Escorted Tours 2022-23 Brochure - Mercury Holidays

main destinations within Uyuni Salt Flats. It was once a real island before the prehistoric lakes dried up. Reach the top of the island and take in the panoramic views over this spectacular sight. From here you will continue to see pyramids of salt piled on the land by salt miners who harvest the area for its lucrative minerals. Day 9: Uyuni Salt Flats to La Paz B Depart the salt flats today for your flight to La Paz. Discover this dizzying city on a half-day tour, visiting the main square, Plaza Murillo, the historic centre of La Paz and home to the Cathedral and Presidential Palace. Next, continue to the 16th century San Francisco church. Take the stone tunnel stairway to the roof for views across the city’s skyline, then visit the charming colonial street of Calle Jaén. Finally, the tour arrives at Valle de la Luna. Day 10: La Paz to Puno, Peru B Today you will be transferred to Desaguadero to cross the border between Bolivia and Peru and arrive at Lake Titicaca. Travelling by motorboat, visit the floating Uros Islands, constructed entirely by the buoyant reeds that grow plentifully in the lake below. Meet the Uros women in their brightly coloured petticoat skirts who will be happy to sell you their charming handicrafts. Continue to Puno where you will spend the night. Day 11: Puno to Cusco B/L This morning you will travel to Cusco. The journey includes a stop at La Raya pass, 4,300 metres above sea level, from where you will be able to take in some amazing vistas of the Andean snow- capped mountains. You will also stop at the Raqchi ruins, known as the Temple of the God Wiracocha, and Andahuaylillas village. Day 12: Cusco B Today’s morning tour will introduce you to this amazing colonial city built on the foundation of Inca Palaces. Visit the Temple of the Sun where you can appreciate the incredible masonry of the Incas, the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral with its carved woodworks, altars and paintings. Later, travel to the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman whose peculiar huge granite stone slabs of up to six metres in length fit perfectly on top of one another. Day 13: Cusco B Rise early in the morning to take a train to Aguas Calientes then continue by road to reach the awe- inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu. Only re-discovered in 1911 by the explorer Hiram Bingham. You will have a guided tour around the site and some free time to explore at your own pace. Day 14: Cusco to Lima B Following breakfast, transfer for your flight to Lima. Today’s tour combines the culture of historic downtown Lima with the modern district of Miraflores. First visit the main square to see the Cathedral, Government Palace and City Hall. Next see one of the best-preserved monasteries in Lima, the beautiful Santo Domingo Convent and then on to Miraflores, a bustling shopping area with stupendous views of the Pacific Ocean. Day 15: Lima to the UK B Transfer for your return overnight flight, via São Paulo, or continue on to your chosen extension. Extend your tour Tumbes beach stay*, 3 nights, B&B 3 H from £449 or 4 H from £589 Amazon Adventure*, 3 nights, B&B from £669 *Due to flight schedules an extra night in Lima is required, extending your tour by an extra night. Tour includes • 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners • 3 and 4 H accommodation: Santiago-Best Western Premier Marina Las Condes, San Pedro de Atacama-La Casa De Don Tomas, Ojo de Perdiz-Tayka Del Desierto, Uyuni Salt Flats-Palacio Del Sal, La Paz- La Casona Boutique, Puno-La Hacienda Puno, Cusco-Casa Andina Cathedral, Lima- Casa Andina Miraflores Centro • Flights from London Heathrow to Chile and returning from Peru with LATAM Airlines (via São Paulo) Tour pace: Challenging Lima Tatio Geysers Amazon Machu Picchu San Pedro de Atacama, Chile No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £719 Departures & from prices 15 May 22 £3,749 14 May 23 £3,799 25 Sep 22 £3,729 27 Aug 23 £3,879 23 Oct 22 £3,649 24 Sep 23 £3,799 6 Nov 22 £3,649 22 Oct 23 £3,699 5 Feb 23 £3,699 5 Nov 23 £3,599 23 Apr 23 £3,799 • Upgrade to a Private Tour from £999 South America 131 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk