Day 1: Arrival in Lima
After a welcome from our team, we take you to the hotel to rest. Depending on the time of arrival, we can visit Lima, el parque Kennedy, the Calle de las Pizzas... In the evening, we can head out to enjoy the nightlife in Lima, and some of the many excellent bars and restaurants of Miraflores.

 

Day 2: Lima - Arequipa
Today we visit the historic center of Lima, through the old Plaza de Armas, the embankment of the River Rimac (in Quechua means the river Rimac Mayu). Then we visit the Cathedral of Lima, where you can see the tomb of Francisco Pizarro and the Catacombs in the Church of San Francisco. The rest of the afternoon is free until we fly to Arequipa, and then go to our hotel.

Included meals: breakfast

 

Day 3: Arequipa - City Tour
At an altitude of 2,325 metres above sea level, Arequipa is Peru’s second largest city. The city has an amazing colonial history, and is surrounded by three volcanoes: el Misti, el Chachani y el Pichu Pichu. We start our visit of the "White City" by the plaza de Armas, one of the most beautiful ones in South America. Then, we visit the cathedral, an example of the Peruvian architecture from the 19th century where a lot of precious gold and silver treasures are kept, and the Compañia church, an old Jesuit temple, maybe one of the most important ones in Arequipa for its history, tradition and its beautiful facade.

Then, we will go through the convent of Santa Catalina, "a little city in the city" from the 17th century. We will walk in the many gardens and patios and visit the place. About 20 sisters still live there, whereas this convent can welcome up to 500 sisters.

Included meals: breakfast

 

Day 4: Arequipa - Free Day
We have a day off to enjoy one of the most beautiful cities in Peru. There are many different activities you can do, including a visit to the Santuarios Andinos museum, to the Sabandia mill or to the founder's mansion.

Optional tours: Salinas Lagoon, the Toro Muerto, or rafting on the Chili River

Included meals: breakfast

 

Day 5: Arequipa - Colca Canyon
Very early in the morning, we leave Arequipa to go to the Colca canyon, the second deepest canyon in the world (3,400 metres). We go through the Pampa Cañahuas, the National Reserve of Aguada Blanca, where many alpacas and vicuñas can be seen. We reach the highest point of our excursion, 4,910 metres. On the road, we can enjoy spectacular tiers of agricultural terraces that are still maintained and cultivated by local people. The Colca is a very nice place to do sport and more extreme activities. We spend the night in Chivay.

Included meals: breakfast and lunch

 

Day 6: Colca - Cruz del Condor - Puno
Very early in the day, we leave for the Cruz del Condor, where we may have the opportunity to see Condors, the largest carrion birds in the world. On our way back, we will visit typical villages of the Colca Valley, such as Yanque, Coporaque, Achoma and Maca. This is a good opportunity to discover inhabitants' lifestyle, which has not really changed since Inca times. After a buffet lunch in Chivay (optional), we head towards Puno in a touristic bus, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. On the way we visit the stone forest of Imata, enjoying the views of the landscape and native birds such as flamingos. We arrive in Puno.

Included meals: breakfast

 

Day 7: Lake Titicaca
Today we take a boat trip around Lake Titicaca and its islands. We visit the floating Uros Islands, made entirely from reeds and inhabited by descendants of the Aymara culture. From there we continue to the island of Taquile, where we can observe local people’s customs including the local weaving for which Taquile is famous, and agricultural techniques which have been used since pre-Incan times. We have our lunch and in the afternoon explore the island's hills and archaeological sites. We then return to Puno to spend the night.

Included meals: breakfast

 

Day 8: Puno – Tiahuanaco – La Paz
After breakfast we head to the Peru-Bolivia border at Desaguadero, where we board our Bolivian transport and continue 30 minutes to arrive to the mysterious and imposing archaeological complex of Tiahuanaco, centre of an important pre-Incan civilisation. We take a guided tour of about two hours, visiting art and ceramic museums from lytic era, the archaeological site of Tiawanaku and its main attractions such as the pyramid Akapana, the semi-underground kiosk, Keri Kala, Putuni, Katantallita, the temple of Kalasasaya, the Sun Gate... Then we have lunch and continue on to La Paz, Bolivia's capital. We will arrive for dinner and have time to rest.

Included meals: breakfast

 

Day 9: La Paz - City Tour - Valle de la Luna
After breakfast, we will have a tour through the city of La Paz, taking the opportunity to appreciate its cultural, historical and architectural riches. We visit the Plaza Murillo, the cathedral, the government palace, the church of San Francisco, the replica of the semi-subterranean temple of Tihuanaco, the Quilli Quilli lookout point, the folk museum, the witches market... Later, we visit the strange landscapes of the Valley of the Moon, passing through the wealthy residential suburbs of the south part of the city.

Included meals: breakfast

 

Day 10: La Paz
We have a free day to relax. It is possible to visit the museums of La Paz, to do a cycling tour down the "Death Road" to Coroico, or a trekking to the Condoriri Lagoon, or others of your choice.

Included meals: breakfast

 

Day 11: La Paz - Copacabana - Island of the Sun
After breakfast, we take a touristic bus to Copacabana. On our way there, we can enjoy beautiful landscapes. We cross the strait of Kikina before arriving to Copacabana, a small and picturesque town on the shores of Lake Titicaca, known for its 16th-century shrine, the Moorish-influenced Basilica of our Lady of Copacabana. We then take a boat out into the crystalline waters of Lake Titicaca to the Island of the Sun where we stay the night with the local villagers.

Included meals: breakfast

 

Day 12: Island of the Sun - Copacabana - Puno
After sunrise and breakfast with the islanders we return to Copacabana, and cross the Peruvian frontier. We then head to the city of Puno where we visit the cathedral and the Cerro Huajsapata, a natural lookout point over Lake Titicaca. We spend the night in Puno.

Included meals: breakfast

 

Day 13: Puno – Cusco
After breakfast, we go to Cusco. We go through the high plateau of Meseta del Callao. On our way we will stop at a number of interesting archaeological sites and picturesque Andean villages. We visit Raqchi, the Inca archaeological sanctuary built by Pachacutec and dedicated to the Inca God Wiracocha. We will then go through La Raya ranch, where we will have the opportunity to observe llamas and vicuñas. Along the way, we will pass Lake Wacarpay, with spectacular views of the mountains reflected in its still waters. We visit Andahuaylillas and the Church of St. Peter, which is known as the Andean equivalent of the Sistine Chapel thanks to its coloured roof. We have lunch in a restaurant in the countryside, where we can enjoy the delicious and innovative regional cuisine. In the afternoon we arrive in Cusco.

Included meals: breakfast and lunch

 

Day 14: Cusco - City Tour
After breakfast the morning is free to acclimate. In the afternoon, we take a guided tour through the city visiting la Plaza Mayor, the cathedral and K’oricancha or Temple of the Sun. The excursion goes on outside of Cusco, to see archaeological sites such as Kenco, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay and the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuman, strategically built on a hill dominating Cusco. Another night spent in Cusco.

Included meals: breakfast

 

Day 15: Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Sacred Valley
Our excursion starts in the Sacred Valley, where we will see villages like Pisac and its colourful Andean market, Calca, Yucay, Urubamba. Lunch. In the afternoon, we visit Ollantaytambo, an important Inca site, famous for its administrative as well as agricultural and religious functions. We spend the night in a village of the Sacred Valley. Included meals: breakfast

 

Day 16: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco
We go to the village of Aguas Calientes by taking the train to visit the famous and beautiful ruins of Machu Picchu, one of the seven new wonders of the world. It was discovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. Once in Aguas Calientes, we drive up to the Lost City in 25 minutes by bus on a sinuous road on the mountain. We will take a 3-hour guided tour, visiting the highlights of the archaeological site, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Tomb, the High Priest's Residence, the Inca's Baths and the Temple of Three Windows. The guide's explanations will help imagine life in this remarkable civilization. The same day, we return to Cusco where we spend the night.

Included meals: breakfast

 

Day 17: Cusco - Free Day
Today is a free day to relax, shop, and enjoy the beautiful Imperial City of Cusco. We highly recommend you to visit the Inca house of Garcilazo de la Vega or the area of San Blas, known as the artists and craftsmen' neighbourhood.

Included meals: breakfast

 

Day 18: Cusco - Lima - Home
After having had breakfast, you take a morning flight from Cusco to Lima. In Lima you take your international flight. We hope you had 18 wonderful days with us.

Included meals: breakfast

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Included in Price:
-All hotels (3*) with breakfast (accommodation will be in double rooms most of the time)
-Food as mentioned in the program
-All national flights
-All transfers (airport - hotel - airport)
-All ground transportation in boat and train during the tour
-All entrance fees to national parks, churches, convents, museums, cathedrals, ruins and attractions that are mentioned in the program
-A bilingual tour guide (group 3 people)
-Local guides in the places we visit

 

Not Included in Price:
-International flight to and from Lima
-Excursions or tickets that are not mentioned in the programme
-Snacks and mineral water entry to discotheques, alcoholic drinks

 

Food and Drink:
There is continental breakfast every day of the tour, which the guide sometimes supplements with extra food.
There are approximately 3 lunches and / or dinners of traditional food included in the programme, including all
meals while trekking. Other lunches and dinners are not included; allow $5-10 per day for food and entertainment.

Physical Requirements:
This tour involves plenty of exercise, including some vigorous walking above 2,500 metres and is intended for those with a basic level of physical fitness. Parts of the tour take place between 2,500 and 4,500 metres, but always ascend gradually, giving time to acclimatise.

What to Bring:
Warm clothing, strong shoes or boots for walking, backpack, sunscreen and hat, insect repellent, flashlight and batteries, camera.