South American Travel

From $ 1,299.00

---------------------------------------- ITINERARY ----------------------------------------

Day 1 INTERNATIONAL ARRIVAL TO LIMA
Assistance on your arrival to Lima "Jorge Chavez" Airport and transfer to the selected hotel.

Day 2 LIMA: CITY TOUR
Morning at your leisure.
In the afternoon, about 14:00 hours you will picked up from your Hotel for the guided city tour by the most attractive and important sites in Lima, the "City of Kings". The tour includes visits to the Huaca Pucllana, and considered by the Incas as ñaupallaqta, a "sacred village". We will show you the Historical Center: Paseo de la República, San Martín Square, Main Square, Government Palace, Basilica Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, City Hall Palace, the old streets with colonial mansions and Moorish-style balconies.
We will visit the Convent and Church of San Francisco, the greatest monumental assembly of colonial art in America. The monks' Choir and Library; the Vestry, with paintings by Zurbaran and Rivera; Main Cloister decorated with Sevillian tiles from the 16th century; Moorish arches, and The Catacombs, underground crypts from the colonial times.
The tour continues through the more traditional Residential Areas: El Olivar in San Isidro, Miraflores' Central Park, and Larco Mar which has become a distinctive symbol of modern Lima.]

Day 3 PARACAS: NATIONAL RESERVE / BALLESTAS ISLAND
Early in the morning, transport by bus fron Lima to Paracas Peninsula, where we can find the most important wildlife sanctuary on the Peruvian Coast. Boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, in the Paracas National Reserve, where we can observe sea lions, boobies, pelicans, penguins and marine birds. On the way back, from the water, we can also see the "Candelabro" (Candelabrum), a giant figure etched in the sand on the side of a hill in the style of the Nazca Lines. In the afternoon travel by bus to the city of Nazca for overnight.

Day 4 NAZCA LINES / AREQUIPA
Early in the morning, after breakfast, transfer to Nazca airport for a 45-minute overflight of the enigmatic Nazca Lines. These enormous lineal drawings of animals, birds and geometric figures, remain etched in the desert and they can only be appreciated from the air. At noon, travel to the city of Arequipa (about 6 hours 30 minutes) along the desert and coast valleys. Arrival at the White City of Arequipa. It receives this name due to its white rock buildings, a white rock that flows out of Misti Volcano. On your arrival at Arequipa, transfer to the selected hotel. Free night.

Day 5 AREQUIPA: CITY TOUR
Morning city tour of Arequipa, including the Main Square, one of the most beautiful squares in Peru, and the Cathedral, a prime example of XIX century Peruvian architecture, housing beautiful treasures in gold and silver. We also visit the La Compania Church, and ancient Jesuit temple, maybe the most important one in Arequipa due to its history and tradition, with a beautiful façade with carved columns, laurel crowns, flowers, birds, etc. A more careful look at the façade, however, reveals the limits of European influence, as the angels have Indian faces; and indeed one face is even crowned with feathers. Then, we will visit the Santa Catalina Convent, a "small town" built in the XVII century and opened to the public in 1970, after 400 years cloister. Perfectly preserved for four centuries, you go back in time as you enter the cloister and see the numerous, spacious patios and gardens, the kitchen and slave quarters and stone washtubs of this convent. About 20 nuns, of what were once 500, still live in a section of the convent. Transfer to the hotel.
Rest of the day at your leisure.
* It is pos sible to do this tour starting in the afternoon so you have the morning free.

Day 6 AREQUIPA: COLCA VALLEY (L) (D)
Early in the morning, depart on a wonderful four hours bus trip to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world (3,400 mts.). On the trip we drive across Pampa Cañahuas in the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, inhabited by herds of vicuñas and alpacas (South American camelids). We also see beautiful pre-Columbian terraces, still being cultivated by native Collaguas. Lunch on your arrival at Chivay in the Colca Valley, transfer to the selected logde.
In the afternoon, we recommend you to rest and get used to the altitude. If you are in good shape, you will have free time to stroll by the lodge surroundings or you could take a reparing bath at the hot springs near the lodge.
Dinner and overnight at the lodgey.

Day 7 COLCA CANYON: CONDOR CROSS (L)
We leave early in the morning to the "Condor's Cross", where the biggest bird in the world can be usually seen flying. On the way back we visit the colonial towns and churches of Yanque, Coporaque, Achoma and Maca. Good opportunity to appreciate the life of these people that has changed little since Inca times.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
After Lunch depart from Chivay (Colca canyon) to the Lake Titicaca (Puno), the bus departure at 1:30pm and arrive at 19:00 pm approximately. Overnight at selected Hotel.

Day 8 PUNO: TITICACA LAKE, FLOATING ISLAND OF THE UROS AND ISLAND OF TAQUILE (L)
Early in the morning, we will have an unforgettable motorboat excursion on the waters of Lake Titicaca to the unique "Floating Islands" of the Uros. These ancient inhabitants of the lake, known as the Water Tribe, have built their own "islands" by periodically adding new layers of a type of reed unique to the area called "totora" (Scirpus Totora), vegetable fibre from the Papiro family. Their homes and boats are also made from this material. We continue our motorboat trip to Taquile island, inhabited by Quechua-speaking natives who have developed efficient and unique social systems, as well as fine hand weaving techniques, down through generations. After lunch in a local Taquile inn, we have a walk through the various hills and archaeological sites of this 6 km long island. In the afternoon, return to Puno for overnight at the hotel.
Free night.

Day 9 PUNO / CUSCO
Breakfast. Early departure by bus to the City of Cusco. We travel along the High Plateau of the Collao, stopping at the Town of Ayaviri, an important livestock and textile centre, to visit the impressive Temple of Kalasasaya, remnants of the ancient Pucara Culture. On the way, we stop in Raqchi, where we can see a spectacular Inca Sanctuary built by the Inca Pachacutec, and dedicated to the great Inca God of Wiracocha. It has a great central wall with a stone base of fine Inca architecture. Other walls are made of giant adobe bricks. The structure also has two circular lateral columns. Around the Temple are several buildings once used for housing and storage. About 70 km further on, we pass through the La Raya Ranch where we can see herds of vicuñas and llamas. During the trip, we pass by the lovely Wacarpay Lake, offering spectacular views of the mountains reflected in its calm waters.
We proceed to the beautiful Town of Andahuaylillas, and visit the Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, better known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas, due to its decorated polychrome ceiling.
Buffet lunch in a quiet countryside restaurant, where we can enjoy the delightful culinary art of the region. Upon arrival in Cusco, meet and transfer to your hotel.
Dinner on your own.

Day 10 CUSCO: CITY TOUR AND VISIT TO NEARBY RUINS
Early in the morning, transfer to Arequipa airport to take a flight to Cusco. Upon arrival transfer to selected hotel. After arrival we suggest some rest in the hotel in order to avoid altitude sickness and have lunch there. In the afternoon, we will have a guided city tour of Cusco visiting the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun or Korikancha Then, we drive out of the city to visit the Inca sites of Kenko, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara and the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, strategically built on a hill overlooking Cusco and famous for its enormous carved stones, some of them standing over 9m / 30ft high and weighing over 350 tons. Return to the hotel. Free night.

Day 11 CUSCO: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS (L)
Excursion to the "Sacred Valley of the Incas", a succession of picturesque towns, agricultural terraces and archaeological sites. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, we´ll have the opportunity to bargain with vendors or stroll at the Pisac's typical Indian market, with a catholic mass service on Sunday (celebrated in Quechua, the native language).
Lunch at a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley.
In the afternoon pass through Calca and Urubamba towns to arrive to the Inca Fortress and Citadel of Ollantaytambo, which was built to guard the entry of this part of the valley and protect it from enemies of the lower jungles; consisting in a series of superimposed terraces of carved stones accessed by long staircases. We will have the opportunity to walk through the quaint streets of the nearby town, religious and agricultural centre during the Inca Empire, and get a clear idea of the military strategy against possible invasions. On our way back to Cusco we will visit the picturesque Andean village of Chinchero where the remains of what was the royal hacienda of Tupac Inca Yupanqui lies. Admire its well preserved Inca Wall at the Main Square, visit the beautiful colonial temple built on Inca foundations, with interesting frescoes on the portico.
Back to Cusco in the afternoon.

Day 12 CUSCO: MACHU PICCHU - AGUAS CALIENTES
The day starts with an early morning rise to transfer to Cusco train station for a three hour train journey to the famous Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, also known as "The Lost City of the Incas". Arrive at Aguas Calientes station followed by a 30-minute bus drive, climbing 6km of winding road, to the incredible Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we´ll participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and various burial grounds. After the tour you will have time to stroll around the archaeological site at your leisure. Lunch in a restaurant at Aguas Calientes town.
Overnight in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Free night, we recommend to have dinner at the hotel selected in Aguas Calientes.

Day 13 CUSCO: AGUAS CALIENTES - CUSCO
Excellent opportunity to wake up early and enjoy with a beautiful sunrise as well as stroll by the town of Aguas Calientes and visit its thermal waters. Then, you will have time to perform some of the following activities: (not included in the price)
1. Visit the Citadel of Machu Picchu for the second time.
2. For more adventurer people, we suggest to go up the Huayna Pichu (if it is not raining) from where you can appreciate the immensity of Machu Picchu, even more amazing being at a high distant. Arriving at the top takes about two hours and a half and it must be before 13:00 hours. It is necessary to register in a office at the beginning of the trail. An exciting adventure for the travellers who want to see, from the top, the nature and the carved stone emerging from the ground as a geological miracle.
In the afternoon, back to Cusco by train, and transfer to the selected hotel for overnight. Free night.

Day 14 CUSCO/LIMA
International Flight. Early in the morning, transfer to the airport and departure to Lima, for international conecction flight.

---------------------------------------- PRICE ----------------------------------------

---------------------------------------- INCLUDED ----------------------------------------

Lima: Transfers In/Out; City tour; Tickets bus Lima/Paracas; Included Flight Ticket Cusco/Lima.

Paracas: Transfers In/out; Exc. Ballestas Island;Paracas Reserve; Tourist departure by bus to Pisco/Nazca.

Nazca: Transfers In/Out; Over flight of the Nazca Lines; Tourist departure by bus Nazca/Arequipa.

Arequipa: Transfers In/Out; city tour + Santa Catalina; Exc. Colca Canyon 2 Days/1 Night (2 lunch and 1 dinner); Tourist departure by Bus Arequipa/Puno.

Puno: Transfers In/Out; Uros and Taquile Island Excursion (lunch included); Tourist bus Puno/Cuzco.

Cusco: Transfers In/Out; Cuzco City Tour; Sacred Valley of the Incas(lunch included); Machu Picchu Excursion (lunch included);Flight Cusco/Lima

All Nights Accommodations Included; Everyday Breakfast

Note: Tourist and Tourist Superior Programs the train service is Backpacker coach. Superior and Luxury Programs the Train service is Vistadome coach.

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