PERU - LIMA & CUSCO
6 DAYS
LIMA, AREQUIPA, COLCA CANYON, PUNO, CUSCO & LIMA
13 DAYS
PLUS EXTENSIONS
LIMA AND CUSCO : 6 DAYS
Day 01 : Lima.
Upon arrival to Lima Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the fashionable district of Miraflores by the sea. This district is very open and attractive with many restaurants’, shops and good walks as well as easy access into the centre of the capital, Lima. Overnight.
Day 02 : Lima. Half Day City Tour.
It is always in my opinion worth a day just to visit Lima's historical centre and to dine in one of the many exquisite restaurant’s in and around the area of Miraflores. Peru has a high recognition in the world of international cuisine.
In the morning, visit colonial Lima and its Cathedral located on the main square. Originally built in 1555 it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1746 and then rebuilt on the same site under the direction of Jesuit priest, Juan Rehr, both its facade and interior are austere with its remarkable wooden choir stalls, altars and the tomb of Francisco Pizarro, who died in 1541. Latter you will visit the Church of San Francisco, its Convent, Art Museum, Cloisters and Catacombs.
Afterwards walk and enjoy the panoramic view of the main square with the Government Palace, the Municipal Hall and the old Victorian Train Station “Desamparados”, before driving through the old streets, with its spectacular and traditional old Mansions and overhanging Moorish styled balconies. Continue through classic and modern Lima before finally arriving back to Miraflores and the beautiful sea views of the Pacific Ocean.
After take an optional visit to the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum, founded in 1926, which has the largest private collection of Pre-Columbian art in the world. The collection concentrates on the refined ceramics of the Moche Dynasty and the people who lived along the northern coast of Peru between 200 and 700 AD. You will learn about their religion, agriculture, transport, dance and music through their ceramic designs and shapes or free afternoon.
In the evening optional dinner in one of Lima's well known restaurant’s and enjoy this very interesting cuisine or evening free. Overnight.
Day 03 : Lima / Cusco. Half Day City Tour of Cusco and Surrounding Ruins.
Transfer in the morning to Lima Airport and board your flight to Cusco, which lies at over three thousand meters above sea level. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Time to relax and acclimatise to your new surroundings and the altitude.
In the afternoon you will be collected for your City Tour visiting Cusco’s Historical Inca and Spanish Colonial Monuments, such as the main square and known in Inca times as Huacaypata or the Warrior’s Square; it was the scene for many key events in Cusco’s history. Then the Cathedral, originally built on the site of the old temple of Suntur Wasi (House of God), now the church of El Triunfo, with its choir cloisters, pulpit and the engravings on its 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 who were 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 Cusco: Sacsayhuaman a huge Inca fortress built on three overlapping platforms, each of them over 360 meters long. Then we continue 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 meter high stone block that looks like a Puma and 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 hotel and the evening free to rest or explore this magical place. Overnight.
Important. If you would prefer not to overnight at Cusco because of the altitude ( 3,500 meters ) you can travel down into the Sacred Valley which is about a thousand meters lower and overnight. All this can be designed into your program.
Day 04 : Cusco to Sacred Valley. Full Day tour of the Valley.
In the morning at around 08:30 a.m. you will be collected from your hotel and driven overland to the Sacred Valley and to the archaeological complex of Pisac, a journey which will take approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. On the way you will stop on route to take some pictures and admire the Pucara Bulls on the roofs of Andean houses. These small bulls are thought to be amulets that bring wealth to each family who owns them; they are usually given as wedding gifts. On arrival to the archaeological complex of Pisac, you will begin your tour of the site, during the course of our hike around this area; appreciate the magnificent Andean Terraces, which were built to expand the agriculture lands. After visit the artisan market of Pisac a colourful local event that over the centuries has attracted local traders and remote communities from all over the valley, dressed in their traditional and colourful costumes. Enjoy the opportunity to interact with local people and appreciate their craftsmanship, handicrafts as well as local fruit and vegetable stalls.
Buffet lunch and after we will make our way to the historical town of Ollantaytambo, with its distinct Inca urban planning, visit the religious, astronomical and military complex and observe how the ancient Peruvians moved boulders of nearly 60 metric tons from one mountain to another and across the river and valley. Finally you will be transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. Overnight
Please note that this program can be changed to include other attractions such as Chincheros and the Inca Salt Mines as well as Ollantaytambo.
Day 05 : Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu / Cusco. Full day visit to Machu Picchu.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the station to board the train to Machu Picchu, a great World Heritage Site. This archaeological site was hidden for centuries until it came to light during the early 1900s, by the famous discoverer Hiram Bingham.
It is impossible to describe in words, how you will feel when faced with the citadel, a huge complex located between the mountains and the jungle and a wonderful challenge to your imagination.
Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes, reception at the train station and transfer uphill to Machu Picchu (approximately 20 minutes). On arrival you will begin your tour of the Citadel where you will appreciate the history of this enigmatic and impressive place. It 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). In the afternoon, you will return to Aguas Calientes to explore the village by your own. At coordinated time, you will be transferred to the station to board your return train to Cusco. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to your hotel. Overnight.
Day 06: Cusco / Lima/ Home. At a co-ordinated hour transfer and flight to Lima, upon arrival connect with your international flight home.
End
Further alternatives.
The above six day program is about the minimum number of days you can have in order to visit this area in a comfortable way and from here you can expand with :
- Day 05 : Instead of returning to Cusco, you can overnight in Machu Picchu and enjoy an evening in the small village of Aguas Calientes nestled below Machu Picchu. Next morning visit the Sanctuary, enjoy sunrise and tour before the majority of people arrive on the trains from Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
- Day 06 : Extra night in Cusco to explore and enjoy this mysterious and magical place. If you would like take a further day in the Sacred Valley you can enjoy a half or full day hiking, or a soft rafting experience along the Urubamaba Valley.
LIMA, AREQUIPA, COLCA CANYON, PUNO, CUSCO & LIMA
13 DAYS ( PLUS EXTENSIONS )
Day 01 : Lima.
Upon arrival to Lima Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the fashionable district of Miraflores by the sea. This district is very open and attractive with many restaurants’, shops and good walks as well as easy access into the centre of the capital, Lima. Overnight stay.
Day 02 : Lima. Half Day City Tour.
It is always in my opinion worth a day just to visit Lima's historical centre and to dine in one of the many exquisite restaurant’s in and around the area of Miraflores. Peru has a high recognition in the world of international cuisine.
In the morning, visit Colonial Lima and its Cathedral located on the main square. Originally built in 1555 it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1746 and then rebuilt on the same site under the direction of Jesuit priest, Juan Rehr, both its facade and interior are austere with its remarkable wooden choir stalls, altars and the tomb of Francisco Pizarro, who died in 1541. Latter you will visit the Church of San Francisco, its Convent, Art Museum, Cloisters and Catacombs.
Afterwards walk and enjoy the panoramic view of the main square with the Government Palace, the Municipal Hall and the old Victorian Train Station “Desamparados”, before driving through the old streets, with its spectacular and traditional old Mansions and overhanging Moorish styled balconies. Continue through classic and modern Lima before finally arriving back to Miraflores and the beautiful sea views of the Pacific Ocean.
After take an optional visit to the Rafael Larco Herrera Museu founded in 1926, which has the largest private collection of Pre-Columbian art in the world. The collection concentrates on the refined ceramics of the Moche Dynasty and the people who lived along the northern coast of Peru between 200 and 700 AD. You will learn about their religion, agriculture, transport, dance and music through their ceramic designs and shapes or free afternoon.
In the evening optional dinner in one of Lima's well known restaurant’s and enjoy this very interesting cuisine or evening free. Overnight.
Day 03 : Lima / Arequipa. City tour of Arequipa and the Convent of Santa Catalina.
At coordinated hour, you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight to Arequipa, a beautiful Spanish Colonial city nestled beneath the magnificent and majestic Volcano called Misti. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel prior to your tour of Arequipa.
In the afternoon, you will begin your City tour, including the famous Santa Catalina Convent a walled citadel of more than 20,000 m2, which for four centuries served as the only physical world for several generations of Cloistered Nuns. During the city tour you will also visit the Church Cloisters of the Company, a tremendous collection of Domes and Arches, which can all be found in its galleries and Alters. Other places of interest visited, the Complex of San Francisco and the Cathedral which are both located in the main square and considered to be one of the largest in South America. Finally visit 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 this viewpoint enjoy a magnificent view of the city along with its three volcanoes: Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu. Return to your hotel, evening free and overnight.
Day 4: Arequipa to Colca Canyon.
Today in the morning we will begin this great and exciting journey to one of the deepest Canyons in the world - “The Colca Canyon.” The tour begins by leaving the “White City” of Arequipa, passing by the snow-capped Misti, Chachani and the Ampato Volcanoes, to arrive to the Colca Canyon the home of the famous and majestic Andean Condor, and where elegant Vicuñas wander the high plains. Pass through the villages of Torja, Chucura and Patapampa with there colonial churches and Inca Farming Terraces.
Arriving in the early afternoon, you can either visit the village of Chivay or enjoy La Calera thermo-medicinal baths. Afterwards transfer to your hotel and overnight.
Day 5: Colca Canyon to Puno - Lake Titicaca. Visit the Colca Canyon.
Early in the morning departure to the “Condor’s Cross” from where the great Andean bird, the Condor, may be spotted flying in circles above still farmed green pre-Hispanic terraces. Enjoy the impressive panorama of the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the World (3,180 m). On the way, visit the Mirador of Wayrapunko, Antahuilque, Choquetico, where you will find the famous Hanging Tombs. At the Town of Yanque, visit the beautiful church and its characteristic cobbled stone streets among other attractions, after return to Chivay via the town of Maca. Lunch and in the afternoon depart 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. By late afternoon/ early evening arrive to Puno and your hotel. Overnight.
Day 6: Puno. Full day tour visiting the Floating Island of Uros and the Island of Taquila.
In the morning begin your full day visit to the floating island, known as “Uros” in Lake Titicaca. Located 4 km / 2.5 miles 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 practice their ancient traditions. Their dwellings made of totora reed, are built on the surface of Lake Titicaca. Afterwards, you will make your way by boat to the unique 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, has around 350 families that are descendants of the Incas and are well known for their textile activities, such as their beautifully woven chumpis (belts), chullos (caps), and ojotas (and sandals). According to the custom, officials are distinguished by black or brown caps. Taquile also offers a magnificent lake landscape from where the impressive snowfalls of the Cordillera Real (Real mountain chain) can be seen. In the afternoon return by boat to Puno and your hotel, overnight.
Day 07 : Puno to Cusco.
In the morning, you will be transferred to board the regular first class train to the city of Cusco, a full day journey crossing the great Altiplano with the ever presence snow-capped Andean Mountains. Dinner will be served on-board and in the afternoon, folkloric entertainment given in the bar area. You will also find an open veranda at the back of the train, great for photos. One stop is made on the way, where you can disembark and enjoy a local market before continuing on to Cusco. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel, overnight.
Day 04 : Cusco to Sacred Valley. Full Day tour of the Valley.
In the morning, at around 08:30 a.m. you will be collected from your hotel and driven overland to the Sacred Valley and to the archaeological complex of Pisac, a journey which will take approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. On the way you will stop on route to take some pictures and admire the Pucara Bulls on the roofs of Andean houses. These small bulls are thought to be amulets that bring wealth to each family who owns them; they are usually given as wedding gifts. On arrival to the archaeological complex of Pisac, you will begin your tour of the site, during the course of our hike around this area; appreciate the magnificent Andean Terraces, which were built to expand the agriculture lands. After visit the artisan market of Pisac a colourful local event that over the centuries has attracted local traders and remote communities from all over the valley, dressed in their traditional and colourful costumes. Enjoy the opportunity to interact with local people and appreciate their craftsmanship, handicrafts as well as local fruit and vegetable stalls.
Buffet lunch and after we will make our way to the historical town of Ollantaytambo, with its distinct Inca urban planning, visit the religious, astronomical and military complex and observe how the ancient Peruvians moved boulders of nearly 60 metric tons from one mountain to another and across the river and valley. Finally you will be transferred to your hotel in the Sacred Valley. Overnight
Please note that this program can be changed to include other attractions such as Chincheros and the Inca Salt Mines as well as Ollantaytambo.
Day 05 : Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu / Cusco. Full day visit to Machu Picchu.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the station to board the train to Machu Picchu, a great World Heritage Site. This archaeological site was hidden for centuries until it came to light during the early 1900s, by the famous discoverer Hiram Bingham.
It is impossible to describe in words, how you will feel when faced with the citadel, a huge complex located between the mountains and the jungle and a wonderful challenge to your imagination.
Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes, reception at the train station and transfer uphill to Machu Picchu (approximately 20 minutes). On arrival you will begin your tour of the Citadel where you will appreciate the history of this enigmatic and impressive place. It 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). In the afternoon, you will return to Aguas Calientes to explore the village by your own. At coordinated time, you will be transferred to the station to board your return train to Cusco. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to your hotel. Overnight.
Day 09 : Cusco. Half Day City Tour of Cusco and Surrounding Ruins.
Morning free to explore.
In the afternoon you will be collected for your City Tour visiting Cusco’s Historical Inca and Spanish Colonial Monuments, such as the main square and known in Inca times as Huacaypata or the Warrior’s Square; it was the scene for many key events in Cusco’s history. Then the Cathedral, originally built on the site of the old temple of Suntur Wasi (House of God), now the church of El Triunfo, with its choir cloisters, pulpit and the engravings on its 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 who were 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 Cusco: Sacsayhuaman a huge Inca fortress built on three overlapping platforms, each of them over 360 meters long. Then we continue 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 meter high stone block that looks like a Puma and 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 hotel and the evening free to rest or explore this magical place. Overnight
Day 10 : Cusco / Lima – Home.
At a coordinated hour transfer and flight to Lima, on arrival connect with your international flight home.
Please note : If you take any of the below extensions, it would be possible to connect the same day ( Day 10 ) or an optional overnight in Lima can be taken, with departures to all extensions in the morning.
End
EXTENSION 01 : PARACAS AND NAZCA
Day 11 : Lima / Paracas.
Transfer and regular or private first class bus to Paracas. This is a beautiful scenic journey which takes you along the famous Pan American Highway which stretches from Mexico down to Chile. Following the Pacific Ocean, we will pass through the town of Chincha, well known for its Afro Music and into the dry dessert of this region, before finally arriving to Paracas and our hotel by the sea. The journey will take about four hours and we will enjoy the rest of the day free to explore or just relax around the pool, overnight.
Day 12 : Paracas.
In the morning transfer and board the local boat for our two and half hour tour of the Paracas National Reserve visiting the Ballestas Islands, an archipelago rich in wildlife. The islands are riddled with arches, tunnels and other wind and sea sculptures where sea lions, seals, Humboldt penguins and turtles converge with dozens of birds, among them albatross, pelicans and various seagulls. On our boat trip you will circle the islands to visit the diverse marine life (disembarking is prohibited to protect the wildlife), and also head to Punta Pejerrey. Punta Pejerrey is the northern most point of the isthmus and the best spot for seeing the Candelabro, a prehistoric candelabra-shaped geoglyph etched onto a sloping hill above the cliff side. At the end of tour, return to hotel and the rest of the day free to relax by the pool or wander along the beach.
Optional excursion. Visit the Oasis of Huacachina where you can sand board on the Dunes or hire Sand Dune buggies and drive through the desert.
Day 13 : Paracas / Nazca.
In the morning journey by bus to Nazca and on arrival enjoy a thrilling 35 minute flight over the Nazca Lines, offering a spectacular opportunity to see 12 of the most famous Nazca Lines, including the hummingbird, dog, hands, astronaut, tree, spider, whale, lizard, shark and more. Afternoon free to explore or relax in your hotel. Overnight.
Please note : You can return to Lima this day in the afternoon and overnight in Lima, or if your International Flight home is late connect the same day.
Day 14 : Nazca / Lima / Home.
Transfer and regular first class bus to Lima, on arrival transfer to board our International flight home.
End
Mancora : A further alternative to Paracas, if you are looking for a beach experience to conclude your holiday in Peru, fly to the north in just over an hour and spend some three or four days relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Mancora. if you are a surfer or would like to learn, hitch on a wave and enjoy the experience, Peru is on the world circuit for surfing. There is a wide range of hotels in this area and of course this complete experience of flight and hotel we can arrange for you.
EXTENSION 2 : PTO MALDONADO AND THE JUNGLE
Day 12 : Cusco / Pto Maldonado / Lodge . Afternoon excursion
Board your flight to Pto Maldonado, on arrival you will be met and driven through this bustling jungle town to where our boat is docked for the journey along the Tambopata River. Here we board a motorized canoe and head towards the nearby confluence of the mighty Madre de Dios River, the source of the Amazon tributary. Just 30 minutes down river we will disembark at a landing port that will lead to our Lodge. We walk a trail of 3 Km (2 miles), stopping to watch birds and butterflies, until we arrive to our narrow canal boats. From here we navigate the flooded forest of palm trees, that leads to the open waters of this peaceful lake. Our crew will row the boats across to the lodge (motors are prohibited on the lake). Under the surface of the lake we may see the huge Paiche (an Amazonian fish that can weigh up to 100 Kg/220 lbs). Or you may hear strange and unsettling screams and see heads peering from the lake surface, which will mark our first encounter with Pteronura brasiliensis, the Giant Otter of the Amazon. After a brief rest, we start again by boat to explore the entire eastern end of the lake, following the sound of hundreds of Blue-and-Yellow and Red-Breasted Macaws as they return to the palm forest for the night. Our view from the boat often allows close and extensive encounters with birds and mammals. On the lake the Capuchin Monkey has nearly lost its fear of humans. We return to the lodge at dusk for dinner. Afterwards we take the boat again in search of caimans, which are now extremely rare in the Amazon, but are still common in this protected lake. They grow up to 4 meters long and dispute their share of fishing with the otters. On clear nights we go by boat farther into the lake for a view of the vast southern sky, unobstructed with its magnificent views of constellations and the Milky Way. Overnight
Day 13 : Lodge. Enjoy a full day excursion into the surrounding Jungle.
Just before dawn we will be on the lake for what is often a spectacular sunrise; and hope for an encounter with the Giant Otters that roam the lake in a close-knit family, very active at this time of day. At this time most of the birds that inhabit the lake are also very active. There will be time and tranquility to observe the birds fishing; while they stalk and capture prey. We will also have close-up views of the primitive Shansho (Ophistocumus hoazin) eating leaves. After enjoying a late breakfast, we’ll walk the trail through the cool under story of the impressive primary rainforest that surrounds the lake. We will see the great Chestnut trees that abound here. After lunch we rest for an hour and then explore the west side of the lake where we will have chances to observe different species of monkey; including the most common Capuchin Monkey. Before dinner there is a video presentation on the Peruvian Jungle and after dinner we will have the opportunity to spot caimans in the lake. Overnight.
Day 14 : Lodge / Pto Maldonado / Lima / Home.
After breakfast we make a final paddle through palm swamps on the west end of the lake. On clearer mornings you can have a glorious sunrise and its reflection can be seen in the lake. We return to the Madre de Dios River and head towards Puerto Maldonado by boat and from there on to the airport. On arrival to Lima connect with your International flight home.
End
Please Note : Extension 2 can be extended to more days in the jungle and if you do have time I would advise one day more. There are many lodges with different experiences and budgets, some are much deeper into the jungle than others. This program features the area of Madre Dios, you also have the world famous nature reserve of Manu which can be accessed from Cusco and then we have Iquitos which would require a flight to Lima and a connection to Iquitos, here you can access a variety of different lodges including the well known area known as Pacaya Samiria. From Iquitos we also have some great cruises which will take you down the Amazon for three and four days, where you will overnight onboard and enjoy different excursions.
EXTENSION 03 : TRUJILLO AND CHICLAYO
Day 13 : Lima / Trujilio: Transfer and board our flight to Trujillo, on arrival transfer. In the afternoon City Tour of Trujilio and visit the Historical site of Chan Chan, a Unesco site and regarded as the largest Mud City in the World. In the evening visit Huanchaco an old fishing village and enjoy a typical dish known as the Ceviche. Overnight.
Day 14 : Trujilio / Chiclayo : Morning visit to Huaca Sol y Luna and after visit El Brujo which comprises of three ancient temples, El Brujo,Huaca Prieta and Huaca Cao Viejo. Arrive to Chiclayo and overnight.
Day 15 : Chiclayo : Full day tour visiting El Tucume ( Valley of the Pyramids ) and the Museums of Tumbes Reales and Sican. Overnight.
Day 16 :Chiclayo / Lima / Home : Visit the Witches Market in Chiclayo and transfer for your flight to Lima, on arrival connect with International Flight.
Extra information :
If you have more time from Trujillio you can go further north and visit Chachapoyas. This is a very interesting area and well worth the visit if you have the time, you have the famous fortress of Kuelap. You would need to allow four days to enjoy this cultural and historical experience.
If you would like to extend your Peru experience into other countries in South America, please check out some of the further program ideas I have given mixing Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Ecuador. Please refer to the itineraries.
A Spectacular Train Journey : Peru and Bolivia
I would like to offer this to anyone who has a group or who would like to form such a group. We can charter trains, stop them, roll them in and out of tunnels, round corners, put a full head of steam for those great photos and video shots and enjoy lunches on-board.
Contact me for further details.
Contact me for further details