Walking tours of Peru

Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, straddling the borders of Peru and Bolivia, is famous for its stunning scenery, floating reed island communities and mens’ ‘knitting circles’. The region hit the headlines recently following the discovery of an ancient necklace dating back some 4,000 years, thought to be the oldest known gold artefact in the Americas and first evidence for the existence of an elite society.

Walks Worldwide’s new Peruvian tour utilises luxurious eco-lodges, built deep into the heart of the Andes, and offers a stylish alternative to more usual ‘roughing it’ elements of a trekking holiday. 17-day Peru In Style Lodge Alternative tours combine with an optional 4-day extension on Lake Titicaca, and depart London bi-monthly from now until December 2008.

Always dreamed of trekking to Machu Picchu but found the thought of ‘roughing it’ at altitude too daunting? Walks Worldwide's new tour, including trekking from lodge to lodge along the magnificent Salkantay Trail, offers an excellent way to reach Machu Picchu, avoiding the crowds of the Inca Trail. The mighty Salkantay Peak, at 6,271 metres, dominates the trek, surrounded by stunning glacial scenery, turquoise lakes and green valleys where condors soar.

Back in Cusco, walkers can rest their weary limbs before taking the train over the altiplano to Lake Titicaca, followed by a fast boat to Taquile Island, famous for a culture and lifestyle unchanged for the centuries. Here, inhabitants wear distinctive costumes and whilst the women work the fields, men do the knitting! The 4-day Lake Titicaca extension allows for further exploration, including an overnight stay in an indigenous family home on Amantani Island. What better way to get to know these extraordinary people?

The tour costs from £3,495 p/p including scheduled flights, transfers, high quality hotel and luxury mountain lodge accommodation, most meals, cooks and porters on trek, entrance and trail fees and expert guiding. A 4-day Lake Titicaca extension costs from £335 p/p.

For more information, visit Walksworldwide.com.