Machu Picchu Holidays

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Trip Overview

Nestled high in the Central Andes, fantastic cultural and natural wonders await. Home to the deepest canyon on earth and the sacred mountain-top temple of a once-powerful civilization, no trip to Peru is complete without a visit to both. View the Condors of Colca Canyon, explore the reed islands of Lake Titicaca and discover the wonders of Cusco and Machu Picchu in this ancient land of contrasts. Peru's rich culture, vibrant colonial cities and snow capped mountains will be sure to tantalize all of your senses!

Optional Activities (paid locally)

• Mountain biking US$25-$35
• Urubamba River Rafting US$45-$85
• Andean Sactuaries Museum US$5
• Puno to Cusco train journey US$90-$100 (must be booked and paid pre-departure)

Tour Notes

Grand American Adventures travellers will join our sister company for this special journey.

All 2012 departures will now finish in Cusco on day 14. If you require a flight from Cusco to Lima please advise us at the time of booking so we can arrange this for you.

Amazon Extension

Want even more adventure? Book our 4 day Amazon extension to this tour, exploring the jungle in depth on foot and by canoe, from US$599. Contact us for more information or click here to view more >

Private Group Departures

Why not arrange your own Grand American Adventures departure? For groups of 8 or more, we can offer private departures on any of our published itineraries enabling friends, families or organizations to enjoy our style of travel at special rates. Although tours will run as per our standard itinerary shown here, slight modifications may be considered and dates can be chosen to suit your needs. (Subject to seasonal/operational restrictions). So contact us today and start planning your own adventure.

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Trip Itinerary

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as local and operational conditions may vary and unforeseen circumstances can arise, the following itinerary should be used as a guideline.

As this tour departs at 0800 we recommend that you book pre-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel. Please request at the time of booking.

Itinerary update

All 2012 departures will now finish in Cusco on day 14. If you require a flight from Cusco to Lima please advise us at the time of booking so we can arrange this for you.

Day 1: Arrive Lima

Arrive into Lima and transfer (not included) to our gateway hotel at your leisure. Use the afternoon to rest, relax and prepare for your adventure.
Accommodation: Hotel included. Meals paid locally.

Day 2-3: Lima & Arequipa

Meet your group before transfering to the airport for a short one-hour flight to the city of Arequipa, Peru's second largest city to discover its traditional history. Colonial Arequipa is home to the Santa Catalina Convent, many local galleries and the Museum of Andean Sanctuaries, which houses Arequipa's ice mummies.
Accommodation: Hotel & breakfasts included. Other meals paid locally.

Day 4-5: Chivay & Colca Canyon

Continuing the journey, we will make the spectacular drive towards the Colca Canyon. En route, the sky will be dominated by distant glaciers, volcanoes and mountain peaks, and we will see the traditional Andean villagers tending their herds of llamas. Upon arriving to Chivay, there will be time to relax in the nearby hot springs of La Calera. The next day we will explore the Colca Canyon's rim. We'll find the perfect spot to look down 1200m into the canyon at Mirador Cruz del Condor and watch out for magnificent condors soaring overhead and wonder if it is indeed deeper than the Grand Canyon.
Accommodation: Hotel & breakfasts included. Other meals paid locally.

Day 6-7: Puno & Lake Titicaca

You rise early today for a literally breathtaking drive over the high pass of Patapampa (4900m) which offers spectacular views of the volcanoes of Ampato, Hualca-Hualca and the smoking Sabancaya. Fully in the Andes now, we reach Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. We will cruise the lake and visit the reed-island community of the Uros Indians, before returning to explore Puno's traditional markets.
Accommodation: Hotel & breakfasts included. Other meals paid locally.

Day 8-10: Cusco & Sacred Valley

Next, we embark for Cusco and the Sacred Valley. We follow the pass over La Raya past the Inca ruins of Racchi and Pucara. Alternatively you may prefer the option of making this classic journey by rail (please request at the time of booking) taking you through the same spectacular scenery in the comfort of Orient Express carriages.

Cusco has been the seat of Inca rule for over 500 years and is one of the most vibrant cities in the Andes. The lush Sacred Valley is the perfect precursor to Machu Picchu and offers numerous attractions from archaeological sites to traditional markets. You can choose to take a hike to the Salt Pans of Maras which cling to the hillside like hundreds of white cubist houses or alternatively get the adrenalin surging with optional white water rafting or take to mountain bikes.
Accommodation: Hotel & breakfasts included. Other meals paid locally.

Day 11: Machu Picchu

The trip culminates with a scenic train journey to the lost city of Machu Picchu. Nestled high in the clouds above the Rio Urubamba, the spectacular ruins command outstanding views, not only of the valley below, but also the snow-capped peaks around Salkantay (6,271m).
Accommodation: Hotel & breakfasts included. Other meals paid locally.

Day 12-13: Cusco

Take advantage of a last opportunity to explore the ancient Inca citadel and absorb its sublime beauty before a dreamy train journey back to Cusco, for one more day of cultural exploration and discovery.
Accommodation: Hotel & breakfasts included. Other meals paid locally.

Day 14: Cusco

Have the morning free to relax, explore or carry out some last minute shopping, before finishing the tour.

If you require a flight from Cusco to Lima please advise us at the time of booking so we can arrange this for you.

This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 18:00 hrs. We can book you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 22:00 hrs.

Book Online

You can easily book your trip online using our secure booking engine. You only need to pay a 10% deposit or (whichever is greatest) with full payment due 8 weeks before departure. We are members of ABTA (Association of Britsh Travel Agents) and are fully financially bonded so your money is 100% safe & protected at all times whether you pay by debit, bank or credit card. If you prefer to book by telephone, please contact our sales office and speak to one our friendly travel consultants.

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