Enigmas of the South
Description
Experience the very best of Peru on this fifteen-day tour of the south of the country, one of the most privileged regions of this unique territory. Discover natural treasures in Paracas and delight your palate with the intense flavours of the local cuisine in Peru’s capital of gastronomy, Arequipa. Explore the dizzying heights of the Andes and visit fascinating, traditional villages on Lake Titicaca. Of course, no trip to Peru would be complete without delving into its rich history, and the Incan archaeological sites you will witness as you travel along the Sacred Valley to Cusco are unrivalled. It is sure to be a trip you will never forget!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Cusco: The ancient Inca capital is a unique blend of pre-Columbian culture and Spanish architecture. Its temples, squares and streets are surrounded by hills that hide fantastic archaeological sites such as Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay.
Coricancha: An impressive example of a blend of Incan and colonial architecture. The original complex was dedicated to the veneration of the sun and it was one of the most important temples in the Inca Empire. After the arrival of the Spaniards in Cusco, the temple foundations and walls were used as a base for the construction of the convent of Santo Domingo.
Colca Valley: Appreciate the elegance of the condors as they soar over the Colca Canyon. With a depth of approximately 3,400 metres, this canyon is one of the deepest in the world.
Lake Titicaca: The highest navigable lake in the world, a combination of nature and living culture. Embark on a boat ride to the islands of Taquile and the Uros, where the indigenous people maintain their legendary heritage to this day.
Machu Picchu: The ‘lost city of the Incas’ is what draws thousands of people to Peru each year. Hidden amongst the vegetation, this mountain-top citadel, built in complete harmony with the surrounding landscape, hosts a wealth of rooms, temples, bridges and religious sites that offer the visitor a chance to get closer to Peru’s fascinating past.
Included
TOUR GUIDE:
- Operated with bilingual: English -Spanish speaking local guide only during activities
ACCOMMODATION:
- 14 nights' accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-2 Lima:
Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Jose Antonio Deluxe or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Pullman Lima Miraflores or similar 5*
Day 3 Paracas:
Standard Hotel Category = San Agustin Paracas or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Aranwa Paracas or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Hotel Paracas, A Luxury Collection Resort or similar 5*
Day 4 Nasca:
Standard Hotel Category = Casa Andina Nasca or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hacienda Majoro Boutique & Resort or similar 3*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Hacienda Majoro Boutique & Resort or similar 4*
Day 5-6 Arequipa:
Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Arequipa or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hampton by Hilton Arequipa or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Wyndham Costa del Sol Arequipa or similar 5*
Day 7-8 Colca:
Standard Hotel Category = Casa Andina Standard Colca or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Pueblito Encantado del Colca or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Colca Lodge or similar 5*
Day 9-10 Puno:
Standard Hotel Category = Hacienda Puno or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Jose Antonio Puno or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca or similar 5*
Day 11-12, 14 Cusco:
Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*
Day 13 Sacred Valley:
Standard Hotel Category = AVA Spots or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Sonesta Posadas del Inca Yucay or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba or similar 5*
OPTIONAL EXTRA:
Pre-night in Lima:
Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Jose Antonio Deluxe or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Pullman Lima Miraflores or similar 5*
Post-night in Cusco:
Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*
MEALS:
- 14 breakfasts
- 6 Lunches on day 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14
- 1 box lunch on day 9
TRANSPORT:
- Transfers in a private vehicle from and to airport
- Transfers from/to train/bus stations in shared vehicle as noted in the itinerary
- Ticket for Public bus transfer from Lima to Paracas
- Ticket for Public bus transfer from Paracas to Nasca
- Ticket for Public bus transfer from Nasca - Arequipa
- Transfer from Arequipa to Colca and Puno in shared vehicle
- Ticket for a public bus transfer from Puno to Cusco (accompanied guide during transport)
- Roundtrip train to Machu Picchu in Expedition Service (PeruRail) or Voyager (IncaRail) for Standard and Superior category and Vistadome Service (Perú Rail) or 360° (Inca Rai) for Deluxe category
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
- Admission to all major monuments and sightseeing attractions mentioned in above itinerary: Half day city tour in Lima (Casa Aliaga, Cathedral and Larco Museum in Lima); Ballestas Island tour in Paracas, Flight over Nasca Lines, Arequipa half day tour (Santa Catalina Monastery and Society of Jesus Church); Full day Colca Canyon and Valley tour; Full day Lake Titicaca (Uros and Taquile Islands) in Puno; Pucara, Racchi and Andahuaylillas on route from Puno to Cusco; Half day Cusco City tour (Coricancha, Cathedral, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay), Full day Sacred Valley (Chinchero, Ollantaytambo); Machu Picchu tour, Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC)
Excluded
- Expenses of a personal nature. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during meals. Meals not stated in the programme
- International flights to Peru
- Domestic flights (we advise booking the first flights in the morning)
- International and domestic airport departure taxes
- Tips for driver and guide
Know before you go
Comfortable and light clothing is recommended for visiting the coastal areas of Peru, while for the high Andean area the use of warm clothing is recommended. It is not recommended that visitors wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or short clothes when visiting religious temples or official buildings. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.