Peru of the Incas

  • 0
ID: GYG527576-918439
Category:
Country: Peru

Duration: 15 days


Description

This experience will combine the essential places to encounter the native people of the Andes, share their amazing traditions in time, ways of living and appreciating nature in their daily live.
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
Upon arriving in the city of Lima, you will be welcomed by one of our representatives, who will give you a brief introduction to the city and to our services while in route to the hotel.
You will have the afternoon free.

It's included
Local English-speaking guide.
Hotel 3 star / Included
Private vehicle

Day 2: Flight Lima – Arequipa and city tour
At the scheduled departure time, you will be met by the transport service and escorted to the airport to board the flight to Arequipa.
Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed by one of our representatives, who will give you a brief introduction to the city and to our services in route to the hotel.
You will begin your tour with a visit to the Convento de Santa Catalina (Convent of St. Catherine). Walk through its beautiful buildings as your guide takes you on a journey back in time through one of the largest holdings of colonial art in the Americas.
The tour of the city will continue as you visit the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús (Church of the Society of Jesus). After finishing your tour of the church, you will move on to the Mirador del Carmen (a natural lookout point), ten minutes from the city center. From there you will be able to enjoy a spectacular view of the Chili River Valley and of the majestic Misti. Next, you will stop off in the upscale neighborhood of Yanahuara and get a chance to walk along its wide cobblestone avenues and see its old ashlar stone mansions, which still preserve their traditional gardens.

It's included
Local English-speaking guide.
Tickets for visits
Hotel 3 star / Included
Private vehicle
Breakfast and lunch

Day 3: From Arequipa to Colca Valley
Early in the morning, you will depart Arequipa to embark on a journey across a land of snow-covered volcanoes, inhospitable pampas, and incredibly beautiful quaint villages, arriving finally in the Colca Valley.
The first stop will be in the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, whose rugged plains are home to vast herds of llamas, Alpaca, and Vicuña. You will continue the journey, until you reach the Mirador de los Andes (Lookout Point of the Andes) in Patapampa. This lookout point, at 16,100 ft (4,900 m) above sea level, will offer spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of the various volcanoes surrounding Arequipa, including the Hualca Hualca, the Sabancaya, and the Ampato.
Next, you will head to the town of Chivay (close to where the Colca Valley begins) for a closer inspection of the impressive system of platforms and terraces built by the ancient Collagua and Cabana inhabitants.
After lunch, you will make your way to the hotel.
Rest of the afternoon free to take advantage of the hotel's amenities, enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings, or simply rest and recover for the next day, as you see fit.
Enjoy an excellent night's rest at your hotel in the Colca Valley.

It's included
Local English-speaking guide.
Tickets for visits
Hotel 3 star / Included
Private vehicle
Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Road trip from Colca Valley to Puno
Early in the morning, you will travel to the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor (Condor Cross Lookout). it is considered to be the best spot in the world to see the majestic Andean Condor in flight. Be on the lookout for the sudden appearance of this emblematic bird on the verge of extinction. With a little luck, you will enjoy a truly awe-inspiring experience as you watch this awesome bird soar, almost magically, ever higher into the infinite blue sky. From this vantage point, you will be able to look out across one of the world's deepest canyons (13,650 feet [4,160 m] deep at the northern end and 11,800 feet [3,600 m] deep on its southern end).
After lunch, you will experience an awe-inspiring trip of about six hours through the unique landscapes of the high mountain plain.
The trip will begin in Colca Valley, and shortly thereafter you will reach the Mirador de los Andes (Lookout Point of the Andes) in Patapampa. Here you will be able to view a landscape covered with yaretas, a local type of cactus that has adapted to the high altitude, and you will see the snow-capped peaks of the various volcanos that surround Arequipa, among them the Hualca Calca, the Sabancaya, and the Ampato.
Continuing the trip, you will circle along the base of the Chucura volcano as you make your way towards Pampa Cañahuas, a rugged plain that belongs to the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a place where guanacos, alpacas, and vicuñas freely roam. The pastoral countryside of Pampa Cañahuas, covered with ichu grass and yareta cacti, reveals a unique flora capable of surviving at extreme altitudes and temperatures. A few miles away, you will be able to see the grand Bosque de Piedras de Imata (Imata Stone Forest) in the distance. You will then arrive in Lagunillas, which sits at 13,684 ft. (4,171 m) above sea level. Here you will observe numerous species of migratory and Andean birds, among them Andean flamingos and crakes. You will end your trip in the legendary city of Puno, built on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
Overnight in Puno

It's included
Local English-speaking guide.
Tickets for visits
Hotel 3 star / Included
Touristic bus
Breakfast, lunch

Day 5: Uros & Amantani Island excursion
In the morning, we will be transferred to the port of Puno to take the boat to Amantaní Island, located on Lake Titicaca (“stone puma” in the Aymara language). Along the way, we will visit the floating islands of Uros, where Aymara inhabitants build their homes on gigantic reed boats (totoras). Our navigation on Lake Titicaca will continue to Amantaní Island. We will walk the trails and enjoy the exceptional view of the Royal Bolivian Cordillera. By ascending the Pachatata (4200 m // 13,779ft.) we will discover the magnificent sunset over the lake. We will then descend and encounter our family hosts for the night, who will welcome us to their home and share us their traditional food and tell us stories about their daily lives. Overnight at the local house in Amantaní.
For the excursion on Lake Titicaca, bring a backpack of maximum 10 kilograms so as not to overload the boat. The rest of your belongings will be left in storage at the hotel in Puno.

It's included
Local English-speaking guide.
Tickets for visits
Local house/ Included
Shared boat for the visits on the Titicaca Lake
Breakfast, lunch and diner

Day 6: Amantani – Puno
In the morning, we will have breakfast with our hosts in Amantaní and depart to Taquile Island by boat. Upon arrival, we will start walking for about 45 min until we reach the main square of the island. In this particular island, their inhabitants live in a very traditional way, dating back to the time of the Incas. Here about 300 people work one day for themselves and the next for the community. Taquile’s life is self-sustaining and has maintained for centuries the Inca principles of “do not steal, do not lie, and do not be lazy”. We take our boat back to Puno, overnight in the Hotel.

It's included
Local English-speaking guide.
Tickets for visits
Hotel 3 star / Included
Shared boat for the visits on the Titicaca Lake
Breakfast, lunch and diner

Day 7: Road trip from Puno to Cusco
In this day we will depart from Puno to Cusco on board a comfortable touristic bus, as we enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Andes. During our trip, we will make a brief stop at Pucará, known as the place where the Toritos (little bulls) of Pucará are made.
We will then cross the La Raya Pass, which lies at 14,222 feet (4,335 meters) above sea level. There we will see herds of vicuñas and llamas. Our following stop is Racchi, one of the most important constructions of the Inca Empire, known for its extraordinary architecture. Our last stop will be the town of Andahuaylillas, a friendly, warm-weather town which is home to one of the most unique churches in the Andes, known as Peru’s Sistine Chapel. You will be dazzled by the beautifully decorated murals and frescoes covering walls, baseboards, ceilings and facades.

It's included
Local English-speaking guide.
Tickets for visits
Touristic bus
Hotel 3 star / Included
Breakfast and lunch

Day 8: Cusco city tour
History-filled alleys, churches, walls and archeological treasures await you in the magnificent Incan capital.
You will begin your tour as you enjoy the best view of the city of Cusco from atop Cerro Pukamoqo (Red Peak), a natural scenic overlook from which the outstretched arms of Cristo Blanco, a massive white statue of Christ, embrace the city in a benevolent gesture. You will then visit the nearby Fortaleza de Sacsayhuamán (Fortress of Sacsayhuamán), a colossal structure of enormous stones, carved and fitted together with incredible precision.
As you return to the lower part of the city, you will stop off at the Mercado de San Pedro (Market of St. Peter), which being the city’s main street market, will give you an opportunity to get to know the products of Cusco, overwhelming you with the sights, aromas, tastes, and colors of the region.
Just a few blocks away, you will discover one of the most impressive buildings of Incan Cusco: The Korikancha (the Golden Temple) - a temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, whose interior walls were said to have been covered in gold. You will complete the day with a stroll through the Cusco Plaza de Armas (Main Square), where you will visit the Cathedral and admire its exquisite vestibules and priceless paintings from the Cusco School of the 17th and 18th centuries.

It's included
Local English-speaking guide.
Tickets for visits
Hotel 3 star / Included
Private vehicle
Breakfast and lunch

Day 9: Cusco – Pisac – Patabamba
After breakfast, we will depart towards Pisac, 34km away from Cusco (around 20 miles). In this place, also called Pisaqa, we will visit the sacred sites, overlooking the astonishing terracing system and the biggest ancient cemetery of Peru. In addition, after the visit of the huge archaeological site, we will see the local colorful artisanal market of the town. Finally, we will drive to the Patabamba community for a traditional lunch. We will be able to explore the village and talk to the local people. Overnight with the local inhabitants in Patabamba and a great journey to deep yourself into the living tradition of the Andes.
You will leave your luggage and personal belongings for the next 4 days, leaving them at the hotel in Cusco before the excursion. After the excursion of Machupicchu, you will return to the Hotel in Cusco.

It's included
Local English-speaking guide.
Tickets for visits
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon Tea time and dinner
Local house

Day 10: Patabamba – Huchuy Qosqo “The Little Cusco”
After breakfast and the farewell of our host, we start trekking an up and down trail, visiting different local Ayllus or small communities. All the way to Huchuy Qosqo, we will witness great views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Urubamba range of mountains. At some point we will the reach the highest pass named Pukamarka (4280m // 14,040 ft.) Later on, the trail, we will come across an ancient Inca trail called Qapac Ñan. Through this path, we will reach the Pumapunku Canyon (Canyon of the cougar’s door) until we arrive to the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo. We will meet our local hosts who will walk us to their home for the night. Overnight with the local inhabitants of Huchuy Qosqo.

It's included
Local English-speaking guide.
Tickets for visits
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon Tea time and dinner
Local house

Day 11: Huchuy Qosqo “The Little Cusco” – Chinchero
The next day, after breakfast, we will start our way to another traditional village: Chinchero. We will regain the trail to keep walking over a pass named as Tauca (4420 m // 14,500 ft.). From there, we will start our descent until we arrive to Cuperalto, a small village of alpaca and llama herders. This amazing journey will end when we arrive to Chinchero’s village and meet our hosts that will give us comfort for the night. Overnight with the local inhabitants of Chinchero.

It's included
Local English-speaking guide.
Tickets for visits
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon Tea time and dinner
Local house


Day 12: Sacred Valley tour Chincheros - Moray - Salt mines –Ollantaytambo
On day 3 the pickup from your hotel will be at 8:30 am. With our private transportation, we will head towards Chinchero which is home to the famous Peruvian weaving factory.
After the visit, we will stop at a viewpoint of to enjoy the Beautiful Andean snowcap mountains and villages in the valley with views of crops dressing the surrounding mountains.
After a few scenic photos and a short ride, we arrive at Moray also known as “The Greenhouses of the Incas”
The terraces have varied microclimates depending on how deep you go into this circular depression. These terraces have been used by the Incas to discover the optimal growing conditions for their crops.
Continuing our journey to the 3rd site, we will pass through the colonial town of Maras, ascending our way downhill to the pre-Inca salt mine. Thousands of saltpans have been used for salt extraction since Inca times.
lunch break will be in the town of Urubamba mid-day (1 Hour approx.)
Finally, we drive to Ollantaytambo, having time to explore the age-old, massive and beautiful Inca ruins with your tour guide explaining the rich history.
Our van will be ready for us for the short ride to drop you off at your Hotel in Ollantaytambo.

It's included
Local English-speaking guide.
Tickets for visits
Hotel 3 star / Included
Private vehicle
Breakfast

Day 13: Expedition train - Machu Picchu- Cusco
The long-awaited visit to your Machu Picchu adventure will commence with an early wakeup at your hotel. Your train will depart from the Ollantaytambo train station to leave for Aguas Calientes.
You will be traveling through alpine meadows, with great views of white glacier peaks, green valleys, and Inca farming terraces. The sacred Vilcanota River will be our companion until your arrival at Aguas Calientes.
From the train station in Aguas Calientes, you will be accompanied and transferred by your guide to Machu Picchu with a shuttle bus.
After a 25-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu, your tour guide will take you to see the best views of this 7th wonder of the world.
On your private 2 hour guided tour, your guide will expertly direct you through the enigmatic ruins and its rich history.
After your visit (mid-day approx.) you will need to take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes to enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants there.
The return train will depart to Ollantaytambo where you will catch our private transportation for other two-hours back to Cusco.
Be sure to arrive at the train station 30 minutes before your departure.

It's included
Local English-speaking guide.
Tickets for visits
Hotel 3 star / Included
Private vehicle and trains
Breakfast

Day 14: Rainbow Mountain trek
With an early pick up from your hotel in Cusco at 04:00 am, we begin your amazing Rainbow Mountain Trek with a 3-hour drive through the South Valley ending up at the trailhead at Quesiuno which is located at an altitude of (4,326 mts/14,189 ft)
On this trek, you will experience amazing views of Inca terraces, valleys filled with alpacas and vicunas, Rocky Mountains with snowy glacier peaks and the amazing news of the Rainbow Mountain itself!
The views of the Ausangate Mountain will follow us through the trail as we hike through different villages and interact with the local people, who are still keeping the culture alive. It will take us around 3 to 3.5 hours, to finally reach our destination to the Rainbow Mountain (5,020mts /16,466ft).
At the summit you will have some time to rest, and enjoy the scenery! take photos and soak up the environment. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top.
Once we regroup, we will hike back down the trail we came on. The hike takes 2.5 hours back to the trailhead. Our van will be waiting for us when we return. On the 3-hour drive back to Cusco you will be able to rest a bit from this great hike and share the experience with your friends and family!
You can rent a horse from local people at the starting point of the trek if you wish!

It's included
Local English-speaking guide.
Tickets for visits
Hotel 3 star / Included
Private vehicle
Breakfast and lunch

Day 15: Cusco - Lima – International Flight
Flight to Lima, then transfer to your international flight

It's included
Airport assistance
Private transport
Breakfast

Highlights

  • Visit the city of Arequipa, the so-called white city, surrounded by volcanoes.
  • We will travel to the highlands of Peru
  • We will be able to interact with this ancient living culture
  • The majestic citadel of Machupicchu, Wonder of the World

Guiding languages

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Your guide will be waiting for you with a sign with your name. At the airport, look for the departure gate where your guide will be waiting for you.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED

When should I book?

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.


Cancellations

Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.