ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVAL LIMA
Assistance on your arrival in Lima and transfer to your selected hotel. Free time to rest and prepare for starting your trip around this magical country. Overnight.
DAY 2: LIMA / AREQUIPA - CITY TOUR - SANTA CATALINA CONVENT (B)
Early in the morning, transfer to airport to take a flight to Arequipa.
Upon arrival, reception, assistance and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon we start a three hour city tour including Santa Catalina Convent, the Plaza de Armas, the Jesuits church of La Compañía and its beautifully-painted chapel, the Church of San Francisco, San Lazaro's. Modern districts of Selva Alegre and the typical of Cayma and Yanahuara, for a magnificent view of the Misti Volcano.
DAY 3: AREQUIPA - COLCA VALLEY (B) (L)
Early in the morning, after breakfast, departure by bus on your excursion towards the Colca Canyon, driving across Pampa Cañahuas at the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, habitat of herds of vicuñas and stopping at the Mirador de los Andes, the crater of Chucura, the Mirador de Chivay, where beautiful pre-columbian terraces still being cultivated by native Collaguas can be observed. Arrival to the town of Chivay at 13:00hrs. approx. Transfer to your selected lodge. Box lunch. In the afternoon free time to visit thermal and medical baths.
DÍA 4: CONDOR'S CROSS - AREQUIPA (B)
Early in the morning departure to the "Condor's Cross" from where the great andean bird, the Condor, may be spotted flying in circles above still farmed green pre-hispanic terraces. Enjoy the impressive panorama of the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world (3,000mts.). On the way back to Chivay, visit to the Mirador of Chinina, where we will find the famous Hanging Tombs and the Hanging Bridge of Sifón that joins the town of Yanque with Coporaque.
At the town of Yanque, visit its beautiful church and its characteristic stone streets among other attractions. To have spectacular views of the Colca Valley, we will drive to the observation points of Choquetipo and Artahuilque and also to the town of Maca.
After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the city of Arequipa, arriving at 18:00hrs. approx. Overnight at selected hotel.
DAY 5: AREQUIPA / CUSCO - CITY TOUR + 4 RUINS (B)
Early in the morning, transfer to airport to take a flight to Cusco.
Assistance on arrival in Cusco and transfer to your selected hotel. Free time to take a short rest to be acclimatized to the altitude.
In the afternoon, city tour of Cuzco visiting the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun or Korikancha.
Then, drive out of the city to visit the Inca sites of Kenko, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara and the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, built strategically on a hill overlooking Cusco; famous for its enormous carved stones joined with astounding precision to form the outer walls. Some of these stones stand over 9m / 30ft tall and weight over 350 tons.
DAY 6: CUSCO - MACHUPICCHU (B) (L)
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 Machupicchu, 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 Machupicchu. Upon arrival, we´ll participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial(Intiwatana), 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. Late afternoon return to Cusco. Overnight at selected hotel in Cusco.
DAY 7: CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS (B) (L)
Excursion to the "Sacred Valley of the Incas", a succession of picturesque towns, agricultural terraces and archaeological sites. 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 8: CUSCO / LIMA - OUT (B)
Early in the morning, transfer to Juliaca airport to take your flight to Lima to board your international departure flight.