This trip is the same as our
7-day
Peruvian Explorer, but in addition, we visit the city of
Arequipa and Colca Canyon, the world's deepest canyon, twice
as deep as the Grand Canyon.
1st Day: We fly from the Lima airport to Cusco, the oldest
continuously inhabited city on the continent. It was the capital
of the Incas and its colonial buildings are built upon the walls
of ancient Inca structures. After lunch, we tour Cusco—the
Cathedral, Inca streets, and the Santo Domingo Convent. The Convent
was built in the 17th century on the walls of the Inca Temple of
the Sun. Outside of Cusco, we visit the fortress of Sacsayhuamán,
the amphitheater of Qenqo, the ruins of Puka Pukara, and the Inca
Baths of Tambo Machay.
2nd Day: Full day tour of the Sacred Valley, where we follow
the Urubamba River through beautiful countryside to visit Pisac's
colorful market. We climb the steps to the fortress of Ollantaytambo,
and visit many other Indian towns and historic ruins. In the town
of Urubamba, we stay at a delightful hotel, built around a garden
courtyard.
(See
Urubamba Rafting Option.)
3rd Day: A morning train ride through spectacular Andean
scenery takes us to the most important archaeological site in the
Americas—the “Lost City”
of Machu Picchu. We tour the ancient city and have plenty of time
to wander on our own. In the late afternoon we ride the train back
to Cusco.
(See Inca
Trail Option.)
4th & 5th Day: We travel by deluxe bus to the town of
Puno, where we spend two nights. From here we visit Lake Titicaca,
the world's highest navigable lake, and the Uros floating islands.
On these islands the inhabitants make their houses, their boats,
and the islands themselves, out of reeds. We also visit the island
of Taquile, famous for its pre-Inca and Inca ruins.
6th thru 8th Day: We fly to the city of Arequipa and tour
the city. Located at the foot of the El Misti volcano, Arequipa
is known as “The White City,” because of its beautiful
stone buildings which are constructed of sillar, a pearly white
volcanic material. The next day we travel to the Colca Canyon,
passing through beautiful countryside and picturesque villages.
Here we spend two days exploring the area and watching the condors,
before returning to Arequipa.
9th Day: We fly to Lima and transfer to our hotel, located
in the upscale community of Miraflores. In the afternoon we tour
the capital city and former center of the Spanish territories in
South America, visiting its government buildings, massive cathedrals,
and fabulous Gold Museum.
10th Day: Today we depart Lima, to continue our journey
(see
Amazon Jungle ,
Chan
Chan or
Galapagos Islands options) or to return
home, bringing with us the memories, souvenirs and photographs
of this fabulous vacation.
What's included: Air travel within Peru, transfers, transportation,
accommodations, guided tours, 13 meals.
|
Double |
$3570* |
|
Single supp |
$ 840* |
Optional: Overnight and extra day at Machu Picchu (Aguas
Calientes), or additional night in Lima (including transfers):
|
Double |
$ 180* |
|
Single supp |
$ 130* |
Departures: Daily
Best Time: May thru September
Minimum Number of Persons: Two
*Note: Prices subject to change without notice.
