Your trip to Peru has commenced! A representative will pick you up from the airport at the scheduled time to transfer you to your hotel in Lima. A modern metropolis full of history, travelers can find comfort and cultural activities in the capital city â though youâll want to get plenty of rest as your sightseeing adventure begins the following day.
After breakfast at your hotel, begin your Peru tour in central Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with historic colonial architecture and romantic main squares. A scenic tour will take you back in time, from the early 16th Century mansions and the characteristic Cathedral. In the neighboring district of Pueblo Libre, weâll step inside a restored mansion that houses Larco Museum, renowned for its large collection of pre-Hispanic gold and silver objects as well as ancient erotic art.
After a morning meal and short flight (90 minutes) from Lima to Arequipa city, weâll explore the White City, so-called because of the many buildings built of sillar. The white petrified volcanic lava was used to build the impressive 17th century Cathedral, which weâll admire from the Main Square. Tradition and faith are core elements of Arequipa, as noted by the 16th century Monastery of Santa Catalina (a cloister and citadel active to this day) and Church of La Compañia de Jesus (home to an exceptional exhibition of paintings and murals). Later weâll walk up charming, narrow streets towards the districts of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto for a panoramic view of Arequipa and the majestic Misti volcano.
Breakfast at the hotel before we take a scenic bus ride towards Yura district. Native fauna such as vicuñas (Andean camelid) can be seen at the extensive Pampa Cañahuas Reserve. Continuing towards Colca Canyon, weâll gaze out from the Mirador de los Andes at Patapampa, a viewpoint to appreciate volcanos, before lunch in Chivay. The afternoon is yours to rest at your hotel or bask in the thermal springs of La Calera.
After breakfast, itâs time to head to the Condor Cross. From here we can admire Colca Valley, the second deepest canyon in the world, as well as the elusive condor. Back in Chivay, weâll take time to visit local towns and viewpoints before continuing south towards Puno, taking a slight detour to Patahuasi. The journey will present us with majestic stone forests and high-altitude lagoons.
Enjoy a morning meal before departing to the floating islands of Uros, man-made islands built from woven reeds. After an hour-long tour for an insiderâs look into the inhabitantsâ lifestyles, we will continue by boat to Taquile Island. Admire the Incan-influenced architecture and indulge in a unique cultural activity before being invited to a delicious, homemade lunch, after which you will return to Puno to prepare for another dayâs adventure.
Start your day by fueling up with a hearty breakfast in preparation to travel to the last leg of your Peru highlights tour, Cusco. Along the way to the historic city, we will make stops to the first urban settlement in the highlands to learn about its history, Pucara and Pucara Lithic Museum, as well as the highest mountain pass, La Raya. After lunch, we will continue to Wiracocha Temple, an Inca site built in honor of an Andean god, and then the Church of the Andahuaylillas, famed as the âSistine Chapel of the Americas.â Upon arrival to Cusco, the rest of the day will be yours to enjoy.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel knowing your Sacred Valley adventure begins today!
Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is full of architectural gems spanning varying centuries and shifts in power. A private tour will allow you to marvel at Coricancha (âThe Temple of the Sunâ), the most important temple of the Inca Empire, as well as the 15th century stone fortress Sacsayhuaman, ritualistic site Qenqo, and the alleged military ruin Puka Pukara. Weâll also visit the cityâs main square to admire historical artifacts at the Cathedral (which took nearly a century to construct).
After an early morning meal, youâll be transferred to the Ollanta Station to catch your train to the town of Aguas Calientes. Full of handicrafts and restaurants, this small town is just a short ride from your much-anticipated visit to Machu Picchu. A masterpiece of architecture even by todayâs terms, this famed peak is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Weâve made sure to a lot plenty of time to this tour so you can appreciate this majestic site and soak in the views. Upon your return to Aguas Calientes, youâll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, youâll take a train from Aguas Calientes to Ollanta, from where youâll be transferred to your hotel in Cusco.
Enjoy your final breakfast at your hotel in Cusco before a transportation service takes you to the airport for your return flight to Lima.
Lima: Considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Peruâs capital is a melting pot of both modern and traditional culture.
Arequipa: Skirted by the majestic Misti volcano, Arequipa, nicknamed the White City, prides itself for numerous attractions, like the old âforbidden cityâ of Santa Catalina and Jesuit church, among others.
Colca Canyon: As the worldâs second deepest canyon, Colca is not only a soaring condor hot spot, but also home to some of the most remote villages of the area.
Lake Titicaca: Quite unlike any other place in Peru, the city of Puno is home to Taquile and the floating islands of Uros on the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca.
Cusco: Once the capital of the Inca Empire, this city is rich in historical sites such as the Coricancha temple, Sacsayhuaman fortress, ceremonial Qenqo and more.
Machu Picchu: Set high in the Andes Mountains, the Inca citadel offers a glance into Peruâs past and an unforgettable view of the area today.
Experience the best of Peru during this full, 10-day tour that explores the beautiful heritage, culture, and biodiversity of the Land of the Incas. This unforgettable circuit departs from Lima to begin in the beautiful White City, Arequipa, before traversing to the areaâs spectacular landscapes, including Colca Canyon, where condors fly free and Andean camelids run wild. Continue your trip to Lake Titicaca followed by the ancient Inca capital, Cusco, where you will unearth the secrets of the Sacred Valley. Conclude your trip to Peru with an unforgettable visit to the Machu Picchu ruins, âThe Lost City of the Incas.â
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