Peruvian Magic (14d/13n) - Detailed |
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Enchantment of the White City:
Lima – Arequipa (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your direct flight to Arequipa. When you arrive in the Arequipa Airport you will be transferred to your hotel.
After lunch, tour the city of Arequipa: you’ll visit the “Andean Sanctuary Museum,” where you will find the Juanita Mummy, known also as the “Lady of Ampato.” This is the mummy of a young girl of approximately twelve years of age that endured in a frozen condition for over 500 years at the top of the snow-capped volcano of Ampato.
Afterwards, you will visit the Convent of Santa Catalina. Its gorgeous decor includes a rich collection of religious artwork and architecture from the colonial era, as well as sites of historic note, such as The Gate, Los Naranjos cloister, the Patio of Silence, the bell tower, the church and the distinctive streets of this small “city within a city.”
Overnight: Hotel in Arequipa
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Exploring the Colca Canyon:
Arequipa – Colca (B)
In the morning you’ll head out of the city of Arequipa and proceed on to the small town of Chivay. Along the route, you will have the opportunity to observe breathtaking, panoramic landscapes and make several stops at places of interest, such as: Pampa Cañahuas, which is home to large herds of vicuñas, alpacas and llamas, and Bofedales de Toccra, where you will see a variety of species of migratory birds. You will also visit the Volcano Overlook of Patapampa, from which you can observe the entire snow-capped Andes Mountain chain and the principal volcanoes surrounding Arequipa, such as Misti, Hualca-Hualca and Ubinas.
Upon arrival in Chivay you’ll be taken to your hotel and, in the afternoon, you’ll have the option of visiting the hot springs of Calera, to whose waters the locals attribute healing properties.
Overnight: Hotel or Lodge in Colca Valley
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The Flight of the Condor : Colca Canyon (B)
Early in the morning, after breakfast, you’ll head towards the Cross of the Condor, to observe the depths of the Colca Canyon (one of the two deepest canyons in the world) and appreciate the majestic flight of the Andean Condor in its natural habitat. The Andean Condor is a species of giant raptor that has been a symbol of freedom and spiritual attainment in the Andes for thousands of years. He is part of the trinity of the Puma, Condor and Snake in the Andean religions, and there are many legends centered around him that have been passed down through the centuries among the peoples of Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia.
Today you will also visit some of the villages of the Colca Valley, such as Yanque, Pinchillo and Maca, where you’ll learn about the villagers´ traditions and customs and observe the locals’ dress, which is comprised of traditional skirts, colorful jackets and hats bordered with flowers, animals and other designs from nature.
Return to your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel or Lodge in Colca Valley
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Traveling to the Sacred Lake: Colca Canyon – Puno (B, L)
In the morning, you’ll travel in your private car towards the city of Puno. On the way you’ll pass by the grassy plains of the valley, which is the habitat of vicuñas, alpacas, llamas, and also of certain migratory bird species. The vicuñas, alpacas and llamas all belong to the family of camelids. Alpacas and llamas are domesticated, having been bred from vicuñas and guanacos, respectively. These animals roam freely over the fields of the high sierras. Vicuñas are an endangered, and therefore an extremely protected, species.
Before you arrive in the city of Puno, you’ll visit the Chullpas of Sillustani, the most important funerary site on the plain of Collao. Located 34 km from Puno, these imposing round burial structures have been standing for centuries and were used to bury the most important personages of this region. Nearby you will also see fields where Peruvian potato varieties are cultivated.
Transfer to hotel for check-in.
Overnight: Hotel in Puno
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The Marvels of Lake Titikaka: Uros Islands / Amantani (B, L, D)
Today you will take a boat tour out to the Floating Islands of Uros, home to the ancient inhabitants of Lake Titicaca. This group of 42 islets was originally created by the Uros to escape the Inca, who dominated the mainland at the time. Since the purpose of the islands was originally defensive, if a threat arose, the islands could - with difficulty - be moved. The islands have to be maintained and rebuilt periodically. Here you will be able to observe the daily activities of hunting and fishing performed by the men. They use Totora reed boats, which are designed with the heads of dragons at their prow, for protection.
Later on, you will visit the Island of Amantani, where you will see the sacred sites of Pachatata and Pachamama, (Father Sky and Mother Earth). This is where you’ll be spending the night, hosted by one of the local families. You will have the opportunity to participate in local customs and traditions, including sampling local cuisine and learning traditional dances.
Overnight: Homestay on Amantani Island
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A Taste of Taquile (B, L): Taquile Island
In the morning, you will visit the Island of Taquile, whose inhabitants are known for their friendliness as well as for their weavings. The weavings are designed using traditional techniques that have been passed from mother to daughter for centuries. The materials used, such as natural animal fibers and hand-gathered plants for dyes, have been the same since olden times. The people here also employ the cuchinilla, an insect found on the atún tree, to obtain over twenty different shades of red and blue dyes. The islanders design mantas, chullos (earflap hats), scarves, and other articles of clothing and daily life. In Taquile, chullos serve not only to protect the head, but also as a way to distinguish married from unmarried men. Here you will enjoy a typical lunch prepared by the residents of Taquile.
Return by boat to Puno.
Overnight: Hotel in Puno
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Bus Puno – Cusco
After breakfast, you will continue your adventure to the Sierras of Peru by bus. On the way you will visit the following places:
- Pukara, an ancient archaeological complex, consisting of pyramidal structures. The ruins date from 4000 B.C.
- La Raya, the highest pass on the route with beautiful views and a typical artisans’ market, where you can purchase crafts from the artist that made them
- Sicuani, a small town, where you will enjoy a Buffet Lunch
- Raqchi, a temple dedicated to Wiracocha, supreme god of the Inkas. The temple is built out of sun-dried mud brick walls and stone.
- The Church of Andahuaylillas, considered the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” where you can find a variety of paintings and murals dating from as early as the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Arrive in Cusco, and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Cusco
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Discovering the Sacred Valley of the Inkas:
Cusco – the Sacred Valley (B, L)
After lunch, you will visit the wonderful Pisac Ruins and Market, where you can taste the freshly baked bread this region is known for. The ruins are divided into four zones: Pisaqa, Intihuatana, Q’allaqasa, and Kinchiracay. The sun temple is located in the Intihuatana Zone and it contains a “hitching post” to tie up the sun on its journey. It is believed to have served an astronomical purpose. The Pisac Market has quite a variety of unique handicrafts, including ceramics, silver, costume jewelry, embroidery, tapestries, and textile arts. Lunch at 3 Keros or Huacatay (Gourmet Restaurants)
After lunch, visit the fortress of Ollantaytambo, which is a Sacred Valley village that preserves the urban designs of the Inka. Climb up to the Temple of the Sun, pausing to view and discuss its agricultural terraces. You will also observe some Qolcas, which were used to store food, clothing and other articles of daily life. Afterwards, descend to the Inka and the Ñusta baths.
Overnight: Hotel in Sacred Valley.
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An Andean Community Experience / Maras Salt Mines (B, L)
You’ll spend half a day in an authentic village in the Sacred Valley, whose inhabitants are practicing their traditional lifestyle, including the ancient art of weaving, farming and raising of livestock. This traditional community near Chinchero that dates back to Inka times. It is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, mountains and the Apus (mountain spirits) of beautiful Lake Piuray. The weaving techniques practiced here are some of the oldest in the Americas. The more than fifty designs utilized are unique to this region and are implemented using the same tools and materials as their ancestors.
Your half day tour may include participation in agriculture and/or assisting with animals, collecting plants and preparing dyes, a hands-on weaving demonstration, and participation in local customs.
After lunch, you will visit the Maras Salt Mines. These mines are composed of over 1000 salt ponds, and the extraction techniques used date from before the time of the Inkas. You will learn about the ancient process of extraction on your visit
Overnight: Hotel in Sacred Valley
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A Day in Aguas Calientes: Machupicchu – Cusco (B)
You’ll have a free morning to explore the village of Aguas Calientes on your own.
You can optionally: visit Mandor, a spectacular waterfall located in the Eyebrow of the Jungle. On the way you can observe different species of trees, plants, ferns, insects, reptiles, birds and mammals. Or you can hike up the mountains of Inti Punku or Huaynapicchu, and observe more of the ancient Inka citadel and its complex architecture. Huaynapicchu is the peak seen behind the ruins in the famous panoramic photos of Machupicchu. Its name means “young peak” in Quechua, while “Machupicchu” means “old peak.”
In the afternoon, you will board the return train to Cusco (3 hours) where our representative will meet you in the Poroy Station, located 20 minutes from the city. This way you’ll arrive an hour earlier than you otherwise would have, had you gone all the way to Cusco.
Overnight: Hotel in Cusco
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| The Company Church of Cusco at night |
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Floating Islands of Uros -Lake Titicaca |
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| Women on Floating Islands of Uros -Lake Titicaca |
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Llama in Machupicchu |
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