Peru is without doubt the most intriguing and fascinating of all South American countries. The incredible remains of the Inca civilization are a huge draw and combined with its colonial architecture, the stunning vistas of the jagged peaks of the Andes, its superb cuisine and the warmth of the Peruvians themselves, this is one of the most captivating destinations in the world.
Firstly, its scenery is world-class: the Andes, the second highest mountain range in the world rising to a jaw-dropping 20,000 feet, run like a backbone down the entire country. Snow-clad volcanoes pierce the sky, whilst torrential rivers surge through rocky valleys from the numerous glaciers. At lower altitudes is the altiplano, a timeless plateau covered with tufts of wiry grass and studded with the distinctive low thatched houses of the indigenous Indians. Completing the scene are small herds of instantly recognisable llama, whilst above, giant condors soar on the rising thermals.
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. At 13,000 feet the luminescent light and clear air cause the lake to emit a stunning sapphire-blue colour and its infinite vastness stretches into the horizon. With the ever-present Andes as the backdrop, the dark greens of the altiplano plunge into the deep waters whilst an eerily haunting silence pervades; it exudes an almost other-worldly natural beauty. The lake itself is home to the Uros, an Indian people who live much as they have always done, quite literally on extensive floating islands constructed from reeds.
Peru, in all our minds though, is indivisible from the fabled Incas, that remarkable people who, by the early 16th century had created the greatest empire in the then world. Stretching from Colombia to Chile, amazingly without the benefit of writing, ferrous metals, horses, currency or wheels. They had even developed sophisticated surgical techniques and a kind of social security! The Incas were the last of dozens of pre-Colombian civilisations, but how did a tiny group of 160 Spaniards manage to conquer this highly organised and sophisticated society of 32 million people? We visit the sites of battles, palaces and the most sacred temples of the Incas answering this question and many others.
We stay a few days in Cusco, the oldest inhabited city in the Americas. As Peru’s undisputed archaeological capital, surrounded by exceptionally beautiful Andean countryside, it is one of South America’s most charming cities. It is a curious blend of old and new with immense virtually earthquake-proof Inca walls lining cobbled streets and forming the foundations of some gorgeous colonial buildings, reminiscent of medieval Spain. We see its 16th century cathedral, fabulous art and opulent treasure collections, the main square where the conquistadors were almost overwhelmed and the last Inca emperor was executed in a public display of Spanish supremacy.
The most striking image of Peru, and probably the entire continent, is of course the awesome Machu Picchu. One of the greatest archaeological discoveries of modern times, it is set in a breathtaking landscape of rich rainforest, deep perilous gorges and lofty snow-covered peaks. Nothing can prepare you for the sheer exhilaration felt as you approach the site and it gloriously comes into view. You ascend a slope and suddenly there it is, its magic hits you right between the eyes: the classic view from countless travel posters, it will truly take your breath away!
Fully escorted price includes:
- Scheduled return flights
- Explore the extraordinary civilization of the Incas, the colonial heritage of the Spanish Conquistadors and the colourful culture of present-day Peru.
- Staying in hand-picked four-star hotels with breakfast, plus five lunches and one dinner
- Guided visit to Machu Picchu, the fabled 'Lost city of the Incas'
- Visit to Lima and it's amazing Larco Herrera Museum
- Tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas
- Guided sightseeing tour of Cusco, once capital of the Inca empire, then colonial, now one of South America's most enchanting cities
- Travel across the soaring Andes on the Orient-Express Andean Explorer, one of the greatest railway journeys in the world
- Visit to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world
- Escorted by an experienced Spanish-speaking tour manager
Please click here to view prices for specific departures.
Prices based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are subject to availability at a supplement of £279 per person. Optional insurance available at a supplement.
Follow this link to view a sample itinerary of the Peru tour.
Further information & booking:
Please click here to request your Fully escorted tour of Peru brochure & booking form, alternatively please call 01283 523423.
Visas and Health:
UK & Irish citizens do not currently need a visa to enter Peru, however your passport should have at least six months’ validity after your return date. Please consult your GP regarding the appropriate inoculations required for Peru at least a month before departure. This tour includes five days at altitudes in excess of 11,000 feet so you will need to be reasonably fit and mobile. Therefore this holiday may not be suitable for clients of greatly impaired mobility. If you suffer from heart or respiratory problems, we recommend you talk to your GP prior to booking. In order to minimise the effects of altitude, we have designed our tour to encourage a slow acclimatisation process by spending the first three nights in the Andes at the slightly lower altitudes of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, before visiting the higher elevations of Cusco and Lake Titicaca. Our experienced tour managers will also be able to advise on how to minimise the effects of the altitude. To make the most of your trip, we recomment you check the Foreign Office website at www.fco.gov.uk/travel.
This holiday is operated by, and your resulting contract will be with: Riviera Travel, New Manor, 328 Wetmore Road, Burton upon Trent, Staffs, DE14 1SP, fax: 01283 742301, ABTA V4744 ATOL 3430 protected, a company wholly independent of The Mirror Group Limited.
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