PERU
12 DAYS

  With its rich and ancient past and a colorful present, Peru boasts an array of activities for an inquisitive nature-lover and adventurer.

We will start our journey in Lima. Next stop is Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. We will take a boat ride across the lake to Amantani Island, where we will stay overnight with local Indians. We will explore Cuzco, the oldest inhabited city of the Americas and capital of the Inca Empire. Walk on its winding cobbled streets and feel the enchantment of the bygone centuries.

We will carry on by train through the rugged landscapes and exuberant vegetation to Machu Picchu. Stand on the edge of a cliff and soak in the stunning view… Some might choose to hike up the Hyayna Picchu to enjoy not only a sense of achievement, but yet another breathtaking panoramic view of the imposing ruins and the Urubamba Valley below.

This trip offers excitement from beginning to end.

Day 1.    Arrive in Lima

Upon arrival in Lima, you are met at the airport and transferred to our comfortable hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Day 2.    Lima

In the morning we are going to explore the colonial city of Lima, visiting the Plaza de Armas, the Plaza San Martin, the Presidential Palace and the San Fransisco Church. In the afternoon we will visit the incredibly rich Gold Museum.

Day 3.    Fly to Juliaca. Sillustani. Puno

Today we take a one and a half hour flight to Juliaca. We carry on by road to Sillustani, where we are going to see the impressive burial towers (chullpas) that once served as the tombs of Aymara Lords. Later today we will reach Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, from whose waters the Inca believed Manco Capac, their cultural founder, emerged. Puno and surrounding areas are the cradle of Aymara civilization and the legendary birthplace of the founders of the Inca Empire.

Day 4.    Lake Titicaca Boat Trip. Amantani Island

We start our two day tour over the lake Titicaca. We sail to the Island of Amantani, inhabited by indigenous Andean people. There are no roads or vehicles here. We will enjoy amazing tranquility of the island, spectacular views of the lake and warm hospitality of the local people. We will stay overnight at local Indians’ homes.

Day 5.    Taquile Island.  Uros Floating Islands. Puno

We continue to Taquile Island where life has also remained unchanged for centuries. We will have lunch at the island and continue our boat trip to the floating Islands of Uros.  Uros people began making the floating reed islands centuries ago. We will walk on the soft and spongy ‘ground’ and admire canoe-shaped boats that are made of reed as well. We return to Puno for overnight.

Day 6.    To Cuzco

Today we will travel to Cuzco, the oldest continuously inhabited city of the Americas and capital of the Inca Empire, almost as vast as the Roman Empire.

Day 7.    The Sacred Valley. Pisac. Ollantaytambo

During our tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas we visit the market of Pisac and take a spectacular walk around the ruins of Pisac. We also visit a massive Inca temple and fortress of Ollantaytambo and admire the spectacular steep terraces guarding the fortress. We will stop for lunch in pleasant Urubamba.

Day 8.    Cuzco

Today we will explore the city of Cuzco and the nearby ruins. Four roads once led from the main square to the four corners of the Inca Empire, that extended from what is today northern Chile and Argentina to Ecuador and Colombia. The word ‘Cuzco’ means ‘the earth’s navel’ in the Quechua language. We will visit the impressive ruins of Sacsayhuaman, with its magnificent zigzag walls that once provided shelter for estimated 5000 warriors. We then continue to Qenko and Pukapukara before returning back to Cuzco.

Day 9.    Aguas Calientes. Machu Picchu

Today we travel by train through the rugged landscapes and exuberant vegetation of Urubamba valley to Aguas Calientes. A short bus ride will bring us to the entrance of Machu Picchu.  Stand on the edge of a cliff and soak in the stunning view. We will take a thorough tour of the Lost City of the Incas. In the afternoon we take a bus back to Aguas Calientes.

Day 10.    Machu Picchu. Cuzco

Those who want could visit Machu Picchu again early in the morning (optional). Some might choose to hike up the Hyayna Picchu to enjoy not only a sense of achievement, but yet another breathtaking panoramic view of the imposing ruins and the Urubamba Valley below. In the afternoon we return by train to Cuzco.

Day 11.    Fly to Lima

Today we fly back to Lima. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. We will have some time to do last minute sightseeing or shopping.

Day 12.    Lima and departure

We will be at the international airport in time to catch our flight back home.

SUMMARY

Inclusions: 2 domestic flights, all meals, transportation, entrance fees, escorted throughout 

Start and Finish: Lima

Group Size: Maximum 16 travelers

Accommodation: Comfortable accommodation with private facilities. 1 night on Lake Titicaca Island in local Indians’ homes

Trip Grade: Moderate

Dates:
Jun 22 - Jul 3, 2008
Sep 21 - Oct 2, 2008

Land Cost: US$ 3,955

Note: Please note that all itineraries and prices are subject to change.

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