This program offers 9 days of delightful experiences on a journey to Peru’s most iconic attractions: 4 cities with enormous historical, cultural, gastronomic and artisanal riches: Lima is known as the gastronomic capital of the Americas, and offers visitors its colonial center as well as modern districts with pleasant green areas and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean; situated on the banks of the Chili River and dominated by the volcanic cone of El Misti, Arequipa has conserved its historic center and colonial feel, which can be best appreciated by visiting the famous Santa Catalina convent; Puno is situated on the shores of the highest navigable lake in the world, Titicaca lake, where travelers can visit the islands of the Uros and Taquile; the journey overland from Puno to Cuzco offers the chance to visit three interesting villages along the way. The city of Cuzco has retained the splendor of the ancient Inca empire, and beyond the city lies the beautiful Sacred Valley, with its picturesque market in the village, and major archaeological remains at Ollantaytambo, from where a short rail journey takes visitors to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas.
Day 1: LIMA (Altitude: 505 ft / 154 m)
Upon arrival in Lima you will be transferred from the airport to your hotel. With its mild climate, the Peruvian capital is a hospitable, interesting and gourmet city. In the afternoon we will visit colonial Lima; the tour includes the main attractions of Lima, including Plaza San Martín, the Main Square, Government Palace, Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, Municipal Palace, Santo Domingo Church and the old streets with their colonial mansions and Moorish style balconies. You will also visit the church and convent of San Francisco, with its famous catacombs. The tour also includes the residential areas of San Isidro, with the El Olivar Park, and Miraflores, with its Central Park.
Day 2: LIMA / AREQUIPA (Altitude: 7 660 ft / 2 335 m)
Breakfast.
You will be transferred to the airport in the morning for the flight to Arequipa, a city surrounded by imposing volcanoes. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you will visit the city, one of the best conserved in all Peru. The tour includes Santa Catalina convent, which dates from the 16th century and is a true jewel of the colonial period.
Day 3: AREQUIPA / PUNO (Altitude: 12 555 ft / 3 827 m)
Breakfast.
In the morning you will be transferred to the station for the bus from Arequipa to Juliaca. This is a 5 hour trip through the imposing scenery of the high Andes. Upon your arrival at Juliaca bus station, you will be met by the guide who will escort you on a visit to the famous funerary towers of Sillustani. The beautiful setting of lake Umayo, below the archaeological site, contributes to the overall splendor of the site. From here we will continue to the city of Puno, home to a predominantly indigenous population.
Upon arrival you will transferred to your hotel.
Day 4: TITICACA LAKE
Breakfast.
Today will be devoted to a full-day excursion on Titicaca lake, the sacred lake of the Incas. You will visit the unique floating islands of the Uros Indians, whose existence is based on their use of the local totora reed. From here you will continue to Taquile, an island of marvelous forms and colors at the heart of Titicaca lake. The steel blue of the lake contrasts with the green fields and red flowers of the island, while the horizon is dominated by the majestic peaks of the Cordillera Real, in Bolivia. The inhabitants of Taquile are expert weavers. Lunch is included.
Day 5: PUNO / CUZCO (Altitude: 11 151 ft / 3 399 m)
Breakfast.
In the morning you will be transferred to the bus station for the journey to the city of Cuzco.
This is a very interesting route. We cross vast grasslands before reaching the valley of the Vilcanota river, the sacred waterway of the Incas. Our route takes us past the picturesque villages of Pucara, Tinta (home of the celebrated revolutionary figure Tupac Amaru) and Urcos. We will arrive in Cuzco in the afternoon. This is the archaeological capital of the Americas, and the starting point for our visit to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.
Lunch is included.
Day 6: CUZCO
Breakfast.
You will have the morning free to enjoy this magical city. In the afternoon, you will visit the Main Square, certainly one of the most beautiful city squares in the world. The architecture of the Incas and the Spaniards is exquisitely combined, particularly in the case of the Dominican church of Santo Domingo, built over the walls of Koricancha or the Inca temple of the sun. You will then visit the important Inca archaeological sites of Sacsayhuaman (a great fortress), Qenko (oracle, sacred shrine), Puka Pukara (administrative center) and Tambomachay (ceremonial baths).
Day 7: MACHU PICCHU (Altitude: 8 167 ft / 2 490 m)
Breakfast.
Today you will leave Cuzco by train to visit «the lost city of the Incas», discovered in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham. Recently declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is certainly one of those places everyone should visit at some point in their life. You will have lunch in a local restaurant in the small town of Aguas Calientes before making the return journey by train to Cuzco, where you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 8: SACRED VALLEY
Breakfast.
During this full-day excursion you will visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a place of incomparable beauty. The trip begins in Pisac, an exquisite little town of narrow, cobbled streets and wood-burning ovens. Above the town can be seen the agricultural terraces and stone structures of the Inca settlement of the same name. This community is famous for its craft market, where elaborate blankets, alpaca clothing and other handcrafts can be seen and purchased. You will enjoy a rustic lunch dominated by the aroma of corn that characterizes the valley. The charming village of Ollantaytambo marks the end of the Sacred Valley. Located at an altitude of 9 022 feet / 2 750 meters, Ollantaytambo has a mild climate. Visitors who walk its streets can imagine themselves transported back for a moment to the past, so strong is the Inca presence here. The upper part of the village is dominated by a fabulous temple which also served as a fortress. Return to Cuzco.
Day 9: CUZCO / LIMA
Breakfast.
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lima and connecting international flight.