Trip To The South Of Peru

DAY 2. LIMA / AREQUIPA: Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Our tour begins at the fascinating Larco Museum in Pueblo Libre district. Here, you'll explore an extensive collection of over 5,000 ceramic pieces, along with gold, silver, and pre-Columbian erotic art.

Next, we head to the historic city center to visit Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion adorned with stunning rooms rich in art and history. We continue to the Plaza de Armas, where you'll see the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Municipal Palace, and other significant colonial structures, including the Cathedral built in the 16th century.

After the tour, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Arequipa. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay.

DAY 3. AREQUIPA: After breakfast at the hotel, your adventure begins with a pickup for a remarkable tour of Arequipa, one of Peru's most beautiful and popular cities. The itinerary is flexible and may change as needed.

We'll start at the Plaza de Armas, renowned for its beauty, alongside the magnificent Cathedral of Arequipa, originally constructed in the 17th century and rebuilt after several earthquakes. You'll also visit the Church of Compañía de Jesús (1590), a classic example of local baroque architecture, showcasing exceptional paintings and murals.

Our journey continues to the Monastery of Santa Catalina, a medieval cloister dating back to 1579, still in use today. This enigmatic convent, built with ashlar, a hallmark of local architecture, spans 20,000 square meters.

Next, we'll visit the scenic viewpoints of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto, offering breathtaking views of the countryside and the surrounding volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu.

In the district of Cayma, we'll explore the Plaza Mayor and the Church of San Miguel Arcángel de Cayma, located across the square. Inside, discover an anonymous collection of paintings depicting the Virgin's miracles. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 4. AREQUIPA / COLCA: After breakfast at the hotel, depart at 8:30 am for a 160 km drive to Chivay Town. En route, we'll pass through Yura, Pampa de Arrieros, and Pampa Cañahuas, home to the National Reserve of Vicuñas Aguada Blanca, where you can see these graceful camelids.

Continuing the tour, we'll visit additional small towns and enjoy stunning volcano views from a viewpoint. Upon reaching Chivay, you'll have free time for lunch and relaxation before exploring the town and market. Transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 5. COLCA / PUNO: After breakfast at the hotel, we'll start early at 06:15 am to reach the renowned "Cruz del Cóndor" viewpoint.

We'll arrive in time to witness the canyon's depth and, if conditions permit, the majestic flight of the Condors. Following this visit, we'll travel 320 km, passing through charming Andean villages en route to Puno.

Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 6. PUNO: After breakfast at your hotel, you'll be transferred to the lake port of Puno, where a regular boat will take you to the floating islands of the Uros. The Uros are an ancient society living on a series of artificial islands constructed with the totora plant, which grows in the lake. The islands are crafted by weaving totora into thick layers, forming a natural foundation. Houses, also made of totora, are built atop, and cooking is done outdoors to prevent fires.

After visiting the Uros, an hour and a half boat ride will take you to the island of Taquile. Unlike the other Aymara speaking islands, Taquile is Quechua and was part of the Inca empire, with remnants visible in its structures. You'll receive a brief orientation on the island and witness a cultural activity.

Following lunch, return to Puno's port, where transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel. Overnight stay.

DAY 7. PUNO / CUSCO: Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the bus station for a tourist bus journey to Cusco (8 hours).

Our tour begins at the Museum of Pucará, showcasing an impressive collection of monoliths, stone sculptures, and ceramics from the Pucara culture, a civilization developed in the highlands of Peru and Bolivia.

We'll then reach the Raya pass, the highest point of the road at 4,335 meters above sea level, marking the border between Cusco and Puno. Here, you'll have a brief stop to admire the snow-capped Chimboya and capture beautiful landscapes with your camera.

The bus continues to the city of Sicuani for a buffet lunch at a local restaurant offering regional dishes, vegetables, desserts, and hot drinks like mate de coca.

The ride continues to the archaeological site of Raqchi, situated at 3,450 meters above sea level. The temple of Wiracocha was built next to the Vilcanota River during the 15th century.

The final visit is in Andahuaylillas, a charming Andean town at 3,093 meters above sea level, home to a 17th-century architectural jewel known as the Sistine Chapel, adorned with gold leaf and paintings from the Cusco art school.

Arrive at the bus station in Cusco, where you'll be transferred to your hotel. Overnight stay.

DAY 8. CUSCO: After breakfast at the hotel, the afternoon tour starts with a visit to the Temple of the Sun, known as Koricancha. This symbolic site exemplifies the fusion of Incan and Hispanic cultures, with its base used to construct Santo Domingo’s Church and its renowned convent.

Next, visit the Cathedral in the Main Square to admire beautiful religious paintings of the Cusco School. The Cusco City Tour continues at Sacsayhuaman, a remarkable archaeological complex with massive carved stones that fit together with precision. It is believed to have been built by over 20,000 men and took more than 70 years to complete.

We'll then explore Qenqo, a religious temple where the Incas worshipped deities like the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth. You'll have an incredible experience exploring its underground galleries and admiring a semicircular amphitheater.

The excursion continues at the military compound of Puca Pucara, meaning “Red Fortress” due to its reddish structure. Finally, visit the water worship center of Tambomachay, featuring aqueducts and waterfalls fed by nearby springs. The tour concludes with a drop-off at El Regocijo Square, a block from Plaza de Armas. Overnight stay.

DAY 9. CUSCO / SACRED VALLEY / AGUAS CALIENTES: After breakfast at the hotel, we'll pick you up for a 30 km journey to Pisac. This remarkable site features an incredible market and stone-built archaeological temples with breathtaking views of the valley and magnificent Inca terraces.

Our journey continues to Urubamba for a delicious buffet lunch, followed by a visit to Ollantaytambo. This site served as an Inca army headquarters, as well as a religious and agricultural center, offering stunning views and over a hundred Inca terraces with an advanced irrigation system.

We'll visit Chinchero and its vibrant Inca market, brimming with traditional crafts like ceramics and Andean textiles. After this unique experience, we'll head to Ollantaytambo's train station to board the Train Expedition to Aguas Calientes.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. You'll have a brief meeting with your guide to organize the next day's visit to Machu Picchu.

DAY 10. AGUAS CALIENTES / MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO: Early in the morning, board the bus for a scenic drive to Machu Picchu, with stunning views of the Urubamba River and its canyon.

The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, will mesmerize you with its terraces, ceremonial shrines, steps, and urban areas. The energy here is palpable. After a guided tour, you'll have ample time to explore further or take the bus back to Aguas Calientes Town for lunch (Optional).

At the arranged time, board the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a tourist bus to Cusco, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel in the historical center. Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 11. CUSCO / LIMA / OUT: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a transfer, driver only, to the Cusco airport for your flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, connect to your international flight.

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