Explore Peru (11 days)

Today we will explore the colonial city of Arequipa, built with blocks of white volcanic stone and therefore also called “the White City”. During a panoramic bus tour we will visit the Main Square and then head towards the viewpoint of Carmen Alto from where you can enjoy the panoramic view of Arequipa and the impressive Misti volcano. We continue our tour to the district Yanahuara with its colonial streets and buildings and the traditional district Cayma. Continuing our tour we stop at the outlet and zoo Incalpaca, where you can observe different Andean camelids such as Llamas, Alpacas and Vicuñas. On our way we pass the artificial lakes Tingo and Sacha and head towards the “Molino de Sabandía”, a construction from the XVI century. We return to the center, crossing the Paucarpata district with its beautiful pre-Inca.

We will pick you up at your hotel at around 3:00 or 3:30 a.m and will head to the Colca Valley. The trip to our first stop, Chivay (main town of the Valley), will take about 4 hours and we will stop there for breakfast. Then the trip will continue to Cabanaconde (2:30 hours of trip approx.) from where we start our trek, descending to the Colca Canyon, which will take around 3:30 to 4 hours. During the tour we will see the diverse Andean and tropical vegetation and also admire the geological formation of the Colca Canyon, part of the formation of the Andes Mountains. Once in the canyon we will cross the suspension bridge of San Juan de Chuccho, to arrive at the village, where we spend the night in the villagers’ houses, equipped to welcome visitors (basic accommodation).

We will start the day by taking a breakfast and then continue our journey. We will discover typical villages, first Cosnihua and then Malata; where we will enjoy the traditional way of life of the inhabitants, as there are no roads to reach these villages. Then we will go to the Sangalle Oasis, full of Andean vegetation mixed with tropical vegetation, thanks to spring water. There, we will enjoy a refreshing swim in the pools located in this beautiful place (the water’s temperature is at approx. 18 °C). We spend the night at the Oasis.

At around 4:30 a.m we will start the hike up, it is a very steep and winding road, but after 3 hours we will have the satisfaction of completing this beautiful journey. Breakfast may be taken at a local restaurant and then we will take our bus to the Mirador de la Cruz Del Condor, a famous viewpoint for breathtaking views upon the Colca Canyon and where normally you can see the impressive flight of the condors. Then we will return to Chivay, taking the opportunity to visit la Calera, enjoy the relaxing thermal waters and a nice lunch. In the afternoon We will take the bus to Puno arriving between 18:00 – 18:30p.m.

This morning we take you to the port of Puno, where we board our boat to start an approx. 30-40 minutes cruise on the lake to the floating islands called “Uros”, made entirely out of reeds. The friendly Urus people will be happy to welcome you to their islands, and will share their history, culture and traditions with you. The community of the Uros has endured for hundreds of years, thanks to their continual renovation of the island floor with Totora reeds and mud and their harmonious relationship with nature. You will learn how Uros people have completely built their floating houses. Then we take the boat to Amantani Island, where you will have a chance to meet local families. You will also have time to visit the island and the Pachatata Temple, these are the pre-Inca temples sitting on the two high peaks of Amantani Island which are dedicated to fertility. Pacha Mama and Pacha Tata are two important figures that symbolize the principle of compatibility and harmony in the Andean cultures: the Chacha Warmi. You’ll have some time and a dinner with the local family and spend the night at their family home.

In the morning you will have a breakfast with the family and then take boat to Taquile Island. You will explore an old island completely terraced by the pre-Incas and Incas. Taquileños still live in a traditional way and are known for their high quality handicrafts. Here we will visit some of the native families and enjoy a traditional meal with them. Then you will have a time to enjoy the island before taking boat back to Puno. Back there, you will have a free evening to enjoy a last night in the city.

Today we travel from the Lake Titicaca to Cusco: a beautiful journey with some special stops along the way. Your first stop will be at Pucará, a colonial city known for its pottery. We will enjoy the view, and see llamas and alpacas grazing from the La Raya pass at 4310 m/14172 ft above sea level and enjoy a nice buffet lunch in Sicuani. After that, we will also visit the archaeological complex of Raqchi, another important Inca city. Finally, you will visit the Church of Andahuaylillas, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” and features a simple façade but keeps one of the most valuable jewels of the colonial art in Peru. We will arrive in Cusco, old capital of the Incas’ Empire, where you will spend the night.

After a good rest in the hotel and a free morning in Cusco, we will pick you up and take you on a city tour in Cusco. We will visit the historic centre of the City, Cusco’s main square with its impressive Cathedral and the Inca Temple “Qoricancha” (Temple of the Sun). After visiting the historic centre, we take you to the hills of upper Cusco to visit the old Inca temples and pre-Inca constructions Sacsayhuaman, Kenko, Tambomachay and Pucapucara.

Today we will travel to the Sacred Valley, where the Incas once built major cities like Pisac and Ollantaytambo. They built complex irrigation systems and achieved a high level of agriculture. Enjoy the amazing landscapes on your way to the charming village of PIsac, where we will visit its extended archaeological complex and Inca remains and the colorful traditional market. After a nice typical buffet lunch in Urubamba, we travel to Ollantaytambo to visit its Inca ruins and take our train to Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu town, in the afternoon. We pick you up at the train station and lead you to your hostel where you spend the night.

Today we will travel to the Sacred Valley, where the Incas once built major cities like Pisac and Ollantaytambo. They built complex irrigation systems and achieved a high level of agriculture. Enjoy the amazing landscapes on your way to the charming village of PIsac, where we will visit its extended archaeological complex and Inca remains and the colorful traditional market. After a nice typical buffet lunch in Urubamba, we travel to Ollantaytambo to visit its Inca ruins and take our train to Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu town, in the afternoon. We pick you up at the train station and lead you to your hostel where you spend the night.

Enjoy your last day in Peru! You will have your flight back to Lima (hour to confirm with your travel agent). End of the service.