Southern Cross - 15 Days
Grand Peruvian South
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A 15 day tour of southern Peru, which can be
done with group or private day tours |
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Day 1: Arrival in Lima
Upon arriving in the city of Lima, you will be welcomed by one of our representatives, who will transfer you 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. Start with the Larco Museum, located in the traditional Pueblo Libre district, which is housed in a beautifully restored vice-regal mansion built on a pre-Columbian pyramid. The museum boasts the world’s most complete pre-Hispanic collection of gold and silver objects, as well as pieces of erotic art. Then visit Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted in 1535 by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to Jeronimo de Aliaga, one of his captains. This is the only house from that time that to this day has always been owned by the same family. Continue to a scenic tour in the colonial downtown, which originates and spreads out from the Main Square. Here you can appreciate the grandiose architecture of the Spanish Empire and be amazed by Lima´s Cathedral. Erected in the 16th century, this building took more than 80 years to complete. After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel.
Day 3: Road trip from Lima to Paracas Once you have had your breakfast at your hotel, you will be taken to the bus station to take the bus from Lima to Paracas. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your chosen hotel, and you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Day 4: Motorboat excursion to Ballestas Island – Road trip from Paracas to Nazca You will enjoy the sunrise at one of the most scenic bays in Peru and then take part in a fantastic voyage to the Islas Ballestas (Crossbow Islands), a nature reserve and excellent place to observe close-up the largest concentration of guano-producing birds and sea lions on the Peruvian coast. Along the way, you will be able to see the mysterious Candelabro (a candlestick-shaped figure etched on a sandy hillside, associated with the Nasca Lines). As you approach the islands, Mother Nature will greet you with an impressive display. Thousands of birds, among them Peruvian Boobies and Guanay Cormorants, will drown out all other sounds with their peculiar honks and quacks. Sea lions will take a short break from bumping around on the protruding rocks, or fighting over territory, and will slip beneath the waves to approach your ship in a friendly manner. At the end of your boat tour, you will be taken to the bus station for your transfer to Nazca.
Day 5: Overflight Nazca Lines – Road trip from Nazca to Arequipa
Enjoy a flight over the desert observing the mysterious Nazca Lines. As you fly over the desert, lines take shape to form simple geometric designs, then some of the swirls and zigzags start to form more distinct shapes: a spider, a condor, a monkey, to name a few. If the weather conditions and the airspace allow, you will also fly over the recently discovered drawings in Palpa. Continue your flight over the mountains where marine fossils that date back millions of years were found and then fly back to Pisco to end your aerial experience. In the night you will be transferred to the bus station to catch your transport to the next destination: Arequipa. After the 10 hour journey, you will arrive at your hotel to enjoy a well-deserved rest. *Late check out in Nasca is not included.
Day 6: Arequipa city tour Arrival in Arequipa. Early check in included. Today it’s time to get to know the city. Start your journey in the main square, called 'Plaza de Armas'. Admire its elegant neo-Renaissance Basilica cathedral and the sensational Convent of Santa Catalina, which for centuries was a 'forbidden city' in the heart of Arequipa, closed to prying eyes and the influence of the outside world. The convent was founded in the 16th century, and it was an almost self-sufficient town, made up of houses for nuns and their servants, cloisters, squares and narrow streets, kitchens, and refectories, among others. The families of the nuns paid large sums of money for their daughters to be admitted, which increased the wealth and prestige of the place. Today, strolling through its colorful streets is like going back in time and allows you to understand colonial Peru. Continue until you reach the Church of the Company, perhaps the greatest masterpiece of Peruvian baroque, where you can analyze its fascinating facade. The sacristy is exceptionally beautiful, thanks to its dome and walls covered with murals that show tropical flora and fauna. The Jesuit seminary is well known for its beautiful main cloister. Finally, head to the neighborhoods of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Misti volcano, which rises above the city. In the end, you will be transferred to your hotel. *Church dress code: During the visit sleeveless and / or low-cut garments, shorts above the knee, and miniskirts are not permitted, otherwise their entrance will be denied.
Day 7: Arequipa to Colca Valley breakfast. Early in the morning, we will depart Arequipa to embark on a journey across a land of snow-covered volcanoes, inhospitable pampas, and incredibly beautiful quaint villages, arriving finally in the Colca Valley. The route will take you through an area characterized by impressive geographical features, ranging from deep ravines to high mountains, waterfalls and lush vegetation. The route continues to the Pampa Cañahuas. This extensive Andean plateau is home to the vicuña, an indigenous Andean camelid that is closely related to the alpaca, guanaco, and llama. We will continue the journey as riding along the edge of the crater of the Chucura Volcano, until reaching the Mirador de los Andes (Lookout Point of the Andes) in Patapampa. This lookout point, 4,900 m.a.s.l, will offer us spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of the various volcanoes surrounding Arequipa, including the Hualca Calca, the Sabancaya, and the Ampato. Next, we will head to the town of Chivay (close to where the Colca Valley begins) for a closer inspection of the impressive system of platforms and terraces built by the ancient Collagua and Cabana inhabitants. We will enjoy a nice lunch before heading to our hotel. We will have the rest of the afternoon free to take advantage of the hotel's amenities, enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings, or simply rest and recover for the next day. Overnight at the selected hotel in Colca on a bed and breakfast basis. Lunch included. Day 8: Colca Valley Wake up to breakfast at the hotel then get ready for a day to remember at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint of the Colca Canyon. This impressive valley is one of the deepest in the world, reaching depths of approximately 3,400 meters, double the depth of the Grand Canyon. As you take in the sheer vastness of this area, you may witness the majestic condors gliding by on the thermals rising from the canyon. Descend the valley to discover some of the traditional towns located on the banks of the Colca River, such as Chivay, Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma and Yanque, where the peaks of the Andes backdrop beautiful colonial churches. You may also stop at the Antahuilque and Choquetico viewpoints, both offering majestic views of the whole valley. Continue to the Ocolle lookout to admire ‘the Amphitheatre’, a collection of pre-Inca terraces that demonstrate the impressive agricultural technology of the past, and then visit the Uyo Uyo archaeological site before returning to your hotel for the night.
Day 9: COLCA CANYON – PUNO Start the day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and then take advantage of your free morning to enjoy the hotel facilities. In the afternoon, we will begin our journey to Puno. The route cuts through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve and takes in the stunning stone forests of Patahuasi. The landscapes and scenery are both dramatic and enchanting; you will pass high plains, volcanoes, unusual rock formations and even lagoons, where you can spot cranes drying their wings above the water. There are several viewpoints, remote cafés that offer visitors coca tea and artisans selling traditional textiles and handicrafts along the route. On arrival in Puno, you will be transferred to your hotel, and you will have the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 10 Uros & Taquile island excursion Today, you will enjoy an extraordinary journey across the world's highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca. Travel to legendary places where time seems to have stood still. Your first stop will be the Uros floating islands. These are a peculiar grouping of around 40 small islands made totally of totora, a natural reed that grows around the lake. The cheerful inhabitants will invite you to get to know their traditional lifestyle and customs. You will continue your voyage across the placid waters of the lake until you come to the picturesque island of Taquile, a peaceful place where old Quechua traditions live in perfect balance with modernity. Discover a landscape distinct from the other islands thanks to the Incan terraces filled with local flowers and crops. The rich colors of the clothing worn by the local inhabitants will amaze you; admire their beautiful hand-made fabrics. Most importantly, enjoy the unbelievable hospitality of the islanders, known as Taquileños, who will make your visit to the island a memorable one. Before making your way back to Puno, you will have lunch at a local home. Day 11: Road trip from Puno to Cusco
Breakfast, then early in the morning we will depart from Puno to Cusco on board a comfortable vehicle, as we enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Andes. During our trip, we will make a brief stop at Pucará, known as the place where the Toritos (little bulls) of Pucará are made. The famous torito is believed to have magical and religious qualities among the inhabitants of the Andes as a symbol of procreation for the flocks, for happiness in marriage, fertility at home and as protection for the house. We will then cross the La Raya Pass, which lies at 14,222 feet (4,335 meters) above sea level. There we will see herds of vicuñas and llamas. Our following stop is Racchi, one of the most important constructions of the Inca Empire, known for its extraordinary architecture. Our last stop will be the town of Andahuaylillas, a friendly, warm-weather town which is home to one of the most unique churches in the Andes, known as Peru’s Sistine Chapel. You will be dazzled by the beautifully decorated murals and frescoes covering walls, baseboards, ceilings and façades. Buffet lunch at a country-style restaurant, where we will enjoy the regional cuisine.
Day 12 CITY TOUR AND NEARBY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES After breakfast at the hotel, take advantage of your free morning in Cusco to rest at the hotel or to explore its cobblestoned streets and shop for local handicrafts. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the former capital of the Inca Empire. The tour starts with a visit to Santo Domingo Convent, a large Renaissance-baroque complex, which was built over the Inca Coricancha temple. It was one of the most important temples dedicated to worshiping the sun, and its foundations are still prominent at the base of the convent. Ancient chronicles say the temple was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Then, visit the Cathedral, the most imposing monument of the Main Square. Head to the hills above Cusco to visit the remains of the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, whose impressive ramparts offer a stunning panoramic view of Cusco, and the ruins of the temple and amphitheater of Qenqo, where it is believed the Incas practiced agricultural rituals. Admire Qenqo and then finally visit Puka Pukara (‘Red fortress’ in Quechua) an Inca military complex located on a prominent hill. Its dwellings, squares, bathrooms, aqueducts, walls, and towers can still be appreciated. Afterwards, return to your hotel.
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Day 13: CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY: CHINCHERO, LIVING MUSEUM OF YUCAY
During the morning, you are picked up from your hotel to visit the town of Chinchero, a traditional Cusco urban center located at an elevated point with a beautiful view of the valley. The inhabitants of this area preserve the artisan traditions and the inherited knowledge of the Incas and display them in their clothes and customs. In Chinchero there are also archaeological remains and a beautiful seventeenth-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru. Then, you are transferred to the Living Museum of Yucay, an Andean traditions interpretation center with demonstrations of the production of textile work, adobe, pottery and silverware, following the techniques used by the ancestors. Also, residents of the museum include llamas, sheep and alpacas, and they can be fed! Upon arriving in Ollantaytambo, inhabited uninterruptedly since Inca times, have a superior Andean gastronomy experience in a restaurant and feel the true spirit of the Sacred Valley, transmitted in a cozy atmosphere! Later, climb the iconic fortress, built next to a mountain. At the end of this activity, you are transferred back to your hotel. *On Sundays, also visit the local market.
DAY 14 | SACRED VALLEY - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO You will be picked up and transferred to the Ollantaytambo station to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu. Take the train to Aguas Calientes, travel observing the Andean landscapes during a journey of one hour and a half. Our guide will be waiting for you and will accompany you until the departure point of the bus. Afterwards, take a bus for the 25-minute journey up to Machu Picchu, known as the "Lost city of the Incas" for a guided tour. After completing the tour, you will take the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will enjoy lunch at your selected restaurant. After lunch, you can explore the charming village and, when you're ready, board the train back. The trip by train will take an hour and a half and it will take you back to Ollantaytambo, where our transportation will accompany you back to your hotel in Cusco. *Lunch time could vary depending on the entrance to the citadel. **Due to the citadel’s limited capacity we recommend that you confirm your booking as soon as possible to proceed with the ticket purchase. Tickets are subject to availability.
Day 15: Flight Cusco - Lima or ..... At the scheduled departure time, you will be met by the transport service and escorted to the airport. 2024 price per person in US$: (children's rates available)
List of Hotels in Various Classes |
