World's Highest Railway Journey

Arrival in Lima and transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Juliaca. Arrival in Juliaca and journey to the pre-Inca Sillustani funeral towers next to the Umayo Lake. The towers form part of one of the largest and most important necropolis in the world. Used by both the Altiplano civilisation and the Incas and their wives “Collas” to honour their dead and in preparation for the after-life. It was abandoned when the first Spanish arrived. With over ninety chulpas (tombs), all built from volcanic rock, those for the Incas can be easily recognised by their finer detail. Transfer to Puno and accommodation at your selected hotel.

Meals: B

Early transfer to the port for the boat journey on Lake Titicaca to the floating islands of Uros. Made entirely of reeds and inhabited by the Aymara Uros people, they live in huts built on platforms of reeds, not more than 30-40 cms/1foot thick. Short hike on the islands, then the boat trip continues as far as the island of Taquile. Members of this self supporting Aymara community receive visitors in their colourful national costume and show them around the island. Taquile is also renowned for its fine, decorative weavings. Lunch before returning to Puno.

Meals: B & L

Transfer to the railway station for the first class (andean explorer) scenic train to Cuzco (or a tourist bus may be taken). The journey will take us across the imposing altiplano region of Peru affording us views of the majestic snow peaks of the Andes in total luxury aboard the “Orient Express of the Andes”. A 3-course lunch is included. Along the route, we shall also have plenty of opportunity to see alpacas and vicuñas in their natural habitat. A brief stop will be made at the highest point of the journey, La Raya pass (4319m). Arrival in Cuzco and transfer to the 3* Casa San Blas Hotel.

Casa San Blas Hotel   |   Meals: B & L

Early transfer to the railway station for the 06.00 departure to Aguas Calientes in Vistadome class train and then a bus ride up to the spectacular Machu Picchu ruins (25 minutes).
Guided visit of Machu Picchu. Built by the Inca Pachacutec, comprising stone blocks fitted with masterful precision that harmoniously blends into the mountain landscape. There are many theories as to the origins behind Machu Picchu but three of the most popular ideas include a temple to the sun, a fortress against the jungle inhabitants or a sanctuary for the Incas. This fabulous city has houses, temples, warehouses, a large central square, all connected by narrow roads and steps, and is surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side which were used for agriculture. After the tour, free time to enjoy this magical and spiritual wonder. Opportunity for a trek (approx 1 hour) up to the sungate (Intipunku), which is a part of the Inca Trail, for a magical view of the sanctuary. Accommodation in Aguas Calientes.

Meals: B

Morning at leisure to return to the magnificent Machu Picchu ruins for a more personal appreciation. Opportunity for a trek (approx 1 hour) up to the sungate (Intipunku), which is a part of the Inca Trail, for a magical view of the sanctuary. Return to Cuzco with the 1530 train. Arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Meals: B

Free morning. Afternoon guided visit of the four ruins nearby; the Sacsayhuaman Fortress overlooking the of Cuzco, a pre Inca architectural masterpiece; Kenko, a rock sanctuary whose main attraction is the monolithic altar representing a puma, the red Fortress of Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay, a beautiful fountain fed by a spring forming a series of basins continue to the city of Cuzco; the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun. Return to your hotel.

Meals: B

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Lima. Transfer to your hotel.

Meals: B

Transfer to the railway station for the world´s highest railway journey to Huancayo. Passing through Galera station at 4781m this is the highest standard-guage railway station in the world. Arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Meals: B

Free day to explore the city and its surroundings at your own leisure.

Meals: B

Daily excursion to the Chanchamayo valley, the coffee capital of Peru. Here the growers, using age old techniques roast the fine arabica beans into what is widely regarded as the best coffee in Peru.

Meals: B

Fabulous train journey south to Huancavelica on the affectionately named “Macho train”. Running alongside the Mantaro river and through some stunning mountain scenery, you will eventually arrive to Huancavelica, a very seldom tourist frequented town. Transfer to your hotel.

Meals: B

A chance to enjoy Huancavelica and her surroundings at your own pace. Perhaps a visit to the petrified forest of Sachapite just outside of the town or just relax in the termal baths near Lircay. The surrounding countryside is littered with many ancient ruins awaiting discovery.

Meals: B

Spectacular trip to Lake Choclococha, a huge inland sea across from where lies the remnants of an ancient village. You will have an opportunity to see many species of bird including Andean geese and hawk eagles as well as some vicuñas that come down to drink by the lakeside.

Meals: B

Long trip back to Lima through some unforgettable, rarely-ventured Peruvian countryside. Transfer to your hotel.

Meals: B

Leisurely day with plenty of opportunity for shopping before your transfer to the airport and your return flight home.