Through the Energy Route Lima, Ica, Cusco, and Puno

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: Ica and Mysteries of the Pampas de Nasca

Departure by bus going to the city of Ica. Arrival and lodging at the hotel Las Dunas.

At the specified time, transfer to the aerodrome to fly over the enigmatic Nasca lines, huge drawings that can only be appreciated from the air and represent a variety of insects and animals, such as the monkey, the hummingbird, the condor, or the spider, it is believed to be an astronomy calendar designed by the ancient local people of the desert. Return to Ica. Transfer to the hotel.

Near the hotel, is the location of one of Ica´s most visited places, the Huacachina oasis. This beautiful oasis is surrounded by vast sand dunes, which we will travel in a dune buggy locally known as arenero, enjoying an adventurous moment full of adrenaline.

Day 03: The Pisco Route

Ica is one of the pisco regions of Perú, in these lands grow different kinds of grapes that will be used to make the famous Peruvian clear brandy. As we go deeper into the farming fields to visit an artisan pisco cellar, where we learn the old-fashioned techniques used to obtain this liquor. The bodega “El Catador”, belongs to a family that has maintained its history and family tradition of artisanal pisco. We will observe the clay pots known as piscos, the alambiques (stills) and the oak press to obtain the grape juice. Then we will go to the bodega Tacama, the oldest vineyard of South America (since 1540) a pioneer in growing grapes to make pisco, they will show us the process of making the wines, sparkling wines and piscos. In the vineyard restaurant we will enjoy the regional cuisine of the warm Ica valley. Lunch. In the afternoon, departure by bus to Lima. Arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Day 04: Cusco, Capital of the Empire, and the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman

Transfer to the airport to take your flight to Cusco. Arrival, assistance, and transfer to the hotel.

Ascent to the Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park and start of the journey visiting the fortress of the same name, a beautiful place that radiates peace and tranquility, we will also admire the huge rocks of up to 4 meters high, that were used in its construction. Continue to Q’enqo, antique temple of the Cougar where we can appreciate an altar for sacrifices in the inner part of a huge rock and then to Tambomachay, sacred fountains of life and health. On the way, enjoy a panoramic view of Puca Pucará, a watchtower that guarded the entrance to the city. Later, tour of the Temple of the Sun Qorikancha, over which the Santo Domingo Convent was built, the legend says that this Temple was completely gold plated, which amazed the conquistadores when they first arrived. To end our journey, become familiar with the Plaza de Armas (Main Square) and enter the Cathedral, which amasses invaluable colonial art works and paintings, as for example the Cross that arrived with the first conquistadores.

Day 05: Sacred Valley: Inca and Colonial Pisac, Inkariy Museum and Yucay Live Culture Center

The Sacred Valley of the Incas receives us in this day. Our first stop will be at the Inca village of Pisac, one of the most beautiful archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley. From the top of the mountain there is a great view of the colonial village of Pisac. Walk through the colonial village. Time for shopping at the artisan workshops. Later, tour of the Inkariy Museum to visit the different halls with exhibits of representations of the pre-Hispanic cultures of ancient Peru. Lunch. Visit to the Yucay Live Culture Center, tourist complex where the local settlers will show us their techniques of weaving and dying of traditional textiles, making of the adobes, preparation of the traditional chicha, a drink made of corn, and a close encounter with the Andean camels: llamas and alpacas. Overnight stay in the area.

Day 06: Sacred Valley: Moray Terraces, Maras Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo Living Inca Village

This day will take us to find marvelous places in this region of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Inca Terraces of Moray, a lab that was looking to re-create 20 different microclimates and secure the agricultural production of the empire. Continue towards the Village of Maras, tour of the famous and ancient salt mines, which still are exploited since immemorial times. The contrast between the white wells and the clayey land makes this landscape into a place not to be missed for taking pictures. Lunch. In the afternoon, tour of the streets, plazas and terraces of the last Inca living village of Ollantaytambo. Enter the archaeological site that dominates the village, where we will see the technique that the Incas used to work on the stones in the Sun temple that was left half built. At the proper time, embark from the village train station to arrive at the town of Machu Picchu, located at the foot of the mountain. Overnight stay in the area.

Day 07: 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.

Day 08: Cusco at your pace

Free day. Cusco has many cultural, archaeological, and adventure-related activities. Reserve the activities with anticipation.

Day 09: Route to the Andean Altiplano

Departure on a tourist bus to the city of Puno, a beautiful landscape route accompanied by the Vilcanota River and afterwards to the plateau of Collao, the Andean altiplano. Our first stop will be at the Church of the Apostle St. Peter in Andahuaylillas better known as “La Sixtina de América” (The Sistine Chapel of America). The walls and ceiling are full of mural paintings from the 17^th century. Continue to Racchi, Temple of the God Wiracocha, where the remains of the columns and walls stand out and give us an idea of the monumental size of this construction during the Inca times. Our path will reach its highest point at La Raya at 4,800 m.a.s.l., a place where there is the division of the waters of the basin of the Titicaca and the rivers that will go to the Amazonas. Lunch. Visit to the Site Museum of Pucara. This location is the cradle of the famous toritos de Pucará (Pucara little bulls). Arrival in Puno and transfer to the hotel.

Day 10: 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 11:  Farewell Day

Transfer to the airport. Departure to Lima to connect with your return flight home.

Languages:

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

Included:

• Private transfers from airports to hotels and v.v.
• Shared transfer from/to train station.
• All entrance fees to attractions included in the description.
• Round trip railway ticket to Machu Picchu according to selected category.
• One way railway ticket in Titikaka Train from Puno to Cusco.
• Shared tours with English / Spanish speaking guides.
• Round trip bus ticket from/to Ica.
• 4 lunch.
• 2 nights of lodging in Lima in selected hotel.
• 1 night of lodging in Ica in selected hotel.
• 4 nights of lodging in Cusco in selected hotel.
• 1 night of lodging in Sacred Valley in selected hotel.
• 2 nights of lodging in Puno in selected hotel.
• Daily breakfast.

Not Included:

• Air tickets (On Request)
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

What should travelers know:

• The light aircraft Cessna Grand Caravan of Aerodiana comply with strict flight safety protocols and to protect your health on board. The capacity of each light aircraft is 12 passengers with a maximum weight between all of 800 kilos at full capacity. The weight of each passenger will be required previously, a check on scales will be made at the airport before boarding. Overflying from Pisco has a total duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes, including the flight to the pampas de Nasca.
• 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.

Altitudes:

Lima                                                40 m.a.s.l.

Ica                                                 406 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.

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

What to bring:

• Long sleeve shirt. The solar radiation is high at high altitudes. Protect your skin.
• 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