Discover Peru – Lima, Arequipa, Puno, and Cusco

Day 01: Welcome to Lima, City of Kings, and the Larco Museum of Cultures

Arrival to the city of Lima, assistance, and transfer to the hotel.

An exclusive and intense tour of the Historical Center of Lima will take us to know and admire the architectonic relics that are part of the old Lima, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Convent of Santo Domingo is the beginning of this magnificent experience. It was built during the foundation of Lima. The Universidad Mayor de San Marcos (University of San Marcos) was founded on this site, the oldest in America. Inside, the choir with the oldest stalls in the country; and the library, with 25,000 books, some printed in the XV century, has an invaluable historical value. The mortal remains of San Martín de Porres, San Juan Masías and Santa Rosa de Lima lie inside. Crossing the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, and the Municipality, going into the Cathedral, a jewel in the history of Lima, with artworks that will make us feel closer to colonial Lima. Leaving downtown Lima and heading to the Larco Museum, where we will get a clear vision of the cultures that inhabited ancient Peru. We shall admire the gold pieces, textiles and erotic ceramics that are part of the collection which will introduce us to the cosmovision of the ancient Peru. The warehouse of this museum will be open during our visit to appreciate the expressions of art that were reflected in their ceramics.

Day 02: Arequipa, the White City

Transfer to the airport. Departure to Arequipa. Arrival, assistance, and transfer to the hotel.

In the afternoon, the “White City” opens its doors to us in a tour that starts in the beautiful colonial neighborhood of San Lázaro, the place where Arequipa was founded; from here we will walk thru its colorful streets adorned with geraniums and later we will go to the observation point of Carmen Alto, to enjoy a beautiful view of agricultural terraces and from there we will be able to observe the three volcanos towering over the city: Misti, Chachani and Picchu -Picchu. We continue towards the colonial district of Yanahuara, famous for its church built in the Andalusian style and its observation point, erected with a beautiful architecture, and surrounded with arches made of ashlar. Later, we visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, impressive religious monument that was closed for nearly 400 years; with narrow streets, squares and gardens that remind us of the old neighborhoods of Sevilla or Granada. Next, we head towards the Plaza de Armas, from there we will be able to watch the Cathedral and the arches surrounding the plaza, and finally visit the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús; established by the Jesuits in the XVII century, note its cloisters and the famous Dome of San Ignacio.

Day 03: The volcanos route, Pampa Cañahuas and Chivay

Outing in an adventure by land towards the spectacular Colca Valley. We take the route of the volcanos, going up by the side of the Chachani volcano, and having a formidable view of the Misti and the Picchu volcanos. Our path will go across the vicuna reserve of Pampa Cañahuas, high Andean habitat where the vicunas live and are protected. The highest point of our trajectory will reach 4,900 m.a.s.l. in the pass of Patapampa, from there we can appreciate the active volcano Sabancaya. Descent to the Colca Valley. Arrival and lodging. Lunch at the hotel. Free time to rest or to enjoy a bath in the thermal waters in the area.

Day 04: Colca Canyon, Observation point of the Cruz del Cóndor and Route to Puno

At dawn, we head towards the observation point of the Cruz del Cóndor. We will be observing the imposing flight of the condors, huge Andean birds that are the symbol of the Andean countries. The view lets us appreciate the great dimension of the canyon, considered one of the world’s deepest canyons. We will visit the towns of Maca and Yanque that still preserve its colonial churches. Lunch in a restaurant in the area. In the afternoon, departure by bus in a 6 hour and a half trip to the city of Puno. Arrival, assistance, and transfer to the hotel.

Day 05: The Titicaca Sacred Lake and its islands

In the morning, board a motorboat to visit the Uros, a town of people that sought refuge inside Lake Titicaca, fleeing the different cultures that arrived to dominate them. This community continues building their islands following the ancient techniques and welcome us to pass on their knowledge. Its people make a living from its visitors. Continue sailing towards the Island of Taquile. The community of this island has maintained alive its traditions, clothes, and way of life. It is one of the few Quechua communities in a region that is essentially Aymara, and they have kept unreachable to modernity and its possible effect on their lives. They will welcome us with their music and dances. Lunch at a community restaurant, a simple meal but very rich in nutrients. Afterwards, take a walk around the surrounding areas to appreciate the beautiful view of the Lake Titicaca. Return to the port of Puno. Transfer to the hotel.

Day 06: Route of the Altiplano

We depart in a tour bus to the city of Cusco. Our first stop will be the Museo de Lítico de Pucará (Pucara lithic museum), place that preserves the remains of the Pucará culture with pieces that will surprise us such as monoliths, stelas, and sculptures with animal shapes. This town is also famous for the toritos de Pucará (Pucara little bulls), beautiful multicolored handicrafts that symbolize protection, happiness, and fertility. Our next stop will be in the highest point at 4,335 m.a.s.l. in La Raya, geographic division of the basin of the water from the Titicaca Lake and from the Vilcanota river that will go to the Amazonas River basin. Lunch. We continue towards the town of Racchi, location of the temple of the god Wiracocha, the stone base of the huge columns and walls stand out and give us an idea of how majestic this small palace was. As our last stop, we visit the beautiful church of San Pedro Apóstol de Andahuaylillas, known as the “Sixtina de América” (The Sistine Chapel of America) for the paintings that adorn its ceilings and walls. Arrival to Cusco. Transfer to the hotel.

Día 07: Cusco, Capital of the Empire, and the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman

In the morning, we will leave behind the crowds to visit Sacsayhuaman, an impressive citadel full of colossal constructions surrounded by beautiful landscape in total communion with the environment. Afterwards, we continue to the Inca adoratory of Q’enqo, with its surprising altar for sacrifices embedded in the internal part of its rocky formation. Finally, we arrive at the Puca Pucará lookout and Tambomachay, a monument of notable architectonic excellence which is considered one of the pillars of the Andean cosmovision.

In the afternoon, exclusive stroll in the city that starts with a visit to the Plaza de San Cristóbal (San Cristobal Square) to enjoy a panoramic overview of the city. Afterwards, we will visit the San Pedro Market, where we will absorb the local flavors and learn more about the products of the area in this market that has it all and supplies the entire city. Later, the Qorikancha Temple will welcome us with all its splendor and magnificence, with walls that used to be covered in gold. From San Blas, the artisans’ neighborhood, we will walk down the street Hatun Rumiyoc finding in our way the palace Inca Roca, today´s Archbishops Palace, and we will have time to admire the world famous Twelve Angled Stone. We will continue to the Plaza de Armas to visit The Cathedral that houses colonial works of incredible value.

Day 03: Inca Village of Chinchero, Terraces of Moray and the Inca Village of Ollantaytambo

This day we shall visit the most outstanding places in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will depart towards the Village of Chinchero, the most typical and colorful of the Sacred Valley. This village is famous for its weaving women. Short stop in a textiles center to appreciate the old Inca techniques for the dyeing and spinning using alpaca wool. After visiting the Inca Plaza with its beautiful colonial church, we will continue towards Moray, a beautiful Inca archaeological site made up of concentric agricultural terraces that served as a lab to recreate microclimates. Lunch. Later visit to the last living village of the Incas, Ollantaytambo. Also, a visit to the Temple of the ten windows, the bath of the princess, and the Sun Temple. The postcard pictures that we will take from the heights of Ollantaytambo will close this magical day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Lodging in the area.

Day 04: Machu Picchu, the Lost City

The much-awaited day to visit one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Boarding at the Ollantaytambo station. Departure in the selected train. Arrival at the Machu Picchu station. Assistance, from our staff to board the bus that will ascend a winding road, with a spectacular view of the Urubamba River which forms a deep canyon. The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, will greet us with its incredible terraces, staircases, ceremonial sites, and urban areas. Energy exudes from the whole place. Lunch. At the coordinated time, return by train and transfer to the hotel in Cusco. Lodging.

Día 10:  Farewell day

Transfer to the airport to take your flight to Lima and connect with your international flight to your home.

Languages:

• Shared Tours: English, Spanish.
• Private Tours: Portuguese, French, Italian, Russian, Chinese, English, Spanish.

Included:

• Private transfers from airport to hotels.
• Shared transfer to the train station.
• All admission tickets on tours.
• Shared Tours with English / Spanish speaking guide.
• Round trip railway ticket to Machu Picchu according with selected category.
• 6 lunches.
• 1 night of accommodation in Lima in selected hotels.
• 1 night of accommodation in Arequipa in selected hotels.
• 1 night of accommodation in Colca in selected hotels.
• 2 nights of accommodation in Puno in selected hotels.
• 3 nights of accommodation in Cusco in selected hotels.
• 1 night of accommodation in Sacred Valley in selected hotels.
• Daily breakfast.

Not Included:

• Air Tickets (on request)
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

What should travelers know:

• Machu Picchu has limited capacity. It is required to give the full name, identification document, nationality, date of birth at the time of the reservation. The access to Machu Picchu is taking turns. We are allowed to only remain 4 hours in the citadel. The paths are delimited. We will follow the high-long path. Not permitted: to climb the walls, rest on the steps or terraces, or use walking sticks and drones.
• Operated exclusively by our Representative in the city of Cusco. We offer an experience of visiting the city and the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman in two half days to discover interesting spots of the city of Cusco that the traditional visitor does not cover. Our operation takes the visitor away from the crowd and gives each archaeologic site and church the necessary time to get to know it.

Altitudes:

Lima                                                40 m.a.s.l.

Arequipa                                   2,335 m.a.s.l.

Chivay – Colca                         3,635 m.a.s.l.

Puno                                           3,827 m.a.s.l.

Cusco                                         3,400 m.a.s.l.

Sacsayhuaman                       3,700 m.a.s.l.

Sacred Valley                          2,871 m.a.s.l.

Machu Picchu                         2.440 m.a.s.l.

What to bring:

• Long sleeve shirt. The solar radiation is high at high altitudes. Protect your skin.
• Sunscreen.
• Sunglasses.
• Cap or hat. You can also get them in the artisan markets and contribute to the local economy.
• Warm clothing for the night. Scarf.
• Comfortable shoes for walking. Trekking sneakers.
• Raincoat, in the November to March season. Avoid purchasing single use raincoats.
• Reusable water bottle. Several hotels have water filters available to refill your reusable water bottles. We support the reduction of the single use plastic water Bottle