Guide

YOU WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY: • Throughout most of the journey you will be accompanied by professional English-speaking guides.

Meals

Meals as indicated on the itinerary

Accommodation

• In Peru the standards that are used when judging hotels are somewhat different than what you might be familiar with. Here are some useful details about categories of lodging establishments: • 3 *** Hotels (local standards). A three-star hotel should have comfortable, simple, and clean rooms that have a private bathroom with hot water. Some hotels offer a safety deposit box, a heater in the room, and a mini-bar. • We do our best to choose a hotel which is located in a place that offers easy access to the town and its attractions.

Transport

Transportation according to the itinerary (private or shared transportation, trains, boats, public buses with VIP seat or tour bus) Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (roundtrip) Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu (roundtrip)

Flights

Domestic flights: Cusco - Lima

Hygieneprotocol

Mandatory use of face mask for travelers in all public areas. Mandatory use of face mask for guides in all public areas. Face mask provided for travelers Hand sanitizer available for travelers and staff Transport vehicles regularly disinfected Requirement for guides to wash their hands regularly Regular temperature checks for staff Temperature checks for travelers at the beginning of the experience Paid stay at home policy for staff with symptoms Contact card payments for tips and extras Guides must be vaccinated against COVID-19. Travelers must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

Others

Entrances to the archeological sites Pickup and Drop Off at the airport in Cusco only Personal assistance / transfer and tour guide

Not included:

Insurance

not included

Others

Travel insurance International Flights Machu Picchu Mountain / optional Huayna Picchu Mountain / optional Upgrade to Vistadome: $ 80 USD per person (Return only Aguas Calientes to Poroy (Cusco) at 4:43pm) Accommodations / (booked on your own) Tips for your guide

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrival In Lima
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrival In Lima

Upon arriving in the city of Lima, you will be welcomed by one of our representatives, who will give you a brief introduction to the city and to our services while in route to the hotel.

You will have the afternoon free.

It’s included

Local English-speaking guide.

Hotel 3 star / Included

Private vehicle
Day 2 Day 2: Lima City Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Lima City Tour

At the scheduled time, you will be picked up at the hotel to begin a tour of the city’s main avenues, boulevards, and squares. The tour will begin with an exploration of Colonial Lima. First, you will stop off at the Plaza de Armas (Main Square). There, you will explore the square by foot and admire the exteriors of the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace), the Cathedral of Lima, and the Municipalidad (City Hall), all examples of Lima’s still-present colonial architectural opulence. Afterwards, you will visit La Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion that currently holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited private residence in the Southern Hemisphere. Next, you will make your way to the Convento de Santo Domingo (Santo Domingo Convent), a religious and architectural gem that houses holy paintings, images, and relics of Peruvian saints, as well as written accounts of the endeavors of the Dominican Order across the country.

Finally, you will leave behind Lima’s Historic Center and begin your journey through the streets of modern Lima as you head toward the most traditional of the residential zones of the capital: San Isidro and Miraflores. In San Isidro, you will pass through the heart of the city’s financial district and then enjoy a panoramic view of the Huaca Hullamarca Pyramid, an important pre-Inca and Incan ceremonial center and cemetery built out of adobe mud bricks. Soon afterwards, you will travel to the district of Miraflores, a perfect spot to enjoy wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean.

You will complete your tour of Lima with a visit to the Bohemian neighborhood of Barranco, a neighborhood called home by countless artists, photographers, and authors. Walk along peculiar streets lined with Republican houses, admire the splendid views, and visit the Puente de los Suspiros (Bridge of Sighs), witness to untold numbers of past and present romances, and source of inspiration for one of Peru’s great composers, Chabuca Granda.

It’s included

Local English-speaking guide.

Tickets for visits

Hotel 3 star / Included

Private vehicle

Breakfast and lunch
Day 3 Day 3: Flight Lima – Arequipa And City Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Flight Lima – Arequipa And City Tour

At the scheduled departure time, you will be met by the transport service and escorted to the airport to board the flight to Arequipa.

Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed by one of our representatives, who will give you a brief introduction to the city and to our services in route to the hotel.

You will begin your tour with a visit to the Convento de Santa Catalina (Convent of St. Catherine). Walk through its beautiful buildings as your guide takes you on a journey back in time through one of the largest holdings of colonial art in the Americas.

The tour of the city will continue as you visit the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús (Church of the Society of Jesus). After finishing your tour of the church, you will move on to the Mirador del Carmen (a natural lookout point), ten minutes from the city center. From there you will be able to enjoy a spectacular view of the Chili River Valley and of the majestic Misti. Next, you will stop off in the upscale neighborhood of Yanahuara and get a chance to walk along its wide cobblestone avenues and see its old ashlar stone mansions, which still preserve their traditional gardens.

It’s included

Local English-speaking guide.

Tickets for visits

Hotel 3 star / Included

Private vehicle

Breakfast and lunch
Day 4 Day 4: From Arequipa To Colca Valley
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: From Arequipa To Colca Valley

Early in the morning, you will depart Arequipa to embark on a journey across a land of snow-covered volcanoes, inhospitable pampas, and incredibly beautiful quaint villages, arriving finally in the Colca Valley.

The first stop will be in the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, whose rugged plains are home to vast herds of llamas, Alpaca, and Vicuña. You will continue the journey, until you reach the Mirador de los Andes (Lookout Point of the Andes) in Patapampa. This lookout point, at 16,100 ft (4,900 m) above sea level, will offer spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of the various volcanoes surrounding Arequipa, including the Hualca Hualca, the Sabancaya, and the Ampato.

Next, you will head to the town of Chivay (close to where the Colca Valley begins) for a closer inspection of the impressive system of platforms and terraces built by the ancient Collagua and Cabana inhabitants.

After lunch, you will make your way to the hotel.

Rest of the afternoon free to take advantage of the hotel’s amenities, enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings, or simply rest and recover for the next day, as you see fit.

Enjoy an excellent night’s rest at your hotel in the Colca Valley.

It’s included

Local English-speaking guide.

Tickets for visits

Hotel 3 star / Included

Private vehicle

Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5 Day 5: Road Trip From Colca Valley To Puno
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Road Trip From Colca Valley To Puno

Early in the morning, you will travel to the Mirador de la Cruz del Cóndor (Condor Cross Lookout). it is considered to be the best spot in the world to see the majestic Andean Condor in flight. Be on the lookout for the sudden appearance of this emblematic bird on the verge of extinction. With a little luck, you will enjoy a truly awe-inspiring experience as you watch this awesome bird soar, almost magically, ever higher into the infinite blue sky. From this vantage point, you will be able to look out across one of the world’s deepest canyons (13,650 feet [4,160 m] deep at the northern end and 11,800 feet [3,600 m] deep on its southern end).

After lunch, you will experience an awe-inspiring trip of about six hours through the unique landscapes of the high mountain plain.

The trip will begin in Colca Valley, and shortly thereafter you will reach the Mirador de los Andes (Lookout Point of the Andes) in Patapampa. Here you will be able to view a landscape covered with yaretas, a local type of cactus that has adapted to the high altitude, and you will see the snow-capped peaks of the various volcanos that surround Arequipa, among them the Hualca Calca, the Sabancaya, and the Ampato.

Continuing the trip, you will circle along the base of the Chucura volcano as you make your way towards Pampa Cañahuas, a rugged plain that belongs to the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, a place where guanacos, alpacas, and vicuñas freely roam. The pastoral countryside of Pampa Cañahuas, covered with ichu grass and yareta cacti, reveals a unique flora capable of surviving at extreme altitudes and temperatures. A few miles away, you will be able to see the grand Bosque de Piedras de Imata (Imata Stone Forest) in the distance. You will then arrive in Lagunillas, which sits at 13,684 ft. (4,171 m) above sea level. Here you will observe numerous species of migratory and Andean birds, among them Andean flamingos and crakes. You will end your trip in the legendary city of Puno, built on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Overnight in Puno

It’s included

Local English-speaking guide.

Tickets for visits

Hotel 3 star / Included

Touristic bus

Breakfast, lunch and diner
Day 6 Day 6: Uros & Taquile Island Excursion
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Uros & Taquile Island Excursion

Today, you will enjoy an extraordinary journey across the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca. Travel to legendary places where time seems to have stood still. Your first stop will be the Uros floating islands. These are a peculiar grouping of around 40 small islands made totally of totora, a natural reed that grows around the lake. The cheerful inhabitants will invite you to get to know their traditional lifestyle and customs...

You will continue your voyage across the placid waters of the lake until you come to the picturesque island of Taquile, a peaceful place where old Quechua traditions live in perfect balance with modernity. Discover a landscape distinct from the other islands thanks to the Incan terraces filled with local flowers and crops. The rich colors of the clothing worn by the local inhabitants will amaze you; admire their beautiful hand-made fabrics. Most importantly, enjoy the unbelievable hospitality of the islanders, known as Taquileños, who will make your visit to the island a memorable one.

Before making your way back to Puno, you will have lunch at a local home.

It’s included

Local English-speaking guide.

Tickets for visits

Hotel 3 star / Included

Private boat

Breakfast, lunch and diner
Day 7 Day 7: Road Trip From Puno To Cusco
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Road Trip From Puno To Cusco

In this day we will depart from Puno to Cusco on board a comfortable touristic bus, as we enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Andes. During our trip, we will make a brief stop at Pucará, known as the place where the Toritos (little bulls) of Pucará are made.

We will then cross the La Raya Pass, which lies at 14,222 feet (4,335 meters) above sea level. There we will see herds of vicuñas and llamas. Our following stop is Racchi, one of the most important constructions of the Inca Empire, known for its extraordinary architecture.

Our last stop will be the town of Andahuaylillas, a friendly, warm-weather town which is home to one of the most unique churches in the Andes, known as Peru’s Sistine Chapel. You will be dazzled by the beautifully decorated murals and frescoes covering walls, baseboards, ceilings and facades.

It’s included

Local English-speaking guide.

Tickets for visits

Touristic bus

Hotel 3 star / Included

Breakfast and lunch
Day 8 Day 8: Cusco City Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Cusco City Tour

History-filled alleys, churches, walls and archeological treasures await you in the magnificent Incan capital.

You will begin your tour as you enjoy the best view of the city of Cusco from atop Cerro Pukamoqo (Red Peak), a natural scenic overlook from which the outstretched arms of Cristo Blanco, a massive white statue of Christ, embrace the city in a benevolent gesture. You will then visit the nearby Fortaleza de Sacsayhuamán (Fortress of Sacsayhuamán), a colossal structure of enormous stones, carved and fitted together with incredible precision.

As you return to the lower part of the city, you will stop off at the Mercado de San Pedro (Market of St. Peter), which being the city’s main street market, will give you an opportunity to get to know the products of Cusco, overwhelming you with the sights, aromas, tastes, and colors of the region.

Just a few blocks away, you will discover one of the most impressive buildings of Incan Cusco: The Korikancha (the Golden Temple) - a temple dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, whose interior walls were said to have been covered in gold. You will complete the day with a stroll through the Cusco Plaza de Armas (Main Square), where you will visit the Cathedral and admire its exquisite vestibules and priceless paintings from the Cusco School of the 17th and 18th centuries.

It’s included

Local English-speaking guide.

Tickets for visits

Hotel 3 star / Included

Private vehicle

Breakfast and lunch
Day 9 Day 9: From Cusco To The Sacred Valley
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: From Cusco To The Sacred Valley

This morning, we will continue or trip toward Valle Sagrado (Sacred Valley) A few miles farther along, you will reach Pisac, a beautiful place where Incan and Colonial influences have reached a perfect balance and created the unique way of life of the local inhabitants. You will get a chance to explore this quaint town, famous for its artisan markets where you can find extraordinarily fine jewelry and ceramic and textile craftwork.

In the afternoon, you will visit one of the last remaining Incan towns, Ollantaytambo, which was once fiercely guarded by a massive fortress. Discover the large archeological complex of what used to serve as a wayside inn for royal delegations on long journeys. Surviving structures here include multiple walls and towers that were used to protect the citadel from possible invasions.

After the tour you will have lunch in the town of Ollantaytambo and after board the Expedition train departing at 15:20 that will take you to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival you will have the evening free to explore Aguas Calientes on your own. You will spend the night in a hotel.

It’s included

Local English-speaking guide.

Tickets for visits

Hotel 3 star / Included

Private vehicle and train

Breakfast and lunch
Day 10 Day 10: Machu Picchu Citadel Excursion
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Machu Picchu Citadel Excursion

This day, you will visit the Santuario Histórico de Machu Picchu (Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu). A bus will take you to the entrance gate of the citadel of Machu Picchu. Rediscovered by Hiram Bingham more than a century ago, Machu Picchu is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Its architectural beauty, spectacular natural landscapes and the energy held in its enigmatic structures will take your breath away. You will follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incans as you explore this magical citadel along with your guide. After the tour, you will stop at a local restaurant for lunch.

At the scheduled time, you will be picked up and taken to the Aguas Calientes train Station, where you will board your return train. Upon your arrival at the station just outside of Cusco, a private transfer service will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in the city.

* Additional activities to do on site: (not included in the package and reserved in advance)

Possibility of adding the ascent of Huaynapicchu or Machupicchu depending on availability. (These mountains are part of the landscape of the Citadel of Machupicchu and have different times and entrances, since they take longer to climb and visit).

It’s included

Local English-speaking guide.

Tickets for visits

Hotel 3 star / Included

Shuttlebus, private vehicle and train

Breakfast and lunch
Day 11 Day 11: Cusco - Lima – International Flight
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Cusco - Lima – International Flight

Flight to Lima, then transfer to your international flight

It’s included

Airport assistance

Private transport

Breakfast

11 days tour

The Peru Of The Andes

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip The Peru Of The Andes

Day 1: Arrival In Lima

Day 2: Lima City Tour

Day 3: Flight Lima – Arequipa And City Tour

Day 4: From Arequipa To Colca Valley

Day 5: Road Trip From Colca Valley To Puno

Day 6: Uros & Taquile Island Excursion

Day 7: Road Trip From Puno To Cusco

Day 8: Cusco City Tour

Day 9: From Cusco To The Sacred Valley

Day 10: Machu Picchu Citadel Excursion

Day 11: Cusco - Lima – International Flight

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania