Escorted Tours 2023-24 1st Edition

Machu Picchu La Paz Salar de Uyuni Tatio Geysers 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’ll travel, by coach 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, by coach where you’ll 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. Tumbes Meal plan: 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners Accommodation: Santiago, 4 H Best Western Premier Hotel Marina Las Condes San Pedro de Atacama, 3 H La Casa de Don Tomas Ojo de Perdiz, 3 H Tayka Del Desierto Uyuni Salt Flats, 4 H Palacio Del Sal La Paz, 4 H La Casona Boutique Puno, 3 H La Hacienda Puno Cusco, 3 H Casa Andina Standard Benavides Lima, 3 H Casa Andina Miraflores Centro Flights: London Heathrow to Chile and returning from Peru with LATAM Airlines (via São Paulo) Tour pace: Challenging Departures & from prices 21 Oct 23 £3,799 11 May 24 £4,499 4 Nov 23 £3,699 21 Sep 24 £4,499 3 Feb 24 £4,399 19 Oct 24 £4,099 20 Apr 24 £4,499 2 Nov 24 £3,999 • Tipping paid locally $30-$60 pp per tour Extend your tour Tumbes beach stay*, 3 nights, B&B 3 H from £379 or 4 H from £529 Amazon Adventure*, 3 nights, from £629 *Due to flight schedules an extra night in Lima is required. No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £779 South America 111 Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk