Wonders of Peru

DAY 1: LIMA

On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your HOTEL.

DAY 2:  LIMA – PARACAS

Begin the journey departing from Lima heading south stopping at the historic Hacienda San José in Chincha, a place filled with history and tradition. Explore the secret slave tunnels, an astonishing underground labyrinth built in the 17th century. Continue the journey to Paracas for the night.Overnight at your HOTEL. (B)

DAY 3:  PARACAS –  BALLESTA ISLANDS – NAZCA

In the morning, head to El Chaco pier to embark on a 90-minute boat ride to the Ballestas Islands. Discover impressive geological formations, rich wildlife, and vestiges of pre-Inca cultures. During the ride, observe a mysterious geoglyph etched in the desert sand, known as the Candelabra. After your tour continue to the city of Nazca for an overnight stay. (B)

DAY 4: NAZCA – AREQUIPA

After breakfast you will be taken on a flight over the Nazca Lines to witness the mystical drawings of the geoglyphs. The Nazca Lines are one of archaeology’s greatest enigmas due to their quantity, nature and size. Afterwards, you will be transferred by bus to Arequipa where you will be taken to your HOTEL for a three-night stay. (B)

DAY 5: AREQUIPA

Today, enjoy a tour of Arequipa starting with the imposing Arequipa cathedral (17th century). From here you will visit the Monastery of Santa Catalina. The tour concludes with a visit to the districts of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto. (B)

DAY 6: AREQUIPA – COLCA CANYON

This morning you will visit Pampa Cañahuas Reserve and head to Vizcachani, Pampas de Toccra, up to the crater of the volcano Chucura and on to Mirador de los Andes at Patapampa. Enjoy lunch at the local town of Chivay followed by an afternoon at your leisure. (B, L)

DAY 7:  COLCA CANYON – PUNO

Today, you will be taken to the Colca Valley where you will visit the Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma and Yanque towns as well as the Antahuilque and Choquetico viewpoints. Your journey continues to Puno via Patahuasi where you will see stone forests and sky blue lagoons. Overnight at your HOTEL in Puno. (B, L)

DAY 8: PUNO

Today you will be taken on a boat ride on Lake Titicaca to visit the Uros, an indigenous community living on floating reed islands. After lunch, you will return to Puno. (B, L)

DAY 9: PUNO – CUSCO

After breakfast, you will be transferred by bus to Cusco where you will stop en route at the town of Pucara with a visit to the Pucara Lithic Museum. After lunch you will stop at Raqchi, an Inca site built in honor of the powerful Andean God, Wiracocha.  Continue to the Church of Andahuaylillas and the districts of Huaro and Checacupe before arriving in Cusco. The next two nights will be spent at your HOTEL in Cusco. (B, L)

DAY 10: CUSCO

Enjoy a leisurely morning before an afternoon tour of Cusco beginning in Qoricancha, also known as  the Temple of the Sun.  The next stop is the 17th century Cathedral in Main Square, then Sacsayhuaman, one of the 15th century emblematic buildings of the Incas. Afterwards, continue on to the archaeological complex of Qenqo concluding with a visit to Puka Pukara  (B)

DAY 11: CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY

Today your tour will start at the Sacred Valley, where you will visit Awanakancha, a farm of South American camelids. You will then visit Pisac and the local craft markets. After lunch you will continue on to Ollantaytambo where you will visit the huge archaeological complex and fortress which is one of the most grandiose works of the Inca Empire. (B, L)

DAY 12: SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

This morning you will be taken by train to Aguas Calientes. After exploring the town, you will be taken to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Machu Picchu. At the end of the tour, you will be taken by bus back to Aguas Calientes, enjoying lunch at “Café Inkaterra” before returning to Cusco by train. (B, L)

DAY 13: CUSCO

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)