THE BEST OF PERU - A holiday you will never forget!

LIMA - AREQUIPA - COLCA CANYON - PUNO (Lake Titicaca) - CUSCO - MACHU PICCHU – LIMA
12 Days / 11 Nights

DEPARTURES : Daily
RECOMMENDED SEASON: All the year.

CULINARY TOUR
Experience Peru’s exquisite cuisine with the unique Gastronomic Coupons for
Half Board and Full Board.

All the most important tourist attractions, offering you an unforgettable experience, including extensions to the Amazonian Jungle, the mysterious Nazca Lines and the impressive temples from the north of Peru.

Day 01: LIMA:
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your selected hotel in Lima. Overnight in Lima.
San Francisco Church
Municipal Hall
Gold Museum

Day 02: LIMA:
In the morning, city tour of Colonial Lima visiting the Cathedral, located in the Main Square which was rebuilt on the same site from 1555, under the direction of Jesuit priest Juan Rehr after the 1746 earthquake. Both its façade and interior are austere with its remarkable wooden choir stalls, altars and the tomb of Francisco Pizarro, who died in 1541, are to be noted. Then, you will visit the Church of San Francisco, with its convent, museum of colonial art, cloisters and catacombs. The church is built on top of a network of underground tunnels or catacombs which were used as a cemetery during colonial times, and today is open to the general public. Afterwards, panoramic view of the Main Square with the Government Palace, the Municipal Hall, the “Desamparados” Train Station, and finally drive through the old streets with their vice traditional mansions and Moorish style balconies. Continue through the most traditional residential and commercial areas of contemporary Lima, passing by sites of pre-Columbian Civilisations dating back to the beginning of the Christian era. Finally, you will enjoy a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean.
Note: In Regular Service, the city tour is panoramic, except the Convent of San Francisco (Art Museum, Cloisters and Catacombs).
Finally, you will visit the Gold Museum, where you will appreciate a unique and amazing collection of gold objects from many Pre-Hispanic Andean civilisations. Consisting of many pieces and jewels of worked gold of incalculable value, this private collection has been seen in extraordinary expositions in many of the worlds’ major cities. You will also have the opportunity to see a valuable collection of pre Inca textiles and an exhibition of one of the largest and most interesting of its kind anywhere in the world “weapons of the world”.
Overnight in Lima. (B).
PLS note
Private Tour
Lima City Tour + Gold Museum: Half Day
Regular Tour
In the morning Lima City Tour and in the afternoon Gold Museum

Day 03: LIMA - AREQUIPA:
You will be transferred to the airport to take your flight to the city of Arequipa. Arrival to Arequipa, reception and you will be transferred to your selected hotel.
In the morning, city tour; visiting the Santa Catalina Convent, the most important in Peru, a walled citadel of more than 20,000m2 and comprised of cloisters, the walls were enriched by murals, narrow streets with Spanish names, small cells, white volcano stone fountains, gardens, an impressive temple and a small picture gallery. It served for four centuries as the only physical world for several generations of Cloistered nuns. During the city tour, you will visit the Church Cloisters of the Company, a tremendous collection of Domes, Arches, which can all be found in its galleries and Alters.
Other places of interest are the Main Square, the Complex of San Francisco, which consists of a public square, two temples (the Church of San Francisco and the Temple of the Third Order), a convent and the Fierro Foundation (where there is a museum and a handicraft market). The Cathedral, located in the main square and which was destroyed by fire in 1844 and restored in 1868 by Arequipa-native Lucas Poblete in Neo-renaissance style with French influence, is considered to be one of the biggest in South America.
Finally, the Spanish Colonial district of Yanahuara, 2 km from the city’s centre, consisting of narrow cobblestone streets and old white volcanic stone houses. From the viewpoint there is a magnificent view of the city with its three volcanoes: Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu. Then, you will be transferred to your selected hotel. Overnight in Arequipa. (B).
Santa Catalina Convent
Main Square
Yanahuara
Colca Canyon
Condor

Day 04: AREQUIPA – COLCA CANYON:
Journey to one of the deepest Canyons in the World "The Colca". The Tour begins with the winding road that leaves the "White City" of Arequipa crossing the snow capped Misti, Chachani and the Ampato Volcanoes, to arrive at the Colca Canyon. Here you will find the famous and majestic eagle, the Andean Condor, where elegant Vicuñas wander the high plains, pass through the villages of Torja, Chucura, Patapampa, with its Colonial Churches and Inca Farming Terraces.
In the afternoon, you will visit the village of Chivay or enjoy La Calera thermo-medicinal baths. Overnight in Colca. (B-L-D).

Day 05: COLCA CANYON - PUNO:
Breakfast and departure to the “Cruz del Cóndor viewpoint”, the most strategic area to see the Colca Canyon and the flight of the Condors’. Latter you will continue your way, observing the pre-Inca tombs and stop in the villages of Pinchollo, Maca, Yanque, Cabanaconde, Coporaque and the amphitheatre of Ocolle, Chichinea and Colcas.
In the afternoon, departure to Puno, passing by Lagunillas, where you will see the typical flora of the area, wild birds, sheep, vicuña and llama, with the ever impressive Andean Mountains Range. Arrival and you will be transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Puno. (B-L).

Day 06: PUNO – LAKE TITICACA:
Full day visit of the Floating Island of Uros in Lake Titicaca. Located 4 km from Puno, the original inhabitants of these floating islands are said to descend from one of the most ancient peoples of the Americas and still to this day practise their ancient traditions. Their dwellings made of totora reed are built on the surface of Lake Titicaca.
Afterwards, you will make your way to the unique and peaceful Island of Taquile, where time appears to have stopped. The Mediterranean atmosphere of this place is striking, with its steps of stone and its houses centred around the square. Its indigenous community that lives here, around 350 families are descendants of the Incas and known for their Textile activities, such as their beautifully woven chumpis (belts), chullos (caps), and ojotas (and sandals) and according to the custom, officials are distinguished by black or brown caps. The most popular attractions in Taquile are its landscape, dominated by tiered platforms where potatoes, corn, quinua and broad beans are cultivated; ceremonial sites hosting rituals imploring for abundant harvests and fishing, and the hospitability of its people, who are so outstandingly organised. The textile industry is the main activity on this island and the garments they manufacture relate to their daily chores. Also it offers a magnificent lake landscape from where the impressive snowfalls of the Cordillera Real (Real mountain chain) can be seen.
In the afternoon, return to the hotel. Overnight in Puno. (B-L).

Island of Uros
Musicians of Taquile
Andahuaylillas
Pisac Market
Ollantaytambo

Day 07: PUNO - CUSCO:
Morning transfer to the station to board the regular bus to the city of Cusco. On route, you will pass by the villages of Andahuaylillas, Racchi and Pucará.
Pls note that if you prefer you could take the train to Cusco, instead of the bus. Departures available on: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Arrival and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Cusco. (B-L).

Day 08: CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY - CUSCO:
Full day visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a pre-Hispanic agriculture centre.
Visit the old Inca Community of Pisac, (only on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday) located at the entrance to the Sacred Valley, 32 Km from Cusco. Its traditional colourful local market have over the centuries attracted the local traders and remote communities from all over the valley, to come and sell their wares. Dressed in their traditional and colourful costumes, now attract many visitors.
Afterwards, you will visit the Inca temple of Ollantaytambo, with its Inca Streets, traditional Squares and dwellings which have been built onto the ancient foundations of the Incas.
Typical lunch.
In the afternoon, you will return to the hotel in Cusco. (B-L).

Day 09: CUSCO – MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO:
Early in the morning, you will be transferred to take the train, tourist class (Backpacker) to visit the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, (Optional train first class). Spectacular train journey crossing valleys, mountains and typical communities. The altitude will descend from 3,500 to 1,500 m.a.s.l. Crossing two different regions from the sierra to the rainforests. Snow peaks, eucalyptus, deep canyons and orchids are also part of the sceneries. This stone citadel, located 112 km from Cusco, was discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. The citadel was built on a very special spot covered in vegetation between two mountains: the Machu Picchu (old mountain) and Huayna Picchu (young mountain), at the foot of which meanders the Urubamba or Vilcanota River (lower Jungle featuring abundant flora and fauna). On arrival, Tour of the Sanctuary.
In the afternoon, you will return to Cusco by train Tourist Class (Optional: Train First Class). Transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Cusco. (B). Optional: Overnight in Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu
Main Square
Koricancha
Tambomachay

Day 10: CUSCO:
Morning free. In the afternoon, visit Cusco’s Historical Inca and Spanish Colonial Monuments, such as the Main Square, known in Inca times as Huacaypata or the Warrior’s Square, it was the scene for many key events in Cusco’s history. The Cathedral, originally built on the site of the old temple of Suntur Wasi (House of God), now the church of El Triunfo, a particular interest are the choir cloisters, the pulpit, the engravings on the altar and furniture. Continue onto the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo, a Spanish construction belonging to the Dominican Order built upon the foundations of the Inca temple of Koricancha or Temple of the Sun. Koricancha (in quechua, site of gold) was the main religious building of the Incas dedicated to the worship of the Sun and whose walls, according to the chroniclers, were plated with sheets of gold. Magnificent blocks of finely carved stone were used in its construction.
After, you will visit the surrounding ruins of the city of Cusco: Sacsayhuamán, this huge Inca fortress is built on three overlapping platforms, each of them over 360 m long. Then, onto Tambomachay, known as the Inca baths. It was apparently a site dedicated to the worship of water and a resting place for the Inca monarch. Kenko, it is said to have been a worship site. There is a huge 5,9 m high stone block that looks like a puma. There are also passages, canals and stairways with stone engravings representing animals. Finally, Puca Pucará, which was an administrative and military centre formed by terraces, stairways, passages, turrets and vaulted niches. Return to the hotel. Overnight in Cusco. (B).

Day 11: CUSCO - LIMA:
You will be transferred to the airport for flight back to Lima. Reception and transfer to the hotel (B).

Day 12: LIMA: Transfer out. (B).

INCLUDED:
Excursions as described, transportation, entrances, specialised tour guide in the language requested.
Accommodation with breakfast in tourist class hotels.
Meals where stated (B=Breakfast / L=Lunch / D=Dinner).
Transfer airport/hotel/airport.

NOT INCLUDED:
Services not specified in the programme, extras and tips.
National flight tickets: Lima / Arequipa and Cusco / Lima.
NATURE

THE BEST OF PERUEXTENSION I
SAFARI IN PUERTO MALDONADO
3 Days / 2 Nights

Day 11: CUSCO - PUERTO MALDONADO:
Transfer from the hotel for flight to Pto. Maldonado (25 min.). Reception and transfer to Madre de Dios River. A 1-hr journey down the river by motor canoe. Arrival to the lodge.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy walking in the jungle and observe the sunset. Overnight in the lodge. (B-L-D).
Lodge
Canoe
Giant otter

Day 12: LODGE IN THE JUNGLE:
Full day safari in the jungle.
In the evening observe the noise of nocturnal animals.
Overnight in lodge. (B-L-D).

Day 13: LODGE - PUERTO MALDONADO - LIMA:
After breakfast, you will take a short journey around the lake and observe the giant otters. Return to Pto Maldonado and board flight back to Lima. Reception and transfer to your hotel. (B).

Day 14: LIMA: Transfer out. (B).


INCLUDED:
Excursions as described, transportation, entrances, specialised tour guide.
Accommodation with breakfast in lodge.
Meals where stated (B=Breakfast / L=Lunch / D=Dinner).
Transfer airport/hotel/airport.


NOT INCLUDED:
Services not specified in the programme, extras and tips.
National flight tickets (Cusco / Pto. Maldonado & Pto. Maldonado / Lima).

CULTURE AND HISTORY
THE BEST OF PERUEXTENSION II THE MYSTERIOUS NAZCA LINES
3 Days / 2 Nights

Day 12: LIMA - ICA (OVERFLIGHT OF THE NAZCA LINES):
You will be transferred from your hotel to take the bus to Ica (4 hrs approx.) Reception and transfer to the local airport of Ica and board the light aircraft for the overflight of the Nazca Lines, located in the San José Pampas, 25 km from Nazca. It is a city which preserved the secrets of its ancestors, great master of ceramics and the authors of the huge and impressive system of lines and drawings depicting animals and plants dispersed over the pampas. Discovered in 1927 by Toribio Mejía Xesspe, these lines have been studied by Paul Kosok, Hans Horkheirmer and, in particular, María Reiche, a German scientist who lived in the area for more than 50 years, studying and investigating their origin. A flight over the Nazca Lines is an unforgettable experience. (Ticket included). Overnight in Ica. (B).
Nazca Lines

Paracas
Birds

Day 13: ICA - PARACAS - LIMA:
You will be transferred to Paracas. Excursion to the Ballestas Islands by boat (Regular), where sea lions, Humboldt penguins, flamingoes or pariguanas and seabirds can be closely observed. Following the coastline, you will be able to observe a Candelabra (or Cactus) engraved in a hill, also known as “Tres Cruces” (Three Crosses), and is located northwest of the Bay of Paracas, between Martín and Talpo beaches.
In the afternoon, you will return by bus to Lima. Transfer to your hotel. (B).

Day 14: LIMA:
You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for flight back home. (B).

INCLUDED:
Overflight of the Nazca Lines.
Excursions as described, transportation, entrances, specialised tour guide in the language requested.
Accommodation with breakfast in tourist class hotels.
Meals where stated (B=Breakfast / L=Lunch / D=Dinner).
Bus Lima / Ica & Ica / Lima (Tourist).


NOT INCLUDED:
Services not specified in the programme, extras and tips.

CULTURE AND HISTORY
THE BEST OF PERUEXTENSION III TREASURES AND TEMPLES: CHAN-CHAN AND SIPÁN
3 Days / 2 Nights

Day 12: LIMA - TRUJILLO:
In the morning, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for flight to the city of Trujilo.
Reception and transfer to your hotel. Lunch in Huanchaco beach, an ancient Chimu port with its colonial church located at the highest point of the port and famous for its “Caballitos de Totora”, straw boats still used by local fishermen. In the afternoon, you will visit Chan Chan, located 4 Km to the north of Trujillo, it lodged 50,000 people. It was the religious and administrative capital of the Chimú Kingdom and the largest adobe citadel of pre-Hispanic America. It is an ancient complete city with streets, houses, water tanks, pyramids and temples, a great urban centre. It was declared as a Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Finally, you will visit Huaca Dragon, a temple dedicated to the Rainbow, located 5 km from Trujillo. It is considered as a ceremonial place by researches and related to the fertility. Its decorations show dancing warriors and the figure of a dragon. Overnight in Trujillo. (B-L).

Caballito de Totora in Huanchaco
Chan-Chan
Huaca del Sol y la Luna
Lord of Sipán

Day 13: TRUJILLO - CHICLAYO - LIMA:
In the morning, you will visit of the “Huaca del Sol y la Luna” and its treasure. The Huaca del Sol, a pyramid 20m high, according to the tradition it was built in only 3 days using 250 000 people and 70 million blocks of adobes. It was used for ceremonial purposes and possibly in administrative functions as well as for housing for the upper class. The Huaca de la Luna, located in front of the Huaca del Sol, is smaller. In some of its adobe walls still exist paintings where appears the Ai-Apaek God. Archaeologists have discovered a tomb with more than 40 dead soldiers. Transfer to the city of Chiclayo. Visit the “Tumbas Reales” Museum, which is a modern building with pyramidal infrastructure. It looks like a flattened pyramid formed by five prisms that are held together by leaning planes. Each prism bears a replica of the banners found in the Tomb of the Lord of Sipán. Their colours, red and yellow, are similar to those used by the Moches throughout their decorations. The aim of the museum is to recreate the atmosphere of the temples of that civilisation, serving as a museum as well as a mausoleum and resting place for the Lord of Sipán and his companions. It was opened on November 8, 2002 and is one of the most sophisticated museums in the region.
Then, you will be transferred to the airport for flight back to Lima. Arrival to Lima and transfer to your hotel. (B-L).

Day 14: LIMA: Transfer out. (B).

INCLUDED:
Excursions as described, transportation, entrances, specialised tour guide in the language requested.
Accommodation with breakfast in tourist class hotel.
Meals where stated (B=Breakfast / L=Lunch / D=Dinner).
Transfer airport/hotel/airport.

NOT INCLUDED:
Services not specified in the programme, extras and tips.
National flight tickets Lima / Trujillo & Trujillo / Lima.

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