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Flight Of The Condor – 14 days
This adventurous trip uses domestic flights as well as a colourful mixture of local transport to discover a land of bewildering contrasts: coastal desert, high plateau, snow-capped mountain, fertile valley, rushing river and dense Amazon rainforest. From delightful Arequipa to the incredible Colca Canyon, the Peruvian Andes to the floating islands of the Uros people, and the crisp air of Lake Titicaca before heading to Cusco for one of the highlights of this trip - a classic train ride through dramatic mountains to the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu.
Age Range
This tour is designed for adults over 18 years old. While most passengers are aged from 25 to 55, every year we get people both above and below this age range. All travellers over the age of 55 will be requested to complete a self-declaration of fitness.
Peru
Peru is a fine mix of desert coastline, lush rainforest and rugged mountains, all exuding their own natural beauty and all hiding some of Peru’s most spectacular mysteries. Machu Picchu is the most famous of these enigmas; a city lost amongst mist-shrouded peaks, but the Andean nation also hides a wealth of wonderful wildlife, colourful indigenous cultures and lovely beaches amongst its rather rugged exterior, all waiting to be discovered…
Climate
Peru has distinct climate zones. Summer is from November to April during which time the coast is dry and sunny - average daytime temperature 25°C. For the rest of the year, it’s a little cooler but a constant mist can make it feel clammy, though it rarely rains. In the mountains, the daytime is around 20-25°C all year round. From April to October nights are cold, sometimes below freezing; especially from July to September when frost is not unknown at some Inca trail campsites. In the wet season (November to March), the nights are warmer, and although the mornings are often clear, afternoon rain is common. The Amazon basin is generally hot (25-30°C) and humid, but in the dry season the temperature falls as low as 10-12°C.
Tour Information
You will have time to relax on your first evening in the capital city before your local guide offers you a guided tour on Day Two. You will be shown some of the city’s impressive colonial architecture, such as the Presidential Palace located at the Plaza de Armas. Later you will visit the archaeological museum to discover the fascinating cultures of the Peruvian natives long before the Spanish arrived in South America.
That night you will take a flight to the colonial city of Arequipa, Peru’s second largest city, and on your third day you will discover sights such as the Convento de Santa Catalina, at the heart of the city, and the museum of Andean Sanctuaries, home to the ice mummies atop the city’s numerous volcanoes.
Chivay and the Colca Canyon is your destination after a spectacular four-hour drive. En route, the mountains to the south-west will be dominated by the distant glaciers of Hualca and Ampato, and Sabancaya volcano is often seen in the distance. You may also see hamlets with Baroque-façade churches, or traditional Andean peasants tending their herds of llamas.
Upon arrival at the village of Chivay, there will be ample time to relax nearby in La Calera’s thermal springs. The next day we arrive at the Colca Canyon and as well as witness a stunning 1,200m high view into the canyon you will explore the canyon’s rim, spot magnificent condors rising and circling overhead and wonder if this mythical canyon is indeed the deepest of all.
We arrive at the town of Puno after a short stop to explore the curious ruins of Sillustani. When we arrive at Lake Titicaca we will cruise the lake and encounter the floating reed islands of the Uros Indians. Once back in Puno you have the opportunity to visit the town’s traditional markets or the colonial cathedral.
On Day 8 you are taken by bus across the dusty altiplano, lined with alpaca, llama and the simple dwellings of local herders. This long journey offers several opportunities to pause at places of interest such as La Raya pass, or the Inca ruins of Pucara and Racchi. You arrive at Cusco, the capital of the Incas for around 500 years. Here you will witness a bustling city with local market, beautiful architecture, aesthetic ruins and a thriving nightlife.
We approach the Sacred Valley where you will spend Day 10 enjoying this beautiful area. Hike to the Salt Pans of Maras, visit the traditional village of Ollantaytambo, or opt for an additional activity such as mountain biking or white-water rafting. The following morning you will leave early to board the train for a spectacular ride through the mountains to arrive at Machu Picchu, the ‘lost city’ of the Incas.
Take your time to absorb the stunning sights of the city rediscovered in 1911, whether with a guide or exploring alone with a map. After your second day at Machu Picchu your incredible Andean experience culminates with a train ride back to Cusco for a final day of cultural exploration before your return flight to Lima.
Accommodation & Meals
All nights marked (HP) below indicate hotel night included in the price. 13 breakfasts are included. You must pay for all other meals yourself (you can eat quite well for £10-15 per day).
Stops
Day 1: Arrive in Lima (HP)
Day 2: Lima; Arequipa (HP)
Day 3: Arequipa (HP)
Day 4: Chivay (HP)
Day 5: Colca Canyon (HP)
Day 6: Puno (HP)
Day 7: Puno: Uros Islands (HP)
Day 8: Cusco (HP)
Day 9: The Sacred Valley (HP)
Day 10: The Sacred Valley (HP)
Day 11: Machu Picchu (HP)
Day 12: Machu Picchu/Cusco (HP)
Day 13: Cusco (HP)
Day 14: Fly to Lima (HP)
Optional Activities
Here are some examples of additional excursions that may be available to you during the tour:
- Puno – train to Cusco
- Sacred Valley – mountain biking
- Sacred Valley – white-water rafting
Included in price
- Entry to Machu Picchu and archaeological sites as per the itinerary
- Train to/from Machu Picchu
- Boat ride on Lake Titicaca
- Internal flight from Lima to Arequipa, Cusco to Lima
- 13 hotel nights’ accommodation with 13 breakfasts
- Services of English/Spanish-speaking tour leader
- Transportation by private vehicle
Not Included
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Spending Money
- All other meals not described above
- Local payment of $350 to be made at the start of the tour
Dates and Prices
12 April
26 April
10 May
17 May
12 June
28 June
12 July
26 July
9 August
23 August
6 September
20 September
4 October
18 October
8 November
20 December
2009
7 March
4 April |
£849
£849
£869
£869
£869
£899
£929
£929
£929
£869
£869
£869
£869
£869
£869
£929
£899
£899 |
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