9 Night 'Origins of the Inca'

9 Night 'Origins of the Inca' Overview

Peru and Bolivia are two countries united by culture and biodiversity, they share the majestic Andes and have mythical tales to tell, as well as wonderful scenery, cultures and people with ancient Inca traditions. During our 9 night ’Origins of the Inca’ itinerary, experience the awe-inspiring wonders of these two cultural gems of Latin America.

Day 1 - Day of arrival - Lima, Peru Arrival at Lima airport where a local guide will pick you up to transfer you to your hotel. Lima, the Peruvian capital is a modern metropolis full of history, currently undergoing an exciting process of cultural and economic changes. Overnight at Hotel Estelar Miraflores Day 2 - Explore Lima Explore Lima’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with fascinating historic buildings. The suggested route begins at the traditional Pueblo Libre district, where you can visit the Larco Museum, located in a beautifully restored mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid from the seventh century. Overnight at Hotel Estelar Miraflores Day 3 - Lima - Cusco Transfer to Lima airport for your flight to Cusco. A representative will meet and greet you. Transfer from Cusco Airport to your hotel. Enjoy a guided tour of this charming city, which was the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex, which was built over the Inca Coricancha temple. Overnight at Hotel Novotel Cusco Day 4 - Machu Picchu Transfer from your hotel to Ollanta Train station for your ride on the Expedition train to Aguas calientes. After a short transfer by bus you will reach Machu Picchu, a masterpiece of engineering and architecture that served as a sanctuary and retreat for the Inca Pachacutec (1438 - 1572). Machu Picchu, which means "Old Mountain", is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the new seven wonders of the world. Overnight at Hotel Novotel Cusco Day 5 - Cusco - Puno To begin your trip from Cusco to Puno, you will board the tour bus that will take you through the wonderful scenery of the Andes. The first stop is Andahuaylillas, a town located 40 kilometres from Cusco that has the Church of Andahuaylillas as its main attraction. Overnight at Hotel Casa Andina Premium Puno Day 6 - Champagne cruise. Puno - Huatajata After breakfast continue your High Plateau itinerary and getting to know the local people and their traditions. After an overland drive from Puno to Kasani, cross the border to Bolivia and visit the Copacabana sanctuary, the site of the “Virgin Morena” and the original place which gave the name to the famous Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. Then you begin your cruise on a state-of-the-art hydrofoil. Overnight at the Inca Utama Cultural Centre Day 7 - Huatajata - La Paz After breakfast visit a host of cultural treasures such as the ’living’ museums, where the locals in their traditional colourful clothes can be seen making make their own Borsellino hats. Admire the Urus Chipayas houses and get an insight into their lifestyle. Listen to stories from the famous Limachi Brothers of their epic transatlantic expeditions with the legendary Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl. Overnight at Hotel Presidente Day 8 - La Paz - Uyuni Transfer to the airport for your flight to Uyuni On arrival in Uyuni, transfer from the airport and start your visit to the largest salt flats on Earth, “Uyuni Salt Lake”. Covering an area of over 10,000 square km they are located on the Bolivian High-Plateau. Overnight at the Luna Salada Day 9 - Uyuni - La Paz Transfer to the airport for your return flight to La Paz. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is for you to spend at your leisure. Explore this fascinating city where your senses will be overloaded. Why not visit the many traditional markets selling local silver, woollen and leather products. Overnight at Hotel Presidente. Day 10 - Day of departure. Transfer to La Paz airport for your return flight to the UK