Lima
Today is arrival day! You will arrive at the International Airport where we will be waiting to take you to your Lima hotel. If you have an early arrival time, you can visit the Huaca Pucllana archaeological site. This active archaeological site sits in the middle of the Miraflores neighbourhood. The clay and adobe structure, which once functioned as a ceremonial site during the pre-Columbian era, dates back to 400 B.C. Since the beginning of the excavation in 1981, multiple pyramids, ceramics, textiles, and tools have been discovered. Most recently in 2010, four intact mummies were found undisturbed. You can see many of the artifacts in the small on-site museum. Make sure you try an authentic ceviche, Peru´s national dish!
Lima City Tour and Paracas
As the capital of Peru and the second largest city in South America, there is no shortage of places to visit in Lima. The city was first settled by indigenous groups as part of the Inca Empire. However, when the Spanish conquered the Incas in the 1600s the city became the capital of the Spanish colony. we will visit the central downtown area and the magnificent plaza de Armas with the cathedral, government palace, and Santo Domingo convent for the perfect introduction to Peruvian colonial history. After the City tour, we will head a few hours South to The Paracas Bay, where we will spend the evening.
PARACAS to NAZCA: Ballestas Islands boat excursion, Huacachina Oasis Tour, overnight in Nazca
The Paracas bay is famous for the many endemic sea species and is home to the Ballestas islands. While the Ballestas Islands may not be inhabited by humans, they are rich in wildlife, with 1500 species of marine birds, including Humbolt penguins and pelicans, impressive rock formations and a large number of sea lions. Dolphins and turtles are also regular visitors to the island’s waters. We can also see the ‘Candelabra’, a famous ground-carving on the Paracas Peninsula whose existence still remains a mystery today. In the afternoon, we will visit the enormous sand dunes and oasis of Huacachina. Here you can dune buggy, sandboard or simply relax at the spectacular oasis in the desert. We will then continue south to the City of Ica and the country´s oldest wine and Pisco distilleries, still in use today. Of course, sampling some of Peru´s national drink of will help us on the rest of the journey to Nazca.
NAZCA – AREQUIPA Nazca lines, bus to Arequipa, overnight in Arequipa.
On the vast gravel plains of the Nazca desert are mysterious lines and hieroglyphs, known as the Nazca Lines. These date from between 500BC and 500AD and are thought to have been created for astronomical or religious purposes. Mystery has surrounded the Nazca Lines in Peru. These huge, ancient drawings and perfectly straight lines cut into the Nazca desert puzzled scientists and travellers alike once they were ‘rediscovered’ in the early 20th Century. There are straight lines, some several km in length, and figurative designs including a spider, a hummingbird, a monkey and a man. Whatever their purpose, these epic lines and figures are certainly intriguing and bets observed from a plane ride over them. We will then take a bus to the “White City” of Arequipa, where we will spend the evening.
AREQUIPA – COLCA Arequipa city tour, bus trip to Colca, overnight in Chivay
The next stop is the “White City” of Arequipa. Its charm derives from the mixture of Spanish and indigenous cultures, still visible, especially in the city’s stunning architecture. Named the white city for the colour of the houses constructed from the volcanic ashes of nearby Misti volcano. We will then visit the contrasting terracotta-coloured monastery of Santa Catalina that occupies an entire neighbourhood and is surrounded by large walls, making it one of the most fascinating religious buildings in all of Peru. Then we will visit the main square of Arequipa, with its historical colonial buildings. The square is a functioning outdoor museum of “sillar” architecture, white, imposing and unique from an aesthetic point of view. After the City tour, we will head to one of the deepest Canyons in the world, Colca! and where we will spend the evening.
COLCA CANYON EXCURSION, Condor Cross, Colca Villages, overnight in Chivay
We will then head off to the second deepest canyon in the world, Colca Canyon. The 3-hour drive from Arequipa to the Colca Canyon passes through the extraordinary landscapes of the Salinas y Aguada Blanca Natural Reserve. Pristine landscapes dotted with vicuña grazing makes for fantastic photographic opportunities. Before the descent, you’ll reach Patapampa Pass at a staggering elevation of 4,910 meters. We will stop in Chivay village for lunch, visit Calera Hot Springs, and continue to your lodge for a relaxing night and acclimatization. We will visit the Condor Cross to see the magnificent Andean condors in flight over the Colca Canyon, a sight to behold.
COLCA to LAKE TITICACA Chivay to Puno with Sillustani on the route
The next morning, we will visit the Condor Cross very early if we didn’t see condors the previous day. where you will be in awe at the size of the giant Andean condors, gliding on thermals above you and over the gaping canyon below. We will then head in our private car to the City of Puno, with a visit to the impressive archaeological site of Sillustani along the way. This unique cultural heritage was left by the Colla people that once lived in the area. What’s special about Sillustani is that the Colla used brick-like rectangular edges, which makes buildings very different from those of the Inca who, on the other hand, used stones of pretty much any shape. This remarkable archaeological site was an ancient burial ground made of huge stone towers. We will then continue to Puno, home to the highest navigable lake in the world, where we will spend the night.
LAKE TITICACA boat excursion, overnight AMANTANI HOMESTAY
Feel the sensation of standing on Uros Floating Islands and learn about how indigenous people maintain their ancient traditions in a high-altitude environment. Learn all about The Uros people, their culture and how they build these magnificent floating islands. We will then continue by boat to the magical Amantani Island where we will take part in an authentic immersion experience with a local family. They will introduce us to their unique way of life, their cuisine, their dress, and how they thrive on this remote island in the middle of the lake. We will have the option of a hike to their ceremonial site of Pachatata, a temple to Father Earth for all his blessings and offering spectacular views over the lake. We will then dine and spend the evening with the family to learn more about their unique customs and traditions.
Taquile island return and overnight in Puno
After a delicious breakfast with our host family, it is time to say farewell to these incredible people and head to another Titicaca Island. Taquile Island is a fixed island with panoramic views over the gigantic lake. Taquile I famous for their weaving traditions and their remarkable way of life. A visit to Taquile Island is the perfect way experience a different way of life than on Amantani, on Lake Titicaca, and explore local Peruvian Indigenous culture and cuisine. There is something special about dining on locally caught Titicaca trout for lunch, as you stare into the blue of this awe-inspiring lake. We will then take our boat back to the city of Puno where we will spend the evening.
Route of the Sun Bus Tour from Puno to Cusco, free afternoon, overnight in Cusco
Travel from Puno to Cusco by bus, through spectacular countryside stopping off at a number of spectacular sights along the way. First is the highet point of the journey and the border between the Puno and Cusco regions, called La Raya lookout point. Next up are the Raqchi Ruins, a fascinating Pre-Inca site, then the ornate San Pedro Chapel in Andahuaylillas, called the Sistine Chapel of The Andes, with a buffet lunch stop in Sicuani along the way. This is the perfect introduction to the region of Cusco and all its magical sights. On arrival in Cusco, you will have a free evening to explore the city of Cusco and the magnificent dining options in the imperial city.
CUSCO City Tour and local ruins
High up in the Peruvian Andes lies Cusco, once the centre of the Incan Empire. It is, of course, the launching point for Machu Picchu, but the city is more than worth a visit, to experience the mix of Incan and Spanish influences that define it. Enjoy this Inca city to the full. Cusco, known as the archaeological capital of the Americas, is home to a history that included the rise and fall of the Inca Empire followed by the invasion of Spanish conquistadors in the early 1500s. Today, remnants of both eras share the narrow city streets, from centuries-old baroque cathedrals to exquisite stone masonry, creating a rare combination of Andean and Spanish styles that makes Cusco like no other place on earth. After a tour of the historical centre, we will head to the local archaeological sites of Sacsaywaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay for spectacular displays of Inca stonemasonry, history, culture and insight into the magnificent Inca civilisation. We will then head back to Cusco City for a free afternoon in this magical Inca City.
Flight to Lima, for your international flight back home
After breakfast we will transfer you to the Cusco airport for your flight back to Lima and your onward flight back home or to you next exciting destination. You head will be full of images of the exciting destinations visited on this signature Peru tour. Remember that this tour is the introduction to this magnificent country and will inspire to one day return to this magnificent land of The Incas, after living the experience of one of the best travel packages to Peru.
