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This family adventure will take you on a historical and cultural journey to discover the most fascinating highlights of Peru. Your family will find themselves flying over the intriguing Nazca Lines that are geoglyphs created throughout 400-650AD and cruising the Ballestas islands that are teeming with sea lions, penguins, dolphins and birds. Explore the fascinating “White City” of Arequipa, the famed Colca Canyon, home of the soaring Andean condor, the famous Lake Titicaca including a Quechua family home stay, the Imperial Inca Capital of Cusco, the archeological wonders of the Sacred Valley, and the finale, Peru’s premier attraction, Machu Picchu.
Day 1 Lima
Day 2 Lima / Paracas
Day 3 Paracas – Ballestas Islands - Huacachina
Day 4 Nazca / Arequipa
Day 5 Arequipa
Day 6 Colca Canyon
Day 7 Colca Canyon + Condors
Day 8 Lake Titicaca / Puno
Day 9 Puno / Cusco
Day 10 Cusco free day (Walking Tour)
Day 11 Sacred Valley
Day 12 Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
Day 13 Machu PIcchu / Cusco
Day 14 Flight to Lima
Day 1 Lima
Arrive in Lima at any time. Our representative will greet you at the airport and private transfer to your hotel. There are no planned activities today so check-in and enjoy the city, although there is an optional walking tour or city tour in a van. This afternoon you are free to explore colonial and modern Lima, with visits to the Government Palace, cathedral, Plaza de Armas and the Archaeological Museum. Or hang around the bustling commercial districts of and Miraflores and Barranco.
Day 2 Paracas
This morning we’ll collect you from your Lima hotel and private transfer to Cruz del Sur bus station for a scenic 4 hour bus trip to the seaside village of ‘El Chaco’ in Paracas. See the numerous shantytowns and urban sprawl that extend 50km through the deserts south of the metropolis. Enjoy on-board video movies, a light breakfast and ¾ reclining sleeper seats. Once in Paracas, you’ll be met at the bus station and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon you can take advantage of the hotel pool, take a stroll on the refurbished oceanfront board walk or dine in one of the many sea food restaurants along the water front in ‘El Chaco’ port. (B)
Day 3 Ballestas Islands + Huacachina
Early this morning we will visit the Peruvian version of the Galapagos Islands, more commonly referred to as the Ballestas Islands. Located on the fringes of the National Reserve of Paracas, we’ll venture by speedboat accompanied by our local guide to get a glimpse of the abundant marine life thriving in the Peruvian seas. He will orient the group with a short lesson on to the wonders and tragedies of the Peruvian coastal waters.
Our day continues as we penetrate the endless desert of coastal Peru. We’ll visit the stunning desert oasis named Huacachina. We’ll take you through some of the most arid terrain in South America on an adrenaline packed back country dune buggy excursion. Brilliant views and some of the most extreme off-roading in the area will leave you begging for more. Those with the courage and can try their hand at sand boarding. Even the less daring can sand board, as the sit-down position is also quite popular in Peru. Have some free time to have lunch at one of the local venues overlooking the oasis followed by transfer back to the bus terminal for transfer to Nazca. (Dune buggy/sand board tour not included). (B)
Day 4 Nazca / Arequipa
The mystery surrounding the Nazca Lines continues to go unanswered, before departing Nazca will have the chance to appreciate the figures vertically, as we take a 35 minute optional flight over the Nazca Lines. Immense carvings in the desert rock and endless geometrical figures, representing animals, such as a spider, a monkey, several birds and a human figure leave you wondering.
*Nazca Lines flight is optional and not included in the tour price.
After an hour free for lunch we’ll continue south along the apparently endless and rugged Pan-American Highway, hugging the coastline to the town of Arequipa. Peru’s second most important city after Lima, Arequipa maintains a traditional colonial style and more laid back pace in comparison with the capital. Approximate arrival to Arequipa at 10:00pm. (B)
Day 5 Arequipa
This morning you will have the opportunity to enjoy a general overview of the city on a 3-hour city tour.
Begin with Yanahuara Belvedere look out plaza and the neighborhood of Carmen Alto followed by a visit to the Plaza de Armas and its Cathedral, the cloisters of La Compañia Church and the Church and Square of San Francisco. Last, but not least we visit the extraordinary Santa Catalina convent, which is built from white volcanic lava and dates from the 16th century.
The afternoon is free to explore the city. Arequipa’s vibrant atmosphere will no doubt keep you busy for the rest of the day. If you dare, see the best-preserved mummy in South America, Juanita the ‘Ice Maiden’. You can also do some optional Half Day Tours like sandboarding.
Then at dusk we will seriously indulge in some of Peru’s richest spice and flavor, as Arequipa has some of the finest cuisine in the country. (B)
Day 6 Colca Canyon
After an early breakfast, we’ll set out on an overland drive to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world – 3182m. After a scenic 5 hours we’ll reach Chivay, the capital of the province of Colca. During our venture we’ll climb through the National Reserve of Pampa de Cañahuas at approximately 3,800m. With some luck we’ll get glimpses of Andean Ducks, Geese, Viscachas (Andean rabbit), Alpacas, Llamas and Vicuñas. The area is known as Ring of Fire or Valley of the Volcanoes due to the numerous volcanoes in the region, many of which can be appreciated form short distances.
Our highest pass will be an astounding 4900m (16,000ft) above sea level, but just for a quick panorama. Then we’ll continue down to the Colca Valley. Accommodation at the fabulous the Mamayachi near the village of Corporaque, set in the Colca Valley itself. We’ll have the opportunity to soak in the natural hot springs, hike to the surrounding villages or simply relax in the fabulous surroundings of the Canyon. (B)
Day 7 Colca Canyon – Condors !!
Today we are off to Cruz del Condor. With some luck, here you will be able to appreciate the famous Andean Condors in magical flight as they soar well above the depths of the mighty canyon. Then an optional hike takes us along the rim of the canyon, in search of local wildlife including the Andean Cara-Cara or (a local Raptor), Viscachas (Andean rabbits) and much more.
We will spend the day in and around the valley before arriving to Cabanaconde, a local village found deep in the canyon. In many ways Colca Canyon was left untouched, even after the Spanish Conquest. Its isolation and distance from Arequipa allowed local indigenous customs and traditions in Colca Canyon to survive in peace more so than in other parts of Peru. This will be evident as we, together with our local guide, spends 3 days and 2 nights examining just how these people live. (B)
Day 8 Lake Titicaca / Puno
Today we set off by motorboat for a full day excursion on Lake Titicaca, considered by many as ‘The Cradle of Peruvian Civilization’. Our first destination is a cultural treasure chest. Taquile is an island famous for its textiles, weaving and simplistic lifestyle. This is a unique destination. Here there are no roads, only footpaths, no dogs just goats and sheep. The island is self-governed, local peoples do not pay taxes to the Peruvian government and are protected by a local police department, as crime on the island is non-existent. We’ll spend about an hour hiking to the summit of Taquile Island before receiving a detailed explanation from your private local guide. Then, move on to one of the communal local restaurants for a traditional lunch overlooking Lake Titicaca, which is included in your visit.
After lunch we head back to the port to board our waiting motorboat to take us on to the floating reed islands of the Uros Community (Aymara roots). The Uros people are a specific cultural group apart from the Quechuas or Incas. They are more sensitive and protective. We ask that visitors always proceed with respect. Please ask before snapping pictures, as some of the older generations will object. The locals are friendly though, and produce souvenirs representing life on the Lake. You can support them by buying a souvenir if you choose. Afternoon arrival to the Puno port and transfer to your hotel. (B, L)
Day 9 Puno – Cusco
Bus ride: Puno – Cusco
After breakfast our overland journey continues through the high plateau. Our full day overland journey through the majestic Andes will astound you. We’ll cover about 400km, go over mountain passes at 4,334m (14,222ft) above sea level, on the way visit some of our favorite sites which are shown below. Approximate arrival in Puno is 5:00pm
PUKARA: It is the most important and oldest ceremonial center of the Altiplano, preceding to tiahunaco, characterized by a series oh echelon platforms ceremonial center. It's also possible to appreciate interesting litosculptures, trails or tomb stone of intriguing personage that seems to show evidence of a brave civilization. Here is where it was discovered the origins of the Andean culture in the Altiplano.
LA RAYA: Media point in the rout of Cusco - Puno. It is the highest part, it has 4335 meters above sea level, we can appreciate beautiful landscapes, llamas and vivuñas, geographic union between two cultures quechua and aymara, we can see the Altiplano arid and dry union with the quechua zone with rivers and valleys.
RAQCHI (Temple of Wiracocha God): To 121 Km of Cusco, it was an Inca church of monumental dimensions: 100 meters of length by 26 meters of wide and 14 meters of height; the temple is divided in two naves and each nave shows basics of 11 giant columns. The bases of the church are bulit perfectly carving stones continued with adobe. It is aprpreciated besides qolqas or granary places of military order, religious, Inka between others.
ANDAHUAYLILLAS: It is named the "Sixtine Chapel of America" and in some sense the comparison examples of the Andean popular religious art. The church of Andahuayliaas is a jewerly of the mestizo baroque architecture that developed in Cusco. Its nave presents profuse decoration, especially in the celling decorated with carved panels which are a recover with pan de oro (type of gold decoration). (B, L)
Welcome to the Incan Imperial capital, Cusco!
Day 10 Cusco free day + City Tour
Today is a free day in the Incan Imperial Capital. If you like museums we recommended a stop by the Incan Archaeological Museum located a block from the Plaza de Armas. Then, time permitting, visit the recently opened ‘Casa Concha’, which houses hundreds of pieces removed from Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham in 1912 and recently returned in 2011 (Centennial Anniversary of Machu Picchu’s scientific discovery) to Peru by Yale University in the United States.
Also worth a visit is the colorful local market at San Pedro and/or the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas, full of artists, craftsmen and street vendors, both only minutes from the hotel. The day is yours! (B)
Day 11 Sacred Valley
One of the most spectacular days of the tour takes us through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, once an important source of food for the Inca, the Sacred Valley is a lush agricultural region that continues to supply the city of Cusco with much of its produce. As it is 600m lower than Cusco, temperatures are on average 5 degrees Cº higher in the Sacred Valley.
Our travels will bring us through the major archaeological sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. At Pisac, an optional two hour or 5km hike will allow us to fully appreciate the Incan city nestled high in the Andean range. Later, the colorful artesian market at Pisac will no doubt be a highlight for those in search of unique souvenirs.
The day trip finishes in the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, location of another large Inca site. This major ruin is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. But more than that, Ollantaytambo is a living breathing Inca City. Here we catch our breath and prepare for our train voyage to Machu Picchu. (B)
Day 12 Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
This morning we’ll make our way to the train station in Ollantaytambo and board the train to Aguas Calientes traveling northeast through the lush Sacred Valley of the Incas. Arrive at Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu village, check into your hotel and enjoy the atmosphere. Aguas Calientes is about 30 minutes from Machu Picchu, which you’ll visit tomorrow morning. Today you’ll have free time to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, soak in the hot thermal springs, hike, shop and explore the village. (B)
Day 13 Machu PIcchu / Cusco
A pre-dawn start from takes us by local shuttle to Machu Picchu. Enjoy the ruins in virtual solitude for the first hour until sunrise. Make the hour-long hike up to the ‘Intipunku’ or Sun Gate. See Machu Picchu in all its glory and discover Machu Picchu on an expert 2-hour private guided tour. Then, free time at site to explore, rest, meditate or simply chill out in the ruins.
Climb Huayna Picchu (Young Peak 2 hrs, not included), hike to the Moon Temple (2 1/2 hrs), or venture to the Inca Draw Bridge! There is no shortage of things so see and do in Machu Picchu. Generally we’ll have lunch in Aguas Calientes although it is your choice, afternoon train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to your hotel in Cusco. (B)
Day 14 Flight to Lima
Fly to Lima for the final stop on our journey. Our services end today after a quick flight back to Lima and transfer to the airport for your ongoing international connection. We can arrange a later flight date out of Cusco or additional post tour accommodation in Lima or Cusco upon client request. (B)
End our services
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