Peru Classic Program - 19 dagar

At 9am we begin a guided trip of Lima’s old colonial centre, taking in the main square, the impressive Cathedral, rebuilt after a huge earthquake in 1746 and the Plaza San Martin amongst other highlights. Returning to Miraflores we continue our guided visit at the Gold Museum, featuring one of the most extensive collections of pre-colombian jewellery and artefacts in the country. We take lunch in local restaurant before returning to our hotel. In the early afternoon we board our bus and begin our 4 hour journey South to Paracas, the highway following the rugged coastline interspersed with small fishing villages. We arrive in Paracas in the late afternoon/early evening, a large port town famed and named after its local brandy production (B, L). 

Following breakfast we will be privately transported to Pisco’s seafront where we board our boat for a voyage out to the windswept Ballestas Islands, home to huge populations of marine wildlife. The islands have been spectacularly eroded by the sea forming steep cliffs and huge arches – perfect homes for some of the eastern Pacific’s largest seabird colonies. Pelicans, Peruvian Booby’s, Red Legged and Guanay Cormorants all find sanctuary here. At the water’s edge thousands of noisy sealions compete for space with Humboldt Penguins – all evidence of the richness of the cold waters carried up from the Antarctic by the powerful Humboldt Current. Returning from our water based adventure we have a seafood lunch (at your own cost) and sample Peru’s most famous cocktail, the Pisco Sour. After lunch we board our bus and continue our Peru Classic tour southwards towards the town of Nazca. We arrive in Nazca in the late afternoon – a verdant green valley surrounded by desert hills and the highest Sand dunes on the planet. Overnight in our comfortable hotel (B). 

After breakfast at 7am we are transferred privately to the local airport were we board our small plane for our low altitude flight over the Nazca Lines. The lines, etched into the desert over hundreds of years in a process beginning more than 2000 years ago can only be appreciated from above, and our flight provides a remarkable perspective on these geometrical shapes and animal forms, many of which are hundreds of meters across. The images, whose exact purpose has never been comprehensively been proven include birds, a monkey, a killer whale and a spider. Returning to earth we visit the pre-Inca cemetery site of Chauchilla. Taking a guided tour we explore an area covered with bones, pottery and well preserved mummies. We return to Nazca for lunch, before boarding our bus for our lengthy ride to Arequipa. Driving into the Andean foothills we arrive at this refined colonial city were we arrive at around midnight. On arrival we check straight into lovely colonial hotel located on the cities Plaza de Armas and enjoy a well earned rest (B, L). 

The morning is free to relax after the full day and late arrival yesterday. In the early afternoon we begin a tour of this very special city, constructed almost entirely of a white volcanic rock, ‘sillar’. Situated at nearly 2400m above sea level the sources of this volcanic material are plain to see and add to the cities very special atmosphere. The snow capped volcanoes of Misti (5,822m), Chachani (6,057m) and Pichu-Pichu (5,669m) tower over the city, beautiful but ominous guardians and reminders of the titanic forces that have built, and continue to build the Andes. After visiting the beautiful main square and Cathedral we visit Arequipa’s best known attraction, the Santa Catalina convent. Closed to the public until 1970 this is where more than 400 nuns lived in what essentially is a self contained town set within the city. We visit the Yanahuara Square for some photographic opportunities of Arequipa’s volcanic surrounds before returning to our hotel. Our guide will then brief us regarding our 2 day exploration of the Colca Canyon. The rest of the day is free time (B). 

Starting early we are picked up by our bus for our journey to the Colca Canyon. We cross a spectacular high altitude plain, the altiplano, an area sometimes exceeding 4000m. Along the route we pass small villages and settlements and we may be able to see locals herding Llamas and Alpacas across the vast open spaces. The Vicuna is the wild relative of these animals, and we may be able to see this elegant animal while passing through Aguada Blanca Vicuna Reserve. The town of Chivay (3633m) acts as the entrance point to the Canyon, and we arrive here in the early/mid – afternoon. Two spectacular volcanos, the highly active Sabancaya and the huge Ampato (6,288) dominate the skyline around town. After a long day on the road we travel to the Chivay thermal baths to sooth away any travel aches and pains (B,L). 

After an early start we head for the Cruz del Condor, a magnificent viewpoint overlooking one of the deepest sections of the Colca Canyon. True to the description this is an excellent place to see Andean Condors, the world’s largest flying bird with wingspans of up to 3 meters. Early in the morning these birds wait for warm air currents, thermals, rising from the depths of the canyon to carry them aloft, from which point they can more easily locate dead or injured animals – their staple diet. After this wonderful natural spectacle we take a short walk in the valley to visit an Andean community and to observe the ancient agriculture terraces that have been in use in the canyon for centuries. Returning to the hotel for lunch we then continue our Peru Classic tour by bus to Puno on the shores of the dramatic high altitude lake of Titicaca. We spend the night at our comfortable hotel. (B). 

Around mid-morning we check out of our hotel on the lake shore and take a short ride to Puno, where we find our boat waiting to take us out onto the lake. First we visit the villages of the Uros tribe – a people highly evolved to living in this watery environment. Constructing boats and houses from the reeds of the lake we spend time with the Uros people who have long survived from a combination of hunting and fishing. Moving on we arrive at the peaceful island of Amantani where we will spend the night in the company of local families. After getting settled in a local guide will take us on a short walk to the islands highest peaks, from where we can appreciate the beautiful sunset over Lake Titicaca and the islands pre-colombian history through the ruins of past civilizations like lie scattered across this island. Staying with local families not only gives us an insight into their culture and lifestyle but also ensures the families receive the full financial benefits of cultural eco-tourism on Amantani (B, L, D).

Leaving Amantani we visit Taquile Island, an island dominated by ancient Inca terraces were we will see a demonstration of traditional weaving techniques. While on the island we will have a lunch consisting of freshly caught trout from the lake and locally grown fruits and vegetables. Later we re-board our boat and head for Puno, returning to our hotel. (B, L) 

Today we have a long journey across the altiplano, roughly 9 hours from Puno to Cusco, formally the capital of the Inca Empire and today an elegant, thriving multi-cultural city. We break up the journey stopping to take in some of the beautiful monuments along the route. The burial towers of Sillustani are a moment to pre-Inca Colla tribe, employing unique and complex construction methods in a spectacular location on the shores of Lake Umayo. We stop to admire the view from the magnificent pass of La Raya, the highest point on our route. On reaching the community of Raqchi we visit the ruins of the Temple of Viracocha, one of Incas most sacred sites. In Inca mythology Viracocha is the creator of all living things and the greatest of Inca deities. Continuing to Cusco we are checked in to our comfortable hotel before being given a brief introduction to the city and the following day’s itinerary. The evening is free to explore the cities lively nightlife and excellent restaurants (B,L). 

The morning is left free to relax and explore Cusco at your own pace. At 14.00 a local guide will meet you at the hotel and take you on a tour of the Cuzco and its surrounds, taking in the city’s most impressive monuments and putting these in the context of the truly cataclysmic events that played out here in the 16th Century, when two of the world’s great cultures collided. We visit the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, Koricancha, and the magnificent Inca Temple of the Sun, home to probably the finest Inca stonework – precisely carved stones that fit perfectly, without the need for mortar. We continue to the great ceremonial centre of Sacsayhuaman located in a beautiful position overlooking Cusco in the valley below. Sacsayhuaman’s scale is quite awe-inspiring, vast walls built with individual carved stones, the largest of which weigh more than 125 tons. The Quechua festival of Inti Raymi concludes within these walls every year in June – a truly spectacular demonstration of Indigenous culture, and well worth seeing! On leaving Sacsayhuaman we visit the well preserved Inca sites of Quenco, Puka Pukara and the Temple of Tambo Machay. After a tour of approximately 4 ½ to 5 hours we return to our hotel. Evening free (B). 

Today is our Peru Classic tour free to relax and enjoy the sights, sounds and easy going cultural mix that is Cusco. Some interesting spots to visit include the ’12 angled’ Inca stone in Calle Hatun Rumiyoc, he ‘Witches Market’ or the church of La Merced, rebuilt by Indigenous residents after the initial colonial structure was destroyed by one of the regions frequent earthquakes. Given advanced notice we can also arrange visits to local schools to gain an additional insight into the lives and challenges of young people growing up in this developing nation. Come the evening we meet up in a local restaurant for dinner and a fun evening of music and traditional dancing (B, D). 

Today we take a tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Leaving Cusco by bus we cross the hills dividing Cusco from this fascinating centre of Quechua culture. The countryside is largely rural, with local farmers going about their lives in much the same way as they have for centuries. Soon after leaving Cusco the magnificent peaks of Vilcanota Mountain Range reveal themselves, jagged glacial forms rising to well over 5000 meters. These mountains were and still are considered Apus (gods) to the local people. We visit the market town of Pisac, overlooked by an impressive Inca fortress. After lunch we continue to Ollantaytambo, another charming agricultural town in the heart of the valley. The Inca terraces above town were the site of a historic battle during Manco Incas famous uprising against the Spanish Forces. On the way back to Cusco we stop at the lovely village of Chinchero, located in the highlands dividing Cusco and the Sacred Valley. After visiting the central square, the church and the market we return to Cusco and our hotel for the night. (B, L) 

Early in the morning we transfer to the train station and board the special train service to Aguas Calientes, the small town located beneath the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu World Heritage Site. Served a breakfast snack on the train our guide will point out and explain the unique sights on our rail odyssey. On arrival in Aguas Calientes we are transferred to the hotel (B,L) 

Starting early we take a 25 minute ride above Aguas Calientes to the truly awesome Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a site straddling a mountain top at more at 2380 m above sea level and surrounded by misty cloud forest covered peaks and incredible views on all sides. This site lay undiscovered and engulfed the jungle until Yale University Professor Hiram Bingham chanced upon the site during an archaeological expedition. Since then much of purpose and nature of this site has remained a mystery. After a guided tour of the site you will have time to explore the ruins on your own and if you’re feeling energetic there’s the possibility of climbing Huayna Picchu peak (tour not included - tour need to be book in advance), the distinctive steep sided mountain overlooking Machu Picchu. Returning to Aguas Calientes we board the train for Cusco at around mid afternoon, arriving in the early evening. From here you transported back your hotel. Evening free to explore Cusco (B). 

Around mid-morning we will check out of our hotel and head for Cuzco airport, where we will board or flight across the Andes to the slightly fascinating but slightly ramshackle town of Puerto Maldonado. At the airport you will be met by your guide and taken to the central square in Puerto Maldonado. While permits are being arranged you’ll have a fine view of confluence of the Madre del Dios (Mother of God) and Tambopata Rivers as the meet just in front of the town. Taken to the port you will board your motor launch for you jungle lodge a 40 minute ride down the Madre de Dios river and set in a spectacular forest location overlooking the river. On arrival at the lodge a welcome drink will be given and you have time to settle into you beautifully set bungalows overlooking the river. Or lodge even has a small pool if you feel liking taking a refreshing dip! At 15.30 you guide will take on a 2-3 hour hike into the rainforest in search of wildlife, explaining many aspects of this unique biodiverse eco-system, its plants, birds and insects as we hike. We spend some time at a lookout as the evening nears, watching parrots, macaws and toucans among others return to their roosts before nightfall, when very different types of jungle residents immerge. At 19.00 we take a boat journey on the river, looking for caimans (South American Alligators) and other wildlife as their eyes are reflected in our torches. Return for dinner and relax time. (B,L,D). 

Up early at 05.30 we walk through the jungle to a parrot ‘Collpa’ or clay lick. As the name suggests, up to 5 species of parrots visit these points to eat the clay which contains essential minerals that scientists believe aides the bird’s digestion. It’s a spectacular, colourful and noisy experience. Later we visit ‘Monkey Island’, were some of the Amazon’s primate species can be observed in their natural environment. After our visit to the island we continue our day’s activities heading into the Tambopata Candamo Reserve, a huge protected area stretching to the Bolivian Border in the South and Andes Mountains in the West. We take a trek through the rainforest for 5km to the beautiful oxbow lake of Sandoval. Here wildlife is abundant, and animals such as rare and playful Giant Otters (growing up to 2 m in length), Black Caimans, South America’s largest crocodilians, sometimes reaching up to 6m in length, Howler and Capuchin monkeys are often seen. We explore the Lake by Canoe, an excellent way to observe wildlife without disturbing animals. After a spectacular sunset on the lake we return to the lodge for dinner and drinks. We can even provide you with relaxing massage from one of the lodge’s masseurs’. (B,L,D).

After breakfast we leave our jungle lodge and head back to Puerto Maldonado by boat. Arriving in the town we have a chance to have a look at the colourful local market. After this we will transfer you to Puerto Maldonado airport for your flight back to Lima. Flying time is roughly 3 hours.On arrival you will be met by a Machete Tours representative and driven in our private bus to your Miraflores hotel. The evening is free to relax and enjoy the wide variety of Lima’s bars, restaurants and entertainment (B). 

This morning you have the opportunity to join a guided walk to Miraflores Indian Craft Market where you can find ceramics, textiles and jewellery from around Peru. The Larcomar shopping centre is a modern shopping centre located overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We can take lunch (at your own) here at the grill restaurants. After lunch you can relax in the hotel and you will privately transferred to Lima’s Jorge Chavez airport for your international approximately 3 hours before your flight (B). End of our Peru Classic Tour service.