
Days 3- 4
Days 5-7
Days 8-9
Days 10-11
Days 12-14
Days 15-17
Fly to Lima, sightseeing in Lima. Drive to Paracas
Boat trip to Ballestas Islands, Fly Nazca lines, drive Arequipa
Sightseeing in Arequipa, drive Colca, sightseeing in Colca
Drive to Puno, trip on Lake Titicaca
Luxury train to Cuzco, sightseeing in Cuzco
Attend Inti Raymi festival. Drive to Sacred Valley, visit Machu Picchu
Sightseeing in Sacred Valley. Fly Lima and connect to London
AMAZON EXTENSION
Days 16-17
Days 18-19
Fly to Puerto Maldonado, day in jungle
Fly to Lima, fly to London
HUARAZ EXTENSION
Days 16-17
Day 18-19
Days 20-21
Fly to Lima and drive to Huaraz.
Visit Chavin and the Llanganuco Lakes
Fly to Lima and fly to London
Mountain Kingdoms Responsible Tourism Policy
Award winners
Mountain Kingdoms has a top five star rating for sustainable tourism from the Association of
Independent Tour Operators' (AITO) and is a previous winner of the prestigious annual AITO
Responsible Tourism Award.
Our commitment
Mountain Kingdoms is committed to responsible tourism, through policies and practices which permeate all
aspects of its business. Our policies aim to ensure that we and our clients act in a way which is socially,
environmentally and culturally sound. We feel strongly that all Mountain Kingdoms holidays should benefit local
communities, protect the environment by minimising pollution, and respect local traditions, religion and
heritage. We tread lightly - low volume, low impact trekking/touring is the best way of preserving the beautiful
and fragile places we visit.
We work with organisations such as Tourism Concern, International Porter Protection Group (IPPG), Tourism
Industry Carbon Offset Service (TICOS), AITO and various charities, to help achieve our responsible tourism
goals.
Our Initiatives
We support a number of Responsible Tourism initiatives and organisations in many of the destinations we visit.
Our main initiative is raising funds for schools in Nepal and to date we have raised over £14,000. Other
examples of our recent ongoing work are the Simien Mountains Mobile Medical Service, the Bridge Project in
Zanskar and support for the Village Education Project in Kilimanjaro. Further details of all our Responsible
Tourism initiatives can be found at www.mountainkingdoms.com
Porter Protection
In the countries where we use porters such as Nepal and Peru, we feel that the issue of porter
protection is immensely important. We support the work and the aims of the IPPG (International
Porter Protection Group) and as such we have a set of guidelines to adhere to and which we apply
worldwide.
Carbon off-setting
Working with the Tourism Industry Carbon Offset Service (TICOS) we offset the carbon emissions for every
Mountain Kingdoms holiday booked by clients that includes a flight. TICOS allocates this money to a school in
Ladakh, India which Mountain Kingdoms has supported for many years. Clients who book a
Land Only trip with us may like to make their own contribution via the TICOS website
www.ticos.co.uk.
Further information
When we receive your booking we send you a full Tour Dossier which contains details of visas and vaccinations
required, a suggested gear and clothing list and lots of useful information.
If you do have queries at this initial stage do ring us on 01453 844400 and we will be pleased to offer advice.
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Day-by-day itinerary
DAY 1 – THURSDAY:
DEPART LONDON, ARRIVE LIMA.
Fly to Lima arriving the same day. You will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight Hotel Antigua Miraflores
DAY 2 – FRIDAY:
SIGHTSEEING IN LIMA AND DRIVE TO PARACAS (245km/3½HOURS)
After breakfast at your hotel you have a morning of sightseeing in Lima. Firstly you do not have to travel too far
from your hotel to visit Huaca Pucllana in Miraflores, a great adobe and clay pyramid which predates the Incas
by many centuries. You then travel into town to visit the old historic colonial centre with a visit to the Plaza da
Armas where the presidential palace and cathedral are found and the nearby San Francisco Convent with its
ancient catacombs. You will also visit the Larco Herrera Museum, located in a unique 18th century vice-regal
mansion built on the site of a 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid. Here is found one of the finest gold and silver
collections from ancient Peru, along with ceramics and textiles and from several pre-Inca cultures. You will have
lunch at the museum.
After lunch you will drive to Paracas, situated on the coast south of Lima, a peninsula famous for its wildlife as
well being the site of the Paracas Culture, an advanced pre-Inca civilisation, renowned for its textiles.
Overnight Posada del Emancipador
(Meals: B, L, D)
DAY 3 – SATURDAY:
BOAT EXCURSION TO THE BALLESTAS ISLANDS AND NAZCA OVERFLIGHT.
In the morning you will make a boat excursion to visit the Ballestas Islands, sometimes called the ‘Little
Galapagos’, which are home to over 150 species of marine birds as well as hundreds of sea-lions. You may see
Humboldt penguin, cormorants, boobies and pelicans. At sea you may even encounter dolphins or whales. This
excursion takes about two hours, after which you will drive through the Paracas National Reserve, an area of
desert with sand dunes and long beaches bordered by the Pacific where you should see yet more birds and sea
lions. You continue to Nazca where it will be possible to overfly the enigmatic Nazca lines. This flight takes
about 35 minutes and takes in such celebrated figures as the Monkey, the Condor and the Humming Bird.
Overnight at Casa Andina Classic, Nazca
(Meals: B, L, D)
DAY 4 – SUNDAY:
DRIVE TO AREQUIPA. 2,800m/8,530ft (580km/8-9 HOURS).
Today will be a long but fascinating drive. You will follow the coast for several hours with beautiful vistas over
huge and isolated beaches, crossing steep valleys and passing small fishermen’s villages. You reach the village of
Camana and will have lunch there. Continuing the drive you leave the coastal desert and drive up into the
mountains and on to Arequipa where you should arrive by late afternoon.
Arequipa has been called the ‘White City’ for its buildings of glistening white volcanic ‘sillar’ rock. The city is
situated at 2,800m/8,530ft and is overlooked by three volcanoes, notably the still active El Misti
(5822m/19,100ft). Arequipa is Peru's second largest city, founded in 1540 in a position chosen for its easy access
to the coast, enabling settlers to trade with both Cuzco and Lima and also further afield. The city is also a
centre of agriculture with wheat, corn and grapes being grown locally.
Overnight hotel Casa Andina Classic, Arequipa
(Meals: B, L, D)
DAY 5 - MONDAY:
SIGHTSEEING, AT LEISURE.
Today you will have time to explore this beautiful city and to acclimatise to the altitude.
In the morning you will have a sightseeing tour to include the Plaza de Armas which is considered one of the
most beautiful in Peru. Here the impressive, twin-towered Cathedral is found on the north side of the square
and colonial arcaded buildings on the other three sides with many interesting cafes and restaurants. Another of
Arequipa’s impressive institutions is the Santa Catalina Convent, a complete miniature walled colonial town with
flower filled gardens, spacious patios, granite fountains as well as arches and narrow streets. You will also visit
the ‘Ice Maiden’ Museum which houses the 500 year old Inca mummy called Juanita which was discovered in
1995 on the slopes of Mt Ampato.
In the afternoon you will have time to explore on your own or to go shopping. Behind the Cathedral is a pretty
back street with many handicraft shops where you may hunt down some of Arequipa’s famous woven textiles
and alpaca wool garments.
Overnight Hotel Casa Andina Classic, Arequipa
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(Meals: B, L, D)
DAY 6 – TUESDAY:
DRIVE TO COLCA CANYON (280km/5 HOURS).
Today you will drive out of Arequipa, enjoying spectacular mountain views as you climb high into the Andes. En
route visit the Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve, surrounded by huge volcanoes and home to hundreds of
cameloids such as llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. You continue to ascend to reach the highest point of the day, the
Volcanoes Pass at 4,500m/14,764ft from where there are wonderful views. From the pass descend to arrive at
the village of Chivay at 3,400m/11,155ft where you will stop for lunch.
The spectacular Colca Canyon, 125 miles long and approximately
3,400m/11,200ft deep, is like a giant gash through the Andes range and is one of
the most scenic places in Peru. It is one of the world’s deepest canyons and
offers stunning scenery and one of the best opportunities to see condors in the
wild, as well as a fascinating indigenous culture. It is totally different from any
other place you will see on this trip.
You will overnight at the charming Colca Lodge and in the afternoon you will
have time to visit the village and the local market. There might even be time for a first visit to Colca’s world
class hot springs.
Overnight Colca Lodge
(Meals: B, L, D)
DAY 7 – WEDNESDAY:
DRIVE TO CRUZ DEL CONDOR AND EXPLORATION OF THE COLCA CANYON.
VISIT HOT SPRINGS.
Today you will have the day to enjoy the Colca Canyon.
Firstly, early in the morning, you may drive to the panoramic view point known as Mirador del Cura from where
you walk to the famous Cruz del Condor, the pass where Andean Condors (Vultur gryphus) are often seen.
Condors are one of the world’s largest birds, having a wingspan of up to three metres, and while they are
relatively rare in much of South America they are actually frequently seen in the Colca Canyon. At this time of
the day rising thermals are created as the air warms and the condors take advantage of these thermals to soar
gracefully on outstretched wings to scan the ground below for carrion - at this point the canyon floor is 1,200m
/3,960ft below the rim of the canyon. The condors are best seen in the early morning and late afternoon and if
you are lucky you should get really close views of these huge birds from this viewpoint, although be aware that
if there are strong winds you may not see them.
Later you will also have the opportunity to visit some local villages, especially the village of Yanque where you
will have lunch. In the canyon the indigenous inhabitants still maintain their ancestral traditions and culture
and cultivate crops on pre-Inca stepped terraces and are also famous for their fine weavings. The name Colca
comes from colcas or holes where the ancient peoples who named the valley use to store food. You will have
time to walk through the village and later visit a small ethnological museum about the history and peoples
settled in the valley.
You should also have time to relax again in the hot springs.
Overnight Colca Lodge
(Meals: B, L, D)
DAY 8 – THURSDAY:
DRIVE TO PUNO (3280m/12,530ft) WITH SILLUSTANI VISIT EN-ROUTE
(6-7 HOURS DRIVE).
Today you make the stunning drive to Puno. Driving south you will visit one of the most picturesque villages of
the Colca Valley, Sibayo with its vernacular houses and attractive church. You continue towards the Castle of
Callali - enormous rock formations shaped like castles. Continue up to Pupera where from the Ventana del
Colca (the window of Colca) you have a panoramic view. Your route takes you high through the Andes
mountains, passing by some beautiful lakes and crossing the altiplano (pampas), a high altitude plateau, where
the scenery is rugged but incredibly beautiful, with open vistas and wide skies. Here is a terrain called ‘bofedal’
where small sources of superficial water create the right conditions for the growth of various types of grass
which provide the basic nourishment for herds of vicuna, alpacas and llamas. The peoples who have inhabited
this harsh terrain for many millennia are, like the people of Tibet who live in similar terrain, incredibly tough
and resourceful. Along the way you drive past their settlements and their herds.
You reach the huge lake of Lagunillas, a wide expanse of bright blue water and later pass through the
agricultural village of Santa Lucia.
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Before finally arriving in Puno, one of the larger cities of the altiplano, you will visit the interesting ruins at
Sillustani. Here set in a spectacular position above the blue lake Umayo there are fascinating pre Inca and Inca
circular chullpas or burial towers. The amazingly fine stone work seen here, the work of the earlier civilisation
known as the Collas, was obviously a strong influence on the later work of the famous Inca stone masons. Be
sure to look out for the enigmatic lizard carvings on two of the chullpas. You then continue the short distance
to arrive in Puno. Sunset over the lake as you approach the city is especially fine. Here you will say sad farewells
to your first guide who will introduce you to your guide for Titicaca.
Overnight Hotel Casa Andina Private Collection
(Meals: B, L)
DAY 9 – FRIDAY:
BOAT TRIP ON LAKE TITICACA.
You board the ‘rapid’ boat for a full day’s journey on Lake Titicaca.
Your guide will introduce you to the local history, traditions,
agricultural and weaving methods of the Aymara Indians who inhabit
the lake. You will visit the amazing floating reed islands of Uros
where the houses are built on reed ‘rafts’. These island are nowadays
rather over commercialised but still worth seeing for their unique
way of life. Continue to picturesque Taquile Island for lunch. Taquile
is a unique place and the inhabitants here, farmers and fisherman,
are very independent minded and have their own dress and
traditions. Here if you wish, and time allows, a tough climb to the
top of the island is rewarded by spectacular views of Lake Titicaca
before you make the return trip to Puno and back to the hotel.
Overnight Hotel Casa Andina Private Collection
(Meals: B, L)
DAY 10 – SATURDAY:
TRAIN TO CUZCO.
Today you will make one of the “Great Train Journeys of The World”.
After an early breakfast you will be transferred to the railway station where you will be welcomed aboard your
first class train. This excellent train is run by the Orient Express Company – it is very comfortable and the
service is exceptional. There is a decent dining car, a bar and an observation car with brass rail at the end of
the train. There will be entertainment on board: local musicians will perform for you and there will also be a
fashion show of clothing made from alpaca wool. The bar will serve coffee once the train has left Puno and will
then start to serve pisco sours and other drinks from about 10am! You will be travelling through spectacular
scenery throughout the day. On leaving Puno you cross the Altiplano and then pass through the town of Juliaca
before starting the climb to the La Raya Pass, the highest point of the trip at 4,319m/14,170ft. You will reach
La Raya at around 12 noon and will have the chance to get out for a leg stretch and some souvenir shopping.
Once you have re-boarded the train to continue the journey you will be served a delicious 3 course lunch. Later
you will also be served afternoon tea. Beyond La Raya the scenery becomes even more spectacular with
extensive views and snowy mountain peaks. As you near Cuzco the countryside becomes more pastoral with
farms and small towns and villages, until finally you enter the outskirts of Cuzco itself. On arrival at Cuzco
railway station you will be met by your guide for Cuzco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu and transferred to
your hotel.
Overnight Hotel Casa Andina Classic San Blas
(Meals: B, L)
DAY 11 – SUNDAY:
SIGHTSEEING IN CUZCO.
You will have the whole day in Cuzco and its surroundings. Whether your
interest is exploring Inca ruins, visiting colonial churches, bargainhunting in Indian markets or just relaxing over a cappuccino on a terrace
overlooking the Plaza de Armas, Cuzco has it all.
Your guide will meet you at your hotel after breakfast and you will visit
some of the major Inca sites around the city. Firstly you will drive out
into the countryside just above the city to visit the ancient Inca site of
Tambo Machay with its finely worked ceremonial water fountains. From
Tambo Machay you cross the road to visit Puka Pukara (the Red Fort) and
then travel on to the temple of Qenqo with its finely worked stones and finally to the massive and awe-inspiring
ruins of Sacsayhuaman, an ancient Inca fortress and ceremonial centre set high above the city.
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Here you can see one of the most outstanding examples of Inca stonework and will marvel at the massive scale
of their building. From Sacsayhuaman you then travel back to town for lunch. In the afternoon you visit
colonial Cuzco with its narrow streets, Spanish colonial buildings, baroque cathedral and fine Plaza da Armas
and also the ancient Inca Sun Temple, the Koricancha.
You should also have some free time to shop for souvenirs or visit a local cafe to watch the world go by. There is
great shopping in Cuzco and some bargains to be had. In the evening you have the choice of eating in one of the
many fine restaurants in the area where really excellent food from a wide range of national cuisines is available
and you may find you have the added bonus of sitting alongside a finely worked Inca wall while you eat your
dinner. If you have the energy, you can also explore Cuzco’s excellent nightlife.
Overnight Hotel Casa Andina Classic San Blas
(Meals: B)
DAY 12 – MONDAY:
ATTEND INTI RAYMI FESTIVAL
Today you will have the whole day in Cuzco for the Inti Raymi Festival, joining in
the festivities with the locals. Inti Raymi is Cuzco’s major festival and the whole
city will be in festive mood.
The Inti Raymi Festival was the most important festival in the Inca calendar. This
‘Festival of the Sun’ re-enacts one of the most important Inca ceremonies and
celebrates the importance of the sun in Inca culture. It is held at the winter
solstice, marking the date when the sun apparently changes its course to come
back closer to the earth and days start to get longer again. Today there are parades and ceremonies in the main
Plaza de Armas in town while the principle event is the re-enactment of the Inca ceremonials in the spectacular
ruins at Sachsayhuaman.
Overnight Hotel Casa Andina Classic San Blas
(Meals: B)
DAY 13 – TUESDAY:
DRIVE TO SACRED VALLEY – VISIT CHINCHERO, MORAY AND MARAS ON WAY.
TAKE AFTERNOON TRAIN TO AGUAS CALIENTES.
Today you will leave Cuzco, the former Inca capital, to drive out of the city to the Sacred Valley. This beautiful
fertile valley is set at a lower altitude than Cuzco and was the area where Inca and pre-Inca peoples are thought
to have developed many agricultural innovations. Many types of potatoes, corn and quinoa are all crops which
were developed here.
First you travel to the small town of Chinchero with its large church and extensive Inca ruins set in the hills
above the Sacred Valley. Chinchero’s very attractive church is built within the Inca ruins and has a beautifully
painted rustic wooden ceiling and decorated walls. The full extent of Chinchero’s Inca terraces and its fine
stonework are only now being gradually uncovered and restored. Chinchero is also famous for its intricate
woollen weavings and there is a market for local handicrafts.
From Chinchero you will cross the plain to visit the extraordinary Inca earthworks of
Moray. There is no other Inca site quite like Moray - three crater-like depressions are
lined with a series of concentric circular terraces disappearing down into the earth.
Some think that this may have been the site of sophisticated Inca agricultural
experiments with each terrace representing an altitude zone. It is thought that the
terraces’ containing walls filled with fertile earth and watered by complex irrigation
systems, enabling the Incas to grow more than 250 plant species.
From Moray you travel the short distance to the ancient town of Maras with its vast church and outstanding
colonial Spanish door arches. Maras was formerly famous for its spies – due to its strategic location above the
Sacred Valley the local inhabitants were able to keep track of the movement of all travellers in and out of the
valley. From Maras you can visit the shimmering terraced salt-pans of Salinas where salt has been harvested
since pre Inca times. The salt pans cover the whole hillside and in sunny weather you will be dazzled by the
white of the pools.
You will have a picnic lunch along the way today and this afternoon descend further to the Sacred Valley and on
to the village of Ollantaytambo where you board the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes (1½ hours) travelling
along the impressive valley of the Urubamba River.
Overnight Hotel El Mapi
(Meals: B, L)
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DAY 14 – WEDNESDAY:
TOUR MACHU PICCHU,
RETURN TO SACRED VALLEY
After an early breakfast you will drive the short distance up the zigzag road to
Machu Picchu to get there before the main crowds and also when the light is
better for those all-important photos. Machu Picchu is a place that really lives up
to all expectations. The setting is breathtaking and the ruins themselves are
sensational. If you wish to climb Huayna Picchu you should speak to your guide
about this because nowadays only a limited amount of people are allowed to
climb the peak each day and your guide may have to arrange this in advance for
you. You will in any case have a full guided tour of the ruins with time afterwards
to walk out to the Inca Bridge or else just wander through the ruins soaking up
the amazing atmosphere of this fabulous place.
You will then descend to Aguas Calientes to board the afternoon train back along the Urubamba valley, a really
great train journey, arriving in the Sacred Valley where you will alight at Ollantaytambo.
Overnight Posada del Inca
(Meals: B, L, D)
DAY 15 – THURSDAY:
SIGHTSEEING IN SACRED VALLEY, RETURN TO CUZCO
Each end of the Sacred valley is guarded by a fine Inca citadel with the stunning ruins of Ollantaytambo at one
end and the equally evocative ruins of Pisac at the other.
You begin the day with a visit to Ollantaytambo, which is really today’s highlight.
Ollantaytambo is an
attractive little town located at the western end of the Sacred Valley The town has been built on top of original
Inca foundations and is probably the best surviving example of Inca town planning. It is divided in canchas
(blocks) and each cancha has only one entrance (usually a huge stone doorway) which leads into a central
courtyard. The town itself is located at the foot of spectacular ruins of an Inca fortress which protected the way
to the lower Urubamba Valley. Here in 1536 Manco Inca had a victory over the Spanish, stemming the tide of
their expansion for a short while. This victory was short-lived however and when the Spanish returned with four
times their previous force Manco Inca retreated to his jungle stronghold in Vilcabamba and Ollantaytambo fell to
the Spanish. Stone used for these buildings was brought as huge worked blocks weighing many tons, from a
quarry high up on the opposite side of the Urubamba River - an incredible feat involving the efforts of thousands
of workers. The complex was still under construction at the time of the conquest and was never completed. The
fortress and town represent some of the best of Inca architecture and construction, with fine examples of
beautifully carved polygonal stones and monumental rocks. At ground level below the fortress there are smaller
scale ceremonial stone constructions where rivulets bubble along cut channels and water tumbles into pools
over finely carved rocks.
You may also have time to visit the Ceramica Seminario Studio in Urubamba. Here local potters use the
distinctive red clay of the valley to make very attractive ceramics, using modern adaptations of ancient
indigenous techniques and designs. These ceramics make very good gifts to take home.
You then drive to Pisac at the other end of the valley. The citadel at Pisac was originally positioned on a major
Inca route into the Sacred Valley and controlled access to the eastern jungle. The ruins are set high above the
valley floor and there are tremendous views from there. Terraces, water ducts and steps are cut out of solid
rock, and in the upper sector of the ruins, the main Intihuatana is equal to anything at Machu Picchu. Above the
temple lie still more ruins, mostly unexcavated, and among the higher crevices and rocky overhangs several
ancient burial sites are hidden. You will have time to explore the ruins before descending to Pisac a picturesque
town where you will be able to visit the interesting artisan market to check out the souvenir shopping. Also, ask
your guide to show you the guinea pig ‘castle’ located in one of the town’s bakeries!
From Pisac it is just a short drive out of the valley and on to Cuzco town.
Overnight Casa Andina Classic San Blas
(Meals: B,L)
DAY 16 – FRIDAY:
FLY TO LIMA AND CONNECT WITH FLIGHT TO LONDON.
You will have free time in Cuzco until it is time to transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima, connecting to
the UK.
(Meals: B)
DAY 17 – SATURDAY:
Arrive back in the UK.
ARRIVE IN LONDON.
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OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO THE AMAZON
please contact the office for prices (01453 844400)
DAY 16 – THURSDAY:
FLY TO PUERTO MALDONADO. TRANSFER TO JUNGLE LODGE.
Today you will take the spectacular short flight (55 minutes) over the Andes from Cuzco, passing over the
mountains and then descending into the basin of the River Amazon. On arrival in Puerto Maldonado you will
take a motor canoe to the riverside trail head for Sandoval Lake Lodge. From here you walk for 2 miles (about
1 hour), on a sometimes rather muddy path through secondary forest. Upon reaching a small canal you board
canoes and are paddled short distance through flooded forest and out onto the lake where you transfer to a
catamaran and are paddled across the lake to the lodge.
Sandoval Lake Lodge is built out of ecologically-correct driftwood mahogany and is owned jointly by a non-profit
conservation group and five families of indigenous Brazil nut collectors. The lodge was built to protect the Giant
Otters and other endangered wildlife that inhabit the lake and surrounding forest. It is situated on the banks of
a protected oxbow lake which gives you easy access to the lake in the early morning and late afternoon, the
best time for wildlife viewing and photography. The lake is ringed with palm trees and teems with aquatic birds.
At your lodge a number of activities may be available which may include walking jungle trails where your guide
will explain all the plants and trees you are seeing, canoe rides, night-time jungle walks (look out for those
tarantulas!), excursions to look for caiman or visits to parakeet or mammal clay licks.
Overnight Sandoval Jungle Lodge or similar
(Meals: B, L, D)
DAY 17 – FRIDAY:
DAY IN JUNGLE.
A full day to enjoy jungle activities. The lodge will normally suggest a full programme for your day to include
various activities. You might see caiman, up to six species of monkeys, occasional giant otters and a host of
colourful birdlife including toucan, parrots, macaws, parakeets, hoatzin as well as many aquatic birds. In order
to see the most you will need to be prepared to get up for dawn! If you would prefer alternative activities
please discuss this with your guide or with lodge staff.
Overnight Sandoval Jungle Lodge or similar
(Meals: B, L, D)
DAY 18 – SATURDAY:
FLY TO LIMA.
After breakfast you will take the boat ride back to Puerto Maldonado, possibly spotting further wildlife along the
way. You will then fly to Lima – this is a flight of some 2 hours, taking you back over the Andes before
descending to the coast. At Lima airport you will transfer to catch your international flight back to London.
(Meals: B)
DAY 19 – SUNDAY:
Arrive back in the UK.
ARRIVE IN LONDON.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO HUARAZ please contact the office for prices (01453 844400)
DAY 16 – THURSDAY:
FLY TO LIMA.
You will have free time in Cuzco until it is time to transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima where you will
be met and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight Antigua Miraflores
(Meals: B)
DAY 17 – FRIDAY:
DRIVE TO HUARAZ (3,052 m/10,013ft)
Today you travel to Huaraz, a town set in a spectacular position at the foot of the Cordillera Blanca. From
Huaraz you can see over 20 snow-capped peaks over 5000 metres of which the most notable is Huascaran at
6,768m/22,205ft, the highest mountain in Peru. This visit will show you a totally different area of Peru to what
you have seen further south.
Today is a long drive, taking about 8 hours to cover the approximately 400 kilometres to Huaraz. Initially you
travel on the Pan American Highway, through the sprawling outskirts of the city, passing suburbs and dusty
shanty towns as you travel northwards up the Pacific coast. It can all seem rather depressing, but do not despair
- you will eventually leave it all behind. The grey skies stay with you as you follow the coast until finally, at the
town of Patavilca you turn east and start to climb away from the coast. At this stage the sun suddenly comes out
and everything immediately starts to look better. You ascend a fertile valley where cultivated fields contrast
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with the more barren mountainsides above until you arrive at the few houses marking the bleak and windswept
Conacocha Pass at 4,050m/13,288ft, the highest point of today’s drive. If the weather is clear, you may get
views of snow-capped peaks ahead.
You turn north and descend into the Callejon de Huaylas a long and attractive valley and into an area which
rivals Cuzco for superb mountain scenery, and as an important centre for mountain activities, such as trekking
and climbing.
Finally you arrive at the outskirts of the sprawling city of Huaraz and continue to your hotel, a charming and
friendly place, formerly a hacienda and family home, where comfortable rooms are set around quiet gardens.
Overnight Hotel Colomba
(Meals: B)
DAY 18 – SATURDAY:
VISIT RUINS OF CHAVIN DE HUANTAR, SIGHTSEEING.
Huaraz, the capital of the Department of Ancash, is a thriving place, many of its old colonial buildings were
destroyed in the great earthquake of 1970, but it has been rebuilt and is a place of great vitality. Nowadays it is
the mountaineering centre of Peru as well as being a great trading, mining and commercial centre.
Today you will visit Chavin situated at 3,150m/10,335ft, and a drive of some 110km from Huaraz, stopping on
the way to see the town of Recuay and Querococha Lake. Chavin de Huantar is believed to have been built
around 800 BC and was the religious and political centre of the Chavín people, whose culture is thought to
represent the very first widespread and recognizable artistic style in the Andes and the most famous of the
various sophisticated pre-Columbian cultures that flourished in this region even before the time of the more
celebrated Inca Empire. Possibly the most impressive artifact from Chavin de Huantar is the Lanzon, 4.53m high
carved granite shaft found in the temple. The shaft extends through an entire floor and ceiling of the structure.
It is carved with an image of a fanged deity, the chief cult image of the Chavin people and according to the
followers of Erich von Däniken represents an alien spacecraft!
Overnight Hotel Colomba
(Meals: B)
DAY 19 – SUNDAY:
SIGHTSEEING IN HUARAZ, VISIT QUEBRADA LLANGANUCO AND THE LLANGANUCO
LAKES (3,900m/12,795ft).
The main market in Huaraz is well worth visiting. Here joining the milling throng you will see all manner of
produce being sold, ranging from exotic fruit and vegetables and other food stuffs to metal buckets and Chinese
radios. Near the cathedral there are also a couple of handicraft markets where you can find t-shirts and alpaca
wool sweaters and other souvenirs. The archaeological museum is also worth a visit to see artefacts from several
of the pre-Columbian cultures of this region, of which the Chavin culture was the most important. In the gardens
at the rear of the museum are an impressive display of carved stone monoliths and statues.
Today you will make an excursion to the Huascaran National Park. Leaving Huaraz town you drive northwards
through the attractive town of Monterrey, and along the fertile valley of the Callejon de Huaylas to the town of
Yungay. Until 1970 Yungay was said to be one of the most attractive colonial towns of the area, but in May of
that year it was totally obliterated by a catastrophic avalanche which swept down from the slopes of Huascarán
during the earthquake which devastated much of the area. You may visit the poignant memorial garden, created
on the site of the old town. All that now remains are several palm trees that formerly stood in the main square
and a few ruined walls from the old cathedral. From Yungay you start the steep drive up toward Llanganuco,
passing by several small villages, to arrive at the Huascarán National Park entry post. You may have to wait here
for a few minutes for a bit of necessary paperwork to be completed before you continue, now travelling
between the steep granite walls at the mouth of the canyon of the Quebrada Llanganunco. It is all pretty
impressive! You then come to two beautiful turquoise blue lakes set below the northern slopes of Huascarán
6,768m/22,205ft. This is a really beautiful spot and a fitting climax to your trip to Peru.
Overnight Hotel Colomba
(Meals: B)
DAY 20 – MONDAY:
TRAVEL TO LIMA, FLY TO UK.
Today you will go to the airport to check in for your flight back to Lima, arriving around midmorning. There will
be time for lunch and some sightseeing before you will return to the airport to check in for your international
flight to the UK which leaves late afternoon.
(Meals: B)
DAY 21 – TUESDAY:
Arrive back in the UK.
ARRIVE IN LONDON.
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General information
Temperature range
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Max °C
28
28
28
27
23
20
19
19
20
22
23
26
Min °C
19
19
19
17
16
14
14
13
14
14
16
17
Max °C
20
21
21
22
21
21
21
21
22
22
23
22
Min °C
7
7
7
4
2
1
-1
1
4
6
6
7
Max °C
24
25
25
26
25
26
26
25
25
25
26
25
Min °C
9
9
9
4
2
1
-1
1
4
5
5
6
LIMA
CUZCO
MACHU PICCHU
Lady and Llama
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Trip notes
If any of the hotels mentioned below are not available we will use a hotel of similar standard.
Hotels:
LIMA: Hotel Antigua Miraflores. This hotel is conveniently situated in the suburb of Miraflores
and is a former mansion with pleasant gardens and all facilities.
PARACAS: Hotel Posada del Emancipador. This is a modern hotel with sea views and all
facilities, gardens and swimming pool.
NAZCA: Casa Andina Classic. This hotel, one of a chain of 19 comfortable hotels built in
convenient and central locations. It has all facilities and an outdoor swimming pool.
AREQUIPA: Casa Andina Classic. This is quite a large hotel, built of local white sillar stone, a
five minute walk from the main plaza, and with views of El Misti Volcano from its terrace
COLCA: Colca Lodge. Built completely of stone, mud bricks and thatch roofs, Colca Lodge is
located in the heart of the Valley, next to the Colca River. More importantly it also boasts its
own private hot springs and fine Spa.
PUNO: Casa Andina Private Collection. Another of the Casa Andina brand located this time
right on the banks of Lake Titicaca;
CUZCO: Casa Andina Classic San Blas. This hotel is situated in an old colonial mansion in the
atmospheric San Blas area, formerly the artisans quarter of Cuzco. It is uphill just a short way
from the main plaza and has fine views over the city
AGUAS CALIENTES: Hotel El Mapi. This hotel was recently opened by the prestigious Inkaterra
group and is a quirky and fun hotel with good facilities conveniently located in the town.
SACRED VALLEY: Sonesta Posada Del Inca. This hotel is built in the style of a hacienda in a
breathtaking landscape surrounded by snow-capped summits. Rooms are comfortable and have
all facilities.
Amazon
extension:
PUERTO MALDONADO: Sandoval Lake Lodge. Located deep in the Tambopata National
Reserve, the lodge overlooks Sandoval Lake, a beautiful lake, rich with wildlife. The lodge is
built out of ecologically-correct driftwood mahogany and is owned jointly by a non-profit
conservation group and 5 families of indigenous Brazil nut collectors.
If Sandoval Lake Lodge is not available we will use either the Refugio Amazonas or the Posada
Amazonas.
Huaraz
extension:
LIMA: Hotel Antigua Miraflores. This hotel is conveniently situated in the suburb of Miraflores
and is a former mansion with pleasant gardens and all facilities.
HUARAZ: Hotel Colomba. This is a friendly hotel set in a former hacienda, with friendly
owners and comfortable rooms set round quiet gardens.
Meal Plan:
Meals as specified in the text: B&B in Lima, Puno, Cusco and Machu Picchu.
elsewhere.
Flights:
We will use a reputable IATA airline such as LAN or Iberia.
All meals
‘LAND ONLY’ BOOKINGS:
If you have purchased the ‘land only’ option and would like us to assist with domestic flights in Peru, or with
additional hotel accommodation in Lima or Cuzco, please contact our operations department.
Important note:
Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary but as this is adventure travel, we cannot guarantee
it! By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected, particularly in more remote
areas. A variety of factors such as adverse weather conditions, changes to local schedules and difficulties with
transportation can all contribute to the need to make changes to the itinerary, often at the very last minute.
Your tour leader will make every effort to maintain the integrity of the original itinerary and minimise the
impact of any changes, but an easy-going and flexible nature is a real asset! Please note that all timings and
distances given are approximate.
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Mountain Kingdoms aims to offer the best value for money. We do not charge extra for meal packages or local
charges and try to ensure that all the key elements of your holiday are included - you won't get any nasty
shocks!
Therefore the price includes:
 Good local English-speaking guides
 Economy class return air fares from the UK & UK
Departure Tax (flight inclusive only)
 All internal flights and hotel/airport transfers
 Good standard hotel accommodation (usually 3
star) in Lima, Paracas, Nazca, Arequipa, Puno,
Cuzco and Aguas Calientes
 Best available hotels in outlying towns
 Generous meal plan (see previous page)
 Rail journey Puno-Cuzco and OllantaytamboMachu Picchu return
 All road transport by private vehicle
 Sightseeing where specified
 Carbon offset for clients taking our flightinclusive option
 A Mountain Kingdoms kit bag
The price does not include:



Travel insurance
Visa fees
Lunch and evening meals in Lima, Puno, Cusco
and Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) except
where specified in the text.



Airport departure
Departure Tax
Optional trips
Tips
taxes,
excepting
UK
Optional single supplements - available for solo travellers who would prefer not to share accommodation
Single room:
£415
Insurance:
From: £77
(Please contact the office on 01453 844400 for details)
Will the tour run?
This trip is guaranteed to run for
3 people.
In the rare event that we cancel a holiday we will refund you in full and give you at least 6 weeks warning.
During 2012 many treks were full, therefore if you want to secure a place(s) on the dates of your choice we do
advise you to book early.
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Sacred Valley
On the train to Cuzco
Ollantaytambo
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Uros (floating reed island)
Cuzco
Condor
Birds of Uros
Island
Reasons to book this holiday with Mountain Kingdoms:
 We care about the Andes and their people and support responsible tourism.
 An exciting trip offering the best of southern Peru in just 17 days.
 Includes the Ballestas Island Boat trip and the Nazca Lines.
 A visit to beautiful Arequipa, the so called 'White City' with its wonderful Spanish colonial centre.
 A visit to the spectacular Colca Canyon, one of the scenic wonders of South America.
 Boat trip on Lake Titicaca.
 You take one of the great train journeys of the world from Puno to Cuzco, crossing a high pass at
over 4,300m / 14,000ft.
 You have a full day in Cuzco and time to explore the Sacred Valley.
 Unlike many of our competitors we impose a maximum group size of 12. Also as our minimum
group size is 3 the tour is extremely likely to get “up and running”. Some of our competitors have
larger minimum group sizes and therefore regularly cancel under-subscribed treks and tours.
 We use knowledgeable, registered English-speaking tour guides.
 No hidden costs. We don’t impose surcharges for being a small group or for ‘meal packages’.
 We have a wealth of experience within the company and staff members have done this trip and
are extremely enthusiastic about Peru.
Mountain Kingdoms Ltd, 20 Long Street, Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, GL12 7BT
Tel: 01453 844400
Fax: 01453 844422
Email: [email protected]
mountainkingdoms
www.
.com
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