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Day by day…
« Peru Jewels » is a circuit which will permit you to discover the most beautiful places in Peru by combining cultural visits and treks.
Have a good trip!
Day 1: LIMA RECEPTION
Reception at Jorge Chavez airport, flight ? to ? and transfer to Ducado ** located in the Miraflores district.
Free for lunch
Day 2: LIMA – AREQUIPA (AIRPLANE)
Early in the morning, transfer to the airport for a flight to Arequipa the white city (1h15 flight). Transfer and installation at Casa de Melgar Hotel **. 3 big volcanoes with snowy tops surround Arequipa: the Misti (5821m), the Chachani (6075m) and the Picchu Picchu (5425m). Arequipa certainly deserves its name: the white city because its buildings are principally made of Sillar, a volcanic rock that has an intense white color abounds in this area and embellishes the houses’ and temples’ facades.
In the afternoon, 3-hour guided visit of the colonial center and the Santa Catalina convent (official guide certified by the convent). Transfer to the hotel.
Free time for meals.
Note 1: unaccompanied flight.
Note 2: the timetable will be confirmed before booking
Day 3: AREQUIPA – CHIVAY/YANQUE (PRIVATE)
The Colca Canyon is an impressive geological formation. This canyon is one of the deepest in the world since it is 3680 m high.
Departure in a minibus to drive along the beautiful road that leads to Colca canyon. On the way, we will observe vicunas. We will pass the Patapampa pass (alt. 4800 m). Installation at the Tradicion Colca Hotel ** and bathing in the Yanque village hot water thermal baths.
Free time for meals.
Day 4: TREKKING IN THE COLCA CANYON
On Day 2 we will leave early in the morning by private bus for the Cruz del Condor (3800 m) Lookout. There we will see the sunrise and enjoy the flight of the condors. After a brief rest, we will start our trek and go down into the canyon, where we will cross the river and make camp in the small town of San Juan de Chuccho (2400m) and have dinner.
Altitude Change: -1400 meters
Meals not included
Duration: 4 hours
Day 5: TREKKING IN THE COLCA CANYON
On Day 3 we will walk along the river from where we will be able to enjoy the snow peaked mountains, the variety of plants, and the large geological faults; we will also pass through the town of Coshñihua. At the end of the day we will arrive at a place called “Oasis,”(2225m) where we will be able enjoy a soothing soak in the thermal baths. We will make camp and have dinner there.
Altitude Change: +500/-675 meters
Meals not included
Duration: 5 hours
Day 6: TREKKING – CABANACONDE - AREQUIPA
On Day 4 we will depart our camp at “Oasis” very early and hike onward to Cabanaconde (3230m), which is a 4-hour trek. We will have lunch in Cabanaconde and then travel to Arequipa. In Arequipa we will stay at the Casa de Melgar Hotel**.
Altitude Change: +900 meters
Meals not included
Duration: 4 hours
Day 7: AREQUIPA – PUNO (BUS)
Transfer to the bus terminal at 09.03 AM for a direct trip to Puno located on the edge of Lake Titicaca. Reception in Puno and transfer to the Balsas Inn **.
Free time for meals.
Note 1: unaccompanied bus trip., 5 hour-trip
Note 2: the timetable will be confirmed before booking – 6-hour trip.
Day 8: PUNO – UROS - TAQUILE – PUNO (BOAT)
Transfer to Puno’s port to board early in the morning to go to Uros and Taquile islands. After a 40-min boat ride, guided tour of the Uros floating islands. These islands are not natural; the Uros tribe built them. This tribe’s main activity is fishing. After a 40-min tour, departure by boat to Taquile located 2h00 away from Uros.
Taquile is an island of great cultural interest. The inhabitants still follow the ancient traditions and the Inca laws. Guided tour of the island and its Inca ruins. Free time to have lunch in one of the island’s typical restaurants. Time to relax and return to Puno in the middle of the afternoon.
Transfer to the Balsas Inn **.
Free time for meals.
Note 1: it is forbidden to navigate by night on the lake.
Day 9: PUNO – CUSCO (BUS)
Transfer to the bus terminal 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 « Sixtine Chapel » that was built in the middle of the 17th century. Lunch on the way in Sicuani (included)
Departure: Puno at 08: 00 p.m., arrival in Cusco at 5: 00 p.m.
Transfer to Tika Wasi Hotel **.
Lunch included.
Free for dinner.
Note 1: unaccompanied bus trip.
Note 2: the timetable will be confirmed before booking
Option: The Andes Orient Express train– runs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Day 10: CUSCO CITY TOUR 1 DAY (Alt.3399 m)
Departure at 09.00 a.m. from the hotel. In the afternoon we will visit Cusco and its surroundings. We will begin our tour with a visit of Koricancha (Temple of the Sun); main religious building the Inkas built dedicated to the cult of the sun. We will continue our tour visiting the Cathedral. Its construction began in 1560 and ended in 1669. This church has many paintings from the Cusuqenian School, and a large collection of jewelry, silver and precious stones. Then we will head off to the heights of Cusco to visit the 4 Inca ruins overhanging Cusco: Tambomachay Q'enko - Pukapucara - Sacsayhuaman -. Transfer to Tika Wasi Hotel**at the end of the afternoon.
Free time for meals.
Day 11: CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY – CUSCO (PRIVATE)
09.00 a.m.: departure to the sacred valley in a private vehicle. After a 1-hour trip, we will be arriving at the Pisac ruins, which was once one of the most important fortresses of the Inca Empire mainly built to stock the Empire’s food supplies. Guided tour of the Inca site and walk around the Indian market (Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays). Lunch in a restaurant to taste a typical buffet. In the beginning of the afternoon, we will continue our tour to see Ollantaytambo, which is an Inca village, and we will visit the fortress, which was a military, religious and agricultural strategic center. At the end of the day, We will go back to Cusco. On the way, we will stop to visit a picturesque colonial village called Chinchero. Transfer to Tika Wasi Hotel** at the end of the afternoon.
Free time for dinner.
Day 12: CUSCO - SILCACANCHA - SORAYPAMPA
TREK SALAKANTAY – MACHU PICCHU
We will depart from Cusco at 05:00 by private bus, and we will pass by the towns of Izcuchaca and Limatambo. We will arrive at Mollepata (2900 m.a.s.l.) at 09:00 and then eat breakfast. We will meet our team and organize our equipment for our trekking adventure, and then set out at 10:30. We will arrive at the town of Silcacancha at 13:00 and have lunch. In the early afternoon, we will walk approximately 4 hours to our campsite along the foot of the majestic Salkantay Mountain (6264 m.a.s.l.).
Altitude Change: 2900 to 3750 m.a.s.l.
Duration: 4 hours (by bus)
Day 13: SORAYPAMPA - ARRAYANNIYUC
TREK SALAKANTAY – MACHU PICCHU
We will have a nice early breakfast at 06:00, and then begin our trek at 07:00. Day 2 is the longest day of our trek. We will pass along the left side of the Humantay glacier, which is located next to the Salkantay glacier. At 12:00, we will cross the highest pass of the hike at 4600 m.a.s.l. From there, we will enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Salkantay glacier. We will take a short break for lunch and a one hour rest before making a 2-hour descent. We will make camp at Arayanniyuc (3400 m.a.s.l.).
Altitude Change: 3750 to 4600 m.a.s.l.
Duration: 7 hours
Day 14: ARRAYANNIYUC - WINAYPOCO – LA PLAYA
TREK SALAKANTAY – MACHU PICCHU
Day 3 is an unforgettable dayney through an amazing variety of vegetation. We will continue our descent towards the Yunga region; a subtropical forest at the edge of the Andes. We will hike to the town of Wiñaypoco (2750 m.a.s.l.), and then we will follow the Santa Teresa River. Along the way we will see a variety of orchids and waterfalls. We will make camp at La Playa for the night.
Altitude Change: 3400 to 2450 m.a.s.l.
Duration: 6 hours
Day 15: LA PLAYA - LLACTAPATA - HYDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES
TREK SALAKANTAY – MACHU PICCHU
On Day 4, we will make a long hike to the archaeological complex of Llactapata where we will stop at the pass (2950 m.a.s.l.) and take in the full vista of the Machu Picchu and the entire wonder of the area. We will descend towards the power station (1850 m.a.s.l.) and take the local train at 16:00 to Aguas Calientes (2050 m.a.s.l.), where we will spend the night in the Continental Hotel**.
Altitude Change: 2450 to 2950 to 2050 m.a.s.l.
Duration: 6 hours
Note 1: Dinner not included
Day 16: AGUASCALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU- CUSCO (TRAIN)
TREK SALAKANTAY – MACHU PICCHU
Hiram Bingham, an American anthropologist discovered Machu Picchu, in 1911. The archeologists estimate this citadel was built in the middle of the 15th century. Today several hypotheses have been ventured on the function this inaccessible citadel. Was it for military purposes? A kind of secret harem dedicated to the Inkas? A place to rest for the Inkas? It is still an enigma!
Departure early in the morning at 06.30 a.m., by bus to reach Machu Picchu citadel. The day will be dedicated to visiting the site. Free for lunch. Return to Aguascalientes by bus and connection to catch the train to Cusco at 03:55 p.m., arrival at 8:20 p.m. Transfer to Tika Wasi Hotel ** in Cusco.
Free time for meals
Suggestions: You can also reach Huayna Picchu peak. The hike up there is quite difficult. You will need good shoes, light backpacks and not to be afraid of heights. From the top, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Machu Picchu. You will need about 2 hours to go up and come back down.
Or you can walk to the Sun gate. Less dangerous and you will also have a beautiful view. It will take you about an hour and a half, both ways.
Note: the train timetable will be confirmed when you book the trip.
Day 17: CUSCO – LIMA (AIRPLANE)
Transfer to the Cusco airport for a flight to the Peruvian capital. Reception at the airport and transfer to Ducado Hotel **.
Free time for meals.
Day 18: LIMA – DEPARTURE INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT
3 hours before landing Transfer to the airport and connection for the international return flight. Free time for meals
Included:
Mentioned transport, 2 domestic flights, mentioned meals, double room in 2-star hotel with breakfast, entrance to parks and cultural sights, guided visits and mentioned excursions, English guide to accompany visits and excursions.
Trek Salkantay and Colca : English speaking guide (+ 1 assistant if the group is > 8 people), 1 cooker (+ 1 assistant if the group is > 8 people), food during the treks, hiking and mountain equipment (tents, camping equipment), transport of collective equipment (by mules and porters).
Not Included:
International flights; Airport tax (US$28 per person for international flights and US$5 for national flights); meals which are not mentioned, drinks, tips, etc.; Personal equipment; Obligatory personal insurance.
Hotels
- Lima
- Arequipa
- Colca
- Cuzco
- Urubamba
- Aguascalientes
- Puno |
3 star
Faraona
Hosteria
Casa Andina
Yupanqui
Incaland
Machu Picchu Inn
Hacienda |
4/5 star
Sol de Oro *****
Posada del Puente ****
Colca Lodge ****
Novotel ****
Posada del Inca ****
Machu Picchu Pueblo ****
Libertador ***** |
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