Peru Classic Tour - 13 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. We also visit the Church of San Francisco which is probably one of the most significant religious complex in Lima and monument of colonial architecture in whole latin America. The late afternoon and evening are left free for private exploration. (B.L.)

This morning we transfer to Lima Airport for the short internal flight to the elegant colonial city of Arequipa. After transferring to our hotel 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.)

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 by bus to Puno on the shores of the dramatic high altitude lake of Titicaca. We spend the night at our comfortable hotel on the shore of the lake, with the sound of the water and clear night sky for company. (B.L.)

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 lakeside hotel for a final tranquil night on Lake Titicaca shores. (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 Sullustani 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 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.)

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, 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 1⁄2 to 5 hours we return to our hotel. Evening free. (B.)

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 ‘Vistadome’ train service to Aguas Calientes, the small town located beneath the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu World Heritage Site. The Vistadome service has a specially designed clear roof, enabling a greater appreciation of awesome scenery we will be passing on our journey today. 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 La Cabana hotel and our guide will take you on a short walk of the surrounding Cloud Forest eco-system, explaining the unique aspects of this rare-ecosystem and pointing out native flora and fauna as we go. Dinner will be provided at the hotel restaurant. (B.D)

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 possi- bility of climbing Huayna Picchu peak, the distinctive steep sided mountain overlooking Machu Picchu (not included). Returning to Aguas Calientes we board the train for Cusco at around 3.30pm, arriving in the early evening. From here you transported back your hotel. Evening free to explore Cusco. (B.)

This morning we are transferred to Cusco Airport for your flight to Lima. Depending on the time of your international flight there may be a few hours to explore Lima in greater depth, perhaps one it’s many museums or one of the ingenious markets. You are then transferred to the airport for you international flight. Additional nights at Lima hotels and extensions to your itinerary can easily be arranged – just give us a call to discus possibilities further. (B.)