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For tailor-made itineraries including Peru please contact us on info@latinamerica.co.uk Peru Inca Trail Peruvian Archaeological Treasures of the North Peruvian Amazon Visit Peru Airpass

Severe flooding and landslides in the Machu Picchu region in January have damaged the rail line between Cuzco and Aguas Calientes (for Machu Picchu) thus removing the only effective means of access to the Inca Citadel.

Trains on the Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes route have been suspended since the end of January. Repairs to the road and rail access are advancing on schedule and it is expected that Machu Picchu will re-open to the public from the beginning of April. Although Machu Picchu will not be accessible until then, the Sacred Valley, Cuzco and the Colca Canyon in Southern Peru are open for visitors as well as of course Northern Peruvian sites which were not at all affected by the weather.

Although Machu Picchu is one of the most popular and world-renowned Peruvian destinations, there is a lot more to Peru than the Inca Citadel and we invite and encourage you to discover the numerous other archaeological sites that the country has to offer.

Land of the Incas

Day 1 - Lima
Depart London with Iberia and/or LAN via Madrid to Lima. Arrival and transfer to the Hotel Antigua Miraflores (Tourist/Superior) for a stay of two nights.

Day 2
Enjoy a half day city tour of Lima. We also recommend a visit to the renowned Gold Museum and to the Larco Herrera Museum (optionals). (Breakfast)

Day 3 - Arequipa
Transfer to the airport and fly to Arequipa for a stay of two nights at the Hotel Libertador (Superior). Afternoon city tour of the city including the Santa Catalina Convent, built in the 16th century, the Plaza de Armas, La Compañía Cloisters and the suburbs of Cayma and Yanahuara, with magnificent views (weather permitting) of El Misti Volcano. (Breakfast)

Day 4
At leisure to enjoy the city and for optional excursions. (Breakfast)

Day 5 - Colca Canyon
Depart in the morning towards one of the world's deepest canyons, the Colca Canyon. Take the winding road that leaves the 'White City' of Arequipa crossing the Misti, Chachani and Ampato Volcanoes, to arrive at the Colca Canyon. Here you will have many possibilities to admire the Andean condor and numerous vicuñas. En route pass the villages of Torja, Chucura and Patapampa with their colonial churches and Inca farming terraces. Afternoon visit to the village of Chivay or enjoy the hot springs at the Colca Lodge. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6 - Lake Titicaca
Depart to the 'Cruz del Condor viewpoint', the most strategic area to see the Colca Canyon and the flight of the condors. Then continue to the villages of Pinchollo, Maca and Yanque. After lunch depart towards Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, passing by Lagunillas with opportunities to see wild birds, sheep, vicuñas and llamas as well as spectacular Andean scenery. Arrive in Puno for two nights at the Hotel Posada del Inca (Tourist). (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 7
Full day excursion visiting the Uros floating islands and Taquile island. (Breakfast, Lunch).

Day 8
Morning transfer to the station for a fascinating and scenic train (First Class) journey to Cuzco passing high into the Peruvian Altiplano. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the Sacred Valley for a stay of two nights at the Hotel Pakaritampu (Tourist). (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 9
At leisure to explore the area. (Breakfast)

Day 10
Morning transfer to Ollantaytambo train station for the train ride (Vistadome Class) to the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. After a bus transfer, arrive at the ruins amidst their incredible mountain setting and visit this famed Inca citadel. Lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge (Boutique Hotel/part of Orient-Express) located by the ruins is included. Overnight at the Hotel Hatuchay Tower (Tourist) located in Aguas Calientes including dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11
At leisure for optional second visit to the ruins at sunrise or to walk up the Huayna Picchu Trail. Afternoon transfer back to Cuzco by train (Vistadome Class) for a stay of two nights at the Hotel Casa Andina Private Collection (Tourist/Superior). (Breakfast)

Day 12
Cuzco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, abounds with fine examples of Inca history and architecture as well as evidence of a rich colonial heritage. Half day visit of the city's highlights and the Sacsayhuamán and Tambo Machay ruins. (Breakfast)

Day 13
Morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado. Arrival and transfer to the port for your 25-minute journey down river by motor canoe to the riverside trailhead to the Sandoval Lake Lodge. After a 3.2 Kms walk through secondary forest and a short canoe ride arrive at the lodge. In the afternoon visit the West end of the lake by catamaran to see red-bellied macaws. At night search for the extremely rare black caimans. Guided night walk into the forest behind the lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

This comfortable lodge is the most remote in the area and is located at Sandoval Lake, an area rich in wildlife where you will be able to see giant otters, various species of monkeys, hoatzins and caimans. The journey to the lodge is an adventure in itself involving boat rides and a 45 minute walk on a jungle trail.

Day 14
At dawn visit to the lake to see giant otters and over 40 species of birds like the pre-historic looking Hoatzins. Return to the lodge and walk into the tall virgin forest near the lake to see the wild Brazilian nut trees. In the afternoon visit the Eastern part of the lake to see one or more of the 5 species of monkeys who live in the area such as the brown capuchin monkey and the squirrel monkey. In the evening search for black caimans or short night walk through the primary forest. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day 15
At dawn enjoy a final visit to the West end of the lake for a glimpse of the giant otters before transferring back by canoe to Puerto Maldonado and on to the airport on time for your flight to Lima to connect with your LAN and/or Iberia flights back to London via Madrid. (Breakfast)

Day 16
Arrive in London.

Departures: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday (please note that daily departures are possible but the itinerary will need to be altered or turned around due to the train schedules in Peru)

2010
Price per person/British Pounds (£): 3,210 (Low Season)
Price per person/British Pounds (£): 3,415 (High Season)

High Season: July, August and December
Low Season: Rest of the year

Please enquire for longer stays or alternative hotels of lower or higher category.

Pictures courtesy of PromPeru

Austral Tours Ltd: 20 Upper Tachbrook Street
London SW1V 1SH - United Kingdom
Tel. +44(0)20-7233 5384 / Fax +44(0)20-7233 5385
Email: info@latinamerica.co.uk

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