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THE SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCASFlanked by Andean peaks and rising to an altitude of over 3000m (10,000ft), the fertile valley of the Urubamba River was the bread basket of the Inca empire as well as providing safe passage from high mountain passes to the jungles of the Amazon basin. Today it is a patchwork of farming terraces, small villages, stunning scenery and small Inca sites. Popular visit sites include the town of Pisac with its colourful market on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the Inca town and temple fortress of Ollantaytambo.
CuscoThe World Heritage Site of Cusco was founded around 1100AD and for over 400 years served as the capital and spiritual home of the Incas. Largely destroyed and rebuilt by the conquering Spanish, the city is now a vibrant mix of Inca architecture, Spanish colonial buildings, museums, galleries, restaurants, hotels and small boutiques. At an altitude of 3300 metres, the city has a pleasant, sunny, cool climate. At its heart is the central Plaza de Armas, flanked by the cathedral of La Compañía de Jesus built on the visible foundations of an Inca palace. One of the best preserved Inca buildings is the Temple of the Sun, now forming part of the 17th Century church of Santo Domingo. Overlooking the city to the north is the Inca ceremonial centre of Sacsayhuaman with some very impressive Inca stonework, the temple and amphitheatre of Qenqo, and the nearby spring shrine of Tambo Machay.
The Inca TrailSnaking high above the Sacred Valley the popular Inca Trail leads hikers to Machu Picchu - the fabled Lost City of the Incas. During a four of five day trek hikers traverse a variety of microclimates, from an arid cactus zone, through native Polylepis forest and bleak high altitude grassland, to bromeliad and moss-festooned cloud forest, all set against a back drop of stunning snow-capped peaks. Scattered along this everchanging landscape are intricate ceremonial settlements including the magnificent temple of Winay Wayna. Machu PicchuKept hidden from the Spanish conquistadors, the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu remained undisturbed until its rediscovery in 1911. Justly deserving its World Heritage status, the site occupies a breathtaking position on a limestone ridge overlooking rainforested mountains and the Urubamba River some 600 metres below. Having evaded Spanish destruction, the buildings are in remarkable condition with many plazas, temples and alters providing an unparalleled glimpse of the Inca past. As well as being the stunning finale to the Inca trail, the site can be reached via a picturesque train and bus journey from Cusco.
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We have picked the very best Andes and Amazon locations to produce a well-rounded, absorbing wildlife and archaeology holiday utilising accommodation of a very high standard. Travel by canoe to a remote lodge in the Amazon; explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas; walk part of the Inca Trail; marvel at Machu Picchu; savour a great rail journey; and experience the vistas and peoples of Lake Titicaca. Truly a Peru wildlife holiday of the very best. Find out more... A breathtaking Manu overland journey starting in Cusco, travelling over high Andean passes, descending to Manu’s puna then on through lush cloud forests to the base of the Andes and the mighty Amazon basin. On the way, encounter bird-filled cloud forests, macaw and tapir clay licks, giant river otters and walk on miles of rainforest trails. Comfortable accommodation is used throughout this exceptional, adventurous itinerary which encompasses all three Manu Reserve habitats and ancient Inca sites. Find out more... A fast-paced Peru explorer programme designed to cover a multitude of attractions and thus appeal to enthusiastic travellers who appreciate all aspects of a destination. We include the vast Amazonian rainforest, the cloud forests and ruins of Machu Picchu, the high Altiplano plateau, Lake Titicaca, the condors of the Colca Canyon, the mysterious Nazca Lines and the marine wildlife of Paracas: a tally of all that is best in naturally diverse Peru. Find out more...
A holiday for the active traveller with an interest in trekking and wildlife. Spend 4 nights deep inside the Tambopata National Reserve, including 2 nights at a rustic lodge close to the world’s largest macaw clay lick. Then enjoy breathtaking Andean scenery as you hike the famous Inca Trail to the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. We have designed a holiday which combines the top two ‘must see’ destinations in South America – the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru, and the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador. In this fast-paced itinerary for travellers wanting to experience the major highlights of Peru, we include the rich marine wildlife of the Paracas National Reserve, the mysterious lines and designs of the Nazca Lines, the rich biodiversity of the Amazon basin, Cusco and the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, the pre-Inca cultures of Lake Titicaca, and Andean Condors in the Colca Canyon, the deepest canyon in the world.
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Having travelled a very considerable amount to various exotic locations it is a true surprise to step back in wonderment in what a country such as Peru has to offer. [The tour] gave us a treasure trove of different surprises and delights every day. Mr C B, Suffolk. |
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Sol y Luna Hotel
