Peru

For those passengers who don’t have the time, or don’t wish to sleep in tented accommodation, there is a day walk to Machu Picchu that can be done in conjunction with the daily train from Cusco. Disembarking from the train at ‘Kilometre 104’ at approximately 9.00 a.m. you will walk for about half an hour to reach the beautiful Inca site of Winay Wayna. There is then a steep ascent to Inti Punku, the Inca ‘Gate of the Sun’,where you will hopefully catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu, and from here it is all downhill to the ruins,where you should arrive at approximately 3.00 p.m. A lunch box will be provided and you will be accompanied by a private guide.

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For those looking for a little more luxury on their journey to Machu Picchu, the new ‘Hiram Bingham’ train service, operated by Orient Express,provides a 3 course brunch with wine, and a guide is on hand to point out places of interest along the way. The train arrives at Machu Picchu shortly around midday and after a guided tour of the ruins you will be served afternoon tea at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. Return to Cusco on the evening train next day, enjoying pre-dinner cocktails and a 4 course a la carte dinner with wine. Operates daily except Sunday.

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The trail runs from Chilca near Ollantaytambo across the High Andes to the Inca sanctuary of Machu Picchu.You begin in semi-arid terrain along the course of the Urubamba River. After visiting the extensive archaeological site at Llactapata you will stay at your first overnight camp near the village of Huayllabamba. Day 2 begins with a steep ascent through tropical cloud forest to the Llullchayoc Valley, continuing to the Warmihuanusca Pass (4,050m), before dropping steeply down again into the Pacaymayo Valley,where the second camp is set up. An easier start to day 3 sees you walking to the isolated Runcuracay circular ruins. Then a complete change of scenery as you enter the Amazon Basin. A short descent leads you to the Sayacmarca ruins (3,600m). From here the stone trail enters the rainforest heading for the Phuyupatamarca ruins, the route’s highest Inca construction. It’s downhill from here, via the famous Inca steps that bring you to the ruins at Winay Wayna, and the site for your last night in camp. An early morning start on the final day as you head towards the final pass, Inti Punku, the Inca ‘Gate of the Sun’, and your first glimpse of Machu Picchu.

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This is a walk for those who are reasonably fit, as you will be walking at high altitude and there are some steep ascents and descents along the route. The walk itself takes 4 days, and you are accompanied by a guide and porters, staying overnight in tented camps along the way.We will arrange for you to join the guaranteed group departure that departs from Ollantaytambo on Monday and which is operated by our local agents. From Ollantaytambo a short drive takes you to Chilca,where the walk begins. Most of the equipment is provided by our agents, but you would be advised to bring your own, good quality 3/4 season sleeping bag. A full list of useful items and a detailed clothing list will be sent to you in advance.

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The highest navigable lake in the world and the second largest in South America, Lake Titicaca occupies the high altiplano that straddles Peru and Bolivia. Lying at some 3,812 metres and covering over 8,000 square kilometres, the lake has been home to the Aymara and Quechua for centuries, its expansive waters holding deep religious significance. The Inca’s believed that this was where their founding gods, the Children of the Sun, emerged on earth.

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One of the most spectacular of all ancient archaeological sites, Machu Picchu was lost to the outside world for centuries, until its discovery in 1911 by the American archaeologist, Hiram Bingham. A masterpiece of Inca ingenuity, its expansive remains occupy a mountain plateau high up in the Andes, overlooking the Urubamba Valley. This magnificent UNESCO Heritage Site is without doubt one of antiquity’s most captivating treasures.

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The less developed north is home to a wealth of ancient treasures, including Chan Chan, the largest pre-Columbian mud brick settlement in the Americas and capital of the Chimu Kingdom; the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum which has the most complete collection of gold artefacts unearthed on the continent and other archaeological sites including the ancient fortress of Kuelap, poised to become an even greater attraction than Machu Picchu.

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Starting in Chilca near Ollantaytambo, and leading to Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail is one of the world’s most spectacular treks. Over four days it is a walk for those who are reasonably fit, following a route that takes you over high passes with some steep ascents and descents before journey’s end. On each of the first three days, you will walk for between 5 and 8 hours, with a shorter 2 to 3 hour walk on the final day. Commencing in semi-arid landscapes you follow the course of the Urubamba River, passing through tropical cloud forest and over the Warmihuanusca Pass towards the spectacular landscapes of the Pacaymayo Valley. Blessed with spectacular Inca ruins and glorious mountain scenery, the climax of the trek is your entry to Machu Picchu through the ‘Gate of the Sun’, where the city lies spread before you. Staying in tented camps set up by your porters, you should bring a good quality 3/4 season sleeping bag with you for the chilly mountain nights.

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A short flight from Cusco will take you to the town of Puerto Maldonado on the mighty Madre de Dios River, one of the main tributaries of the Amazon. From here you will take a motorised canoe for a thrilling two-hour journey along the river to your lodge. En route you should see bird species typical of the river or forest edge. Our recommended lodge is the Posada Amazonas, a comfortable yet unobtrusive 24-bedroom lodge (with private bathrooms) owned jointly by the Ese'eja Native Community of Tambopata and a private enterprise and therefore allowing a real insight in to the local community as well as the wildlife. Accommodation is simple, in longhouses slightly elevated from the ground and open on one side to the forest. Facilities include a shower (cold water), flush toilet, and bed with mosquito net. Rubber boots are also provided for your walks, if required. A full programme of activities is included during your stay. For those wishing to stay longer in the rainforest, there is the option of combining your stay at the Posada Amazonas with 2 nights at the Tambopata Research Centre, whose spectacular macaw lick is the largest in the world and has been featured in glowing terms by the National Geographic Magazine. The Research Centre has 13 basic rooms with mosquito nets over the beds and shared cold water shower and toilet facilities.Although the accommodation is basic the lodge is attractive and well maintained and the guides and food are of a high standard.

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Located some 5 hours south of Lima by road, the mysterious Nasca Lines are also worth considering as an inclusion in your Tailor Made Peru holiday. Cut into the stony desert, these huge depictions of animals and geometrical designs can only be seen properly from the air, giving rise to a variety of far-fetched theories about their purposes (the writer Erich Von Daniken, for example, believes they form part of an extraterrestrial landing strip!). Whatever the truth, it has been established that the lines date from about 400 BC onwards. A flight over the area by light aircraft from the Nasca airstrip can be arranged locally, or prebooked through Bales.

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The coastal regions of northwest Peru witnessed the growth of the earliest civilizations in South America. Many of the ancient sites are only just being explored, and there have been some dramatic discoveries, most notably the temple and tombs of Sipan,whose fabulous treasures in gold, silver and turquoise, as well as beautifully preserved textiles, are now housed in a superb modern museum.Visits can be made to Tucume, the ‘Valley of the Pyramids’, dating back AD 700, Trujillo, with the massive 6th century Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, and the Chimu capital of Chan Chan, the most populous pre- Columbian city in the Americas.

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Situated in an isolated spot near Chivay in the Colca region, with breathtaking views, this rustic lodge provides a haven of peace and quiet in harmony with nature. Built with materials natural to the valley - adobe, stone, straw and wood - the inn welcomes you with comfort, cleanliness and the hospitality of its staff. It has just seven rooms. Energy and warm running water comes thanks to a modern solar energy system which helps preserve the environment and most of the lodge’s food is from their own crops.

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An excellent hotel located in Aguas Calientes village below the ruins of Machu Picchu. The hotel has 85 rooms and suites housed in rustic colonial-style cottages set in the 12 acres of gardens. Rooms are furnished with regional timber and styled with local handicrafts such as hand woven alpaca bedspreads. All rooms have heaters and private bathrooms. The main building has a spacious lounge and open fire, and is a short walk from the village with its busy market and excellent local restaurants. In addition to the restaurant, reading room and library, facilities include a spa using 100% natural products and a unique Andean Sauna. As well as being an ideal place to relax, the Pueblo is a great place for nature enthusiasts. The hotel’s grounds are home to the world's largest collection of native orchids observable in their natural habitat (372 species), as well as a very large concentration of birds (162 species), wild hummingbirds (16 species), butterflies (111 species), and over 100 fern species. The hotel is located just a short walk from the bus stop which shuttles visitors to and from Machu Picchu at regular intervals throughout the day starting at 6am.

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The M/V Aqua, a river expedition vessel built in 2007 at Iquitos, the boat has a total of 12 suites. All suites are air-conditioned with large panoramic windows and have twin-beds that can be converted to a California king-sized bed. Each suite has a sitting area, toilet, shower, hairdryer and continuous hot water supply. Social areas on the Aqua include an Indoor bar lounge, dining room, outside lounge and observation deck and a boutique. M/V Aqua is just under 40 metres in length and has a draft of 2.25 metres. Her cruising speed is 10 knots, and she is powered by 2 new Cummins 380 HP Marine Engines. There are also 2 Cummins generators and a 7000ltr water treatment plant. For your safety, the Aqua is equipped with radio communication with separate battery pack, satellite phone, life jackets, flares and signals, fire extinguishers. Each cabin has smoke detectors. River excursions take place on board aluminium launches which accommodate 8 to 10 passengers.

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Sophisticated five star hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the pleasant Miraflores district of the city, easily accessible from the airport. The hotel offers a selection of 81 rooms including Executive suites, Senior Executive suites, Master suites and a Royal Suite, and has all modern conveniences, including an outdoor swimming pool. The hotel’s Ambrosia Restaurant is highly regarded,whilst for a relaxing cocktail you may relax in the elegant English-style Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Bar.

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The former colonial San Antonio Abad seminary, built more than 400 years ago, has been sensitively converted into today’s Hotel Monasterio, a.‘museum’ hotel where you can experience a unique encounter with Cusco's Inca and Spanish traditions.Centrally located in the old Inca capital, the Hotel Monasterio has 109 Guest Rooms, 12 Junior Suites, 1 Deluxe Suite, 2 Royal Suites and 3 Presidential Suites. The decoration and furnishings combine the best of modern and traditional Spanish colonial style,many of the rooms having charming views of the city or the colourful rooftops of Cusco. All rooms are equipped with TV, central heating, minibar, in-room electronic safe and hairdryer. Laundry and room service are available 24 hours a day. The restaurant offers fine Andean and international cuisine.

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The ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most important heritage sites. The Sanctuary Lodge is the only accommodation next to the ruins themselves, with an unbeatable location high above the Urubamba River at 8,200 feet, surrounded by spectacular views. The hotel has just 31 rooms reflecting the Peruvian character and offers a choice of international cuisine and local specialities. Completely refurbished by Orient Express in 2001, the hotel is without doubt your first choice at Machu Picchu.

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