The Richness of Southern Peru
Description
Explore the wonders of southern Peru for thirteen incredible days until you reach Machu Picchu, the jewel of the Incas. Discover the colonial past in Lima and Arequipa, two of the most important cities during the Viceroyalty with a rich architectural history of the time. Delight the view with breathtaking landscapes in the Colca Valley and Puno, with Lake Titicaca and its communities. Culminate your route in Cusco, the heart of Tahuantinsuyo, and immerse yourself in the Inca universe and its unsurpassed cosmology.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Lima: Named as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, the Peruvian capital is a sample of history and modernity.
Arequipa: Volcanoes like the majestic Misti, offering a memorable panorama, surround jewel of the colonial era and gastronomic capital par excellence, Arequipa.
Titicaca Lake: The highest navigable lake in the world, and its islands are home to several communities that keep their millenary culture alive. According to legend, it was the birthplace of Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, founders of the Inca Empire.
Cusco: The ancient Inca capital is a unique mix of pre-Columbian past with Spanish architecture. Its temples, squares and streets are surrounded by hills among which amazing sites hide.
Machu Picchu: The "lost city of the Incas". Hidden among the vegetation, get closer to our past through its rooms, temples, bridges and religious sites, built in communion with the surrounding landscape.
Included
TOUR GUIDE:
- Operated with English-Spanish speaking local guides on a shared basis during the activities (Day 2,3,5,7-11)
ACCOMMODATION:
- 12 nights’ accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-2 Lima
Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = José Antonio Deluxe or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Pullman Lima Miraflores or similar 5*
Day 3 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 4-5 Colca
Standard Hotel Category = Casa Andina Standard or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Pueblito Encantado del Colca or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Colca Lodge or similar 5*
Day 6-7 Puno
Standard Hotel Category = Hacienda Puno or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = José Antonio Puno or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca or similar 5*
Day 8-9, 12 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 10 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*
Day 11 Aguas Calientes
Standard Hotel Category = Hatun Inti Classic Standard or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = El Mapi by Inkaterra or similar 4*
Deluxe Hotel Category = Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo or similar 5*
OPTIONAL EXTRA:
Pre-night in Lima:
Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = José 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:
- 12 breakfasts
- 7 Lunches (6 at local restaurants; 1 boxed)
TRANSPORT:
- Private arrival transfer from Lima Airport (Day 1)
- Private arrival transfer from Arequipa Airport (Day 3)
- Shared transfer from/to bus station in Puno (Day 6, 8)
- Shared transfer from the bus station in Cusco (Day 8)
- Shared transfer to/from the train station in Ollantaytambo (Day 10)
- Shared bus from Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes (Day 11)
- 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 (Day 11)
- Private departure airport transfer to the airport in Cusco (Day 13)
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
- All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Lima city tour (Day 2); Arequipa city tour and Monastery of Santa Catalina (Day 3); Colca Valley: Chivay, Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma, Yanque and Condor Cross lookout, Uyo Uyo archaeological site (Day 5); Uros and Taquile Islands (Day 7); Pucara, Pucara Museum, La Raya, Racchi, Andahuaylillas (Day 8); Cusco city tour and nearby archaeological sites (Day 9); Chinchero tour, Living Museum of Yucay, Ollantaytambo (Day 10); Machu Picchu tour (Day 11)
OTHER:
- Meet & Greet (Day 1, 3)
Excluded
- Visa fees
- Domestic flights: Lima – Arequipa on Day 3, it is advised to book the first flights in the morning
- International flights
- Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)
- Optional tours (if any)
- City tax not included, payable on the spot
- Any visit not mentioned in the program
- Porterage and gratuities
- Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
- Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
- Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
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. Carry the same document that you presented to the agency, given that the train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu will be issued with the same information. In all train services to Machu Picchu, the passenger can carry only hand luggage (backpack, bag or briefcase) weighing no more than 5kg / 11lb on the train to/from Machu Picchu. You will find your luggage at the chosen hotel. Allowed size: 62 linear inches 157cm (height + length + width).