Escorted Tours 2023 - 2025

Day 7: Puno B/L Today’s highlight is a trip to Lake Titicaca, the highest and largest navigable lake on earth. The views from Taquile Island that, on a clear day, can stretch to Bolivia are stunning and well worth the hour or so walk to the top from the port. Have a ‘coca tea’ break half way up before lunch is taken in a simple restaurant that overlooks the lake. Later you will walk back down to the port and board a boat for a brief visit to one of the floating reed islands to visit a local family home. Overnight is in Puno. Day 8: Puno to Cusco B/L This morning you will travel from Puno to Cusco and be able to appreciate the surrounding valleys’ wonderful landscapes en route. 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 where there is a beautiful church from the 17th century. Enjoy lunch before arriving in Cusco and transferring to your hotel. Day 9: Cusco to Sacred Valley B/L Today the tour heads for Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where one of the highlights is a visit to the imposing Inca Fortress at Ollantaytambo. En route you will visit a camelid compound to see these unique animals at close quarters as well as the colourful Pisac market where local Indians display and sell their handmade artefacts. Lunch is in a comfortable restaurant then the journey continues to reach your hotel for an overnight stay in the valley. Day 10: Sacred Valley to Cusco B/L Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and this morning you will be taken to the station to board the train to start your adventure to this incredible site. The train will take you to the city of Aguas Calientes where you disembark and board a bus to the archaeological site. Constructed on a saddle between two Andean peaks, Machu Picchu was one of the greatest achievements of South American civilisation. After a guided tour of this 550-year-old citadel, there is some free time for you to explore and absorb the awe-inspiring atmosphere. You will then descend back to Aguas Calientes for lunch, then catch the train back to Ollantaytambo and return to Cusco by coach. Day 11: Cusco to Lima B This morning’s tour of Cusco 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 woodwork and paintings. Later, you will drive to the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman, then to the underground cave and temple of Kenko - one of the largest wakas (holy places) in the region. Experience a panoramic view of Puca Pucara and, finally, stop at the living art workshop to admire how the local artisans create wonderful silver pieces, paintings and wood carvings. Later this afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. Day 12: Lima to the UK B Your morning will be at leisure. This afternoon transfer for your overnight flight back to the UK, via Madrid, or continue with your chosen extension. Lake Titicaca Arequipa Sacred Valley Superb holiday, one of the best we have done yet with Mercury. So many highlights to enjoy, outstanding guides throughout, great value for money.” C. Bull What’s included ✔ Return flights Heathrow to Peru with British Airways/ Iberia (via Madrid) ✔ Where you’ll stay Lima, 3 H Casa Andina Standard Benavides Arequipa, 3 H Casa Andina Standard Colca Canyon, 3 H Casa Andina Standard Colca Puno, 3 H La Hacienda Plaza de Armas Cusco, 3 H Casa Andina Catedral Sacred Valley, 3 H Life Hotel Valle Sagrado ✔ 18 meals ✔ 9 excursions ✔ Expert local tour guide Tour pace: Challenging PLEASE NOTE: 2023 departures are based on flights with Avianca (via Bogota, Colombia) Lima Extend your tour Lima city stay, 2 nights, 3 H B&B from £179 AmazonAdventure*, 3 nights from £999 *Due to flight schedules an extra night in Lima is required. No Single Supplement Rooms with no single supplement are available. Once sold, supplement starts from £459 Departures & from prices Oct 2023 £2,999 Feb 2025 £3,399 Nov 2023 £2,999 Mar 2025 £3,399 Jan 2024 £3,399 Apr 2025 £3,399 May 2024 £3,299 May 2025 £3,099 Jun 2024 £3,299 Jun 2025 £2,999 Jul 2024 £3,299 Jul 2025 £3,599 Sep 2024 £2,899 Aug 2025 £3,599 Oct 2024 £2,899 Sep 2025 £2,949 Nov 2024 £2,799 Oct 2025 £3,299 Jan 2025 £3,399 Nov 2025 £3,399 • Lead-in price based on 14 Nov 24 • Tipping paid locally $62-$84 pp per tour South America 93 Visit our website or call 0800 954 9329 to book or for further details