PERU EXPLORER : Lima – Ballestas - Nazca - Machu Piccchu - Titicaca - Arequipa

PERU EXPLORER ITINERARY

Day 1. Lima
Arrival in Lima , reception and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2. Lima - Nazca (B)
After breakfast, a guided visit of colonial and modern Lima, including the cathedral, dating from 1654, the main square, which still houses the original bronze fountain built in 1650, and the San Francisco Convent and its catacombs. Known as the city of the kings, Lima was founded in 1535 by Pizarro and rebuilt in 1991, the same year that UNESCO declared it a world heritage site. One of the very few South American cities that preserve the colonial past, Lima was home to the Spanish viceroy during the time of the Spanish colonialists. After lunch at Rosa Nautica, the foremost seafood restaurant in Lima, private transfer to Nazca. Arrival and overnight accommodation in Nazca

Day 3.  Nazca - Paracas (B)

Today a tour flight over the enigmatic Nazca Lines; gigantic drawings and geometrical figures engraved in the driest desert of Peru and dating back to 250 AD.  Drawn throughout over 1000 Km2 of desert on the Pampas of San Jose in Ica , and due to their enormous size and largely unknown origin, leaves an indelible impression on all who visit this most mysterious archaeological site. With representations of animals, such as a spider, a monkey and several birds, they are believed to be an enormous astronomical calendar or possibly an offering to the gods. First discovered in 1550 it was not until the advent of flight, in the 1920’s that the lines were first realised for their significance. The drawings are not in actual desert sand but on small rock debris, varying in length from 150m to 300m and with a depth of 20cm. A tour of Chauchilla cemetery before transferring to Paracas, located on the coast of Peru. Overnight accommodation.

Day 4.  Ballestas Islands - Lima  (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the port for a guided tour in boat of the Ballestas islands. Commonly referred to as the "little Galapagos", here you will see an amazing concentration of sea birds and sea lions in their natural habitat. Return to the mainland and a trip to the Paracas National Reserve, the only Protected Coastal Reserve in Peru. Lunch is not included. Return to Lima in the late afternoon and overnight accommodation.

Day 5.Lima- Cuzco (B)

Morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Cuzco . Arrival in Cuzco, reception and transfer to the colonial Royal Inca hotel. Welcome drink of coca tea to help acclimatise to the 3400m setting of Cuzco . Afternoon guided visit of the four ruins nearby; the Sacsayhuaman Fortress overlooking the of Cuzco, a pre Inca architectural masterpiece; Kenko, a rock sanctuary whose main attraction is the monolithic altar representing a puma, the red Fortress of Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay, a beautiful fountain fed by a spring forming a series of basins continue to the city of Cuzco; the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun. Return to your hotel.

Day 6. Sacred Valley to Pisac and Ollantaytambo (BL)

Full-day excursion to the beautiful Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Inca situated between Pisac and Ollantaytambo. It is an exceptionally fertile valley that was and still remains the larder of Cuzco. Visit the village of Pisac, founded during colonial times, and set at the foot of a hill crowned by the remains of an ancient Inca city. On Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Indians barter their products in the main square and artisans from around the area sell their woven alpaca wool blankets and ponchos, engraved gourds, antique reproductions, jewellery, etc. On Sundays it is also the meeting place for Mayors from all the villages in the region, dressed in their traditional costumes to attend morning mass. After a buffet lunch, a visit to Ollantaytambo, the only Inca town which was not defeated by the Spanish with an opportunity to explore the ruins which tower above. Overnight accommodation in Ollantaytambo.

Day 7. Cuzco - Machu Picchu (B)

Early transfer to the railway station for the 06.00 departure to Aguas Calientes in Vistadome class train and then a bus ride up to the spectacular Machu Picchu ruins (25 minutes).

Guided visit of Machu Picchu. Built by the Inca Pachacutec and comprising stone blocks fitted with masterful precision that harmoniously blends into the mountain landscape. There are many theories as to the origins behind Machu Picchu but three of the most popular ideas include a temple to the sun, a fortress against the jungle inhabitants or a sanctuary for the Incas. This fabulous city has houses, temples, warehouses, a large central square, all connected by narrow roads and steps, and is surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side which were used for agriculture. After the tour, free time to enjoy this magical and spiritual wonder. Opportunity for a trek (approx 1 hour) up to the sungate (Intipunku), which is a part of the Inca Trail, for a magical view of the sanctuary. Free time before overnight accommodation in Aguas Calientes.

Day 8. Cuzco - Machu Picchu (B)

Opportunity to revisit Machu Picchu at sunrise. Free time to enjoy this unforgettable site before returning to Cuzco aboard the afternoon train. Last night’s accommodation in the Inca capital.

Day 9: Cuzco– Puno (B)
Departure by private vehicle to Puno visiting en route several Inca ruins and the remains of the great Viracocha temple, Raqchi. We shall also stop at the highest point along the way, La Raya before arriving to Puno and transferring to your hotel for overnight accommodation.

Day 10: Lake Titicaca (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the port for the boat trip on Lake Titicaca to the reed islands of Uros. A visit to the Aymara island of Taquile before returning in the afternoon to Puno. Overnight accommodation.

Day 11: Arequipa (B)
Morning flight to Arequipa, the most beautiful city in Peru. City tour of the "white city", including the 16th century convent which is built entirely of volcanic lava. The Misti Volcano stands as a sentinel behind this colonial city. Overnight accommodation.

Day 12. Arequipa – Colca Canyon   (B)

After breakfast, early departure, passing the thermal baths of Yura and climbing up towards the National Reserve of Pampa de Cañahuas at 3800m. Here groups of alpacas, vicuñas and sometimes guanacos can be seen. After driving several hours more, the descent to the Colca Valleybegins. On the way, if time permits, you shall visit  some caves to see prehistoric drawings before arriving at Callalli, where huge rock formations resembling medieval castles are found and onward to Sibayo, a small village with a primitive church, on the Colca River . The trip continues down the valley, passing next to several villages until you arrive at Chivay, the most important town of the valley. Accommodation at the fabulous Colca Lodge set in the Colca Valley itself. With its very own hot springs, relax in the fabulous surroundings of the Canyon.

Day 13. Colca Canyon – Arequipa (B)
After breakfast an early departure to descend into the valley to visit some of the villages, all of which have beautiful, colonial-style churches. You shall also see the Inca terraces, some of which are still in use and can be seen all along the valley. Start the ascent up to the Cruz del Condor, a few kilometers before Cabanaconde. Here one can appreciate a fine view of the flight of the condors as well as of the depth of the canyon. A stop for lunch before returning to your hotel in Arequipa .

Day 14: Arequipa– Lima (B)
Return flight to Lima and transfer to your hotel. Last night’s accommodation in Peru.

Day 15: Lima (Breakfast)
Free day in Lima before your transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Prices are available on request with discounts for large groups. Optional add on tours in Lima as well as extra night accomodation. Tailor Make your own Tour and e-mail us with your request, number of people and approximate dates

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Tailor Make your own Tour and e-mail us with your request, number of people and approximate dates