Escorted Tours 2023-24 1st Edition

Machu Picchu Lake Titicaca Cusco Nazca Lines tour. Marvel at the gold and silver leafed walls and skilful masonry of the Incas at Koricancha, enjoy the vibrancy of the colonial city square at the Plaza de Armas and visit the Cusco Cathedral. Explore the masterfully constructed Incan rock fortress of Sacsayhuaman and the underground cave and temple of Kenko, then take in the panoramic views over the rocky ruins of Puca Pucara, an ancient military fort. Wander through Tambomachay, the Baths of the Inca where aqueducts and canals flow and pool in sacred baths, before stopping at “Inka’s Expression” workshop to watch local artisans create beautiful silver pieces, paintings and wood carvings. Day 7: Cusco B/L Journey by train to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World - Machu Picchu. A full-day tour takes you around the tombs, temples and palaces of this ancient city of ruins, believed to be built for an Incan emperor. A city never uncovered by colonizing Spaniards, the structures and agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu are an untouched testament to the culture of this lost civilization. Have lunch in nearby Aguas Calientes, the travel home by train. Day 8: Cusco to Puno B/L Depart for Puno, visiting a number of fascinating attractions along the way including Andahuayillas, the ‘Sistine Chapel of America. Continue onward to Raqchi, an Inca archaeological park. Explore the towering Temple of Wiracocha, built to honour and appease the supreme god of the Incas before visiting The Raya, a well-placed viewpoint that provides panoramic vistas over the Andes. Arrive in Puno early evening, with the rest of the day at leisure. Day 9: Puno B/L Today’s highlight is a trip to Lake Titicaca, the highest and largest navigable lake on earth. The views from the top of Taquile Island can stretch to Bolivia on a clear day and are well worth the hour- long walk from the port. After lunch, follow 535 stone steps to a fantastic observation point. Later, walk back down to the port and board a boat for a brief visit to the floating reed island of Uros to visit a local family home before returning to Puno. Day 10: Puno to Arequipa B/L/D Leaving in the morning, travel first to a lofty lookout point with far-reaching views over the Lagunillas Lagoon and the chance to spot rare Andean birds such as the giant Andean coot. Stop for refreshments before visiting the plains of Pampa Canahuas where you can observe the unique ‘vicunas’, a local camelid, roaming the land. Arrive in Arequipa and check into your hotel before dinner. Day 11: Arequipa to Nazca B/L/D A scenic 12-14 hour drive along the coastline takes you past dazzling white beaches, coastal towns, and lofty mountain passes as you follow the great Pan-American Highway to the city of Nazca. Day 12: Nazca to Paracas B/L Get a bird’s eye view of the fascinating Nazca Lines on a 25-minute flight over the lines (subject to weather conditions). Back on land, travel to Paracas, stopping at a local winery and pottery studio. Day 13: Paracas B Board a shared boat for the morning’s excursion to the Ballestas Islands, and the chance to see porpoises leaping through the surf, pelicans and cormorants swooping over the water and the famous prehistoric Paracas Candelabra petroglyph etched into the waterside dunes. An afternoon at leisure gives you time to relax or explore the sights of Paracas at your own pace. Day 14: Paracas to Lima B/D Start your day with a scenic 4-5 hour drive along the Pacific Coastline from Paracas to Lima, stopping for lunch along the way. Check into your hotel in Lima, with the remainder of the day at leisure. Later, re-join your group for a farewell dinner that marks the end of your Peruvian adventure. Day 15: Lima to the UK B Transfer for your overnight return flight, via Bogota, Colombia, or continue on to your chosen extension. Meal plan: 13 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 7 dinners Accommodation: Lima, 3 H Casa Andina Standard Benavides Puerto Maldonado, 3 H Ecoamazonia Lodge Cusco, 3 H Casa Andina Catedral Puno, 3 H La Hacienda Plaza de Armas Arequipa, 3 H Casa Andina Standard Nazca, 3 H Casa Andina Standard Paracas, 3 H San Agustin Hotel Flights: London Heathrow to Peru with Avianca (via Colombia) Tour pace: Challenging Departures & from prices 7 Jun 23 £3,599 8 May 24 £3,999 30 Aug 23 £3,999 22 May 24 £4,099 13 Sep 23 £3,999 5 Jun 24 £4,099 27 Sep 23 £3,899 19 Jun 24 £4,199 11 Oct 23 £3,699 3 Jul 24 £4,499 8 Nov 23 £3,499 11 Sep 24 £3,899 24 Jan 24 £3,899 25 Sep 24 £3,799 7 Feb 24 £3,999 9 Oct 24 £3,599 6 Mar 24 £3,999 6 Nov 24 £3,499 17 Apr 24 £3,999 • Tipping paid locally $28-$56 pp per tour Extend your tour Lima city stay, 2 nights, 3 H B&B from £179 No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £589 South America 115 Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk