Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival in Lima you are met by our representative, who will assists you with your luggage and accompany you to your hotel located inside Lima International airport.
This morning you fly to Cusco, where you are immediately driven to the “Sacred Valley of the Incas”, a succession of picturesque Andean towns, agricultural terraces, and many archaeological sites, as well as the world’s most famous white corn cultivated for export. En route to the Sacred Valley you’ll visit Sacsayhuaman, which is the largest and most impressive of four archaeological ruins on the outskirts of Cusco. Built by the Incas, it served an important military function and was the site of a major battle with the Spanish in 1536. After exploring the ancient complex, you continue your immersion into the heart of Andean culture with a visit to the charming Amaru community. Straight from the hands of local craftspeople, you learn about textiles and the weaving process, and the secret properties of medicinal plants in the area. Descending from Amaru, you may want to stop at the village of Pisaq, famous for its Andean market.
Today you drive to the ruins of Moray. The circular terraces of Moray were an agricultural “research laboratory” for the Incas, who studied temperature variation from one terrace to another in order to develop different crop varieties. You leave this interesting archaeological site to follow the trail to the town of Maras, which grew in importance in the 17th century because of the exploitation and commercialization of the “salineras” or salt pans. You will cross the extensive Maras Pampas, where people farm the land and rear cattle and sheep. Enjoy a picnic lunch and be part of a very special ceremony of sound and traditional offerings to Mother Earth. To feel how the power of sound becomes a collective prayer that creates healing frequencies one must come with an open heart. This is an amazing cross-cultural experience. You’ll also spend some time at the Chinchero market with its interesting food and artisan stalls.
This morning you are driven to Ollanta station where you board the Vistadome train to enjoy a unique train ride towards the marvelous Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, or the “Lost City of the Incas,” which date back to the mid-1400s. You’ll have outstanding views of the Urubamba River, which cuts its way through green fields beneath the high peaks of the Andean glaciers. You spend the rest of the morning with your guide visiting the Sacred Inca citadel, exploring its main temples and hidden corners. Afternoon bus downhill to Aguas Calientes and check in to your hotel.
This morning you have a second opportunity to visit Machu Picchu and climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain on your own and experience spectacular views of all of Machu Picchu and the valleys and mountains that surround it. You could also go to the Inca Bridge, an incredible stone structure that served as the entrance or exit to the city and that has a gap in the middle several feet long over which two large wooden planks were placed. Thus the Incas could cut off the city for their own protection by just removing the planks. Return to Aguas Calientes to board the Vistadome train back to Cusco.
This morning your guide takes you to visit Cusco’s main attractions. You start with the visit to Santo Domingo Monastery, the legendary Qorikancha (Temple of Gold), the most important Inca temple devoted to worshipping the sun, whose walls used to be plated with sheets of gold. You follow to the San Blas quarter with a walk by this quaint district and one of the finest views of the city. This quarter is home to the workshops and stores of the most renowned craftsmen in Cusco. In the afternoon, continue to Museo del Pisco for a sensorial voyage from aromas to palate, incorporating history and process of pisco while you are enjoying one of the Peru’s finest four different piscos guided by our pisco specialist.
This morning you’ll be driven to the Cusco airport for your flight to Juliaca in Peru’s southeastern region of Puno. On arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and driven to the Titilaka hotel, your home for the next three nights.
The next three days are to take advantage of the variety of included activities at Titilaka, which include kayaking, paddle boat excursions, walks along the shores of Lake Titicaca, bicycle rides through the fields of Plateria, hikes, star gazing, excursions to nearby communities, explorations of the Chullpas of Sillustani, Chucuito Bay nature walks, visits to the Uros Floating Islands and Taquile Island, mountain biking along the Altiplano, visits to the churches of Juli and Pomata, explorations of three archaeological remains of the Aymara civilization, treks along the Colla Trail, and shopping opportunities at Barter Market. A la – carte activities at Titilaka (included in your tour price).
Enjoy your morning at Titilaka. Afternoon flight back to Lima. On arrival in Lima, you will be met by our representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Today you will explore Lima visiting the historical center, the Plaza de Armas and the San Francisco Monastery, hosting intriguing catacombs that give an impressive insight on how religious life was during Spanish colonial times. Continue to the Casa Aliaga, an ancient house delivered by Francisco Pizarro to his captain Jerónimo de Aliaga, after the foundation of the Lima and its construction started in 1535. Visit the Larco Herrera Museum, housed in an 18th century colonial mansion. The museum holds the most extensive collection of pre-Columbian art in Peru, featuring many fine examples of textile work, one of which has a world record 398 threads per inch. Lunch included at Café del Museo restaurant. Note: Your tour of Lima will be customized to your preferences and interests.
Lunch
Transfer today to Lima’s International Airport for your flight home.
