4* & 5* Railway Tours & Travel - Railway Journeys to Peru & Bolivia

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This multi-faceted tour combines the highlights of Peru such as Machu Picchu, the Nasca-Lines and the Titicaca Lake with a trip to La Paz, Bolivia's seat of government and highest metropole in the world. Guests who have a little more time can make use of the extension program to the Uyuni salt lake and the surrounding area. Many routes of this tour, which is especially designed for rail travel friends, will be undertaken with the Andean railway, an unforgettable experience. You will get a comprehensive insight into the culture and history of the countries and the railways.

Highlights:

• Lima, with its churches, monasteries and museums
• Rail trip to Huancayo and Huancavelica
• Ballestas Islands lines of Nazca Cuzco ruins of Sacsayhuaman
• Machu Picchu by train
• Lake Titicaca
• Sun island Huatajata
• San Pedro
• Uyuni salt lake

Including:

• Nights in hotels in the very good mid-range (4 stars), in the province in 3 stars (but best choice spot) and Theme Hotels
• Any other program mentioned in the travel services and meals
• Excursions, transfers and entrance fees according tender
• English-speaking guide
• Travel documents and taxis Service

Hotels

• Lima: Hotel Jose Antonio ****
• Huancayo: Hotel Turismo ***
• Huancavelica: Hotel Presidente ***
• Paracas: Hotel La Hacienda Bahia Paracas ****
• Nazca: Hotel Casa Andina ***
• Chalhuanca: Hotel Tampumayu ***
• Cuzco: Hotel Eco Inn ****
• Puno: Hotel Jose Antonio ****
• La Paz: Apart Hotel Ritz *****

Your train:

Like no other railway in the world, the Peruvian Central Railway leads through a breathtaking landscape, over 7 switchbacks, 60 bridges and through 66 tunnels through the Cordilliers to the Andean Highlands. The rail line Huancayo - Huancavelica leads through a narrow valley. The train passes more than 800 vertical meters. The trip to the fabled Inca city of Machu Picchu is romantic and the Andean Train offers an impressive scenic ride over the Altiplano with snowcapped peaks to Puno located at the picturesque Lake Titicaca. The endless vasteness is the dominant impression on the trip from Oruro to Uyuni through the highlands of Bolivia. Unlike in the European Alps no peaks are visible in the distance. Only small hills limit the horizon, even at 3.600 meters above sea level. The sparse plain is only vegetated with scattered bushes and grass.

Day 1: Lima
Arrive to Lima and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Lima
Peru's bustling capital is one of the most interesting cities in South America - a potent mix of colonial architecture, superb museums, Inca gold and glamorous shops. It is built on both sides of the River Rimac and was founded by Pizarro in 1535. Having experienced changing fortunes over its history, it is now claiming its place amongst South America's emerging hotspots. Visit to San Francisco, the greatest monumental complex of colonial art in America. We will see its basilica with 21 altars, convent with a cloister and Clementina and Capitular rooms, choir and monk's library, and the Museo de Profundis that has 111 canvases from the Rubens School. We will also see the Sacristy, with works by Zurbaran and Rivera, the Gran Patio ornamented with XVI century tiles from Sevilla, Moorish arcs and finally the underground catacombs.
The tour includes: San Isidro Olivar, olive groves cultivated from imported Spanish olives in the XVI century, the pre-Inca worship centers of Huallamarca and Pucllana, Miraflores Parque Central (Main Park) and Parque del Amor (Love Park). Also visit the historic center including Paseo de la Republica, San Martin Square, Main Square, Government Palace, Cathedral, Archbishop Palace, City Hall and old streets with colonial mansions and Moorish balconies.
Lunch at a typical restaurant is included.
Continue with a visit to the Peruvian Gold Museum. Our guided visit to the museum allows you to view gold pieces from several pre-Columbian collections as well as pre-Inca textiles.
There is also invaluable goldsmith jewelry which attracted the first European adventurers 500 years ago. This quest for the acquisition of wealth caused the Inca Empire's collapse and the eventual colonization of Peru by Spain.

Day 3: Lima - Huancayo
Transfer from Lima to Desamparados Train Station.
The train across the Andes between Lima and Huancayo is a great engineering achievement of the 19th century. After many years of being out of service, the train has started again, now with one departure per week. The 10-hour journey begins in the desert coast around Lima and climbs through a subtropical river valley, into the highlands, up and over the snow-covered Cordillera to finally enter the plentiful and green Mantaro Valley. The train crosses 68 bridges (such as Carrion and Infiernillo), passes through 71 rock tunnels -one of them, La Galera, is the highest point of the journey at 4,781 meters (15,686 feet)- and uses 21 switchbacks.
It is a breathtaking experience enjoying beautiful landscapes, canyons, mountains and lakes. Huancayo is located at a height of 3,240 meters (10,630 feet) and lies 346 km (215 miles) from Lima. The train offers two classes: first class and tourist (economy) class. It leaves Lima on Friday at 7 a.m. and arrives in Huancayo at 6:45 p.m. Return is from Huancayo on Sunday at 8:00 pm, arriving in Lima on Monday early in the morning at 5:00 a.m.

Day 4: Huancayo - Huancavelica
Regular train from Huancayo to Huancavelica.
The city of Huancavelica is bordered by fertile fields and green pastures where cattle graze. These highlands were inhabited by the Waris and later by the warring Chancas. The area was finally incorporated into the Inca Empire and became a military center. Following that period, the Spanish discovered silver and mercury mines, a reason for establishing themselves there. Currently, the city preserves its mansions and magnificent Colonial churches.

Day 5: Huancavelica - Paracas
One the most beautiful and interesting routes of Peru, crossing the Andes from Huancavelica down to the coast. You will be driven first on a unpaved road, but through wonderful landscapes of the Andean Mountains, where you will have the opportunity to see llama and alpaca herds. On the way you will see the stunning Lake Choclococha. After some hours, the ride continues on the paved Libertador Highway down to the coast. On the way, stop in the town of Huaytara, where you will visit its singular Colonial Church built on the basements of an Inca Palace. After a few hours, the landscape begins to change, turning more and more arid. Arrival in Paracas, on the shores of Pacific Ocean.

Day 6: Paracas - Nazca
Ballestas Islands Boat Excursion: These spectacular islands, eroded into many caves and arches, provide shelter for thousands of seabirds and hundreds of sea-lions. Although the islands fall just outside the Paracas National Reserve they are protected by separate legislation. The islands are home to over 150 species of marine bird including the Humboldt penguin, cormorants, boobies and pelicans. Even condors have been known to visit. On the shores can be seen large numbers of sea-lions and in the sea it is possible to encounter dolphins and even whales. Take warm clothing for this boat trip!
The ride continues from Paracas to Nazca. On the way, stop in Ica to visit the enchanting oasis Huacachina, surrounded by sand dunes. Visit a bodega (winery). Ica's wineries produce the world's best Pisco, or white grape brandy, and a variety of ports and wines, whose traditional way of production has changed very little over 5 centuries. Continue to Nazca, arrival after 2 hours ride.
To fly over the Nazca lines is something truly awe-inspiring. The experience takes you on a 20 min flight over the lines, whose origin nobody knows...though speculations are numerous.
During the flight, the pilot shows the entire 12 line Nazca complex, with some detailed explanations of the monkey, eagle, astronaut and other giant symbols.

Day 7: Nazca - Chalhuanca
The Antonini Museum was inaugurated on 7th July 1999, and today has on display over 300 ancient pieces from the Nazca Culture. The Archaeological Museum Antonini is run by the Italian Centre Studi e Richerce Archeologiche Precolombiane, which preserve and analyze the treasure heritage of the Nazca Valley, as a product of the archaeological excavations carried out by the Nazca Project, at the ceremonial centre of Cahuachi and other important archaeological zones at the Nazca River Basin since 1982.
We will travel up from the coastal desert into the Andean mountains, through cactus-covered arid and semi-arid slopes to the high 'puna' grasslands, where we will cross the Vicuûa Reserve of Pampa Galeras, home to wild Andean camelids who have made a successful comeback from near extinction. We will pass then through the picturesque village of Puquio. After some hours crossing the Andes and enjoying its mighty landscapes, we reach the town of Chalhuanca. Passing this town, we get to Hotel Tampumayu.

Day 8: Chalhuanca - Cuzco
Leaving Chalhuanca, we head for Cuzco, enjoying the green landscapes of the Andes. After some hours we Abancay, "the Valley of the White Lilies" in the Quechua language, capital of the "departamento" of Apurimac. The city has a superb location down in a valley surrounded by the mighty mountains. Then we will stop at the site of Saywite (see description below). We will continue, crossing the Apurimac river and then riding through the plentiful province of Anta. After some hours, arrival in Cuzco

Day 9: Cuzco
We will visit Pisac, a picturesque town of creole and colonial aspect that comes alive on market day. People from surrounding communities converge on the tiny central plaza to buy and sell produce, alpaca sweaters, and beautiful llama rugs of all sizes, blankets, cotton fabric, musical instruments, and food. Market days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and especially Sundays.
The old capital of the Inca Empire, Cuzco or Q'osqo means "Navel of the World" in the native Quechua language. It was indeed the capital of the great Inca civilization from the 13th to the 15th centuries when most of its amazing stone structures were built. After the Spanish conquest, many of the Inca palaces and temples were destroyed and their foundations used for the construction of colonial buildings and churches. This has made Cuzco a rich mixture of Inca and Colonial architecture and nowadays a Unesco World Cultural Heritage site. Visit to the Korikancha, the ancient Temple of the Sun where the Spanish built the Convent of Santo Domingo. Then visit to the Cathedral, on the Main Square of Cuzco. The tour continues with a visit to nearby Inca ruins: the fortress of Sacsayhuaman -a series of imposing stone structures, Q'enqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay, the Bath of the Inca.

Day 10: Cuzco
Wake up extra early today for a quick breakfast before transferirng to the station to catch your early train to Aguas Calientes, gateway to Machu Picchu!
The train journey from Cuzco to Machu Picchu is a highlight of any trip to the Andes. The scenery is simply spectacular, and the recently refurbished Vistadomes with their panoramic windows allow you to enjoy it in comfort.
The 3 1/2 hour journey takes you through a changing landscape. First there is a steep climb out of Cuzco into the surrounding hillside, by means of a series of switchback turns known locally as "the zig zag". Soon the train stops at the beautiful village of Poroy, and then descends into the Sacred Valley, passing by lush, green fields and colourful villages in the foothills of the Andes. From here on, there are wonderful vistas of the mountains and, deep in its dramatic canyon, the beautiful Urubamba River running through the Sacred Valley.
For optimum views of the Andes, windows have been installed into the carriage ceilings. Also, a newly enhanced food-and-drink service, plus individual slip-down tables have been added.
And what a destination awaits you! Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, is one of the wonders of the Americas. The stunning ruins of the ancient citadel, perched on a mountain peak high in the Andes, are perhaps the greatest surviving testament to Inca civilization. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, Machu Picchu was the secret city of the Incas, never discovered by the Spanish. It was only rediscovered in 1911, by an American, Professor Bingham, and it remains South America­s most spectacular archaeological site.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, make the brief walk through the town markets and over the railway bridge to board any one of several coaches which will take you up to the entrance of Machu Picchu. You guide will await you there for a visit to the Lost City of the Incas. After the tour, return to Aguas Calientes. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
Around 3:30 p.m. the train departs back to Cuzco. From the train station transfer back to your hotel.
If you overnight in Machu Picchu, on the next day make sure you are on time at the train station in order to catch the train back to Cuzco. In Cuzco you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel.

Day 11: Cuzco - Puno
Travel in luxury on the Orient Express Train "Andean Explorer" from Cuzco to Puno. This spectacular rail journey begins in historic Cuzco and travels south to the city of Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. On the journey, the train makes a gentle climb to higher, and cooler altitudes. The first half of the journey is dominated by the magnificent Andean mountains which towers over the deep valleys of the meandering Huatanay River. It then reaches the gentler, rolling Andean Plains, where vicuûa and alpaca can be seen. While travelling aboard the Andean Explorer, the glass-walled observation car provides the perfect opportunity to view the beautiful scenery. The journey is broken by a scenic stop at La Raya, which is also the highest point on the route.

Day 12: Puno - La Paz
Optional excurtion today, Uros Floating Islands: The boat trip will depart from the dock in Puno to the Lake Titicaca. You will visit the "floating islands" of the Uros Indians. These islands are made of piles of reeds, an ancient tradition of the Uros. They are descendants of the oldest people of the Altiplano, though the present Uros people have mixed with the Aymara and no pure Uros exist anymore.
Transportation to and from the hotel is included.
Early land transfer to Copacabana Sanctuary, board the Catamaran Cruise Ship, lunch while sailing to Sun Island, the legendary birthplace of the Inca Empire. Visit the Inca Garden, steps and fountain followed by the Inti Wata Cultural Complex including the Ekako Underground Museum, the traditional medicine and the Titikaka Reed Shipbuilders display centers, the Pachamama agricultural Inca terraces, a handicraft center, the Intica lounge and at the Manco Kapac look out the largest variety of Andean camelids.
Also, the Inti Wata Complex at Sun Island includes a unique sailing experience aboard a huge Titikaka traditional vessel for a panoramic visit to the Pilkokaina Inca Palace. Catamaran Cruise Ship to Chua harbor, land transfer to La Paz city.

Day 13: La Paz
La Paz, the city that touches the sky, is an apt description. It was founded on October 20th, 1548 under the name of La Ciudad de Nuestra Seûora de La Paz (The City of Our Lady of Peace). Located high above sea level, La Paz sits in a bowl surrounded by the high altiplano. La Paz as it grows climbs the hills resulting in varying elevations from 3000 to 4100 m. Overlooking the city is towering triple-peaked Illimani, always snow covered and majestic. La Paz is the legislative capital of Bolivia, the largest city, and considered to be the highest Capital city in the world. Today it is a vibrant city with a little over one million in population.
This morning we will start our tour of the city with a visit to the Plaza Murillo (the main square) At the Plaza Murillo, originally the Plaza de Armas, it was renamed after General Murillo, one of the heroes of the Bolivian independence movement, we are in the center of La Paz. The square is bordered by the cathedral whose towers were completed only in time for a papal visit in 1997, and by the Government Palace, or the Palacio Quemado for the number of times it has burned. Guarding the entrance are the guards in red uniforms in honor of the soldiers of the Pacific War in which Bolivia lost its seacoast to Chile. Across the plaza is the Congress building that before 1904 housed a convent, a jail, and a university. Iglesia de San Francisco - reconstruction from 1784 of the original 1548 church. Note the combination of Christian and indigenous figures and animals carved on the stone fa™ade. Then we will take a stroll on the narrow, cobbled-stoned Jaen Street, a walk back in time to colonial days. Here we will visit a replica of the semi-subterranean temple of the Tiwanaku Culture. No visit to La Paz is complete without a visit to the Mercado de HechicerÅa, the Witches Market also called Mercado de las Brujas. On sale here are herbs and magic charms for any occasion, as well as those for love, money or health.
Then for a change of scenery we will travel outside of the capital a few miles to come to the Valley of the Moon. A short way out of central La Paz is an area of bizare rock formations known as the Valley of the Moon. It really isn't a valley at all but a badlands of hills and rock eroded into weird shapes and deep gulleys. The setting is in a rural and peaceful landscape that contrasts wonderfully with the constant hum of the city of La Paz itself. From here there are great views all around including looking down over the city itself. Here we will also visit a ceramic workshop with a demonstration of the art of pottery.
Return to the hotel.

Day 14: La Paz
Breakfast at the hotel. And transfer to the airport.