 Introduction: A great non-trekking adventure in Peru, exploring the arid highlands around Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, Cusco and Machu Picchu, the 'Lost City of the Incas'. It is also possible to extend your tour into Amazonia.
Arequipa & Lake Titicaca: First we fly from Lima to Arequipa (2350m), an attractive Andean town with the impressive peaks of the Cordillera Volcanica as a backdrop. Here stands the perfect snow-capped cone of El Misti (5842m). We have time for an optional visit to Colca Canyon. Driving across the Andes to Lake Titicaca (3856m), the highest navigable inland 'sea' on earth, we'll take a boat out to Taquile island, exploring pre-Inca ruins and overnighting with the local Indian community.
Cusco - the Navel of the Universe: We then ride a rackety train to Cusco across the high Altiplano, where bowler-hatted Indians graze flocks of llamas. In Cusco (3400m), the Inca 'Navel of the Universe', we'll visit Sacsayhuaman fortress. Built to defend the Inca capital, Sacsayhuaman sits high above the town with its imposing stone walls which took 20,000 workers 90 years to finish. We'll also visit lively Pisac market, one of Latin America's most famous markets.
Machu Picchu - the Lost City: We travel by train to the amazing ruins of Machu Picchu, which hang on the clouds like an eagle's nest. There may be a chance to follow part of the Inca Trail here, and you'll have the opportunity to do some whitewater rafting through the Urubamba valley.
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