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.

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

Others

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

Flights

Domestic flights: Cusco - Lima

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)

Not included:

Insurance

Not included

Others

Travel insurance International Flights Machu Picchu Mountain / optional Huayna Picchu Mountain / optional Upgrade to Vistadome: $ 1600 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 Arrival In Lima
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Arrival In Lima

Upon your arrival at Lima International Airport, you will be greeted by a member of our local team to accompany you to your hotel for the first Peruvian night.

It’s included

English-speaking tour guide

Private vehicle

Hotel in Lima
Day 2 Lima - Pachacamac - Lima
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Lima - Pachacamac - Lima

Visit of the "City of the Kings", capital of Peru founded on the day of the epiphany of the year 1535: discovery of San Martin square, the place of Arms, the government palace, the cathedral and the catacombs of the convent San Francisco, the largest monumental collection of colonial art in America. Then, we leave the historic center to visit the site of Pachacamac, an adobe sanctuary which was a very important center of pilgrimage during pre-Hispanic times. The Inca part of the archaeological complex (1440-1533) is the best preserved. Among the fifty architectural structures, we can admire the Temple of the Sun, the Mamacona (residence that housed some religious women) and the temple of Pachacamac. Return to Lima and overnight at the hotel.

It’s included

English-speaking tour guide

Private vehicle

Planned entries

Breakfast – lunch

Hotel in Lima
Day 3 Lima – La Oroya (4800M) – Tarma (3600M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Lima – La Oroya (4800M) – Tarma (3600M)

Departure for La Oroya by a road parallel to the railway that goes from Lima to Huancayo. The mountain landscapes are splendid. Continuation to Tarma in Andean territory where we spend the night in an old hacienda, transformed into a simple but extremely friendly hotel by the owners. Visit the picturesque towns of Tarma, called the city of flowers, which owes its reputation to beautiful landscapes and a pleasant climate.

It’s included

English-speaking tour guide

Private vehicle

Planned entries

Breakfast – lunch - dinner

Hotel in Tarma
Day 4 Tarma – Huancayo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Tarma – Huancayo

On the way to Huancayo, visit of the archaeological site of TARMATAMBO and some colonial villages. In the Mantaro Valley, half an hour from the city of Huancayo, province of La Concepción, is the Convent of Santa Rosa de Ocopa, built by Franciscan missionaries in 1725, in order to evangelize the populations of the Amazon rainforest. . Old colonial cloisters still exist, as well as an impressive library which keeps more than 25,000 volumes. In the Mantaro valley, one of the most fertile in the central Andes, the inhabitants live from agriculture, livestock, trade and tourism. The region was once populated by the Huancas, an enemy of the Incas, who, according to legend, had to submit, despite fierce resistance, to Pachacútec. Arrival in Huancayo, the "Place of the Great Stone" in Quechua, stroll through the market where various handicrafts are exhibited: goldsmithery, ceramics, woolen goods...from all over the region. Huancayo has been known since the time of colonization for the production of textiles, embroidery, hats and pottery.

It’s included

English-speaking tour guide

Private vehicle

Planned entries

Breakfast – lunch

Hotel in Huancayo
Day 5 Huancayo – Huancavelica
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Huancayo – Huancavelica

Departure for Huancavelica, a small indigenous town where the inhabitants still dress in traditional costumes. Crossing breathtaking landscapes. The name of this mining town founded in 1571 comes from the Quechua "Stone Idol". This was the starting point of the mercury route. The precious liquid metal was transported on the back of llamas and mules to the port of Ica. The churches of Huancavelica are among the finest examples of colonial art in Peru. City tour according to arrival time; the Place d’Armes, the Cathedral, the colonial houses, the San Sebastian and San Francisco squares. (If this city tour cannot be done that day, it will be done the next morning before leaving for Ayacucho)

It’s included

English-speaking tour guide

Private vehicle

Planned entries

Breakfast – lunch - dinner

Hotel in Huancavelica
Day 6 Huancavelica – Ayacucho
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Huancavelica – Ayacucho

Departure from Huancavelica for Ayacucho, a superb Andean city which has retained its atmosphere of yesteryear. Ayacucho played a major role in the fight for Independence, as recalled by a huge monument erected on the site of the battle which was fought here in 1824. Visit to the center of Ayacucho. Churches and other colonial buildings dominate the cityscape. Do not miss the 16th century Cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, for its incredibly decorated facade and interior, in the Spanish Baroque style with Andean influences, recognizable by the animals represented. The city claims 33 churches (as many as the number of years that Christ lived), but has more.

It’s included

English-speaking tour guide

Private vehicle

Planned entries

Breakfast – lunch

Hotel in Ayacucho
Day 7 Ayacucho – Quinua (3300 M) - Huari - Ayacucho
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Ayacucho – Quinua (3300 M) - Huari - Ayacucho

Visit to Quinua, famous for its reddish ceramic handicrafts and the "Historical Sanctuary of the Pampa de Ayacucho" with its 44 m high obelisk. We go to Huari, pre-Columbian city of circular plan which would have been a powerful administrative center. Many remains remain: remains of aqueducts, an amphitheater, underground chambers, high walls... The Huari culture is characterized by fine, polychrome ceramics, a sign of the influence of the Nazca and Tiahuanaco civilization.

It’s included

English-speaking tour guide

Private vehicle

Planned entries

Breakfast – lunch

Hotel in Ayacucho
Day 8 Ayacucho - Paracas
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Ayacucho - Paracas

Departure by road for Paracas. We descend the spectacular "Ruta de Los Libertadores" through typically Andean grandiose landscapes, before climbing towards Castro Virreyna. On the way, we cross the lagoons formed by the Río Pisco in Santa Ines and visit the remains of Inca architecture in Tambo Colorado.

It’s included

English-speaking tour guide

Private vehicle

Planned entries

Breakfast – lunch

Hotel in Paracas
Day 9 Paracas – Iles Ballestas – Ica – Nazca
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Paracas – Iles Ballestas – Ica – Nazca

Early departure aboard a motorboat to reach the Ballestas Islands (2h30 excursion). These islands are populated by thousands of birds of all species, which made it possible to develop an important production activity of "guano" which made the wealth of the country and the reputation of these islands. We observe hundreds of gannets, sea bass and perhaps a few penguins on the beaches. (This excursion is only possible in calm seas). We take the Panamerican road towards Ica. Visit the fascinating archaeological museum with its collection of mummies, pottery and textiles. Then we reach Nazca. Stop along the way to visit a pisco distillery to learn about the production process. Night at the hotel.

It’s included

English-speaking tour guide

Private vehicle

Planned entries

Breakfast – lunch

Hotel in Nazca
Day 10 Nazca - Puerto Inca
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Nazca - Puerto Inca

Visit of the Cantayoc aqueducts, a unique underground water collection system. We discover how hydrologists of pre-Columbian times invented this ingenious irrigation system in such a desert region! About forty aqueducts were built by the Nazca between the 1st and 6th centuries. They are still used by the peasants of the region. Continuation to Puerto Inca, located 100 km from Nazca, a port built by the Incas and a strategic place to transport fresh fish to Cusco. Visit of the archaeological site. Night at the Puerto Inka 2* hotel.

Optional in the morning: plane flight over the Nazca Lines (about 35min flight - count about $150 per person).

It’s included

English-speaking tour guide

Private vehicle

Planned entries

Breakfast – lunch - dinner

Hotel in Puerto Inca
Day 11 Puerto Inca – Arequipa (2360 M - 8H30 Drive)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Puerto Inca – Arequipa (2360 M - 8H30 Drive)

Long day’s drive to arrive in the early evening in Arequipa, located between the sea and the mountains at an altitude of 2,360 m at the foot of a chain of volcanoes which culminate at nearly 6,000 m. Oasis in the middle of the desert, the "white city" takes its nickname from the sillar, this white porous volcanic stone, at the base of all constructions.

It’s included

English-speaking tour guide

Private vehicle

Planned entries

Breakfast – lunch

Hotel in Arequipa
Day 12 Arequipa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Arequipa

City tour day. The Santa Catalina convent, built in the 16th century, is unique in the world: a real religious citadel, with its 20,000 m² surface area, its alleys and its squares, all of which bear the name of a Spanish city. Visit to the Museum of the mummy "Juanita", the maiden of the Ampato volcano. Died at the age of 12 or 13, this Inca girl was offered to Apu Ampato by the Inca priests. It was thanks to the eruption of the Sabancaya volcano that it was discovered in 1995 by a North American anthropologist. The remains of this mummy continue to be studied. Continuation of the visit to the Place d’Armes with its beautiful arcades; the cathedral built in the last century; the Church of the Society of Jesus and its cloisters, in the mixed baroque style, considered the most perfect expression of 17th century religious architecture.

Wanderings in the district of Chilina where we dominate the old terraced crops and in that of Yanahuara with its residences surrounded by sunny gardens. Stop at the mirador which offers a surprising view of the city and the surrounding volcanoes, then discovery of the San Camillo market.

It’s included

English-speaking tour guide

Private vehicle

Planned entries

Breakfast – lunch

Hotel in Arequipa
Day 13 Arequipa - Canyon Del Colca - Chivay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Arequipa - Canyon Del Colca - Chivay

Morning departure to the Colca Canyon. Passage through the Pampa Cañahuas reserve. The Andean fauna is protected there. Llamas, alpacas, vicuñas graze in the middle of an exceptional landscape of desert steppe as far as the eye can see, delimited on the horizon by the snowy peaks of the Andes. On these high plateaus there are still the old Aymara canals dating back 3,000 years, intended to recover water from melting snow to supply crops downstream. Lunch in Chivay where the canyon really begins: deep and wild valleys covered with thousands of hectares of agricultural terraces. Afternoon relaxation in the hot springs of Chivay (provide a small supplement).

It’s included

English-speaking tour guide

Private vehicle

Planned entries

Breakfast – lunch

Hotel in Chivay
Day 14 Chivay - Cruz Del Condor (3650 M) - Chivay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Chivay - Cruz Del Condor (3650 M) - Chivay

Early departure towards the mirador of the Cross of the Condor to observe, from the first rays of the sun, the important colony of Andean condors which nests on the rocky peak and enjoy the view of the canyon. Continuation on foot towards the Salto del Cura (1h) by a path allowing to appreciate the landscape. On the way back to Chivay, discover the typical villages of the canyon and the Antahuilque watchtower. In the afternoon, walk to the pre-Inca ruins of Uyo Uyo, ancient capital of Colca.

Access to the Uyo Uyo site requires being in good physical shape (climb + altitude). Those who do not wish to do this walk can take advantage of some free time in Yanque.

It’s included

English-speaking tour guide

Private vehicle

Planned entries

Breakfast – lunch

Hotel in Chivay
Day 15 Chivay – Sillustani - Lac Titicaca - Puno (3827 M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Chivay – Sillustani - Lac Titicaca - Puno (3827 M)

Direction Puno and visit, along the way, the archaeological site of Sillustani. In this Inca and pre-Inca cemetery built on the Umayo lagoon, the tombs rise in towers, the “ayawasis” or “chullpas”. The Kollas buried their sovereigns in these strange stone funerary constructions, making this place a sanctuary in the heart of a superb landscape. Continue to Puno, a city of 80,000 inhabitants nestled on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

It’s included

English-speaking tour guide

Private vehicle

Planned entries

Breakfast – lunch

Hotel in Puno
Day 16 Puno - Uros - Taquile - Puno
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Puno - Uros - Taquile - Puno

Departure by boat for a day excursion on Lake Titicaca. The highest navigable lake in the world (3,850 m above sea level) is the mythical cradle of the Tahuantinsuyo empire. According to legend, the first Inca, Manco Capac, and his wife, Mama Ocllo, emerged from the lake, sent by their father, the Sun God, to found the empire of Tahuantinsuyo. Discovery of the floating islands of the Uros, where the Aymara inhabitants build their homes and their boats out of reeds (totoras). They live from fishing, crafts and hunting. Our navigation continues to Taquile, an island largely exploited thanks to the terraced cultivation system. The inhabitants have preserved the Inca habits and customs. From the heights of the village (rising to 3,950 m above sea level), we can enjoy the view of the lake, the bay of Puno and the Cordillera Real in Bolivia.

Sailing time: Puno - Uros: about 25 min / Uros - Taquile: about 2 hours / Taquile - Puno: about 2 hours 40 minutes

It’s included

English-speaking tour guide

Private boat

Planned entries

Breakfast – lunch

Hotel in Puno
Day 17 Puno - Andahuaylillas – Cusco (7H De Route)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Puno - Andahuaylillas – Cusco (7H De Route)

The interest of this trip by road lies in the many stops to discover the villages that punctuate the route. We cross the La Raya pass at 4,338 meters above sea level where we discover the sources of the Amazon. In Raqchi, after a typical lunch, visit the temple of Viracocha then we continue our journey through the magnificent landscapes of the Altiplano towards Andahuaylillas where we visit the magnificent church called the "Sistine Chapel" of the Andes. Continue to Cusco.

It’s included

English-speaking tour guide

Line Bus

Planned entries

Breakfast – lunch

Hotel in Cusco
Day 18 Cusco (3400 M)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Cusco (3400 M)

Day dedicated to the visit of the flagship city of the Inca Empire, today classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and four archaeological sites from the Inca period. We visit, around Cusco, the fortresses of Sacsayhuaman and Puca Pucara, the amphitheater of Qenqo in the heart of what was to be a religious center, the baths of Tambomachay where people came for the worship of water. Then return to town to discover the ancient Inca capital. Cusco also retains the imprint of the Spanish conquest with magnificent residences, several cloisters and richly decorated churches such as that of Santo Domingo erected on the Inca Qoricancha. Visit of the major places: the Place d’Armas, heart of the Inca Empire, where the Church of the Society of Jesus stands, built in the 16th century, on the palace of Huayna Cápac, Hatun Rumiyoc street and its Inca wall with robust masonry, the friendly San Blas district...

* Departure from June: An additional day is planned in Cusco in order to participate in the Inti Raymi festivities in honor of the Sun God (major festival of the Inca calendar celebrated on June 24). Schedule of this day: accompanied by our guide, we walk to the Corincancha where the great Inca leads the celebration. Then the procession made up of nobles, priests and members of the court goes to the Place d’Armes for the coca ceremony. Afterwards, we reach the stands of the fortress of Sacsayhuman (2 km from Cusco). The ceremony is punctuated by several rites, including the ritual of the sacred fire, the sacred bread, the sacrifice of the lama, the solemn speech of the high priests in the Quechua language: a real incursion into the Inca past, punctuated with dances and songs. Rest of the day free in Cusco.

It’s included

English-speaking tour guide

Private vehicle

Planned entries

Breakfast

Hotel in Cusco
Day 19 Cusco - Chinchero - Moray – Maras Salt Mines – Urubamba
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Cusco - Chinchero - Moray – Maras Salt Mines – Urubamba

Nous partirons ce matin visiter plusieurs sites de la Vallée Sacrée des Incas avec notre guide local. Nous visiterons Chinchero, ce charmant village aux rues pavées avec ses ruines incas et son église coloniale. Nous continuerons avec la visite de l’observatoire agricole inca de Moray. Aujourd’hui seul un des quatre centres expérimentaux agricoles incas a été restauré. Ce cratère naturel profond d’une vingtaine de mètres, ayant la forme d’un amphithéâtre romain, nous révèle l’état d’avancement de l’Empire du Tawantinsuyu en matière agricole. Continuation pour les salines multicolores de Maras. Ces étonnantes mines de sel figuraient parmi les sites d’exploitation au centre des économies inca et pré inca, quand le sel constituait une richesse au même titre que l’or.

It’s included

English-speaking tour guide

Private vehicle

Planned entries

Breakfast

Hotel in Urubamba
Day 20 Urubamba – Patacancha - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Urubamba – Patacancha - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

We reach the village of Patacancha. The inhabitants of the Lares Valley perpetuate the pastoral tradition and the weaving of the wool of llamas and alpacas which made their ancestors rich. We accompany the shepherds then back to the village, we enjoy a pachamanca, a traditional Andean barbecue. Road to Ollantaytambo. Depending on the time of the train, visit the fortress of Ollantaytambo erected on Inca remains. After his withdrawal from Calca in 1536, Manco Inca would have taken refuge in Ollantaytambo and there would have organized a powerful resistance against the conquistadors. Made up of more than 750 meters long, this fortress impresses with its monumental character and its technical prowess in the development of its pipes and steep terraces. Departure by train for Aguas Calientes (1h40 journey). The village extends along the Urubamba, on either side of the railway.

PLEASE NOTE: For the train journey to Machu Picchu, it is recommended to bring a small backpack of 5kg maximum containing your personal effects for one night. Luggage restrictions being strict, we will meet our luggage in Urubamba.

It’s included

English-speaking tour guide

Private vehicle

Train to Aguas Calientes

Planned entries

Breakfast - lunch

Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Day 21 Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Early in the morning, ascent to the citadel by shuttle bus and guided tour of the "lost city of the Incas": the dwellings, the terraces, the Temple of the Sun, the main square, the Inti Watana (solar calendar), the sacred rock, the Inca’s palace, the tombs... When in July 1911, Lord Hiram Bingham discovered, buried in a dense and humid forest, the ruins of Machu Picchu, he revealed to the world the existence of an Inca City suspected in the accounts of the conquest. It is in this magical place, perched in the mountain, and at the only cost of a long and trying walk, that the last Inca chief, Manco Inca II, would have taken refuge, fleeing the Spanish attacker. After the visit, descent to Aguas Calientes and train to Ollantaytambo. Then drive to Cusco.

* 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

English-speaking tour guide

Private vehicle

Train to Ollantaytambo

Planned entries

Breakfast - lunch

Hotel in Cusco
Day 22 Cusco - Rainbow Mountain
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Cusco - Rainbow Mountain

Very early in the morning, our transport will pick us up at the hotel and take us to Vinincunca or the Mountain of Seven Colors or the Rainbow Mountain.

The climb to the belvedere is around 2 am; meanwhile we will see a large number of llamas and alpacas with their shepherds dressed in beautiful colorful typical costumes. We will cross beautiful ravines towards the highest parts, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

The descent will be through the Red Valley, where you can see the Vinincunca mountain for the last time and resume the way back to Cusco, with a stop for lunch. Night in hotel in Cusco.

It’s included

English-speaking tour guide

Private vehicle

Planned entries

Breakfast - lunch

Hotel in Cusco
Day 23 Cusco - Lima - Overnight Flight
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Cusco - Lima - Overnight Flight

Flight to Lima, then transfer to your international flight.

It’s included

Flight Cusco – Lima

Private vehicle

Breakfast

+20

23 days tour

Peru Sacred Andes

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Peru Sacred Andes

Arrival In Lima

Lima - Pachacamac - Lima

Lima – La Oroya (4800M) – Tarma (3600M)

Tarma – Huancayo

Huancayo – Huancavelica

Huancavelica – Ayacucho

Ayacucho – Quinua (3300 M) - Huari - Ayacucho

Ayacucho - Paracas

Paracas – Iles Ballestas – Ica – Nazca

Nazca - Puerto Inca

Puerto Inca – Arequipa (2360 M - 8H30 Drive)

Arequipa

Arequipa - Canyon Del Colca - Chivay

Chivay - Cruz Del Condor (3650 M) - Chivay

Chivay – Sillustani - Lac Titicaca - Puno (3827 M)

Puno - Uros - Taquile - Puno

Puno - Andahuaylillas – Cusco (7H De Route)

Cusco (3400 M)

Cusco - Chinchero - Moray – Maras Salt Mines – Urubamba

Urubamba – Patacancha - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Cusco - Rainbow Mountain

Cusco - Lima - Overnight Flight

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