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Enter the world of the Inkas - interact with their descendants,
explore pre-Columbian archaeological sites and visit places of historical interest. Fly over the
mysterious Nasca lines: "the biggest astronomy book in the world". Visit the city of Arequipa,
built from white volcanic stone beneath a semi-circle of three volcanoes. Explore the awe-inspiring
Colca canyon, where condors soar over one of the deepest canyons on the planet. Cruise on Lake Titicaca,
the highest navigable lake on earth, and sleep in the adobe homes of the traditional weavers of idyllic
Taquile. Travel by train to Cusco, once the centre of the Inka Empire, where the
streets, plazas, churches and archaeological sites are permeated with the vestiges of history. Rest for
a night in the Sacred Valley of the Inkas, where the terraced villages and Inka sites of Pisaq and
Ollantaytambo are located. Continue on to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Inkas. Thirty minutes from
Cusco by plane, the Sandoval Lake area in the southern rainforest of Peru, offers diverse
wildlife including many species of monkey, parrots, butterflies and innumerable other types of animal
and plant life.
The Itinerary
Day 1:
Upon arrival in Lima, our guide welcomes you and transfer you to the
designated hotel for trip briefing.
Day 2:
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the colonial city of Arequipa,
surrounded by 3 volcanoes. The highest of them, El Misti, reaches the altitude of
5800 mts / 19,020 ft. In the afternoon, after a city tour around the colonial highlights of Arquipa,
we visit the Convento de Santa Catalina, a convent rich in history.
Overnight in hotel (B).
Day 3:
After an early pick-up at the hotel, we head to the Colca canyon - a 6-hour drive
over the Altiplano. On the way, we see vicuna (a species of camelids) and admire the volcanoes
of Misti, Chachani among others. We pass through typical Andean villages, like Callalli and Tuti,
before arriving in Chivay, where we spend the night. If not too late, we visit the hot springs at
La Calera. Overnight in hotel (B).
Day 4:
Early morning, we drive along the canyon to reach the Cruz Del Condor. Here we can spot condors
flying overhead. On our way back, we visit the towns of Yanque and Maca. After lunch, we return to
Arequipa. Overnight in hotel(B).
Day 5:
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Juliaca, where our local staffs meets us for the transfer to Puno.
It is an hour's drive to the shore of Lake Titicaca, visiting en route Sillustani, an impressive natural and archaeological site
overlooking Umayo Lake. The highlights are the funeral towers (Chopas) built by Colla and Incas cultures. Overnight in hotel (B).
Day 6:
Early morning, we catch the boat to Taquile and Amantani Islands, to visit one of
the communities still living under the old Andean laws. Views of the lake with the snow-capped Andean Range in the
backdrop are superb and Amantani Island still harbours some pre-Columbian remains.
We have the great opportunity of staying
with a local family and learn more about their lifestyle and beautiful knitting - the finest of
the region (B L D).
Day 7:
We continue the visit of the islands and observe the farming methods and products grown on the island.
We can also visit other areas of the villages, such as the schools, or support the island and its people
by shopping in the community market at the Plaza. After lunch, we take our boat back to Puno, visiting en route
the floating islands of the Uros. Transfer to hotel (B).
Day 8:
This morning we take the train to Cusco. We cross the Altiplano, admiring Andean villages and herds
of llamas and alpacas. In the evening, we arrive at the famous Inca capital: Cusco, the Navel of the
World. Transfer from station to hotel (B).
Day 9:
Today, we drive to the Sacred Valley to visit Chinquero or Pisaq market - a great chance to meet the Quechua people
and appreciate their local customs. Leaving Pisaq, we drive along the valley to Ollantaytambo, where we
visit the ruins and town. We overnight in a hotel in the Sacred Valley (B).
Day 10:
We take the train to Machu Picchu ("old peak"), a 2-hour journey along the valley through beautiful cloudforest.
After arrival at Aguas Calientes station, we take the bus to the site for a guided tour of this amazing
archaeological complex. You have the option of climbing Huayna Picchu
("young peak") from where you have a superb overlook of the ruins.
In the afternoon, we return to Aguas Calientes (30 minutes by bus), where we have time to
visit and enjoy the hot springs. Overnight in hotel (B).
Day 11:
We dedicate the morning to exploring the site, time permitting. In the afternoon, we take the train
back to Cusco. Transfer to our hotel (B).
Day 12:
In the morning, during a guided
city tour, we visit the impressive Coricancha (the Inca Sun Temple), and the nearby ruins of Kenko,
Tambomachay, Pucapucara and Sacsayhuaman: the spectacular, mountaintop fortress overlooking Cusco.
The afternoon is free to explore by yourselves this beautiful city and
shop for handicrafts. (B).
Day 13:
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Lima. Connexion with your flight back home or continuation
of your holidays in Peru. (B).
Suggested Extensions
- Discover the Peruvian Amazon staying staying at Sandoval Lake Lodge, exploring the rainforest
and observing wildlife.
- Fly over the mysterious Nasca lines , the biggest astronomy book in the world and
enjoy a boat ride to Ballestas islands, the Peruvian Galapagos.
General Information
Read our customers' feedback about this journey.
Rated: Easy.
Best period: April to Novembre. During the wet season
(December to March) all excursions are still available.
No hotels are available in Taquile, only homestay.
The train Puno/Cuzco operates on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday (otherwise we take the bus).
Subjected to change at any time.
Pisac market is on Sunday and Thursday. If the excursion into the Sacred
Valley falls another day, we will try to organise the visit of nother market, if possible.
June 12th departure is a special Inti Raymi, the Inca festival
held the 24th of June in Cusco (day 13), after the visit of Machu Picchu.
Fixed Departure dates
2005: Every Tuesday
| Tour Tariff | |||||
| Fixed Departure | Private Departure | SGL Supp. | |||
| N° of participants | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| USD | $ 1398 | $ 1864 | $ 1762 | $ 1688 | $ 244 |
| EUR | € 1161 | € 1547 | € 1462 | € 1401 | € 203 |
| GBP | £ 783 | £ 1043 | £ 986 | £ 945 | £ 137 |
Included in price:
Land transportation cost, all meals indicated on the itinerary (B= Continental breakfast,
L= Lunch or Box Lunch, D= Dinner), vegetarian meals provided on request, public bus or train from Puno to Cusco,
private tours and transfers (except to Taquile and Amantani Islands), professional English-speaking guides, entrance fees, accommodation
at selected standard class hotel with private bathroom (superior and deluxe class available upon request), domestic flights (price subjected to change)
Not included:
Airport taxes ( 5 USD for each domestic flight),meals not stated in itinerary, items of personal nature, tips, beverages.
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