South America

Peru and the Incas

2 – 11 October 2017 (10 days)

We first arrive at Lima, capital of Peru, and former capital of the huge Spanish empire of South America. We spend a delightful day absorbing something of Spain’s former Imperial glory and then visit the famous Larco museum with its unique Inca collection and other relics from earlier civilisations.

We then fly up to Cusco and commence our introduction to the Incas of the Andes – the last great civilisation to be conquered by the West and still very much in evidence today.

We tour the Sacred Valley and the Ollantaytambo Citadel – scene of the only Inca victory over the Spanish – and then by Vistadome (train) to Machu Picchu, along the famed Inca Trail.

Often ranked by our tour groups as one of their most unforgettable experiences, our Peru Tour is designed for travellers in good health but is not an Adventure Tour. Also, special precautions are taken to help ensure people do not suffer from altitude sickness. Warwick Forge has become an expert through painful experience!

For those who book early there is the opportunity to walk the last 10 kms of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, arriving at the Sun Gate with its astonishing vista down to the citadel complex – one of the most remarkable historic and visually arresting complexes in the world.

The Inca trail is also ranked as one of the great Walks of the World with its magnificent Valley vistas, the Andes – tallest mountains in the world – Inca settlements, and fine hand-made stone roadways, which still stretch for thousands of miles in various states of condition.

Our time near Machu Picchu is greatly enhanced through staying at the beautiful Inkaterra eco-tourist hotel, which sits on the edge of the Amazonian rainforest – our favourite hotel in South America!

Then it’s back to the Sacred Valley, unspoilt landscapes and the mountains of the Andes, and we make our return to Cusco, former capital of the once mighty Inca Empire. Cusco is a magic city, which abounds with Inca buildings, museums, churches, much colour, vitality and some of the finest cuisine on the continent. It is one of the most vibrant cities in South America and its Inca heritage remains palpable today.

Prior to the tour commencement, travellers may arrive a day or two earlier to relax, absorb Lima’s charms and take an orientation tour. This can be arranged at very modest cost.

On completion of the tour, travellers fly to Santiago (Chile) and may then link up with our ‘Gardens Tour’.

Tour Pricing
Tour cost estimates for 2017 (subject to variation due to currency movements, etc.)
$5,890 (twin or double share)

Includes all normal tour costs and flights from Santiago (Chile) – Lima (Peru); Lima – Cusco; Cusco – Lima; Lima – Santiago.

Single Supplement: $1,485

Tour Leaders
This tour is led by experienced tour leaders Warwick and Sue Forge. They have led many tours to South America and developed the leading Gardens Tour on the continent.

Amenities and Hotels
We have keenly sought out interesting and comfortable hotels over many years. They are all 4-5 star hotels and some are literally among the finest on the continent. We seek out hotels which are often luxurious, provide cultural interest plus good service and cuisine.

Tour Documents – Please click below