Peru Explorer
Peru, Discovery, 11 days - from $2,630 (land only)
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1: Rendezvous at the group hotel in Arequipa. KE Land Only package services begin with a group transfer from the airport in Arequipa. Known as 'the White City' because of the extensive use of marble, Arequipa is very attractive place to wander around. In the afternoon we will have a tour of the picturesque Santa Catalina Monastery. Overnight at the group hotel.
Day 2: Driving out of Arequipa we climb high into the Andes before descending into the amazing Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world. Here we stay in the charming Colca lodge situated close by one of the best hot springs in Peru.
Day 3: For those who wish, we have an early morning drive to Cruz del Condor to see one of the world's largest birds. Returning to the lodge the rest of the day is free for relaxing in the springs, hiking to the near-by ruins or to book a variety of optional activities which can be arranged directly with the lodge. Overnight at Colca Lodge.
Day 4: Today we enjoy a simply spectacular drive through the high Andes, as we travel first to Juliaca and on to our destination of Puno beside Lake Titicaca. En route we visit Silustani ruins which pre dates the Inca empire. Arriving in Puno we check into our hotel and have some time to explore the town.
Day 5: We have a full day`s boat trip on Lake Titicaca. We visit the famous floating reed islands of Uros and our guide will explain the ancient traditions and weavings of Taquille Island. We have lunch in a typical restaurant before returning to Puno. Overnight at the group hotel.
Day 6: Today we board the luxury all day train from Puno to Cusco. This classic 'Orient Express' style train journey, recently voted one of the top ten railway journeys of the world cuts across the formidable Peruvian Altiplano. Overnight in the group hotel in Cusco.
Day 7: Cusco is a fascinating city once capital of the Inca empire and subsequently of the Spanish Colonial empire. Both civilisations left their mark on the city. We spend the day exploring with our guide including a visit to the magnificent Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Overnight at the group hotel.
Day 8: An early start to drive out to the Sacred Valley. En route we visit the artisan market at Pisac with the option to make a short hike around its Inca ruins. After lunch near Urubamba we visit Ollantaytambo, the site of the last battle between Incas and Spanish. From here we catch the train to Pueblo Machu Picchu, formerly 'Aguas Calientes', and check into our hotel for the night.
Day 9: We catch the first bus up the hill to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the Inca citadel. In the afternoon we take the train back to the Sacred Valley and then transfer by bus to Cusco. Hotel.
Day 10: A free day in Cusco for relaxing or for further exploration of this beautiful city. Hotel.
Day 11: KE Land Only package services end after breakfast. Complimentary airport transfers are provided.
Altitude
This holiday involves going to moderately high altitude. During the course of your trip you will reach altitudes in excess of 2500 metres. Most people will have no difficulty with this level of altitude but before coming on the holiday, we recommend you read the advice on trekking at altitude.
