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Paracas, Arequipa, Titicaca & Inca
USD 11250
JAN-DEC
14 - 15 NIGHTS
Select your style
We are able to vary the price of this trip considerably, simply by swapping out the lodges that it contains. This is likely to have a very significant effect on the level of polish of the trip, but in all cases it will remain cool and authentic. Make your selection here and the lodges will automatically change in the itinerary below.
USD 11250 per person
This trip includes very cool, well-located and relatively well-priced lodges, suitable for more adventurous, easy-going and outdoorsy travellers.
Trip Summary
Start location : Lima LIM
Lima
01 : Hotel B
Paracas
Arequipa
05 : Cirqa
06 : Cirqa
Colca
07 : Colca Lodge
08 : Colca Lodge
Lago Titicaca
Valle Sagrado
11 : Hotel Sol y Luna
12 : Hotel Sol y Luna
13 : Hotel Sol y Luna
Cusco
End location : Cusco CUZ
Lima
Set on the central coast of Peru, Lima is the capital city and the main port of entry for the country. Virtually all travellers end up spending at least one night here. There are some good hotels in the upmarket southern suburbs, some impressive colonial architecture, several superb museums and a seriously trendy food scene.
Day 1
Arrival : Lima Airport LIM
lodge
Hotel B
Hotel B is set in the city of Lima in Peru.
Guest accommodation is in 17 comfortable rooms.
There's also a pleasant roof garden.
Lima is the capital of Peru, set on the central coast.
For centuries Lima was the capital of the vast Spanish territories in South America ...
... and the old centre contains a good deal of impressive architecture.
The quaint fishing village of Pucusana lies just to the south ...
... and makes a great day trip, including a delicious fish lunch ...
... and some impressive marine wildlife.
Back in town, the evening welcomes in flocks of paragliders.
Most people end up staying 1-2 nights in Lima, usually at the front end of a trip.
Paracas
Set on the Pacific Coast around 200 km south of Lima, Paracas is a small beach resort which provides access to the Islas Ballestas, commonly known as ‘The Poor Man's Galapagos’, with some very impressive marine life. This is also the place from which to undertake flying safaris over the remarkable Nazca lines.
Day 2 , 3 , 4
lodge
Hacienda La Bahia Paracas
Hacienda La Bahia Paracas is set in the Paracas area of Peru.
Paracas is a very scenic area of arid coastal desert.
The main settlement of Paracas is centred around a sheltered lagoon ...
... from where it's possible to head out by boat ...
... past the ancient and iconic El Candelabro ...
... to the Islas Ballestas, which are rich in marine wildlife.
... which is unfortunately far too touristy these days.
Around the inland town of Ica there are some impressive wineries.
From Paracas it is possible to take a light aircraft tour south to Nazca ...
... home to the renowned 2000 years old geolyphs.
The range and scale of designs and patterns is truly extraordinary.
The area can be accessed via the Pan-American Highway from Lima ...
... but it's quite difficult to really appreciate the designs from ground level.
There are many incredible archaeological sites on this arid coastal plateau ...
... including the famous mummies of Chauchilla.
We are also able to arrange specialist historic tours in the company of an experienced archaeologist.
Ica is largely encircled by a sandy desert ...
... which contains the famous Oasis de la Huahachina ...
... which is unfortunately far too touristy these days.
Arequipa
Set in the south of Peru, Arequipa is an historic Spanish town which is renowned for its fabulous white-stone colonial architecture and is encircled by three impressive volcanoes. Commonly combined with the dramatic Colca Canyon, there are onward road and rail links from here up Lago Titicaca and Cusco.
Day 5 , 6
Fly : Lima LIM to Arequipa AQP
lodge
Cirqa
Cirqa is set in the town of Arequipa in the south of Peru.
Guest accommodation is in eleven impressive suites.
Arequipa is a handsome colonial city.
Arequipa is a handsome colonial city.
Arequipa is a handsome colonial city.
Colca
Set amidst the dramatic landscapes of the Andes Mountains to the north of Arequipa, the Colca Canyon is the second deepest in the world, a famous location for viewing Andean condors and a lovely rural area to explore and relax.
Day 7 , 8
lodge
Colca Lodge
Colca Lodge Spa and Hot Springs is set in the Colca Canyon area of southern Peru.
Guest accommodation is in 45 rooms ...
... some of which are larger detached suites.
Colca is the world's second deepest canyon ...
... and a famous location for viewing iconic Andean condors.
The upper canyon is incredibly scenic ...
... home of traditional Andean farming families.
Offering great opportunities for hiking, mountain-biking ...
... and horseback riding.
The town of Chivay is the main agricaultural centre at the upper end of the canyon.
The usual stay duration in the area is 2-3 nights.
Lago Titicaca
Set in the far southeast of Peru, Titicaca is a very large, deep and scenic lake, the highest navigable body of water in the world, sacred amongst the Inca, with some beautiful islands, fascinating archaeological sites and attractive cultures to explore.
Day 9 , 10
lodge
GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca
GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca is set in the Lago Titicaca area of southeast Peru.
Lago Titicaca is set high in the mountains of southeast Peru.
The modest town of Puna is the main transport hub on the Peru side of the lake.
On the western side of the lake lie the floating islands ...
... a unique home to the Uros people for over 800 years.
The scenic Isla Taquile is home to ancient Quechua-speaking people ...
... who are renowned for their superb handicrafts.
Isla Amantani is also home to traditional farming communities.
The important and ancient site of Tiwanaku lies just across the border in Bolivia.
Most people spend 2-3 nights exploring the Titicaca area.
Valle Sagrado
Set between the Inca capital of Cusco and its primary religious centre at Machu Picchu, Valle Sagrado (Sacred Valley) was the agricultural engine room of the great mountain empire. It’s a lovely place to relax and acclimatise, offering a wide range of historical, cultural and outdoor activities.
Day 11 , 12 , 13
lodge
Hotel Sol y Luna
Hotel Sol y Luna is set in the Valle Sagrado area of southeast Peru.
The lodge is centred on an elegant main building, leading out to a swimming pool.
There is also an extensive spa.
Guest accommodation is in 43 detached bungalows, in seven specification levels.
The main dining area is in a separate building.
Valle Sagrado is a rich agricultural area, that was the bread-basket of the Inca Empire.
The village of Pisac lies at the eastern end of the valley.
The place is rich with indigenous culture ...
... and has some impressive Inca ruins.
Moray is thought to have been an experimental Inca laboratory for creating maize cultivars.
Salinas de Maras comprises an ancient network of salt extraction terraces.
The village of Ollayantambo guards the entry to Machu Picchu ...
Above the village there are some very impressive Inca ruins.
Further west the valley closes in ...
... along which it's necessary to catch a train to Machu Picchu.
The Valle Sagrado is a lovely area for hiking, mountain-biking and horseback riding.
The lodge exists to support an extensive charitable school ...
... which guests are very much welcome to visit.
It's also possible to hike and kayak in the mountains high above the valley.
The usual stay duration in the area is 2-4 nights, usually in combination with further nights in Machu Picchu and Cusco.
Cusco
Set high in the Andes Mountains around 700 km southeast of Lima, Cusco is the historic capital of the Inca Empire, a fascinating place to explore, with a remarkable range of historic hotels. It’s also the main point of access for the Valle Sagrado, Machu Picchu and the trekking areas.
Day 14 , 15
lodge
Antigua Casona San Blas
Antigua Casona San Blas is set in the city of Cusco in the southeast of Peru.
Cusco is set high in the Andes Mountains of Peru.
This ancient Inca capital was conquered by the Spanish in 1532.
The indigenous mountain cultures remain deep-rooted around here.
Both the Incas and the Spanish rebuilt the city on the much more ancient and impressive foundations.
The city really is a delight to explore.
Overlooking Cusco is the hugely impressive ancient citadel of Sasayhuamán ...
... whose close-fitting megalithic stonework is far more impressive than the relatively crude Inca architecture.
Around two hours by road to the west lies Vinicunca, the famous Rainbow Mountain.
Most people spend 2-3 nights exploring the Cusco area.
Day 16
Departure : Cusco CUZ
Alternative Trips
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Of course, your actual trip will be precisely tailor-made.
Of course, your actual trip will be precisely tailor-made.
