Description
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – International Arrival in Lima
Our representative will meet with you at International Lima Airport and escort you to your hotel.
There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel and rest up. Overnight at Lima Hotel
Meals Included: None
Note: Arrive in Lima at any time but we highly recommend you arriving to Lima between 3 to 10pm
Day 2 – Lima Sightseeing Tour
Breakfast at the Hotel; morning free to relax; we recommend you to take a long rest and be prepared to begin with this unforgettable journey through our wonderful country.
At 2:30pm start your guided sightseeing tour to the most attractive and important sites in Lima, the “City of Kings”. This excursion offers the best combination of the different attractions in Lima and its three historical periods: pre-Hispanic, colonial and contemporary.
In Lima, there were several different pre-Columbian cultures which are dated thousands of years back. Lima was part of the Inca Empire until was founded by the Spaniard Francisco Pizarro on the 18th of January, 1535; back to Hotel – Overnight at Lima Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Optional Tour to Fountains of Lima; be surprised by the largest compound of electronic fountains in the world.
Guided excursion to the Magical Water Circuit the largest water fountain compound in the world, certified by Guinness World Records. Here you will enjoy a wonderful display of water, light, music and images presented at Reserve Park – (Start at: 6:30pm – Duration: 2 ½ hours – Open from Wednesday to Sunday)
Day 3 – Flight to Trujillo – Sun & Moon Temple – Chan Chan Ruins
Breakfast at the hotel; pick from the hotel and transfer to Lima airport for your flight to Trujillo
Arrival to Trujillo; reception and transfer to your hotel
Excursion 15 minutes south of Trujillo to visit the enormous adobe constructions built by the Mochica culture in the 5th century, called Temple of the Sun, considered the largest adobe pyramid in Peru, and the Temple of the Moon, housing an extensive burial ground and some fine polychrome murals in which their deity is often printed. Is believed that both were complementary, one administrative and the other religious
Proceed to Huanchaco Beach, well frequented by beach-goers and surfers, you will have the opportunity to appreciate the local fishermen surfing the waves in their traditional “Caballitos de Totora”, little reed boats used for fishing since pre Inca times, by Northern Peruvians.
In the afternoon, visit the largest mud archaeological complex of the pre-Hispanic America, Chan Chan, ancient Capital of the Chimu Empire (13th Century), visiting the Temple del Arco Iris (Rainbow), the site museum and the Tshudi Palace – Overnight at Trujillo Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4 – Trujillo to Chiclayo – Tucume – Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum + Sipan
Breakfast at the hotel; Early in the morning, private transfer from Trujillo to Chiclayo; to take the bus to Chiclayo (2 hours 30 minutes approx.) – upon arrival, transfer to your selected hotel
Tucume; drive 40 minutes from Chiclayo to visit the archaeological complex of Tucume or Valley of the Pyramids, an important archaeological complex of the Lambayeque Culture (BC 1,000 / 1,350 AD), consisting of pyramids from which the extensive pre-Columbian urban site can be surveyed.
Visit to the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum, where we can appreciate a Lord of Sipan Tomb replica, additionally we will see several ceramic pieces. Nowadays, this museum is one of the best and modern in South America.
After a typical Northern dishes lunch, begin excursion to the impressive Necropolis of Huaca Rajada, a Mochica funeral centre where a great number of tombs have been discovered and where the tombs of the Old Lord of Sipan (3rd Century) and the Lord of Sipan (5th Century), famous for its objects in gold and semi-precious stones, were unearthed in the decade of the 1980’s by Peruvian archaeologists led by Dr. Walter Alva.
Overnight at Chiclayo Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5 – To Trujillo – El Brujo Complex – Flight to Lima
Breakfast at the hotel; drive around two hours south from Chiclayo to the archaeological complex of El Brujo (the Shaman) containing three large buildings constructed in different eras: Huaca Prieta, the oldest construction on the Peruvian Coast; Huaca El Brujo, a pyramid from the Mochica Culture and Huaca Cao Viejo, with an old Christian church.
Actually, scientific works are being done on its magnificent and recently discovered remains.
Drive to Trujillo and transfer to Airport for your flight to Lima
Arrival to Lima; reception and transfer to your Lima Hotel – Overnight at Lima Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6 – Lima to Paracas – Ballestas Island – Over flight Nazca Lines from Ica
You will be picked up from your hotel in Lima at 4:30am by our representative and then will board a private vehicle to Ica. Embark around 3 hour, you will be driven south along the Pan-American Highway from Lima to Paracas, through arid desert and lush coastal oasis; we will arrive in Ica at 07:45 am approx. At 8:10am start the excursion by boat to the Ballestas Islands to view thousands of birds, sea lions and fur seals in their natural surroundings; the famous candlestick design, a Nazca civilization figure etched on the desert face.
Transfer in our private vehicle to Ica a 60 Km. (37 miles) drive southern to Ica. On the route is appreciated the fields of crops in some export products such as paprika, asparagus, artichokes, etc.
You will over flight the Nazca lines from Ica, the flight will take 1 hour 15 minutes; we offer you a flight over the Nazca Lines aboard a Cessna Caravan plane departing from the city of Ica. This aerial tour will allow you to see the most spectacular Nazca drawings, such as the monkey, the hummingbird, the condor, the spider, the astronaut and many others. In addition you will also see huge geometric designs and hundreds of lines crisscrossing the Nazca plateau; then we will return to the airport of Ica. Upon arrival our representative will be waiting for you and transfer to your Ica Hotel. Lunch in Ica at Mossone restaurant
After lunch around 2:30pm we will drive back to Lima; arriving to Lima at 6:30 pm. Upon your arrival in Lima you will be dropped off at your hotel.
- Please note that the Departure for the Nazca Lines over flight is from 7:00am to 4:30pm (depending on weatherconditions)
Overnight at Lima Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 – Flight to Arequipa – Arequipa Sightseeing Tour
Breakfast at the hotel; transfer to Lima airport for your flight to Arequipa, upon arrival reception, assistance and transfer to the hotel, morning free time to relax
In the afternoon Arequipa; including Mirador de Carmen Alto, Mirador de Yanahuara, Plaza de Armas and the Monasterio de Santa Catalina. We visit the Monastery of Santa Catalina, called “a city within a city”, a Spanish city in miniature with stone streets, beautiful patios, and plaza. It is a masterpiece of colonial architecture, and houses some of the finest examples of Spanish American religious art, during colonial times were the refuge of female nobility who had decided to shut them away from the world and dedicate entirely to prayer.
Overnight at Arequipa Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 8 – Arequipa – Colca Valley
Breakfast at the hotel; excursion to Colca Canyon 2 Day; pick up from the Hotel at 07:45am then leave Arequipa to a journey to the center of the Earth, our end Colca Canyon, towards nor west direction behind snow-covered Chachani, Yura, small valley with thermal springs, see wild vicuñas in Pampa Cañahuas national reserve, Alpacas & llamas in Tocra, some birds like flamingoes, ibis, andean gooze, ducks, Andean eagle “Kara Kara” view point of the Volcanoes and snow covered mountains in Patapampa (4,800m)(15,000ft.), See the Ampato, Sabancaya, Walca Walca, etc.) Chivay Capital of the valley afternoon visit to the thermal springs & pools in La Calera
(Admission to the pools not included, about US$ 5 per person) – Overnight at Colca Valley Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 – Colca Canyon – Condor’s Cross – Bus to Puno
Breakfast at the hotel; In order to see the mighty Condor, you will wake up at 5:00am, breakfast will be served at 5:30am, and by 6:00am we will be driving towards the “Cruz del Condor”, a natural lookout point where you can see the spectacular flight of the majestic Condor can be appreciated. On the way back to Chivay, visit to the Mirador of Chinina, where we will find the famous Cliffside Tombs and the Hanging Bridge of Sifón that joins the Town of Yanque with Coporaque. To have spectacular views of the Colca Valley, we will drive to the Lookout points of Choquetipo and Artahuilque.
After the tour take the bus to Puno journey will take around 6 hours. Upon arrival reception and transfer to the Hotel in Puno – Overnight at Puno Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10 – Lake Titicaca – Floating Islands of Uros and Taquile
Breakfast at the hotel; pick up from the Hotel at 7:30am we take a two-hour motor boat excursion on the waters of Lake Titicaca to the unique Floating “Islands” of the Uros. These ancient inhabitants of the lake, known as the Water Tribe, have built their own “islands” by periodically adding new layers of a type of reed unique to the area called “Totora”. Their homes and boats are also made from this material. We continue our motorboat trip to Taquile Island, inhabited by Quechua-speaking natives who have developed efficient and unique social systems, as well as fine hand weaving techniques, down through the generations. Upon arrival at the Town of Taquile we will have a lunch. Then we will walk through the various hills and archaeological sites of this 6km long island. In the afternoon, return to Puno – Overnight at Puno Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 – Bus to Cusco
Breakfast at the hotel; pick up from the hotel at 07:00am and transfer to the Bus Station to head off to Cusco. Beautiful scenery all along the way, visit of the Raqchi and archeological sites as well as Andahuaylillas village and its famous “Sixteen Chapel” that was built in the middle of the 17th century. Lunch in Sicuani; upon arrival; reception and transfer to Cusco Hotel – Overnight at Cusco Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12 – City Sightseeing Tour
Breakfast at the hotel; free time in the morning
After lunch at 1:30pm; Cusco tour including the Cathedral, Koricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Pucapucara and Tambomachay. Our tour will beginning on to the Main Square of Cusco. You’ll enter the Cathedral of Cusco and see the beautiful woodwork and colonial paintings containing extensive Incan iconography. Visit the Korikancha (Temple of the Sun) on which the Santo Domingo Convent was built. Legend says this temple was completely gold coated, which impressed the conquerors upon their arrival.
Ascend to the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman and visit the Cuidadela. This is the royal house where they admired the Sun God but also worshiped younger gods. Admire this large structure and enjoy the magnificent landscape which brings peace and tranquility. Next, visit Qenqo, the old temple of the Puma. Inside you can see a sacrificial altar made of a huge stone. At Tambomachay, you’ll see the sacred fountains of life and health. Pucapucara safeguarded the city gates and the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman. The tour ends with a detailed visit of the city of Cusco – Overnight at Cusco Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 13 – Sacred Valley of the Tour
Breakfast at the hotel; pick up from the hotel at 8:00am for your full day tour to the impressive Sacred Valley of the Incas, explore the beautiful Peruvian countryside with a full-day tour of the magical Sacred Valley. First place, you will visit the town of Pisaq, famous for its bustling market. This native town was once where “exchange transactions” took place. In this type of transaction, customers would exchange one good for another instead of using currency. Visit the market of Pisaq where you can purchase beautifully crafted products hand-made by the locals. On Sunday, the main attraction is a mass celebrated in Quechua and conducted in Spanish. It is attended by the mayors and their attendants who play traditional musical instruments called “pututos.”
Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a typical Peruvian lunch (included in price) before visiting the fortress of Ollantaytambo.
Next, you will visit the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo fortress. These magnificent ancient ruins serve as great vantage points to look out over the valley.
Originally the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuteq during the Inca Empire, this site later served as a stronghold for Manco Inca Yupanqui in the Inca´s final rebellion against the Spanish.
Stop in Ollantaytambo where you’ll take train to Aguas Calientes; upon arrival to Aguas Calientes, reception and transfer to the hotel – Overnight at Aguas Calientes Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14 – Full Day Machu Picchu & Back to Cusco
Breakfast at the hotel; full day Excursion to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, early transfer at 5:30am to the Bus Stop for the short ride (25 minutes) up to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you will participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial (the most important preserved Intihuatana), the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, houses, warehouses, a large central square; and all connected by narrow roads and steps that are surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side. After the tour you’ll have time to stroll around the Archaeological Site at your leisure.
Then, you will have time to perform some of the following activities by yourself (not included in the price):
- Climb to Wayna Picchu; for the most adventurous people, we suggest to go up the Wayna Picchu from where you can appreciate the immensity of Machu Picchu, even more amazing being high and distant.
- Lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant in Machu Picchu (included in the price)Train back to Cusco: In the afternoon you’ll return to the train station in Aguas Calientes for the trip back to Cusco – train departure to Cusco; upon arrival to Cusco reception and transfer to the HotelOvernight at Cusco Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Walk to Sun Gate; opportunity to walk (approx. 1 hour) up to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
Day 15 – Depart Cusco / Lima International departure
Breakfast at the hotel; transfer to the airport for departure flight to Lima and then take your connecting flight at home
Meals Included: Breakfast
Services Included
All mentioned private land transport (bus, train, etc.), Hotel accommodation with breakfast, entrance to parks and cultural sights, guided visits and mentioned excursions, English/Spanish speaking guide to accompany visits and excursions, all transfers, meals as indicated in the itinerary, Train tickets Vistadome Class, Over flight Nazca Lines, Visit Ballestas Island
Services not included
International airfares, domestic flights
Airport departure (US$ 30 per person for international flights and US$ 6.5 for national flights) taxes or visa fees, excess baggage charges, additional nights during the trip due to flight cancellations, alcoholic beverages or bottled water, snacks, insurance of any kind, laundry, phone calls, radio calls or messages, reconfirmation of flights and items of personal nature, personal equipment, obligatory personal insurance and meals which are not mentioned, Entrance fee to Wayna Picchu Mountain.
Flights
Domestic flights are not included in the price; you’ll need to book the following
Day 3 – Flight to Trujillo / Sun & Moon Temple / Chan Chan Ruins
Lima to Trujillo in the morning; you can buy with Peruvian Airlines –www.peruvian.pe
Day 5 – To Trujillo – El Brujo Complex – Flight to Lima
Trujillo to Lima; you can buy with Peruvian Airlines – www.peruvian.pe
Day 7 – Flight to Arequipa / Arequipa Sightseeing Tour
Lima to Arequipa in the morning; you can buy with Peruvian Airlines –www.peruvian.pe
Day 15 – Depart Cusco / Lima International departure
Cusco to Lima; you can buy with Peruvian Airlines – www.peruvian.pe
Other companies that you can buy domestic flight tickets will be LAN www.lan.com OR AVIANCA www.avianca.com.pe
Benedict –
You cannot describe this in a review. We had friends who did other tours and the scenery just didn’t compare to the classic trail. Peru is amazing in every possible way, amazing culture, amazing people.