Arrival Lima
Day 1
- Pick up at the airport in Lima
- Transfer and registration at the hotel
- Dinner on your own
- Overnight in the hotel
Lima: Archaeological and History Museum of Lima visit / Arequipa
Day 2
- Breakfast in the hotel
- Morning visit to the Archaeological and History Museum, located in Pueblo Libre. This is an excellent introduction for newly arrived travellers.
The National Museum of the Archaeology, Anthropology and History of Peru is the oldest state museum in our country and constitutes the administrative centre of the National System of State Museums. Its importance is rooted in the vast, varied cultural patrimony housed in its exhibition rooms and storerooms.
Ceramics, textiles, metals, organic materials and stone tools related to invaluable human remains, preserved with techniques that still surprise specialists, make up the legacy of our prehispanic past. Objects of historic-artistic value and documentary, photographic and bibliographic collections given to the library tell of the Colonial and Republican Periods. All of them make this space a meeting place of the history of Peru.
- Lunch in a local restaurant
- In the afternoon, transfer to the airport to take the flight to Arequipa.
- Arrival in Arequipa, transfer from airport to hotel and register
- Menu dinner in the hotel
- Overnight in the hotel
Arequipa: City tour and Santa Catalina Monastery visit
Day 3
- Breakfast in the hotel
- Morning: city tour (overview of the valley of Chilina, the neighbourhood of San Lázaro, Yanahuara, the Cathedral, the church of San Ignacio) and the Santa Catalina Monastery.
Arequipa - Is one of the most attractive colonial cities of Peru, and one which has understood how to preserve its patrimony through time (it has recently been classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site). The city was founded in 1540 by Manuel Garcí de Carbajal.
Santa Catalina Monastery - Is a virtual miniature city in the heart of the great city with its tiny streets bordered by small houses coloured in blue and white clay;, its plazas and fountains produce a scene recalling far away Andalucía. It was founded under the rule of King Phillip II in 1580 and is very well preserved, despite the numerous earth quakes that have been felt in Arequipa. It is a place of peace and serenity in the heart of the city.
- Lunch in a local restaurant
- Afternoon at leisure
- Menu dinner in a local restaurant
- Overnight in the hotel
Arequipa / Colca Canyon (Chivay): Andean Camelids Reserve
Day 4
- Breakfast in the hotel
- Departure by private transfer to the Colca Canyon. On the road, you will pass the well known Misti volcano and the impressive landscape as well the Pampas Canahua (national reserve of the vicuna). Arrival in Chivay, a small village in the canyon.
Colca - Four hours north of Arequipa lies the impressive Colca Valley. The road to the valley crosses the lower slopes of Mount Chachani and runs along plains studded with Ichu and Yareta (plants used for fuel) and which are home to alpacas and to Vizcacha rodents. The road crosses a high point of 14,271 feet (4,350 meters), before dropping down to the valley, an area of breath-taking landscapes surrounded by terracing and snow-capped peaks. Far below, at a depth of 11,150 feet (3,400 meters), the Colca River winds along the bottom of the canyon, one of the world's deepest.
The valley features archaeological remains left behind by the Collagua, the ancient inhabitants of the area. These include cave paintings and grain storerooms known as colcas. There are 14 towns based on both riverbanks, towns which were founded in the sixteenth century to settle the Collagua natives who were scattered around the area. Despite the ravages of time, the towns have preserved their original characteristics, such as the outline of their streets, their richly-decorated colonial churches and traditional festivals.
Twenty-five miles (40 km) from Chivay, the first of the towns along the way, stands a superb natural lookout point from where one can watch the condors wheeling over the valley, while in the distance one can spot the Coropuna and Ampato volcanoes. Several towns in the valley provide lodging, but one can also camp out and go hiking. The area is ideal for adventure sports.
Transfer to Chivay 11,900 feet (3633m) at a distance of 115 miles (185km) from Arequipa
- Arrival in Chivay
- Lunch in a local restaurant
- Register at the hotel
- Rest of the afternoon at leisure
- If you wish (price included), transfer to the hot springs of “La Calera” to take a relaxing bath.
- Menu dinner in the hotel
- Overnight in the hotel
Colca Canyon: Condor Cross / Puno
Day 5
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Very early departure to go along the panoramic Colca River to the Cross of the Condor.
The condor is primarily a scavenger, feeding on carrion. It prefers large carcasses, such as those of deer or cattle. It reaches sexual maturity at five or six years of age and nests at elevations of up to 5,000 m (16,000 ft), generally on inaccessible rock ledges. One or two eggs are usually laid. It is one of the world's longest-living birds, with a lifespan of up to 50 years.
The Andean Condor is a national symbol of Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador, and plays an important role in the folklore and mythology of the Andean regions.
- Lunch in Chivay
- Afterwards, transfer to Puno after an approximately 5 hour drive. At an altitude of 12,525 feet (3819m) you will arrive at the highlands of Peru. The landscape is totally different, as are the mountains.
- Arrival in Puno and registration
- Menu dinner at the hotel
- Overnight in the hotel
Puno / Titicaca Lake: Uros and Taquile islands visit / Puno
Day 6
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer to the pier in Puno.
- Full day excursion to Uros & Taquile islands.
Lake Titicaca - The highest navigable lake in the world (12,500 feet-3809m) it constitutes the mythical cradle of the Empire of the Tahuantinsuyo. According to the legend of the origin of this culture, the first Inca, Manco Cápac and his wife Mama Ocllo, emerged from the waters of the Titicaca Lake. Their Father, the Sun, sent them to found the Empire or Tahuantinsuyo that was divided into 4 regions. Puno belonged to the region of “Collasuyo”, which extended all over the Collao plateau.
Uros floating islands - These number around twenty, each one inhabited by Uros-Aymara families, who still live by their venerable traditions, like fishing and game hunting. The men are skilful handlers of totora reed boats and the women are expert knitters.
Taquile Island – The friendly inhabitants of this island have maintained their customs, traditions and manner of dress in spite of contact with the modern world. They have distinguished themselves through their painstakingly superb weaving, proclaimed a Masterpiece of Humanity by the UNESCO. You may also stay in family houses.
- Lunch in Taquile
- Transfer back to Puno.
- Dinner in a local restaurant or in the hotel
- Overnight in the hotel
Puno / Cusco: Visits en route
Day 7
- Breakfast in the hotel
- Transfer from your hotel to Cusco. During the trip you will enjoy the wonderful landscapes. Also along the route, there will be 4 stops for guided visits: Sillustani, Raqchi, la Raya and Andahuaylillas.
Raqchi – It dates back to the 15th century and is considered one of the oldest of all Incan constructions. The Wiracocha Temple is by far the best part, built of adobe walls and volcanic rock foundations. The community of Raqchi is just a few minutes away and the villagers there have developed their own special form of experiential tourism.
Andahuaylillas – The church in the village is called the « Peruvian Sistine Chapel », a designation based upon its magnificently painted walls. A delight for the eyes.
Pucará – It is famous for its tradition of producing fine ceramics, especially the Toritos de Pucará (little bulls). From this town you may visit the Kalasaya archaeological complex, a ceremonial centre of the Pucara culture, which was built around 200 B.C.
La Raya – This will be the highest point on this trip, 14,200 feet (4335 m) above sea level. An impressive landscape of ice and rock.
Sillustani - Is a rocky peninsula in the beautiful Umayo Lagoon. It is a Pre-Inca and Inca archaeological complex, famous by its wonderful funeral constructions called “ayawasis” or “chullpas”. They were used by the Collas and later by the Incas to preserve the bodies of their sovereigns. Other theories affirm by its location that Sillustani is a Fertility sanctuary. Located in the middle of a magnificent landscape, it became an object of multiple myths and legends. But without doubt or exception, any visitor will find this place as ideal for meditation and complete silence.
- Lunch on the way to Cusco included
- Arrival in Cusco and transfer to the hotel
- Dinner in a local restaurant or in the hotel
- Overnight in the hotel
Cusco: City Tour and visit to 4 surrounding ruins
Day 8
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Morning at your leisure
- Lunch in a local restaurant
- On the afternoon, city tour in Cusco including visit of the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral with beautiful cedar wood statures, as well as paintings from the Cusco School. Also you will visit the Korikancha or Sun Temple
- Our visit continues towards the 4 surrounding ruins of Cusco city: The Fortress Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, PukaPukara and Tambomachay.
The Cathedral (1566 – 1669) – Built on an important Inca temple, dedicated to the God Wiracocha. Its altars are splendid; its pulpit of carved wood is magnificent, as are the choir stalls. It also holds a good collection of paintings from the Cusco School. Its gold and silverwork are some of the richest treasures known in Colonial art, including an immense monstrance of gold and precious stones and a solid silver shrine for the Corpus Christi procession.
QoriKancha - It was one of the most worshipped and respected temples of the city. "The gold precinct", as it was known, was a sacred place where people venerated the greatest Incan god: the INTI. For that reason, people could only visit there by fasting, barefooted and with some load on their backs as a sign of humility, in compliance with the indications of the main priest "Wilaq Umuo". According to the history, when the Spaniards broke into the temple, they did not respect any of the aforementioned rules.
You can still appreciate the walls and rooms showing the high level of the Inca techniques. It is said that it was a garden with gold sculptures of trees, animals and flowers and this explains its Quechua name. Thick gold plates covered the walls of the Sun Temple, which also sheltered an enormous massive gold shield. Nothing of these treasures has been recovered. It is said that all these relics were sent to the King of Spain.
Sacsayhuamán - "The place where the puma rests" in Quechua. It is fortress located 1 ¼ mile (2 km) from Cusco. It is a monumental complex which, together with Cusco, is considered to be one of the seven new wonders of the world. This cyclopean work was planned and constructed by Andean men. It is formed by 3 overlapping platforms of an average 1,180 feet (360 m) in length. There is a large stairway and stone doors (up to 30 feet- 9 m high and up to 16 feel-5 m in length). It is the perfect example of an Inca construction: enormous stone blocks without any cement or mortar in between, which weigh 125 tons. The construction started with the Pachacutec Inca. It took over 70 years and the work of approx. 20,000 people. The main plaza is the scene where the Incas celebrate the "Inti Raymi" ("Fiesta del Sol" in Spanish) every June 24.
Q´enqo - "Labyrinth" or "zigzag" in Quechua, located 1.8 miles (3 km) from Cusco. It is a ceremonial center and place of worship to the Mother Earth ("Pachamama"). It was built of enormous puma shaped stone blocks of up to 19 feet (5.9m). There is a tunnel labyrinth under the ground.
PukaPukara - "Red tower" in Quechua, located 3.7 miles (6 km) from Cusco; because of its strategic location it was a military and administrative center from which the Inca Trail was controlled.
Tambomachay - Located 4.3 miles (7 km) from Cusco at a height of 12,140 feet (3,700 m), it is known as Inca Bath. It is considered a place of cult to the water and displays the high degree that the Incas had in mastering hydraulic engineering.
- Transfer back to Cusco
- Dinner-show in a local restaurant
- Overnight in the hotel
Cusco / Sacred Valley: Visit of Pisac's Market and Ruins/Ollantaytambo Fortress
Day 9
- Breakfast in the hotel
- Transfer to the Sacred Valley to visit Pisac and Ollantaytambo ruins
- Arrival in Pisac, visit of the local market and its ruins
Pisac – The area is perhaps best known for its Incan ruins, known as Inca Písac, which lie atop a hill at the entrance to the valley. The ruins are separated along the ridge into four groups: Pisaqa, Intihuatana, Q'allaqasa, and Kinchiracay. Intihuatana includes a number of baths and temples. The Temple of the Sun, a volcanic outcrop carved into a "hitching post" for the Sun, is the focus, and the angles of its base suggest that it served some astronomical function. Q'allaqasa, which is built onto a natural spur and overlooks the valley, is known as the citadel. The hillside is lined with agricultural terraces constructed by the Inca and still in use today. These terraces were created by hauling richer topsoil from the lower lands by hand. They enabled them to produce surplus food more than would normally be possible at altitudes as high as 11,000 feet. With military, religious, and agricultural structures, the site served at least a triple purpose. Besides a country estate, it is thought that Písac defended the southern entrance to the Sacred Valley, while Choquequirao defended the western entrance and the fortress at Ollantaytambo the northern entrance. Inca Pisac controlled a route which connected the Inca Empire with the border of the rain forest. Other historians suggest that Pisac was established in order to protect Cusco from possible attacks of the Antis nations. It is unknown when Inca Pisac was built. Since it does not appear to have been inhabited by any pre-Inca civilization, it was most likely built no earlier than 1440. It was destroyed by Pizarro and the Conquistadores in the early 1530s. The modern town of Pisac was built by Viceroy Toledo down in the valley during the 1570s. The marketplace at Pisac sells typical Andean crafts.
- Departure to Urubamba
- Lunch in a local restaurant
- In the afternoon, transfer to the city and Ollantaytambo Fortress
Ollantaytambo - is a town and an Inca archaeological site some 37 miles (60 kilometres) northwest of the city of Cusco. During the Inca Empire, Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti who conquered the region, built the town and a ceremonial center. At the time of the Spanish conquest of Peru it served as a stronghold for Manco Inca Yupanqui, leader of the Inca resistance.
There are several Inca structures in the surroundings, here are short descriptions:
Town: The main settlement at Ollantaytambo has an orthogonal layout with four longitudinal streets crossed by seven parallel streets. At the center of this grid, the Incas built a large plaza which may have been up to four blocks large; it was open to the east and surrounded by halls and other town blocks on its other three sides.
Temple Hill: The Temple Hill is commonly known as the fortress, however, this is a misnomer as the main functions of this site were religious. The main access to the ceremonial center is a series of stairways that climb to the top of the terrace complex.
It is unknown which event halted construction at the Temple Hill; likely candidates include the war of succession between Huáscar and Atahualpa, the Spanish Conquest of Peru and the retreat of Manco Inca from Ollantaytambo to Vilcabamba.
Terraces: The terraces permitted farming on otherwise unusable terrain; they also allowed the Incas to take advantage of the different ecological zones created by variations in altitude. Terraces at Ollantaytambo were built to a higher standard than common Inca agricultural terraces, for instance, they have higher walls made of cut stones instead of rough fieldstones. This type of high-prestige terracing is also found in other Inca royal estates such as Chinchero, Pisaq, and Yucay.
Storehouses: The Incas built several storehouses out of fieldstones on the hills surrounding Ollantaytambo. Their location at high altitudes, where there is more wind and lower temperatures, defended their contents against decay.
Quarries: The main quarries of Ollantaytambo were located at Kachiqhata, in a ravine across the Urubamba River some 3 miles (5 km) from the town. The site features three main quarrying areas: Mullup'urku, Kantirayoq, and Sirkusirkuyoq; all of them provided blocks of rose rhyolite for the elaborate buildings of the Temple Hill.
Defence: The Incas built roads connecting the site with Machu Picchu to the west and Pisaq to the east.
The first line of defence was a steep bank of terraces at Pachar, near the Urubamba river.
Eleven high terraces closed the valley between the mountains and a deep canyon formed by the Urubamba. The only way to continue was through the gate of T'iyupunku.
To the west of Ollantaytambo, the small fort of Choquequillca defended the road to Machu Picchu. In the event of these fortifications being overrun, the Temple Hill itself with its high terraces provided a last line of defence against invaders.
- Dinner in a local restaurant or in the hotel
- Overnight in the Sacred Valley
Sacred Valley / Aguas Callientes: Citadel of Machu Picchu visit / Cusco
Day 10
- Breakfast in the hotel
- Private transfer to the rail way station of Ollantaytambo with a drive to Aguas Calientes
- Transfer by bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. Visit to the citadel
Machu Picchu - Located in the high tropical forest 9,200 feet (2800 meters), 69.5 miles (112 km) from Cusco, The Fortress of Machu Picchu is one of the world's archaeological jewels and a principal travel destination in Peru and South America. Machu Picchu was discovered in 1911 by the American archaeologist Hiram Bingham. Machu Picchu is, indeed, one of the most imposing and impressive monumental sets of the planet, which was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Constructed on the summit of the Machu Picchu Mountain (in Quechua, Machu Picchu means Old Mountain), dominating and controlling the Valley of the Urubamba, the Fortress had functions as an administrative, religious and military center, expressing the perfection of the Inca architecture.
- Lunch in a local restaurant
- Back by train to Cusco with transfer to our hotel
- Dinner in the hotel
- Overnight in the hotel
Cusco / Lima: City tour of modern and colonial Lima / Out
Day 11
- Breakfast in the hotel
- Transfer to the hotel to take flight back to Lima.
- Arrival in Lima and transfer to Lima downtown.
Lima - The city, founded in 1535 by Pizarro, features a series of buildings which boast an incalculable architectural and historical value, buildings which fringe the main square, the Plaza Mayor and line nearby streets. Lima's Cathedral, built in 1625 in a Renaissance-Baroque style, with splendid Churriguerra altars, is definitely the first stop on the tour. However, other buildings are also not to be missed, like the San Francisco church, whose cloisters and patios are decorated with Seville mosaic tiles which are the ideal picture frame for the religious art kept there. There is also the convent of Santo Domingo, which in 1551 witnessed the founding of San Marcos University, the oldest university in the Americas.
The old Palacio de Torre Tagle, a palace built in 1730, is one of the finest examples of colonial architecture in Lima, fitted with carved wooden balconies and its Baroque stone gateway. The Riva Agüero and Aliaga mansions, the traditional Acho bullring, and the revamped riverside promenades overlooking the Rímac River round off the traditional Lima landscape, which without a doubt is one of the most interesting tours of its kind in Latin America.
- You will visit: the cathedral, the Government Palace, the Convent of Saint Francis and much more.
- On the way back we will also visit la Huaca Pucllana (Pre-Inca pyramids) and the modern part of Lima: San Isidro and Miraflores.
- Lunch in a restaurant with an ocean view.
- Afternoon at leisure.
- At the assigned time, you will be transferred to the airport to take your international Flight
General important conditions:
The description of the given tour must be considered as a reference and can be changed without previous warning (air and train schedules, market days in the Sacred Valley, and climatic or natural conditions). In the lodge of Puerto Maldonado, the activity schedules vary depending on the weather, flight arrival and departure time. In any case, everything will be done to try to respect the programs as much as possible; otherwise you will be informed of any changes, they will be explained and justified ahead of time.
The services offered by Latindiscoveries are indicated in the program.
All services not specified in the program or/and indicated as NOT included are considered additional costs.
It is the passenger’s responsibility to always carry his/her passport. Please also inquire with your embassy if you need a visa. Also check your luggage allowance. Excess luggage will incur a charge.
Latindiscoveries is not responsible on the following:
- Delay or cancellation of flights, trains, transfers, time changes, climate-related program modification, natural disasters, strikes or a higher power.
- Passengers’ delay
- Passengers’ illness
- Lost Luggage
Latindiscoveries recommends that passengers obtain trip cancellation insurance for protection in each case.
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