Peru and Bolivia Overland: The Homeland of the Incas

Don't Miss

LIMA
Flanked by streets of ornate colonial mansions, palaces and churches, Plaza Mayor is the best place to start any exploration of Lima. Take a walk through the old streets to get a feel for colonial life. On one side of the plaza is the cathedral, which houses the remains of Lima's founder, Francisco Pizarro. Nearby is the 16th century monastery of San Francisco which boasts a canvas of the Last Supper that has a distinctly Peruvian flavour: the disciples dine on guinea pig and drink from gold Inca cups. But the monastery's catacombs are the real draw-card, and have been Lima's underground general cemetery for hundreds of years.

There are many fine museums in and around the city, including the Museo del Tribunal de la Santa Inquisicion, which gives a fascinating insight into the Spanish Inquisition, and the Museo Nacional de Arqueologia which offers a look at Peru's succession of ancient cultures.

PISCO
An important port town, Pisco is the gateway to the Ballestas Islands and the Paracas National Reserve. Sometimes called the 'Galapagos of Peru' the islands are a haven for wildlife and hundreds of pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingos, sea lions and even penguins. Get up close to the wildlife on an optional boat tour of the islands on day 3.

After the earthquake of August 2007, the town is in the process of reconstruction and getting its lively spirit back, starting with the main pedestrian avenue. Look for a restaurant to sample some of Peru's famed national drink, Pisco Sour, or for some local food specialties, head to the Plaza de Armas where the locals hang out and munch on tejas, small sweets made from nuts and dried fruits.

NAZCA LINES
The enormous lines have been etched into the ground by scraping away the dark rocks to reveal paler ones underneath. Animals, insects and birds are depicted, and some of the simpler line formations are up to 10km (32 miles) in length. Who drew them, how and why, can only be guessed at, but theories range from alien invaders to complex Nazca calendars. The best way to view the lines is from the air and there is the option to take a flight (approx. 30 minutes) across the desert before we continue to the desert cemetery of Chauchilla. The Nazca people were buried with colourful textiles and ceramics deep in the desert where the arid climate has naturally mummified the bodies for over 1,500 years.

AREQUIPA
Standing at the foot of El Misti Volcano and oozing the best of Spanish colonial charm, Arequipa vies with Cuzco for the title of Peru's most attractive city.

CHIVAY/COLCA CANYON
More than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon provides some breathtaking views. The Incan and pre-Incan terraces that are carved into the walls are still cultivated and traditional Indian villages are dotted throughout the canyon.

CUZCO
The Cuzco region truly is the heart and soul of Peru. The city itself is the continent's oldest, continuously inhabited city and was home to the Incas for two centuries before the Spaniards built their first capital here. Today, Cuzco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. Inca-built walls line the central streets and many of the elegant colonial buildings are built on or around Incan foundations. This is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend and is a perfect base for optional explorations into the Incan world and to enjoy a range of outdoor activities.

SACRED VALLEY/OLLANTAYTABO
Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, the lush, fertile valley has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Maize crops can be seen surrounding the river and covering the terraces carved high into the valley walls.

We will head to a community along the Valley to learn about local lifestyle and activities and if our visit coincides with market day we can spend time browsing the stalls in search of hand-painted beads or warm ponchos and maybe practising some of the local language, Quechua.

Ollantaytambo is a geometrically perfect town, a magnificent example of Incan urban planning. It is especially admired for the huge terraces that guard the great temple-fortress that clings to cliffs. This is one of the few places the Incas defeated the Spanish.

INCA TRAIL/MACHU PICCHU
The four day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a demanding but incredibly rewarding trek, reaching over 4200m at it highest pass. The trail is part of a series of Incan highways that linked the empire all the way from Quito in Ecuador, to Santiago in Chile. As we hike from high plateau to dense forest, you will see the ruins of ancient villages, temples and inns, the first of which is Llactapata, burnt to the ground by the last Inca Emperor to discourage Spanish pursuit down the trail.

The fourth day on the trek sees a short final hike (1.5-2 hours) to Machu Picchu and we climb the steps to the Sun Gate to watch the ruins emerge from the mist below. The feeling as the as you see the ruins for the first time is indescribable.

PUNO/LAKE TITICACA
On the shores of Lake Titicaca, the town of Puno is the folklore capital of Peru and famous for its traditional dances.

Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, sitting at 3,820m (12,562ft) above sea level. From the shoreline, the water stretches out almost as far as the eye can see, its expanses just waiting to be explored. On day 17 we have the opportunity to tour the lake by slow motor boat, stopping off to visit the Uros floating islands. The Uros built the islands from many layers of totora reeds to isolate themselves from rival tribes. As the reeds closest to the water begin to rot, more layers are added on top. These reeds are used for making everything on the islands, including the boats which can last up to 1 year.

LA PAZ
At nearly 3,600m (12,000ft), La Paz feels like the top of the world - and it's not far from it, vying with Tibet for the title of highest capital in the world. Although Sucre is the official capital of Bolivia, La Paz is the centre of commerce, finance and industry. Despite the abundance of colonial architecture, La Paz's indigenous roots run deep, and the atmosphere in the market-filled streets is both modern and traditional. The city is also renowned for its many markets, including the Mercado de Hechiceria or Witches' Market. Browse through the weird and wonderful stalls which sell everything from potions to incantations made from herbs, seeds and unidentified bits and pieces to cure any ailment.

Getting there

Following the Ancient Inca heartland in the Andes from Lima to La Paz.

• By Road
• By Rail
• By Air Search for cheap, carbon friendly flights through the get there section of this site.
• By Sea

Other Insider Info.

The Inca trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people, but do come prepared: the trail is 45km (28 miles) long and often steep. Generally the days consist of 7 hours walking on average (both uphill and downhill), plus stops for snacks and lunch. Normally trekking starts at 7am (except for the fourth morning) and you reach the campsite around 4-5pm. There is always the possibility of rain, even in the dry season and temperatures may fall below freezing at night. The trail traverses three passes, the highest being 4,200m (13,779ft).

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