Itinerary
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Day 1
Lima Limais situated halfway alongPeru’s desert coastline, literally stuck between the desert and the deep blue sea. The valley was once dominated by hundreds of pre-Inca temples and palaces. Pizarro chose the palace of local chief Taurí Chusko as the site of the city’s inauguration on January 6, 1535, and thus beganLima’s colonial history, reflected in the opulent mansions with Moorish latticed wooden balconies that graceLima’s plazas. The main square, Plaza de Armas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with paths, gardens and an elegant bronze fountain. Surrounding the main plaza are the Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, the Town Hall and the impressive Palacio de Gobierno (GovernmentPalace). Cultural attractions aside, areas such as Barranco, Miraflores andSan Isidrohave much to offer the visitor in the way of shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locate your vehicle. Includes assistance at the airport with a local representative in between flight connections or to a hotel located right at the airport. Conveniently located right beside theJorgeChavezAirportinLima, the Ramada Costa del Sol is a great choice for travelers. The 130 guest rooms include mini bars and climate control, so that one may feel practically at home. Breakfast offers a lovely range of options, with all the necessities required to start the day off. Also try the hotel restaurants, which feature items from across the world. For those who want to do some sightseeing, the Limas Cathedral and Larcomar shopping center and entertainment complex are not far from the hotel. Otherwise, spend some time using the sauna and massage services, which will guarantee a relaxing trip. Overnight at Ramada Costa Del Sol. |
 Lima |
 Ramada Costa Del Sol |
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Day 2
Arequipa Arequipa is the second-largest city in Peru, and is also known as the ‘white city’, since the most important colonial buildings were built of white volcanic rock (ashlar) from a nearby quarry. In 2000 the city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Both Spanish colonial and Andalusian influences are visible everywhere. Especially remarkable is the Santa Catalina Convent – a beautiful ‘city within a city’. Arequipa is a great place for hiking and mountaineering expeditions with daily excursions to the Cotahuasi and Colca Canyons, one of the deepest in the world. El Misti is a relatively easy climb and river rafting is becoming popular in the area. Our local representative will meet you for an airport transfer, with private vehicle and professional driver. Fly from Lima to Arequipa direct on Lan Peru Airlines. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. Includes airport transfer with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative. Enjoy a three hour private, guided city tour of Arequipa starting with a visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery, a city within a city, founded at the end of XVII century and only opened to the public a few years ago. Your English speaking Guide will also bring you to the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Jesuit Cloister and the residential areas of Cayma and Yanahuara before finishing the tour at the “Mirador de Yanahuara” for a superb view of the volcanoes. Casa Andina Private Collection proudly shares with travelers to Arequipa its newest acquisition, converted from an old mansion and opened in early 2008. The 41 rooms are immaculately kept, each designed with a fusion of contemporary and traditional decor so that one may embrace the history of this city in each hallway. For those who will spend time learning the history of Arequipa, the hotel is just a few blocks from the main square and the monastery. One will appreciate the quiet and convenience this placement offers. Overnight at Casa Andina Private Collection. |
 Arequipa |
 Arequipa |
 Casa Andina Private Collection, Arequipa |
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Day 3
Colca Canyon Colca Canyon is a canyon of the Colca River in southern Peru. It is located about 100 miles (160 kilometers) northwest of Arequipa. It is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States. However, the canyon's walls are not as vertical as those of the Grand Canyon. The Cotahuasi Canyon to the northwest is a deeper canyon at 11,488 ft (3,501 m). The Colca Valley is a colorful Andean valley with towns founded in Spanish Colonial times and formerly inhabited by the Collaguas and the Cabanas. The local people still maintain ancestral traditions and continue to cultivate the pre-Inca stepped terraces. This tour is impressive due to the beautiful landscapes and the thermal baths you will experience, as well as the cultural symbiosis of the ancient Andean cultures and the Catholic religion introduced by the Spanish. The people living in the valley today are testimony to this history and the cultures of Collaguas and Cabanas settling there. In the early morning depart from Arequipa and head towards the valley. On the way you will pass Yura, Pampa de Arrieros, Pampa Cañahuas (where you’ll find the Vicuna National Reserve of Aguada Blanca) and Vizcachani and Tojra (a great place to see migratory birds resting in so called “bofedales”, a sort of peat bog). Apart from the impressive landscape with several snow-capped volcanoes, you'll witness a lot of small stone towers called “apachetas”, which have been assembled this way by the locals as an offering to the “Apus” or the mountains according to old Andean religion. Entering the Colca canyon we’ll arrive at its most important town, Chivay where we’ll also have lunch. In the afternoon you'll visit the thermal baths of La Calera (about 1 km from Chivay) and on during the drive back you’ll make a short stop in the city to visit the market and the main square. Las Casitas del Colca is a heaven of peace and tranquillity in the heart of Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. This luxurious Orient-Express lodge boasts twenty individual casitas offering supreme privacy and exclusivity and an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Andes. Spend a few days in harmony with the Colca Canyon, its nature and community, complete with the freedom to do as much or as little as you wish. Overnight at Las Casitas del Colca. |
 Colca Canyon |
 Colca Canyon |
 Las Casitas del Colca |
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Day 4
Colca Canyon Stay in the one of the world's most sublime settings at Las Casitas Del Colca including full board luxury accommodation (excluding premium brands) and all activities such as hiking, cookery lessons, trout fishing, horse riding, bike riding, star gazing and painting. Overnight at Las Casitas del Colca. |
 Las Casitas Del Colca |
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Day 5
Puno Puno is the center of Peruvian folklore and hosts some of the best festivals. Spaniards were lured to the region by the vast mineral wealth and the area is dotted with both colonial churches and pre-Columbian ruins. Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, is the home of the Uros people who have for centuries built their homes and boats out on the lake using Totora reeds. Around the lake can be found pre-AD 1000 remains from the Pucara and Tiahuanaco cultures. In the morning we’ll drive to the observation point “Cruz del Condor”. While this is not the deepest point of the Canyon, from Cruz del Condor you can appreciate the grandeur of the canyon and with a bit of luck, you might even spot an Andean condor, the largest flying bird in the world, soaring across the high plain. Afterwards, continue to Puno with your Private English speaking guide and driver. Enjoy a box Lunch along the way. Enjoy dinner at your hotel (included in the tour price). Peering onto the banks of Lake Titicaca in Puno, the largest lake in South America, the Libertador welcomes guests to discover this region. Its 123 rooms provide delicious panoramic views of the lake and all its activity. Rooms are equipped with all the amenities of home plus all sorts of toiletries for convenience. Dine at Los Uros Restaurant, where one may sample Andean cuisine at its best. Take advantage of this opportunity to truly savor the talents of chefs using traditional ingredients and techniques. Make sure to learn about the unique Uros people that inhabit the manmade islands on these waters. Also take some time to loosen up in the Jacuzzi and sauna. Overnight at Libertador Lago Titicaca. |
 Puno |
 Puno |
 Libertador Lake Titicaca Puno |
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Day 6
Puno Enjoy a Full day shared tour to visit Uros and Taquile Island on a shared boat with a private English speaking guide. A Quechua speaking population developed an efficient and unique social system that continues to be passed from generation to generation in these parts. The islands are also famous for one of the world’s finest hand weaving techniques. Board a small boat and venture out onto the waters of Lake Titicaca. Visit one of the native Uros communities located on a man-made floating island in the lake. The Uros people live totally interwoven with the "Totora" reed which grows abundantly in the shallows of the lake. This way of life began over 500 years ago when the Uros built the islands in an effort to isolate themselves from the Coyas and the Incas. From here, continue onwards to visit Taquile. The community here lives in perfect harmony with the environment. The locals wear colorful traditional clothes which they make themselves and maintain a strong air of group individuality. Men always seem to be walking around the island knitting the woollen caps they wear. Women weave traditional clothes, which are among Peru's most beautiful. Enjoy a great lunch on Taquile and then return to Puno in the afternoon. Enjoy dinner at your hotel (included in the tour price). Overnight at Libertador Lago Titicaca. |
 Lake Titicaca |
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Day 7
Cusco Cuscowas the former capital of the Inca Empire (founded AD 1100). The city today is a fascinating mix of Inca and colonial Spanish architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. Almost every central street has remnants of Inca walls, arches and doorways that serve as the foundation for the colonial and modern buildings. Narrow alleys of whitewashed houses with sky-blue and bottle-green shutters open out onto elegant squares with stone-hewn fountains and elegant restaurants and posadas (inns). Colorful murals depicting historical scenes can be seen on countless walls, and indigenous women with braids and embroidered shawls set up makeshift stalls selling woven blankets and handmade crafts and jewelry. The elegant Plaza de Armas, or main square, is lined with arcades and houses with ornately carved wooden balconies and terracotta tiled roofs. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking local representative. Flight from Juliaca to Cusco. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour. Our local representative will meet you for an airport transfer, with private vehicle and professional driver. High in the Andes, 3000m above sea level, lies the historic city of Cusco, with its unique blend of Spanish and Inca cultures. Take a half day private tour of the city including the best of Cusco: the Koricancha Temple (Temple of the Sun) and the Cathedral with its magnificent chapels and baroque altars and paintings from the Cusquenian School. The tour also includes the surrounding ruins: the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the Inca bath of Tambomachay, the labyrinth of Puca Pucara and the amphitheatre of Kenko. Includes tourist ticket and entrance fees. Situated in the historic area of Cusco, the Libertador Palacio del Inka is highly commended by past guests for its 5 star services and facilities. The 240 rooms and 14 suites are exceptionally well-appointed, with comfortable beds and stimulating views. The breakfast buffet is delicious, with a good spread of options that will satisfy everbody. The hotel has a grand, ancient atmosphere, and is simply impeccable when it comes to staff and an amiable atmosphere. There is plenty of lounging space for those who want to interact with other guests or friends. The Libertador is positioned very conveniently, making it an easy walk to key points in the city for shopping and sightseeing. Overnight at Libertador Palacio Del Inka. |
 Cusco |
 Sacsayhuaman Fortress |
 Libertador Palacio del Inka Cusco |
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Day 8
Cusco Enjoy a full day private excursion to the Sacred Valley with your own private vehicle, driver and English speaking guide. Traveling north of Cusco, enjoy a visit to Ollantaytambo, a fortress built during the Inca Empire that is an excellent example of military architecture. Enjoy a buffet lunch (included) at a restaurant. Afterwards, visit the village of Pisac and attend the local agricultural open-market where artisans from all over the area congregate to sell their crafts. Overnight at Libertador Palacio Del Inka. |
 Ollantaytambo |
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Day 9
Aguas Calientes Aguas Calientes is the colloquial name forMachu Picchupueblo, a town on theUrubambaRiverinPeru. It is best known as the closest town to the tourist attractionMachu Picchu, which is 6 km away, about a 1.5 hour walk. It has many hotels and restaurants for tourists, as well as natural hot baths, which give the town its name ("hot waters" in Spanish). The hydro electric plant about 8 km past Aguas Calientes is the end of the train line fromCusco. A few trains leave Cusco each morning to transport tourists from Cusco to Aguas Calientes to visitMachu Picchu; they are also used by local residents. Includes transfer to/from the train station with shared bus and professional driver. Once you get to the train station together with your guide, you will board the Vistadome train for a 6:05am* departure to the ancient ruins at Machu Picchu (train ride is 4 hrs). The journey begins with a series of switchbacks, known appropriately as the 'zigzag', up the hill out of Cusco, before a brief stop at the village of Poroy. The train then descends from the highest point of the journey into the Sacred Valley and the foothills of the Andes. Before reaching Machu Picchu, the train travels along the Urubamba River, with awe-inspiring views of the dramatic canyon.
*Note: train times and schedules may vary based on availability. When you board the train to visit Machu Picchu with overnight, bring only a small bag with you. Due to limited storage space on the train, passengers are asked to bring only one small piece of luggage. The rest of your luggage will be stored safely at your hotel and returned to you either in Cuzco or Sacred Valley. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will board the bus (shared service) up to Machu Picchu. The bus ride takes 30 minutes and once you get there you will enjoy a private guided tour of Machu Picchu. The Inca Citadel lies between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu (“Young Peak” and “Old Peak”). The Inca Pachacutec built the Citadel using sharp stone blocks, fitted together perfectly. Houses, temples, a public square are all connected by narrow roads and steps cut into the mountainside. There are many theories as to the purpose of Machu Picchu; a temple to the sun? A fortress against jungle inhabitants? A sanctuary for the Incas? The mysterious lost city awaits you!
After the tour, enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge. Afterwards, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. The new luxury accommodations at Sumaq Hotel inMachu Picchuare remarkable, with unparalleled natural surroundings and solitude. The 60 rooms offer stunning views of the river flowing below, as well as private balconies. Enjoy high-quality toiletries and bath products. The hotel's considerate staffs are willing to go to all lengths to ensure guests are pleased with their stay. Chefs whip up mouth-watering cuisine, with ingredients and methods taken from across the world. Local specialties are also available. Test out the hotel spa, or take a short walk to the train station, where more restaurants and markets are available. Overnight at Sumaq Hotel. |
 Aguas Calientes |
 Machu Picchu |
 Sumaq Hotel, Machu Picchu |
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Day 10
Cusco Cuscowas the former capital of the Inca Empire (founded AD 1100). The city today is a fascinating mix of Inca and colonial Spanish architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. Almost every central street has remnants of Inca walls, arches and doorways that serve as the foundation for the colonial and modern buildings. Narrow alleys of whitewashed houses with sky-blue and bottle-green shutters open out onto elegant squares with stone-hewn fountains and elegant restaurants and posadas (inns). Colorful murals depicting historical scenes can be seen on countless walls, and indigenous women with braids and embroidered shawls set up makeshift stalls selling woven blankets and handmade crafts and jewelry. The elegant Plaza de Armas, or main square, is lined with arcades and houses with ornately carved wooden balconies and terracotta tiled roofs. For your convenience the bus ticket between Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is provided. Buses depart about every 30 minutes, once the bus is full. The entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is provided for your convenience. For your convenience, the entrance fee for the hike to Wayna Picchu is included. There are two start times to do this: 7am and 10am. When booking your trip please specify which time you prefer.
The eternal guardian of the Sanctuary, Wayna Picchu (meaning “YoungMountain’ in Quechua) towers over the Incan city, and an amazing view can be appreciated from the top. The route to the top of the mountain is treacherous, with very narrow pathways, and to conquer the summit is truly a rewarding experience! Along the route and at the top of the mountain are sacred structures and eye-catching terraces, built right against the slope’s edge. Depending on each person's hiking pace, this activity may take up to 3 hours. This activity is on your own; please speak to your sales agent about organizing a guide to accompany you. For your convenience the bus ticket between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes is provided. Buses depart about every 30 minutes, once the bus is full. Return to Cusco on the Vistadome train on your own (no guide). The train departs from Aguas Calientes at 3:25pm* and takes 4 hours to return to Cusco. Snacks are served on board. *Note train times and schedules may vary based on availability. Our local representative will meet you with a private vehicle and professional driver for a train station transfer. Overnight at Libertador Palacio Del Inka. |
 Bird's Eye-View of Aguas Calientes |
 Huayna Pucchu |
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Day 11
Lima Our local representative will meet you for an airport transfer, with private vehicle and professional driver. Direct flight from Cusco to Lima. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. Please note: Flights' rates and availability are subject to change until booking. Our local representative will meet you for an airport transfer, with private vehicle and professional driver. Start your day with a sightseeing tour of Colonial and Modern Lima in the company of your private vehicle, driver and English speaking Guide, passing by outstanding monuments such as the Government Palace, the City Hall and the Cathedral (closed on Sundays) at the Plaza Mayor. Visit the 17th century San Francisco Convent. Take a short tour of the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores where you will enjoy a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean.
After lunch at "La Rosa Nautica" (included in tour) visit the Larco Herrera Museum. Since 1926 this museum holds the world’s largest private collection of pre-Columbian art with a unique assortment of erotic pottery, genuine and rich jewels in gold, silver and semi-precious stones. With more than 45,000 pieces of ceramics plus genuine mummies and marvellous Paracas textiles, this is a great place to visit.
Return to your hotel at day's end. Our local representative will meet you for an airport transfer, with private vehicle and professional driver. Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary. Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport). |
 Lima |
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