Footsteps of the Incas

Footsteps of the Incas

In Peru, archaeological treasures are weaved seamlessly among sweeping, unspoiled valleys and the mountain scenery of the Andes. Add into the mix a host of vibrant and friendly locals, and you’ll soon realise there’s much more to discover here than just llamas and knitted chullo. On our Peru tours, you’ll explore coastal capital Lima and look for condors soaring over vast Colca Canyon, before gliding through the tranquil waters of Lake Titicaca and travelling to mountaintop Machu Picchu, discovering Peruvian history and legend along the way.

What's Included:

• 11 nights in hotels and 2 in flight (accommodation as specified or similar)
• International and internal flights as detailed. Prices are based on return flights with LATAM.
• 18 meals: 11 breakfasts (days 3-13) 5 lunches (days 5, 7-8 and 10-11) 2 dinners (days 5 and 7)
• Audio headsets in Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cuzco
• Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service
• Local Titan tour manager
• Travel in destination by coach
• Porterage

Excursions:

• 12 excursions and visits
• Tours of Lima, Arequipa and Cuzco
• Entrance to Larco Museum and Santa Catalina Monastery
• Visits to Colca Canyon and Cruz del Condor; Sacred Valley; village of Pisac and fortress of Ollantaytambo
• Puno-Cuzco train journey
• Excursions to Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu

Day 1: UK - In flight

Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Lima.

Day 2: Lima

Upon arrival, the afternoon is free to explore or relax.

Day 3: Lima - Arequipa

This morning we take a tour of the old ‘City of Kings’ (Lima’s original name). The city’s walls are laced with incredible history of political, cultural and economic importance, having played the role of capital of the Spanish dominions in South America from 1535 until the 18th century.

We’ll explore the Old Town’s remarkable colonial architecture, Government Palace and the city’s historic squares. And we’ll stop at the cathedral and Larco Herrera Museum, where gold and silver from ancient Peru are displayed.

This afternoon, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Arequipa.

Tour of Lima, with entrance to Larco Museum (morning)

Day 4: Arequipa

You can enjoy scenic views at every turn in Arequipa thanks to the three snow-capped towering volcanoes - Chachani, Misti and Pichu Pichu - that guard the UNESCO-listed city. This morning we embark on a tour - the city’s architecture is utterly remarkable and many buildings are made from locally sourced white volcanic sillar rock.

Explore the fine old quarter of San Lazaro and the spectacular Monastery of Santa Catalina, Peru’s most important religious building and home to a delightful gallery of paintings and sculptures. Spend the afternoon at leisure, or take an optional excursion of your choice.

Tour of Arequipa, with entrance to Santa Catalina Monastery (morning)

Day 5: Colca Canyon

Today we travel into the Colca Canyon, marvelling at the colourful Andean Valley as we journey to Chivay. This charming small town in the southern Colca Canyon region has a cultural main square with views of terraced hillsides and snow-capped peaks.

Visit Colca Canyon (all day)

Day 6: Colca Canyon - Puno

At Colca Canyon’s Cruz del Condor, Andean Condors can be seen soaring gracefully on thermals rising from the stunning canyon. The scale of the canyon is truly breathtaking, with the summit of the nearby Ampato volcano over 5km higher than the canyon’s lowest point.

Later, we travel to Puno.

Visit Cruz del Condor (morning)

Day 7: Lake Titicaca

A full-day excursion to Lake Titicaca reveals an area of unbelievable beauty and legend. Believed by the Incas to be the birthplace of the sun, Titicaca is South America’s largest lake. We’ll see the Uros villages, whose inhabitants live on floating totora-reed islands, and Taquile Island, inhabited by Quechua-speaking natives. Here, we see a demonstration of traditional hand-weaving techniques - a snapshot of the remarkable lifestyle and culture of these Peruvian natives.

Returning to Puno, we visit the Sillustani archaeological site with its chullpa burial towers. The Colla people imprinted detailed carvings into the tombs, the tallest constructed towers stands at 40 feet on one of the hills.

Excursion to Lake Titicaca (morning) Visit Sillustani Tombs (afternoon)

Day 8: Puno - Cuzco

Today we travel from Puno to Cuzco in style, aboard the Pullman-style carriages of the Titicaca Train. This journey is about more than just getting from A to B. The scenery is absolutely spectacular (windswept fields, traditional villages and soaring mountains), but the onboard experience is just as special. Think gourmet Peruvian cuisine and live performances from local musicians. Sit back and take it all in as you weave through the Peruvian Andes. This is a journey of experience.

Puno-Cuzco train journey (all day)

Day 9: Cuzco

Cuzco was the once fabled capital of the Inca Empire, situated in the Peruvian Andes. Enjoy a captivating tour of the ‘Archaeological Capital of South America’, visiting the beautiful Plaza de Armas, Cuzco Cathedral with star-shaped ceilings and a lavish collection of famous paintings including Marcos Zapata’s impeccable ‘The Last Supper’. We also see the semi-circular Temple of the Sun and the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, the massive Inca fortress overlooking the city.

Tour of Cuzco (morning)

Day 10: Cuzco - Sacred Valley

We travel to the Sacred Valley, stopping in the charming village of Pisac where Quechua people from the beautiful surrounding highlands come to sell their stock and purchase supplies in the lively market; with jewellery, ponchos, Andean instruments and ceramics it’s a shopper’s delight!

Head to Ollantaytambo, where the aged remains include a series of steps and niches carved out of the cliff. Since the 13th century, this beautiful area has been a delightful place to leisurely wander through narrow, cobblestone streets making you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.

Visit Sacred Valley; village of Pisac and fortress of Ollantaytambo (all day)

Day 11: Machu Picchu

Today is a real highlight as we travel by train to the magnificent lost Inca city of Machu Picchu, Peru’s historic, archaeological masterpiece. The sheer scale of this complete city once buried in the jungle is simply unparalleled.

The complex is considered to have been constructed at the height of the Inca Empire between the 15th and 16th centuries, and abandoned at the end of the latter. The group of approximately 200 structures were rediscovered in 1911, and declared one of the New7Wonders of the World in 2007. The ruins of temples, palaces, towers and fountains set against a dramatic backdrop of dark green forested mountains remain a symbol of the Inca Empire’s time in power.

Excursion to Machu Picchu (all day)

Day 12: Sacred Valley - Cuzco - Lima

Today we fly to Lima for an overnight stay.

Day 13: Lima - In flight

Transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight to the UK.

Day 14: UK

Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.