Day 1 Lima

Upon arrival to Lima, transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 Lima

Half day tour of colonial and modern Lima, “The City of the Kings”. Visit the magnificent 17th century San Francisco Convent and its unique cloisters. Stroll to the Main Square where the Government Palace and the Cathedral are located. You will appreciate wood carved balconies in the facades of the colonial mansions and beautiful churches that host masterpieces. Continue on to the modern area through residential districts and enjoy a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean

Day 3 Lima - Arequipa

Transfer to the airport to board your morning flight to Arequipa. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Explore Arequipa, known as “The White City” because of its buildings made of sillar, a white volcanic stone. Visit the Santa Catalina Convent, a fascinating religious building from the 16th century different from other colonial heritages, like an old Spanish quarter. Appreciate the Main Square, one of the most beautiful plazas in the country, where the magnificent Cathedral is located and visit the Jesuit church, a masterpiece with its beautiful facade of mestizo baroque style, and the districts of Carmen Alto and Yanahuara to enjoy beautiful views of the city and the Misti Volcano (dormant). By walking the Arequipa’s typical streets you may feel a certain closeness with the colonial times.

Day 4 Arequipa – Colca Valley

Trip to Colca Valley, 165 kms (102 miles) away from the city of Arequipa. Along the way, you will enjoy fine views of the volcanoes of the area and drive across the National Reserve of Aguada Blanca and Pampa Cañahuas, habitat of many species of birds, vicunas and llamas. Pre-Columbian terraces are still used by the local farmers who mainly grow corn and potatoes. Arrive in Chivay, a community whose citizens are warm and welcoming, with a lively market, an 18th century colonial church and a pre-Inca bridge. Free time to enjoy an optional invigorating bath at La Calera hot springs waters. Overnight at the valley.

Day 5 Colca Valley – Puno

Early morning drive to the Condor Cross observation point to enjoy a spectacular view of one of the deepest canyons in the world, the perfect spot for watching the majestic condor flying in its domains. Drive to Puno observing typical villages en route. Afternoon arrival to your hotel.

Day 6 Puno – Lake Titicaca

A day in Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. A boat ride takes you to the floating islands of the Uros, artificially made since ancient times using the reeds (totora) to form a natural mat. After the visit, continue sailing to Taquile Island, where a traditional community will welcome you. Once part of the Inca Empire, its inhabitants wear their colorful traditional attire and preserve both a special social system and one of the most remarkable weaving techniques of the country. Stunning views of the serene lake from this point. Afternoon return to Puno and to your hotel.

Day 7 Puno – Cusco

Travel by bus to Cusco through a picturesque Andean route, making stops in areas of interest. Visit the lithic museum of Pukara, important urban settlement of the lake plateau and stop in La Raya Pass, the highest point of the route and a prime location for taking photos. After lunch in a typical village, continue on to Racchi Inca archaeological site and admire its impressive Temple dedicated to Viracocha God. Proceed to Andahuaylillas town and visit its magnificent main church known as “the Americas Sistine Chapel” with its finely painted interior. Evening arrival to Cusco and transfer to your hotel.

Option:

Travel by train to Cusco, a breathtaking experience crossing the Peruvian Andes with spectacular views while passing through valleys and beautiful traditional villages. This 10.5 hour journey allows you to admire the scenery in style and connecting with nature. The train has dining cars decorated as the Pullman cars of 1920s, a bar and an observation car -perfect for photographers -, and you will enjoy a snack, a gourmet lunch and an afternoon tea on board as well as entertainment. Local musicians provide background music while boarding this train which route is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Evening arrival to Cusco and transfer to your hotel.

Day 8 Cusco

Morning at leisure.

The afternoon tour will lead you to discover the captivating city and the impressive nearby archaeological sites. Start visiting the Koricancha, known as the Temple of the Sun and the Cathedral, a colonial masterpiece with beautiful wood carvings and places of worship. Head uphill to Sacsayhuaman, a vast fortress built with huge stones showcasing the exceptional work performed by the Incas, and continue on to the archaeological complex of Kenko with its zigzagging structures. Following this ancient route of the empire, get to the “Red Fortress” of Puka Pukara, presumed to be a military post, and the Inca Baths of Tambomachay with its sophisticated canal system.

Day 9 Sacred Valley

Full day overland excursion to the gorgeous Sacred Valley of The Incas. Visit the colorful market at Pisac, where you can interact with the artisans and shop for handicrafts and souvenirs. Buffet lunch in a countryside restaurant and continue on to Ollantaytambo, an Inca town with narrow cobbled stone streets and place of a great complex of buildings at its upper part, with an impressive ceremonial center used for water worship. Ollantaytambo, an example of Inca urban planning that is still live today, is undoubtedly one of the master works of the Incas. On the way back to Cusco, make a stop at the picturesque village of Chinchero, famous for its weaving and its colonial church.

Optional: overnight at the Sacred Valley.

Day 10 Machu Picchu

An unforgettable experience. Transfer to the station and depart on a scenic train ride to the breathtaking Machu Picchu, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Upon arrival to Machu Picchu town (former Aguas Calientes), you will be driven to the citadel nestled in a location that can only be described as magnificent. Overseeing a deep canyon of the Urubamba River, fine stone carved stairways will take you to ceremonial shrines, the Sun Dial, agricultural terraces, squares and the urban areas. With a history dating back to the 15th century, this enigmatic site where the energy can be felt all around has not revealed yet the mysteries behind its construction. After the guided tour, free time to explore this wonder before proceeding to your hotel.

Day 11 Machu Picchu-Cusco

Morning at leisure. Optionally, you may wake-up early and visit the citadel again to enjoy the sunrise in one of the world’s most photogenic spots; hike to the Sun Gate or to the challenging Huayna Picchu Mountain, or climb up to the summit of the Machu Picchu Mountain (entrances must be reserved in advance). Afternoon return to Cusco. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Transfer to the airport to board your flight to the next destination.