Peru and Bolivia: Lima, Cuzco, Lago Titicaca, Tiahuanaco and La Paz, classic itinerary
Discover the magical places of the Inca
Empire, its beautiful landscapes and its
enigmatic archaeological sites
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A fantastic tour to discover the capitals of Peru and Bolivia, both brimming with history, as well as Cuzco, the so­called Navel
of the World with the magical Machu Picchu. The route crosses spectacular landscapes and skirts the unique Lake Titicaca,
with its artificial islands and Isla del Sol (sun) and Isla de la Luna (moon), which together with Tiahuanaco are known as the
cradle of Inca culture.
 Departures:
from June 2017 till December 2017
 Cities:
Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Puno, Cusco,
Copacabana, Huatajata, La Paz, Tiwanaku and Sun
Island.
 Categories:
.
Day 1: United Kingdom ­ Lima
Arrival at departure airport at the prearranged time for the scheduled flight to Peru. Touchdown at Lima International Airport.
Arrivals and customs procedures. Assistance from our incoming agents, who will provide information and advice on the tour
programme. Transfer to the hotel, check­in and overnight stay.
Day 2: Lima
Breakfast at hotel. In the morning, walking tour through the main streets to discover the capital city. Founded by Francisco
Pizarro under the name of City of the Kings, its location was strategically implemented, as there was a need for a city on the
ocean. The settlement of Lima demoted the city of Cuzco, which had been the capital of the powerful Inca Empire. The new
capital was built in the middle of an arid coastal desert within a valley irrigated by the engineering works of its former settlers.
Silver from Potosí and several other minerals would be shipped out of its port, Callao, which would also receive goods coming
from Europe to be distributed across South America. In the seventeenth century, the capital enjoyed a period of great
splendour, perturbed at times by pirate attacks. The visit starts at Parque del Amor in the shopping district of Miraflores, from
where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean, and then heads towards the archaeological ruins of Huaca
Pucllana, the ceremonial centre of Lima culture. It was originally formed by a group of pyramids, plazas, courtyards and
walkways, built using adobe and a pebble inlay, with an interesting construction technique that consisted of stacking the
adobes in a vertical position, giving a truly unique appearance. The walls can reach up to eight metres high and are covered by
layers of yellow­tinted clay. Onward to San Isidro, the residential and financial hub of the city, to discover the Huaca
Huallamarca, which was a pre­Inca sanctuary or religious temple. The tour continues to the Plaza de Armas, heart of the
colonial city and home to major buildings such as the Government Palace and the Municipal Palace. Visit of the Cathedral,
which is actually a rather austere building yet stills boasts a Renaissance­style façade with Plateresque adornments, while
several different styles can be seen inside, from Late Gothic and Renaissance to Baroque and Plateresque. The walk
continues to the Convent of Santo Domingo, the corridors of which were transited by San Martín de Porres and Santa Rosa
de Lima in the seventeenth century, forming part of a group of religious buildings in the historic quarter of Lima. After the visit,
return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Lima.
Day 3: Lima ­ Cusco
Breakfast at hotel and transfer to airport for flight to Cuzco, capital of the Inca Empire and considered back then the "Navel of
the World", which along its surroundings is packed with sights and attractions to please any visitor. Arrival, welcome and
transfer to hotel. Morning at your leisure to get acclimatised to the altitude, as the city is located at more than 3,000 m above
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Peru and Bolivia: Lima, Cuzco, Lago Titicaca, Tiahuanaco and La Paz, classic itinerary
the World", which along its surroundings is packed with sights and attractions to please any visitor. Arrival, welcome and
transfer to hotel. Morning at your leisure to get acclimatised to the altitude, as the city is located at more than 3,000 m above
sea level. In the afternoon, we'll head up to the archaeological park of Sacsayhuaman and start the tour by visiting the fortress
of the same name, a beautiful place that radiates peace and tranquillity. We'll also admire the huge rocks towering up to four
metres high, which were used in its construction. We'll then go to Q'enqo, an ancient Puma temple where we'll see an altar for
sacrifices inside an enormous rock and then Tambomachay, the sacred fountains of life and health. En route, we'll have a
panoramic view of Puca Pucará, a watchtower that used to guard the entrance to the city. Afterwards, we'll head to the "El
Korikancha" Temple of the Sun, on which the Convent of Santo Domingo was built. Legend has it that this temple was
completely covered with gold leaf that amazed the conquistadores upon their arrival. To finish, we'll visit Plaza de Armas and
go into the Cathedral, which houses invaluable colonial works and paintings, such as the cross that arrived with the first
conquistadores. Overnight stay in Cuzco.
Day 4: Cuzco ­ Sacred Valley
Breakfast at hotel and departure to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This valley was highly valued by the Incas, thanks to its
special climate conditions and fertile soils, and was one of the main hubs of agricultural production. Irrigated by rivers that flow
down ravines and small valleys, it boasts a wealth of archaeological monuments and indigenous peoples. Even today it's
possible to spot the former Inca terraces used for agriculture and the difference between these, located in the heights, and the
colonial Spanish constructions, built on the river banks. The visit begins with the Awanacancha complex, where you can meet
and feed some Andean camelids, such as llamas and alpacas. What's more, local villagers will show us their traditional
techniques of weaving and dyeing textiles. We'll then arrive at the traditional Mercado de Pisac, where we'll have free time to
stroll round the market and buy handicrafts. If you fancy trying something typical, seek out the wood­fired ovens and taste the
empanadas. Lunch at a local restaurant (included). In the afternoon, onward journey to Ollantaytambo, a picturesque village
inhabited since Inca times, where we'll visit the eponymous temple, used as a fort during the Inca resistance and from which
we'll obtain images of the collection. Overnight stay in the Sacred Valley.
Day 5: Sacred Valley ­ Machu Picchu ­ Cuzco
Breakfast and departure by train to Aguas Calientes. This pocket­sized town is the gateway to the must­see Machu Picchu.
Assistance to head up the winding road, which incidentally commands spectacular views of the River Urubamba and the
famous canyon, that leads to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. A place brimming with mystery, thanks to its unique location
and lack of knowledge about its past. Although the construction doesn't match the perfection and finesse of the polished walls
of other Inca cities, it is impressive for the place chosen for its location, nestled amid lofty verdant mountains and where
access today is still arduous. This is in fact the jewel in the crown of Old Peru, the pièce de résistance of Inca creations and
one of the most famous archaeological sites in the whole world, as well as being the country's top tourist attraction. It is a
monument to divinity, apparently built for a military­religious purpose. The citadel was enclosed by a six­metre granite wall,
featuring wooden gates and frames and straw ceilings. It was not discovered by the Spanish conquerors, so it remained hidden
away under vegetation until the beginning of the last century. We'll enter the Citadel to follow an original Inca trail that steadily
climbs though the stunning agricultural terraces to Intipunku (aka the Sun Gate), once the main entrance to Machu Picchu and
the perfect place to breathe in the energy and feel the mystique that surrounds this sacred site. At the prearranged time, we'll
start the tour of the Lost City of the Incas (Machu Picchu itself), visiting its passageways, stairways and the main sites. We'll
find ceremonial and religious centres, such as the Temple of the Sun, with the characteristic semicircular walls, or the Sacred
Square, surrounded by temples and higher than any other square, or the Room of the Ornaments, which would have been
used to store ritual objects. There are also buildings that would have been set aside for royalty, such as the Palace of the
Princess, with its vast central courtyard that provided access to the different rooms. We'll also explore the passageways and
stairways, some with fountains running in parallel, as well as the Barrio Alto, formed by a series of buildings and staggered
alleyways hugging the slope of the land. After the guided tour, you'll have time at your leisure to continue exploring this
enigmatic and truly breath­taking citadel. Lunch (included) at one of the restaurants in the area. At the prearranged time,
return train journey to Cuzco. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 6: Cuzco ­ Puno
Breakfast and departure by tourist bus to the city of Puno. There'll be several stops to discover the attractions dotted along this
fascinating route. The first is at Andahuaylillas, where we'll visit its beautiful chapel. Onward journey to Racchi, Temple of Inca
God Wiracocha, famous for its enormous walls and passageways. Our next stops will be for lunch and to enjoy beautiful views
in La Raya, the natural border between Cuzco and Puno. Before our final destination, we'll visit the Museo de Sitio de Pucará.
Make sure you take home one of the classic toritos from the town. We'll arrive in Puno in the late afternoon and check into the
hotel. Overnight stay in Puno.
Day 7: Puno ­ Lake Titicaca ­ Puno
Breakfast and departure to spend the day exploring Lake Titicaca, a huge inland freshwater sea with intensely blue waters,
into which some twenty rivers flow. Just like the ocean it has a tidal pattern, dawning with a completely smooth surface and
breaking mid­afternoon with waves that rock the typical totora­reed boats. This is also a mythical and legendary place, closely
linked to the origin of the Incas. The trip begins with a visit to the community of the Uros, an indigenous people that since
ancient times have been living on artificial islands made from totora reeds, keeping alive their customs and rites without major
changes despite the passing of time. This fascinating opportunity will give you an insight into the traditions and ways of life of
this peculiar community. The journey across the lake will then take us to Taquile, an island located at 3800 m above sea level
where the inhabitants uphold ancient traditions and dress in vibrantly coloured clothes. The higher part of the island, with
impressive views over the lake, is full of slopes and steep paths. Here you can buy some of the locally­made handicrafts,
mainly featuring alpaca wool, such as hats, gloves or waistcoats. We'll enjoy a typical lunch on the island (included) before
setting off in the afternoon back to the city of Puno.
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Peru and Bolivia: Lima, Cuzco, Lago Titicaca, Tiahuanaco and La Paz, classic itinerary
Day 8: Puno ­ Copacabana ­ Isla de la Luna ­ Isla del Sol
Breakfast and departure by road from Puno (Peru) to the small village of Copacabana (Bolivia) on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Arrival and tour of the sanctuary and the Virgin Morena. This is one of the most important and popular temples in Bolivia. Built
in 1601, with an architecture that fuses Renaissance and Baroque styles, the interior is famed for the main Baroque­style
altarpiece and the Camarín de la Virgen behind, which is a popular place of pilgrimage. We'll then jump on a catamaran over
to Isla de la Luna, also known as Koati, which is home to native communities and fascinating archaeological sites, such as the
palace of the sun virgins and the temple of the moon, Iñak Uyu. A few minutes away from Isla de la Luna is Isla del Sol,
where we'll continue our cruise. This is a breath­taking island with terraces of crops and the azure lake in the background.
What's more, it is widely considered where the Inca Empire started. Legend has it that on the island, Manco Capac, together
with his sister and wife, Mama Ocllo, started the Inca dynasty and from there they set out to found Cuzco. The Isla del Sol in
the Inca period was a shrine with a temple containing virgins dedicated to the Sun God. At present the island is populated by
indigenous people of Quechua and Aymara origin, who work in agriculture, tourism, crafts and pasturage. Visit to the Templo
del Pilcocaina and then a walk with llamas until reaching the hotel. Lunch and afternoon at your leisure to continue enjoying
the scenery and exploring the island. Dinner and overnight stay at the eco­lodge.
Day 9: Isla del Sol ­ Cocotoni ­ Huatajata
Breakfast and morning at your leisure. At noon, departure to hike up the Great Inca Staircase and visit the Sacred Fountain,
with its underground water that is said to bestow youth and eternal happiness. Lunch at the archaeological restaurant Uma
Kollu, next to a small craft market. Onward to catch a cruise to Huatajata. Upon arrival, we'll visit the Raíces Andinas eco­
village, the Museo del Altiplano, the crafts village, the clay igloos and the mortuary towers of the Urus Chipayas. We'll meet
the Limachi family, builders of RA II, Tigris and other epic transatlantic expedition ships. Audiovisual show and night­time
experience at the Mystical World of the Kallawayas, ancestral healers of Bolivia, who base their beliefs on that first it is
necessary to heal the soul, before the body. Our Kallawaya guide, Tata Benjo, will bless us and predict our future with sacred
coca leaves. Night visit to the Alajpacha Native Observatory to learn about the Andean cosmovision, with the opportunity to
observe the southern constellations. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 10: Huatajata ­ Tiwanaku ­ La Paz
After breakfast, departure by road to arrive in Tiwanaku (or Tiahuanaco) by midday and visit Bolivia's most important
archaeological site, which is also a settlement of one of the oldest civilisations of the American continent (1,580 BC­ 1,000
AD). The Gate of the Sun, the Kalasasaya Temple and the Akapana Pyramid showcase its glorious past. The Tiwanaku
culture was supported by an agrarian economy, with an estimated population of 115,000. Agriculture, under the control of the
Tiwanacota State, produced enough wealth to maintain the urban centre and the administrative system. Tiwanaku was
renowned for an in­depth knowledge of agriculture, hydraulics, architecture and medicine, as well as its outstanding social
organisation. Due to an economic crisis caused by a long drought, Tiwanaku succumbed around 1000 AD. After the visit, we'll
head to the capital of the country, La Paz, to undertake a half­day tour of this city and its surroundings, which will transport the
visitor back to a mysterious past where adventure begins at every street corner, a living history that cherishes pre­Hispanic
times with all their traditions and magic rituals scattered around. Here we'll find Indian, colonial and contemporary districts,
indigenous markets, the Brujos market and extraordinary landscapes framed by the grandeur of the snow­capped Mount
Illimani, a huge massif more than 8 km long with four peaks that exceed 6000 metres, providing an exceptional backdrop to
the city of La Paz. Also included is a visit to the Valle de la Luna, whose clay formations resemble the face of the moon. A
place that tantalises the imagination of its visitors, creating the sensation of strolling through lunar moorland. Its forms are the
result of erosion and are similar to volcanic craters. Taking the cable car from one point of the city to another gives a different
view of La Paz. Arrival at the selected hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 11: La Paz ­ United Kingdom
Breakfast at hotel and morning at your leisure until the prearranged time for the airport transfer. Check­in and boarding
procedures for departure to the United Kingdom. Dinner and night on board.
Day 12: United Kingdom
Arrival at the departure airport, end of the trip and of our services.
Services included in the trip
 Return flight
 2 nights in Lima, 2 nights in Cuzco, 1 night in the Sacred Valley, 2 nights in Puno, 1 night in Isla del Sol, 1 night in
Huatajata and 1 night in La Paz (according to your choice)
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Assistance on arrival and return airport­hotel transfers as per itinerary
Transport by air­conditioned minibus or coach
Scheduled economy class flight Lima­Cuzco
Transport by public hydrofoil catamaran for two days (8th and 9th) from Copacabana to Huatajata
Group transfers, tours and excursions as per itinerary
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Peru and Bolivia: Lima, Cuzco, Lago Titicaca, Tiahuanaco and La Paz, classic itinerary
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10 nights' accommodation at selected hotels (or similar) as per the chosen category on a bed­and­breakfast basis
4 lunches and one dinner (drinks not included), on the 4th, 5th, 8th and 9th days, as indicated in the itinerary
Machu Picchu: Ticket included non­refundable
Expedition Train or Inca Rail Executive Class to Machu Picchu
Scheduled tourist bus Cusco­Puno, including lunch and visits en route
Local English­ speaking guides
Travel insurance
Important remarks
The Cathedral of Lima is closed for visits on Saturday afternoons and on Sunday mornings. If our time in Lima coincides
with these days, we'll visit Huaca Huallamarca instead of the Cathedral. Hotel rates are exempt from the national sales tax of
19%. This exemption is valid only for non­resident foreign citizens spending a maximum of 60 days in Peru. To benefit from
this exemption, at each hotel you must provide your passport and the so­called Andean Immigration Card (issued at the
airport upon arrival in Peru) with a legible entry stamp. Excursions into the rainforest are subject to weather conditions, which
is why they may change at the last minute after checking with our guides. This is to give customers the best experience in
the area and guarantee their safety on all excursions. There's a limit of 2,500 visitors per day in Machu Picchu and 400 per
day in Huayna Picchu. Therefore, it's important to have the data required for buying entrance tickets as far in advance as
possible (full passenger name, passport number, date of birth and nationality), as the only way of guaranteeing admission is
by buying said tickets. Once bought, this amount (USD 65) is non­refundable in the event of cancellation. The order of visits
on the Lake may be changed, but all of them will be included. In exceptional circumstances, in very busy periods or during
special events, the itinerary may be modified at any point. However, the number of nights and destinations will remain the
same..
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