Trekking Tours in south-america

Peruvian Highlights

This fascinating 17-day tour features many of the jewels in Peru's crown, from the extraordinary colonial cities of Arequipa and Cuzco to the dramatic landscapes of the Colea Canyon (one of the world's deepest canyons) and the vast, luminous .Altiplano. We take in Lake Titicaca (the largest in South America), home to many Indian communities on its shores and islands. We stay on Taquile Island, home to a thriving Indian community. The tour culminates with a spectacular and varied 4-day trek along the Inca Trail to the magical Lost City of Machu Picchu.

On the first leg of the tour we fly from Lima to Arequipa, a beautiful city nestling at the foot of the conical el Misti volcano (5821m). Boasting a permanent spring-like climate, Arequipa is the ideal base to begin acclimatising before continuing to higher altitudes. From here we make a spectacular two-day journey into the Colca Canyon, an ideal spot for observing the magnificent Andean condor.

From Arequipa we fly to the market town of Juliaca on the altiplano (High Plateau), and continue by bus to the lakeshore town of Puno, at a breathtaking 3830 metres. Lake Titicaca, the major feature of the altiplano in Peru, is the world’s highest navigable lake. Vast (about 180 km long) and of a beautiful deep blue, it supports many highland Indian communities on its islands and shores. From Puno we make a two-day lake trip to visit the Indians of Taquile Island, one of Peru’s most unique and beautiful spots. We return to Puno and travel on to Cuzco, heart of the Inca Empire and hub of activity for local highland Indians coming to buy and sell at its busy markets. This is a beautiful city with plenty to see and an active nightlife to suit all tastes.

From Cuzco we set out for the Inca Trail, a four day trek along the royal road to the enigmatic site of Machu Picchu.

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