Walking In Peru & Bolivia

Arrive La Paz and check-in at hotel.

Overnight Standard Hotel

Standing at 3636m above sea level, La Paz is cupped in the palm of two magnificent mountains. We enjoy a walking tour of the colourful street markets. On our second day there is an optional excursion to Tiahuanaco, Bolivia's largest archaeological site. It is thought that this ceremonial complex stood at the heart of an empire extending over northern Bolivia, southern Peru, northern Chile and north-western Argentina, but we can only conjecture on how it came to an end. In your free time you may wish to go up Mount Chacaltaya, which has the highest ski-lift in the world (5300m) and take the opportunity, if you feel fit enough, to walk to the peak at 5420m for stunning views over the saw–toothed Cordillera peaks, Lake Titicaca and La Paz. On one of our evenings here we have the opportunity to go and see the spectable of Cholitas wrestling – a popular local spectacular sport (optional).

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

A morning drive brings us to the small town of Copacabana, standing on a peninsula jutting into Lake Titicaca. We gain our first sight of one of the great highlights of our trip, Lake Titicaca (3810m). The lake itself is immense, the second largest in South America. It was from this lake that the Sun God sent forth the man and woman who founded the Inca Empire, the legendary ‘Children of the Sun’. Local people here have larger lungs, hearts and spleens, and blood that is particularly rich in red corpuscles. This has enabled them to adapt to high altitude living. We will re-pack this evening, as tomorrow we take just what is needed for the next two nights.

Overnight Simple Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we begin our two-day trek centering on the Isla del Sol. Leaving our main baggage behind, we use our daysacs for personal gear needed during the day and our overnight bags are transported for us. Leaving Copacabana, we walk to Kusijata village then we begin to climb the old Inca road, before descending to Sicuani. Next we take a short journey by motor launch to Pilkokaina, on the Isla del Sol to explore the ruins of the Palace of the Inca ruler Tupac Yupanqui, sited to overlook the Island of the Moon, the domain of his sister–queen (about 6 hours walking). This afternoon there may be a chance to take a boat trip to the Island of the Moon. The main occupation of the local people is fishing, cropping of reeds and farming. Much smaller than the Island of the Sun, it nevertheless has some interesting Inca ruins, and we may have time to explore the Inak Uyu (Sanctuary of the Virgins of the Sun) We continue by boat to Pilkokaina, where, if time permits, we will visit the ruins before walking to our accommodation near the village of Yuman. A highlight of our trip is our stay on the Island of the Sun where we stay in a locally run lodge. Although quite simple, all the rooms are ensuite and the views have to be seen to be believed.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We begin today by walking up and along a high ridge path, from where we can enjoy tremendous views, and passing through three stone gateways (through which pilgrims to the sacred stones would have travelled) before reaching the ruins of Chinkana, the Temple of the Sun, situated on the crag of Titi Kala. We then take the boat to the Jardin Incaico. A series of terraces, some still in use today, hug the short, narrow valley which drops to the lakeside and a small harbour where colourful boats are sometimes moored. After we have a climb before arriving at our hostal(about 6hrs).

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we return across the lake to Copacabana before heading over the border on to Peru and on to Puno. There may be an opportunity to visit Uros Islands (optional) – made entirely from reeds grown in the lake, these unusual man-made islands are home to small village communities.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Today we follow the legendary route taken by the first Inca ruler - Manco Capac - on his way to find Cuzco. En route to Cusco we stop at the beautifully scenic site of Sillustani - a fitting home for the chulpas (funeral towers), which probably date from the 14th century. Driving up to the northern limit of the Altiplano we cross La Raya pass (4335m) and descend to Cuzco visiting the Inca temple ruins at Reqchi en route. Depending on time, those who wish may visit the colonial church at Andahuaylillas. The scenery is desolate but magnificent and we may spot flocks of llamas and alpacas grazing on the windswept pastures. There is also the opportunity to take the classic train journey from Puno to Cusco (optional) - one of the great railway journeys of the world, the full day journey covers some spectaular scenery over the high altiplano. We arrive at this fascinating mountain city and check into our hotel. Please note: the train must be pre-booked at time of booking and costs 115GBP per person. Please note that rail strikes are common in Peru and so there is the possibility that the train may not always be running. In the event that you have chosen the optional train ride and it is not operating, then we will make the journey from Puno to Cusco by bus, which will include a stop at the impressive Inca temple at Raqchi. Lunch is not included on the bus journey.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

The old capital of the Inca Empire survives only in its ruins, imbued with an atmosphere of mystery and grandeur. The Spanish-style city of today, with its attractive pink slate roofs, arcaded plazas and steep winding alleyways, stands upon tremendous Inca foundation stones – enormous blocks of grey granite fitted together with the precision of a jeweller. We take a walking tour of this fascinating city to see Inca and Colonial monuments, and also visit the colourful market at Pisac in the Sacred Valley and Cusco’s temple–citadel, Saqsaywaman. For river-lovers there is a the opportunity of a raft-trip (optional) down the Urubamba in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This is an exciting way to see the valley and no previous experience of rafting is necessary – full instruction and safety equipment are provided (grade 2–3).

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

We take an early morning train along the side of the Urubamba river, flanked by high cliffs and peaks. Subject to train timings we plan to disembark at KM104 - just short of Machu Picchu. This allows us to walk part of the famous Inca Trail from the valley floor up to the abandoned ruins of Winay Wayna and on to the Gate of the Sun for dramatic views down on Machu Picchu (about 5hrs walking). The famous ‘Lost City’ (at 2280m) is set in a grandiose landscape that amazes all spectators. Alternatively for those who do not wish to walk, it is possible to continue to Aguas Calientes by small bus. Temples, stairways, palaces and gabled stone dwellings are scattered everywhere, testifying to the energy and ingenuity of the builders, in the most dramatic setting of all of ancient America. We return to Aguas Calientes on the valley floor, to stay in a basic hostel with the chance to soak in the nearby natural hot baths (optional).

Overnight Simple Guest House Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After more time exploring and soaking up the magic of the site, we return to Cusco.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Today we fly from the mountains to Lima, on the Pacific Ocean. Subject to flight timings, an optional city tour will be offered. Places you may wish to visit include the Cathedral, which contains Pizarro’s mummified body in a glass casket; or the Larco Herrera Museum which you may enjoy guided or at your own pace..

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

The tour ends in Lima this morning after breakfast.

Included meals: Breakfast