Enchanting Highlights off Perú 20D

ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrive in Lima

Arrive in the Lima airport, and our staff will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. On the way, you will receive a general briefing that will cover subjects like facts about the country in addition to historical and cultural information. Feel free to ask questions!
Overnight in Lima
No meals

Day 2 Lima – Paracas – National Reserve Tour

Today we will board our comfortable bus and journey to Paracas. In the afternoon we will visit the protected, National Reserve of Paracas for a visit of the wildlife of birds, fish and more. Visit La Catedral rock formation, the special red beach where you will find many fossils. Then relax at the Playa Lagunillas Beach before heading back to your hotel.
Overnight in Paracas
Breakfast included

Day 3 Ballestas Tour – Nazca

With a transfer in the morning to the dock we will board the boat to start the fabulous tour of the Ballestas Islands, mini Galapagos. We will admire the rock formations, sea lions, penguins, and a large variety of sea birds like seagulls, cormorants, pelicans and others. En route will pass by the Candelabra, which is a geoglyph said to pertain to the Nazca Lines.  After, our visit return to your hotel. Later in the day we will board our bus to Nazca for the night.
Overnight in Nazca
Breakfast included

Day 4 Nazca Lines – Chauchilla and Cantalloc Tour – Arequipa

In the morning, we’ll fly over the enigmatic Nazca lines weather permitting. Created by the Nazca culture between 200 BCE and 700 AD, the lines were made by removing the iron oxide coated pebbles that cover the desert surface. There are hundreds of individual figures, ranging from simple lines to stylized hummingbirds, spiders, monkeys, and lizards. The lines comprise an area of nearly 200 square miles and can only be clearly discerned from the air. We will tour the Chauchilla Cemetery with many preserved mummies dating to the period of 600 to 700 years. Then off to the Cantalloc aqueducts to observe the pre-Inca water system. We will return to your hotel where you will have free time. In the evening we board our bus and drive south along the coast and east over the Andes to reach Arequipa. This beautiful colonial city is surrounded by three towering volcanoes.
Overnight bus
Breakfast included

Day 5 Arequipa – City tour

Arrive at 7:30am in the bus terminal and our staff waits to transfer you to your hotel. In the afternoon your guide will meet you in your hotel to start the tour of the white city. Visit the lookout of Carmen Alto with its beautiful view of the Chili Valley and the city of Arequipa. We continue the excitement by visiting the typical colonial district of Yanahuara with its overlook of the enormous volcanoes Misti (5825m/19106ft), Chachani (6080m/19942ft) and Pichu Pichu (5664m/18577ft). From here we will stroll through colorful residential areas. Then we will visit the Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, the Jesuit church – La Compañía – with its impressive cloister and cupola and the famous Santa Catalina Convent. This cloister has just been opened to tourism for the first time after 450 years. Return to your hotel.
Overnight in Arequipa
Breakfast included

Optional extra cost: visit Juanita the Ice Maiden

Day 6 Colca Canyon 2 days

After an early pick-up at your hotel, we head to the town of Chivay in the Colca Canyon. It’s located about 160km/100m northwest of Arequipa; a four-hour drive over the altiplano (high plateau) taking in views of the surrounding landscapes. Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons, is more than twice as deep (3269m/10725ft) as the Grand Canyon. En route we will pass the National Reserve of “Pampa Cañahuas”, where we will make a short stop to observe the vicuñas (a species of the camelid family). We arrive in Chivay and have lunch before checking into your hotel.
Optional extra cost: Visit the Calera hot springs.
Overnight in Colca Canyon
Breakfast and lunch included

Day 7 Colca Canyon – Cruz del Condor – Puno

After a very early breakfast, we will depart from your hotel around 6:00am-6:30am and drive for about 1.5 hours to the view point of Cruz del Condor. Observe the beautiful vistas of the Colca Canyon to see the tremendous Condors in flight or perched on the mountains. After, a glorious time we continue our drive and visit the towns of Pinchollo, Maca and Yanque with lovely colonial churches and the viewpoints of Choquetico and Antahuilque. From the viewpoints take in the gorgeous vistas of the terraces and pristine lagoons. We continue our drive until reaching Chivay to unwind and enjoy a delicious lunch before our departure to Puno. Take the bus to Puno and upon arrival transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Puno
Breakfast included

Days 8 Lake Titicaca – Uros – Taquile – Puno

After breakfast, we will meet in your hotel and transfer to the dock to board our motorboat to start our ride on the smooth waters of Lake Titicaca to the island of Uros. Enjoy a pleasurable visit of the Uros people, where the inhabitants have built and continue to build their islands from the totora reeds unique to the area. Their homes and boats are also built from the reeds. We journey to Taquile on its tranquil pristine waters. Meet these graceful people and admire their culture and lifestyle. The Taquileños are known for their hand-woven textiles and clothing considered among the highest quality handicrafts in Peru. Knitting is exclusively performed by males, starting at age eight. The women exclusively make yarn and weave. Enjoy a scenic trek of the island and enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant.  After a wonderful cultural experience we will return to Puno and to your hotel.
Overnight in Puno
Breakfast and lunch included

Day 9 Puno –  Arrive in Cusco

With a morning transfer to board your bus, we will journey through Andean country with spectacular views. Along this route visit the Pucara Museum before continuing to La Raya (4321m/14172ft) for a short visit catching stunning vistas of the Cordillera Vilcanota. We continue to Sicuani where we will have a buffet lunch and a chance to relax. Then tour the Raqchi archeological site that is famous for the Wiracocha Temple. We head to Andahuaylillas with its colonial chapel which is known as the Sistine Chapel of the Andes. Finally, we will arrive in Cusco to relax in a comfortable hotel of your choice.
Overnight in Cusco
Breakfast and lunch included

Day 10 City tour

Morning free to relax or visit museums and have an early lunch. The city center and surrounding neighborhoods are an amazing mixture of architectural synthesis: Spanish Colonial edifices, with their elaborately carved cedar balconies, built upon mind-boggling Inca stone foundations. A short stroll through the narrow cobble-stoned streets and pathways is a trip back through time. In the afernoon we will visit the impressive Qoricancha (“court of gold”, also known as the temple of the sun) and the nearby ruins of, Sacsayhuaman, the sacred temple but called a fortress by the Spaniards,  Qenqo known for rituals, Puca Pucara (“red fort”) and Tambomachay, the Inca baths. Return to Cusco.
Overnight in Cusco

Breakfast is included
**If you have chosen a private city tour then visit the San Pedro local market, Qoricancha and Cathedral,  Sacsayhuaman and Qenko ruins. At your pace not rushed and time for pictures.

Day 11 Sacred Valley

After a delicious breakfast, we set off from your hotel and drive to the fertile Sacred Valley of the Incas. Take in awesome vistas of the surrounding mountains, villages, and the flowing Urubamba River. We drive by the town of Pisac and continue to the top of the hill for a visit of the impressive Inca archaeological site of Pisac (2972m/9751ft), with numerous agricultural terraces and spectacular views of the valley below. Thereafter, drive down to the town of Pisac and enjoy the colorful artisan market with many stalls selling many handicrafts. We continue to Urubamba to eat a delicious Peruvian buffet lunch. After lunch, we drive to one of the original Inca towns of Ollantaytambo (2792mt/9160ft) built by the Inca Pachacutec. You will be pleased with the quaint town that has water canals running along the homes. Visit the archeological site which has many structures such as the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Hall, the Intihuatana and more. Then we will drive to your hotel.
Overnight in the Sacred Valley
Breakfast and lunch included

** In private services you will enjoy visiting the Pisac Sun Temple and Awanacancha and make other interesting cutural stops at your pace and not being rushed.

Day 12 Chinchero – Moray – Maras Salt Mines

Today, we will drive to the small Andean town of Chinchero (3780m/12400ft), where Tupac Inca Yupanqui established residency. We will visit the ruins and the small colonial church. If you are up to it we could go to a local´s home for a weaving demonstration using ancient techniques and natural dyes. We will drive up to Moray located on a high plateau at about (3500m /11500 ft) and just west of the village of Maras located below. These are the most stunning agricultural circles which are in a large bowl depression with many terraces resembling an ancient Greek amphitheater. This archeological site is believed (in theory) to have been used by the Incas as an agricultural experiment center to test plants in different temperatures. Catch your breath before driving down to the old colonial town of Maras (3380m/11090ft). Observe the spectacular views as we drive up the dirt narrow road to the Maras Salt Pans. Then tour the salt pans with its dramatic appearance and taste the salt waters. The salt is still gathered by hand without using machinery. After our visit you can choose to hike down to Urubamba or board our private transport there. We will enjoy a delectable lunch before returning to our hotel.
Overnight in the Sacred Valley
Breakfast and lunch included Optional extra cost: Horeback riding on Peruvian Paso horses, or bike riding

Day 13 Sacred Valley – Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu Town) – Machu Picchu Tour

This morning with a transfer from your hotel to the Ollantaytambo station we take the train to Aguas Calientes. We journey along the valley through beautiful scenery until we reaching our destination. Arrive and check into your hotel. We take the bus (25 minutes) to one of the amazing wonders of the world, Machu Picchu. Be in awe with your first views of this surreal archeological site that has withstood time. Stroll through the many temples and more. Then you will have plenty of time to further explore on your own by walking to the Inca Bridge of Sungate.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes
Breakfast and lunch included

Optional extra cost: Replace the train for the Short Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu instead.

Day 14 Huayna Picchu (if available) or Machu Picchu Mountain Peak – Cusco

This morning take the bus to the Sanctuary and climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain Peak. After a great experience return to town to have lunch. Then take the train to the Poroy station where our staff will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Overnight in Cusco
Breakfast and lunch included
Note: You must book at least 4 months in advance for Huayna Picchu.

Day 15 Free day in Cusco

Today enjoy a day at leisure, shopping, visiting museums or just relaxing.
Overnight in Cusco
Breakfast included

Day 16 Cusco – Puerto Maldonado – Amazon 3 Days

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Puerto Maldonado. Reception at the airport and drive to the Maldonado lodge where you will receive a welcome tropical drink. Then we will board the motorboat for a 3 to 4 hour ride up the Tambopata River to the Wasai Lodge. En route you will see tropical birds, caymans, and other wildlife. We will also pass by typical Amazon communities. We arrive and check into our lodge. Later enjoy a walk through the jungle to learn of its ecosystems.
Lodging
Breakfast in your hotel, lunch and dinner included

Day 17 Macaw Clay Lick

Very early in the morning, we will go upstream to the Macaw Clay Lick ¨El Chuncho¨in the Bahuaja-Sonene National Park. This is where hundreds of macaws and parrots gather every morning and afternoon to feed on the minerals necessary to complement their diet. After a wonderful experience in nature, we return to the lodge for breakfast and enjoy the lodge´s facilities. After lunch, we will take an ethno botanical hike learning about the plants and medicinal trees of the area. At night we do a night walk to spot caiman.
Lodging
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 18 Puerto Maldonado – Lima

A very early start is required for the canoe trip back to Puerto Maldonado, where we catch our flight to Lima. Arrive and our staff will be waiting to transfer you to Miraflores. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Lima
Breakfast included

Note: If the Wasai Lodge is not available we will offer you another choice in the same category or offer an upgrade.
Add another day in the Amazon at an extra cost.

Day 19 Lima City Tour

Today, enjoy a tour of the of Lima known as the City of Kings. We will visit a combination of pre-Hispanic, Colonial and Contemporary. Our visit will take us through pre-Inca ruins, colonial and Inca architecture, residential neighborhoods, charming churches, and more. Return to your hotel.
Overnight in Lima
Breakfast included

Optional extra cost: Add a gourmet tour taking a bite of Peru, or add the Pachacamac Ruins, or the Gold or Larco Museums.

Day 20 Lima – International Flight

Today bid farewell to Peru with a transfer to the airport for your international flight.
Breakfast included

End of Services.

Note: This tour can be tailored to your desires.

• SERVICES INCLUDED

  • Transfers IN/OUT
  • All transfers for tours
  • Briefing for tours
  • Professional English Speaking guide
  • All tours as per itinerary
  • Entrance to all archeological sites on program
  • Meals as per program
  • Nazca Lines Overflight
  • Train to Aguas Calientes and train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy station
  • Entrances: First day visit to Machupicchu ruins + round trip bus, Second day visit Huayna Picchu if available or Machupicchu Mountain Peak with round trip bus.
  • Hotel Lima – 3 nights
  • Hotel Paracas – 1 night
  • Hotel Nazca – 1 night + Day use
  • Overnight bus – 1 night
  • Hotel Arequipa – 1 night
  • Hotel Colca Canyon – 1 night
  • Hotel Puno – 2 nights
  • Hotel Cusco – 4 nights
  • Hotel Sacred Valley – 2 nights
  • Hotel Aguas Calientes – 1 night
  • Amazon – 2 nights

  Services NOT included:

  • Domestic Flights (we can book for your convenience)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Alcoholic drinks and anything not mentioned in program.
  • Tips