Spirit of the Incas

Today you take a boat to the floating reed islands of the Uros Indians and the island of Taquile.  The life of the Uros is based on the tortora reed which grows in the lake and is used to construct their houses and boats, and can still be viewed like this today. It is said that the Uros began their floating existence by constructing the islands to isolate themselves from the belligerent Colla and Inca tribes, and this unique existence continues like this to this day. On reaching the islands it’s clear that they are no longer as secluded as they once were, but they are still a unique sight. Continuing into the lake you arrive at Taquile Island covered in pre-Inca farming terraces and small villages. Life here has not changed in centuries - men dressed in 15th century attire sit in groups continually knitting intricate hats and belts, people toil in the fields using archaic, yet effective techniques and the views out across the lake to the snow-capped mountains on the horizon are stunning. (B)

The imperial capital was laid out in the rough shape of a puma. Today, its orderly streets bear witness to the extraordinary skill of Inca stone-masons - many are still lined with precisely interlocked stonework which serves as the foundation for later buildings from the colonial era, creating an atmospheric pastiche of contrasting architectural styles. You are free to explore the inner city on foot or visit the impressive Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman just outside the city. This fortress of giant carved stones, some of which weigh over 300 tonnes, fit together with a watchmaker’s precision – with no need for mortar to bind them. There are two days free to soak up the historic atmosphere, visit some of the museums, the famous market or wander through the artists’ district of San Blas. (B2)

If you prefer to book optional excursions (additional charge), you can arrange in advance or locally through the group leader. A list can be found below, although more may be available at the time of travel.

In the early morning you have the option of heading back up to Machu Picchu to explore it further (additional charge, please note this must be booked in advance). As this is before the first train from Cusco arrives you have the site much to yourself with only those people who have walked in or stayed overnight in Aguas Calientes. The best way to explore these fantastic Inca ruins is simply to wander around with a guide, or alone with a map to absorb the grandeur. Machu Picchu feels like it was built in the heavens, on dizzying slopes overlooking a u-bend in the Rio Urubamba. More than one hundred flights of steep stone steps connect its palaces, temples, storehouses and terraces, and command outstanding views not only of the valley below but also the snow-capped peaks around Salkantay (6271m). Wherever you stand, spectacular terraces appear to be suspended from steep cliffs, transforming the mountain into a garden. For the more energetic there is plenty of time to climb Huayna Picchu, the sugarloaf-shaped mountain overlooking the ruins, to be rewarded with expansive views of the site. In the afternoon you return to Aguas Calientes and rejoin the train heading back to Cusco. Tupac Yupanqui Palace (AA) - 1 night - (B)