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Peruvian Magic

Peruvian Magic (14d/13n) - Detailed

Welcome to Peru: Lima
When your international flight arrives in Lima you will be met and assisted by our English-speaking representative. From there our representative will accompany you to your hotel.
The city of Lima was founded by Francisco Pizarro during his conquest of South America in 1535. It was the main vice-royalty of western South America, and the focal point for Spanish control and domination of the region through the middle of the eighteenth century. Its highly stylized architecture, which can be seen in its churches, museums and government buildings, bears witness to its colonial past. This coastal metropolis was once considered to be among the principal cities of the world.
It is known today for its wonderful cuisine, including many varieties of ceviche, a typical Peruvian dish made with raw fish marinated in lime and accompanied by onions, cilantro, and hot peppers.
Overnight: Hotel in Lima.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

  1. Pukara, an ancient archaeological complex, consisting of pyramidal structures. The ruins date from 4000 B.C.
  2. 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
  3. Sicuani, a small town, where you will enjoy a Buffet Lunch
  4. Raqchi, a temple dedicated to Wiracocha, supreme god of the Inkas. The temple is built out of sun-dried mud brick walls and stone.
  5. 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

Exploring the Navel of the World; Cusco (B)
In the morning you will take a private tour of the city of Cusco. You’ll visit: the Cathedral of Cusco, with its massive stone pillars and elaborate religious works of art, and Koricancha, or the Temple of the Sun, which was the main religious center of the Inkas dedicated to the Sun cult. It has some of the best Inka stonework in the city.
Afterwards, you’ll head out to Sacsayhuaman (meaning satisfied falcon), which is the head of what the Inkas thought of as the puma-shaped city of Cuzco. This ancient fortress contains Inka stone walls, with stone seats used for observation and steps leading throughout its different sections. Afterwards, you’ll visit Qenqo, where you can see the Inka altar that was once used for animal sacrifices to the gods.
Free afternoon to explore the city of Cusco.
Overnight: Hotel in Cusco

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.

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

The Sacred City of the Inkas: Sacred Valley – Machupicchu (B, L)
In the morning you will be taken to the train station for a 3.5 hour journey to Machupicchu. Your guided tour of “the Lost City of the Inkas” will include a lecture about the natural limestone rock formations, which were adapted and incorporated into the construction of the citadel and the highly stylized temples contained therein. Re-discovered by Hiram Bingham and brought to the attention of the western world in 1911, Machupicchu was covered in jungle foliage and hidden in the cloud forest of the Andes. After its re-discovery, it was uncovered, cleared and renovated by archaeologists. It is an amazing feat of architecture considering the difficulties of the region it’s situated in. It is a site considered by many to possess a special mystical energy, which you may experience yourself during your visit.
After a savory lunch in the Machupicchu Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant it is time to return to your hotel. Overnight: Hotel in Machupicchu

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

Return to Lima: Cusco – Lima (B)
In the morning you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight Cusco-Lima. Transfer to your hotel (day use). At the appropriate time you will be taken to the airport for your international flight.

       
Cusco at Night   Floating Islands of Uros -Lake Titicaca  
The Company Church of Cusco at night   Floating Islands of Uros -Lake Titicaca  
       
Women on Floating Islands of Uros -Lake Titicaca   Machupicchu  
Women on Floating Islands of Uros -Lake Titicaca   Llama in Machupicchu  

 

Kuoda
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Our Head Office
Pasaje Hermoza Nº 12, Cusco - Peru Ph: 51 84 263010 Fax: 51 84 231802
 

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