Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: International Arrival in Lima. Assistance at your arrival to Lima International Airport and transfer to your Hotel. There you will receive a briefing on your tour; receive vouchers covering all the services included in your tour and additional information on the organization of your Peru trip.
Day 2: Breakfast and transfer to the airport to take flight to Cusco. Meet upon arrival and transfer to your hotel. Rest and adapt to altitude. Includes: (B).
Day 3: Sacred Valleys of the Incas
Early morning excursion to the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit to the picturesque Indian Pisac Market held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, the shopping paradise of the Andes where barter is still practiced. Enjoy the unique atmosphere during a typical lunch. In the afternoon, passing through the Towns of Calca and Urubamba, we visit the Inca Fortress and Citadel of Ollantaytambo, built to guard the entrance to this part of the Valley, and protect it from possible invasion from the tribes in the Lower jungle. You can walk through the quaint streets of the nearby Town, and get a good idea of what this Strategic Military, Religious, and Agricultural Centre was like during the era of the Inca Empire.
On our way back to Cusco we stop of at the picturesque Andean village of Chinchero to visit the ruins of the Royal Hacienda of Tupac Inca Yupanqui. We will admire a well-preserved Inca Wall in the Main Square, and visit the beautiful Colonial temple built on Inca foundations, with interesting frescoes in the portico. Late afternoon return to your selected Hotel for overnight. Evening free. We suggest strolling around the Main Square and enjoy the night atmosphere trying a delicious Pisco Sour in some of the many pubs around the Square. (Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel)
Note: The visit to the Village of Chinchero depends on the time available.
Day 4: Train to Machu Picchu
The day starts with an early morning rise to transfer to Cusco train station for a 3 ½ hour train journey to the famous Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, also known as "The Lost City of the Incas". Arrive at Aguas Calientes station followed by a 30-minute bus drive, climbing 6km of winding road, to the incredible Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we'll participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and various burial grounds. After the tour you will have time to stroll around the archaeological site at your leisure. Lunch at a local restaurant in Aguas Calientes Town. Return train to Cusco leaves at 5:00PM. (Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel)
Day 5: Cusco to Puno, the "Route of the Sun”
Breakfast. Early departure by bus to the City of Puno, (3,860 m.a.s.l.). During the trip, we pass by the lovely Wacarpay Lake, offering spectacular views of the mountains reflected in its calm waters. We proceed to the beautiful Town of Andahuaylillas, and visit the Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, better known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas, due to its decorated polychrome ceiling.
On the way, we stop in Raqchi, where we can see a spectacular Inca Sanctuary built by the Inca Pachacutec, and dedicated to the great Inca God of Wiracocha. It has a great central wall with a stone base of fine Inca architecture. Other walls are made of giant adobe bricks. The structure also has two circular lateral columns. Around the Temple are several buildings once used for housing and storage.
About 70 km further on, we pass through La Raya Ranch where we can see herds vicuñas and llamas. Then we travel along the High Plateau of Collao, stopping at the Town of Ayaviri, an important livestock and textile centre, to visit the impressive Temple of Kalasaya, ruins from the ancient Pucara Culture. Buffet lunch in a countryside restaurant, where we can enjoy the delightful culinary art of the region. Afternoon arrival in Puno and transfer to your hotel. Evening free. (Meals Included: Breakfast and Typical Lunch)
Day 6: Titicaca Lake, Floating Islands of the Uros and Taquile Island
Breakfast. Early in the morning, we will have an unforgettable motorboat excursion on the waters of Lake Titicaca to the unique "Floating Islands" of the Uros. These ancient inhabitants of the Lake, known as the Water Tribe, have built their own "Islands" by periodically adding new layers of a type of reed called "totora" (Scirpus totora), vegetable fibre of the Papyrus family. Their homes and boats are also made from this material.
We continue our motorboat trip to Taquile Island, inhabited by Quechua-speaking natives who have developed efficient and unique social systems, as well as fine hand weaving techniques, kept alive down through generations. It is necessary to go up a stairway of more than 567 steps stone that wind their way among green platforms - to arrive at the Town of Taquile where we will have a break to eat. After lunch in a local Taquile Inn, we have a walk through the various hills and archaeological sites of this 6 km long Island. In the afternoon, return to Puno. Evening free. Overnight at hotel in Puno. (Meals Included: Breakfast & Typical Lunch)
Day 7: "Chullpas" of Sillustani & Departure flight
Transfer to Juliaca airport to take your flight to Lima. On your way to the airport, visit the famous Chullpas of Sillustani, 40ft high stone cylinder burial chambers, used by the Aymaras to bury their important leaders. Lake Umayo, located in front of the Chullpas, adds further beauty to the place. Here you also have the opportunity to observe wild guinea pigs, birds and other local wildlife. From Lima, connection flight back home. (Meals Included: Breakfast).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- All taxes and fees (except airport tax US$6.25)
- Lima-Cusco airfares
- Juliaca-Lima airfares
- 1 night in Lima at 3-star hotel
- 3 nights in Cusco at 3-star hotel
- 2 nights in Puno at 3-star hotel
- Meals where indicated
- Transportation to the visitor sites
- 1-day entrance to the visitor sites
- 1-day bus ride and entrance to Machu Picchu
- Train tickets Cusco/Aguas Calientes/Cusco via Backpacker's train service
- Bus Ticket Cusco-Puno
- Transfers from and back to airports/hotels/harbour
- Local certified bilingual guides (English or Spanish).
Price Excludes:
- International airfares
- Airport taxes
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Tips
- Personal expenses.
Note: The price is per person based on double occupancy, it is subject to change based on in country airfare changes and availability. A single supplement applies.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Peru
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
Archeology/History
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
