This nine day journey focuses on the southern highlights of Peru incorporating Machu Picchu, the ancient city of Cusco, the Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman and a lagoon in the centre of the Amazonian Tambopata Nature Reserve.  We also take you along some of the most spectacular sections of the Inca Trail, only without the camping, instead staying at a hotel close to the ruins.

The journey begins in Lima where after an overnight stay we fly you south to the Inca capital of Cusco.  This is one of South America’s most beautiful cities, steeped in history, culture and architecture both from the Inca and Spanish colonial periods.  The day you arrive, we take you on a visit to some of the highlights of the city as well as the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman.  Both here and in Cusco you can see examples of the incredible Inca ‘dry stone’ walls built from perfectly interlocking boulders of Stonehenge proportions.

Your first day and night in the Andes provides an opportunity to start acclimatising to the altitude.  The next day we take you to the Inca Trail by train, on a journey which passes through some stunning Andean scenery following the Urubamba River to the town of Ollantaytambo.  From here we cross a footbridge to join the Inca Trail for a half day trek to Machu Picchu.  Along the way you can enjoy some spectacular views of the Sacred Valley, and the ruins which include Chachabamba, famous for its ancient systems of water channels and fountains.

We will also pass through Wiñay Wayna (‘forever young’) which is the largest of the Inca Trail sites, with its chain of ritual baths and curved terraces.  There is some excellent cloud forest along this section of the trail, with giant ferns and moss bearded trees.

Some of the most commanding views of Machu Picchu are from the Sun Gate (Intipunku) which is the point from which you make your final descent to the monument.  You will be able to explore Machu Picchu itself in the afternoon and the following morning.

After a train journey and overnight in Cusco, we fly you from the Andes to the lowland Amazon rainforest and a lagoon in the centre of the Tambopata Nature Reserve.  This is one of the best places in the Amazon to see Giant River Otters, as well hundreds of species of birds and seven types of monkey.  It is not uncommon to see troops of fifty or more Squirrel Monkeys along the banks of the lagoon.  In the water there are many black caiman and 10 foot long Paichi – the world’s largest freshwater fish.

Expert naturalist guides provide a detailed education in the ecology of the rainforest here and excursions on the lake enable you to explore waterside wildlife such as Hoatzins and amongst 100 foot Mauritia palms.

The lakeside lodge we use is comfortable and a joint venture with local families whose traditional activity is the harvesting of Brazil nuts.

This 9 day trip is an ideal extension to a Yacht Safari to the Galapagos, or as a basis from which to explore other parts of Peru or Latin America.

Click here for sample itinerary.

Dates Available tailor made throughout the year. Prices (2008) £1,120 excluding international flights joining a small group based on 3 & 4 star hotels. Single supplement £160 (subject to minimum group size of 2) Price includes Domestic flights. All accommodation. All transfers. Guiding. Full board in jungle lodges. Breakfasts in hotels. Flights We can arrange international flights that fit into the departure dates, or allow you more time to explore South America if you wish.  Return flights to Lima start from about £630. Activity Level Moderate.  A regular level of fitness is preferable for this journey as some trekking is required. Min group size 2

Photographs kindly provided by Paul Cripps, El Monasterio, Sandoval lodge, Ralph Pannell

Hoatzins are a regular sight on the banks of lagoons in the Tambopata N.P.