Across the Andes Peru Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
Upon arriving in the city of Lima, you will be welcomed by one of our representatives, who will give you a brief introduction to the city and to our services while en route to the hotel. You will have the afternoon free. Overnight at selected Hotel Day 2: Lima City tour At the scheduled time, we will pick you up at the hotel to begin a tour of the city's main avenues, boulevards, and squares. The tour will begin with an exploration of Colonial Lima. First, we will stop off at the Main Square, to get a chance to explore the square on foot and admire the exteriors of the Government Palace, the Cathedral of Lima, and the City Hall, all examples of Lima's still-present colonial architectural opulence. Next, we will make our way to Santo Domingo Convent a religious and architectural gem that houses holy paintings, images, and relics of Peruvian saints, as well as written accounts of the endeavors of the Dominican Order across the country. Then, we will visit Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion that currently holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited private residence in the Southern Hemisphere. Afterwards, we will visit to the Bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, an area called home by countless artists, photographers, and authors. Walk along peculiar streets lined with Republican houses, admire the splendid views, and visit the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), witness to untold numbers of past and present romances, and source of inspiration for one of Peru's great composers, Chabuca Granda. Day 3: Arrival in Cusco and transfer to the Sacred Valley
Transfer from the hotel to the airport. Upon arrival in Cusco, we will continue the trip toward Awanacancha. Here, we will learn about the various types of camelids (Llamas, Alpacas, Vicuñas, and Guanacos) that live in the Andes region. Additionally, the local villagers will teach you about the ancestral methods and techniques used to produce their textile art. A few miles farther along, we will reach Pisac, a beautiful place where Incan and Colonial influences have reached a perfect balance and created the unique way of life of the local inhabitants. We will get a chance to explore this quaint town, famous for its artisan markets where we can find extraordinarily fine jewelry and ceramic and textile craftwork. Before going back to our hotel we will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Overnight at selected hotel B,L Day 4: Chincheros - Maras, Moray, and Ollantaytambo
We will start the trip toward Chinchero village, famous for the extraordinary beauty and quality of its textiles, and for its Sunday fair, where local people dress in traditional colorful outfits and travel down from their villages to trade their goods. Then we will head towards the archaeological site of Moray. Used as an agricultural testing ground, the site's system of circular terraces descends 490 feet (150 m) from where we will stand, serving as a perfect testament to the level of advancement achieved by the Incas, who excelled at building masterful constructions in harmony with nature. The journey will continue until we reach the Salt Pans of Maras. The sight of this still-operating salt mine, in use since Incan times, will amaze you the stark white of the steeply descending salt pans juxtaposed against the green of the surrounding mountain slopes. We will have lunch in a local restaurant. Finally, we will visit one of the last remaining Incan towns, Ollantaytambo, which was once fiercely guarded by a massive fortress. We will discover the large archaeological complex of what used to serve as a wayside inn for royal delegations on long journeys. Surviving structures here include multiple walls and towers that were used to protect the citadel from possible invasions. Overnight at selected hotel B,L Day 5: From the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu
You will be transferred to the train station to board a comfortable train that will take you to the town of Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, you will transfer to a bus that will take you to the entrance gate of the citadel of Machu Picchu. Rediscovered by Hiram Bingham more than a century ago, Machu Picchu is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Its architectural beauty, spectacular natural landscapes and the energy held in its enigmatic structures will take your breath away. You will follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incans as you explore this magical citadel along with your guide. After the tour, you will stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Time permitting you will be able to head back to the site for a second visit. From there, you will return to the hotel. Overnight at selected hotel B,L,D Day 6: From Aguas Calientes to Cusco
Your morning will be free. You will have the option of visiting the citadel again on your own, if you like (you have to pay for the bus ride and entrance fee). If you are feeling adventurous, you can climb Huayna Picchu*, where you can visit the Temple of the Moon. At the scheduled time, you will board the return train at Aguas Calientes Station. Upon your arrival at the station just outside of Cusco, a private transfer service will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in the city. *Please keep in mind that there is a maximum daily number of visitors allowed to climb Huayna Picchu. It is essential that you buy your entry ticket in advance. Overnight at selected hotel B |
Day 7: Cusco city tour
We will visit the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman a colossal structure built with huge carved rocks jointed with absolute accuracy, this astounding sample of the Incan military architecture is, undoubtedly, the greatest architectonic work of the Tahuantinsuyo. We will make a short stop at Cristo Blanco, a large statue where we will enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Then, we will explore the San Pedro Market, Cusco’s main street market, inundated with aromas, tastes, sights, and colors of the local products of the Cusco region. Afterward, visit the Qoricancha (which means room of gold in Quechua), a temple dedicated to the Sun god. Legend has it that its inner walls were once completely lined with gold. Finally, will head to Cusco Cathedral. We will take a guided tour to discover the mysteries of it and admire its lovely atria and priceless 17th and 18th century paintings of the Cusco school. You will have the rest of the afternoon free. Overnight at selected hotel B Day 8: Cusco -Puno
At the scheduled departure time, you will be met by the transport service and escorted to the airport to take your flight to Juliaca. On your arrival, you will be met by your transfer who will escort you to your hotel in Puno to rest and acclimatize. Overnight at selected hotel B Day 9 - Uros and Taquile Islands (shared boat, but private guide - can quote with private boat) Morning visit to the Uros Islands. These islands are made of reeds, rising six meters above the lake level. They are anchored by logs and connected to each other by ropes. The main activities of the people who live here are fishing and handcrafting several items that they sell to visitors. Continue to Taquile Island which has two essential characteristics; its geography, offering a spectacular view from its hills, and its standing as a first-rate textile center. Taquileños live on their textile activities. This can easily be seen in the men walking about in rubber sandals ("ojotas" in quechua), wearing black pants, white flannel shirts and beautiful, finely woven chumpis (belts), covering their heads with finely knitted warm "chullos" (caps with ear flaps). Box lunch included. B,L Day 10: Puno –Out Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport and on the way visit the Sillustani tombs.These Tombs or Chullpas are characterized by their round and square bases, as well as the cornice on top. There are several figures and symbols on these tombs, the snake being the most representative. This symbolises the influence of the jungle and not of the Andes. B Sample 2021 rate per person, double occupancy with 2 people: US$2207
with the following 3* hotels: Lima - Britania Crystal Collection Room Type: Standard Valle Sagrado - Hatun Valley Room Type: Standard Machu Picchu - El Mapi Hotel Room Type: Superior Deluxe Cusco - Abittare Room Type: Superior Puno - Casa Andina Standard Puno Room Type: Traditional Can quote with 3*-5* hotels and can add on an Amazon extension or make other changes Prices include:
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