EXPLORING PERU

Program: 18 days / 17 nights

Day 1º: Arrive in Lima

Upon your arrival in Lima, a representative from our Travel Agency will meet you at Lima's airport. Afterwards you will be transferred to the designated hotel at the residential zone of Miraflores.

Day 2º: Flight to Cusco

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel by a representative from Mystery Peru, and then transferred to the airport in Lima. At the airport you will be assisted by our guide and then you will fly towards the Inca Capital of Cusco.
The flight will last about one and a half hour approximately. Upon your arrival at Cusco airport (3300 m.a.s.l.) you will be met by one of our representative and then transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day will be free for you to acclimatize to the altitude in Cusco. Overnight at the designated hotel.

Day 3º: Cusco City Tour

The morning is free for you to explore the great Inca Capital of "Cusco". This gorgeous city lies at the head of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, at the heart of the Andes. In Inca times Cusco was a Holy City, a place of pilgrimage, a sacred place the Incas themselves believed was "The Navel of World", thus its real name "Qosqo". Nowadays Cusco is a fascinating mix of Inca and Colonial Spanish architecture; colonial churches, monasteries, convents and Inca remains are found at every corner, many streets are lined with perfect Inca stonework's, which served as foundation for most Spanish constructions.
In the afternoon we will do a City Tour, visiting the City's Highlights located in and around Cusco. We start off by visiting the huge "Inca Ceremonial Center of Sacsayhuaman". This enormous structure overlooks the city of Cusco. Its constructions are amazing, with huge rocks perfectly fitted. It is said that it took 20,000 workers 50 years to build it. The origin of Sacsayhuaman is uncertain. The archaeologist attributed its construction to the Period of the Inca Pachacutec (in the Inca language Pachacutec means Cataclysm or He who transforms the world), the man essentially credited with founding the Inca Empire.
Later on we will visit another important Inca site known as "Qenqo". This is a place with subterranean passages and carved stone channels in a zigzag pattern. In its inner part there is a carved stone table where it is said the Incas mummified their dead. Afterwards we will do a short visit to the archaeological Inca site of "Tambomachay", a temple dedicated to the God of Water.
After these visits, we will return to Cusco, where we will visit one of the most sacred Inca buildings, "The Temple of Koricancha". Koricancha was the most important temple of the Inca Empire. According to archaeologists it housed over 2000 priests and attendants. Here religious ceremonies were constant and offerings to the Gods and the Inca's ancestors were made each day. Finally we will visit the beautiful "Cathedral" of Cusco. This enormous Cathedral was built in the XVI. It contained nearly 400 colonial paintings, including many from the Cusco School, which was prominent in the 17th century. Among them a painting of the Last Supper by Marcos Zapata, showing Christ and the apostles about to dine on guinea pig (Guinea-pig was the main course at sacred feasts in Inca times). After our city tour our local guide will drop you off at your hotel. Free evening. Overnight at the designated hotel in Cusco.

4º: The Sacred Valley of the Incas

Today we will visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with the traditional "Andean Market of Pisac", as well as the "Inca ruins of Pisac" and "Ollantaytambo". Our tour starts early in the morning. Customers are picked up from their hotels around 8:30 am. Afterwards we will take a road that winds over the mountains north of Cusco. On the way we will stop at a point known as El Mirador, from where we will be able to make out the whole Sacred Valley and receive a good insight of the Inca history.
The Sacred Valley was undoubtedly a key area of settlement to the Incas; its combination of agreeable climate and fertile plains bestow an unusual abundance for the high Andes. Here the Incas sculpted the mountain flanks with vast contour terracing and irrigation works. Our driver and guide will suggest you the best points for pictures.
Later on, we will drive towards the ruins of Pisaq. At the ruins you will see and learn about different aspects of Inca culture. You can see a great fine art of stone works and impressive agricultural terraces all over the place. After touring around we will get back to the car and will drive back to the modern town of Pisaq, where there is a peculiar market that deserve to be visited.
At the market you will have free time to walk around and do some shopping. Afterwards we will meet for lunch in a nice local restaurant to enjoy good Andean food.
After lunch we will continue our tour. We will drive along the Urubamba River towards the town of Ollantaytambo. Once we get there we will visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo.
This is an extraordinary Inca place where besides the ruins you may also see an amazing rock formation representing the Inca god Wiracocha. After touring around Ollantaytambo we will drive back to Cusco. Overnight at the designated hotel.

Day 5º: Train ride to Aguas Calientes

Early in the morning, at 5:45 am, you will be picked up by a representative from our travel agency, and then transferred to the Train Station of Cusco. The Train leaves at 6:15am towards Aguas Calientes, a town close to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. Without doubt, this is one of the most beautiful train rides visitors can experience in Peru, offering such variety of scenery, so many staggering views, such a mix of jungle and high Andean land. After approximately 4 hours we will have arrived in Aguas Calientes, where a representative from our agency will welcome you and will take you (on foot, no taxis in this town) to the hotel. On this day we will not visit Machu Picchu, but on the next day (in case you want to visit Machu Picchu on this day, you can do it at your own expense). The rest of the day is free, so you may wander around the village or go up hill, to swim in the hot springs. Overnight in Aguas Calientes at the designated hotel.

Day 6º: Welcome to Sacred Citadel of Machu Picchu

At around 7:00 am, soon after breakfast we will take the local bus that will take us up to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. In a matter of 20 minutes we will have arrived in Machu Picchu. (It is a good idea to come to the ruins early, as there are no many people, only a few groups, the ruins get very busy at around 11:00 am, when the local train arrive with more visitors).
Once here, our guide will show us the most important sectors of this great Inca City, such as the great Intiwatana (solar clock), the Sun Temple, the urban sector, the agricultural sector among others.
Machu Picchu was long thought to be legendary. Then in 1911, the explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it remains. But while the walls and chambers have been extensively studied in the years since, the purpose of this ancient site remains unclear.
Machu Picchu stands 2,430 m above sea-level, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height; its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The natural setting, on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of flora and fauna.
The guided tour in Machu Picchu will last about 2 hours, and afterwards you will have free time to explore the ruins on your own, and if you wish, you might climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain, the huge mountain that appears on the background in every classic picture of Machu Picchu. It takes about one hour or so to get to the top, following very steep stairs, though is a little hard, at the top you will be rewarded with one of the most impressive views in your lifetime. Later on, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, where we will have lunch and also where we catch the train back to Cusco. At Aguas Calientes, if you wish, you can go to relax in the thermal baths. The hot springs are located on the upper section of the village; visitors may ask their local guide how to get there. Finally, at around 4:00 pm, we take the train to the city of Cusco, arriving there after nightfall. Overnight at the designated hotel.

Day 7º: Free day in Cusco

After days of full activities, a free day in Cusco is the best gift the Gods of the Andes may grant you. So, on this day you may go out just to relax, drink a cold beer somewhere and have lunch in one cozy restaurant around the main square. There are plenty of video bars and discos in which to relax too. The day is yours. Overnight at the designated hotel.

Day 8º: Bus ride to Puno

After breakfast, transfer to the bus station to take the local bus to the City of Puno. On this occasion Mystery Peru offers you a pleasant journey to Puno, instead of taking the local bus and travel for 7 hours, without a chance of stretching our legs and enjoy this part of Peru, We offer our customers a especial bus service that stops along the way, showing you the highlights of this road with a English speaking guide on board. We will stop first at town of "Andahuaylillas", where we will visit a impressive Cathedral built on the colonial era. Later on, we will continue our tour at the famous "Inca Temple of Racchi", here our local guide will show us the most important sectors of Racchi and will explain about the Inca Empire. Racchi is the only Inca place where visitors can see circular constructions, and walls of mud bricks, something you won't see anywhere else on your trip.
Afterwards we will ascend towards the picturesque "village of Sicuani", where we will enjoy a nice Buffet, which is served with native products of this region. Here you for sure will enjoy a real Andean lunch. (Buffet included).
We continue our journey throughout the Andean plateau till we reach the highest point on this route, a freezing place called "La Raya" , surrounded by huge snow-capped mountains at 4335 meters high. At this point we will get off the bus for pictures and also, if you wish, to purchase some hand-made products of Alpaca or Vicuña wool, in one of the little shops nearby. Later on we visit the Community of Pukara, where you will visit the Pukara Museum, an interesting place that houses ancient monolith and human remains from the Pukara culture.
Eventually we will arrive in Puno and at the bus station we will be picked up by a representative of Mystery Peru. Rest of the afternoon free. Overnight at the designated hotel in Puno.

Day 9º: Lake Titicaca - Homestay on Amantani Island

Early in the morning (7:30 am) you will be picked up from your hotel by our local guide and then transferred to the harbor. We start off our boat excursion of Lake Titicaca by visiting "The Uros Floating Islands", a small community that has lived on these reed Islands for decades. Centuries ago the small indigenous Uros tribe conceived of the islands as a way to isolate and protect themselves from rival tribes, the Collas and the Incas. The Uros people harvested the reeds in the shallows of the lake, bundled them together tightly and built floating island platforms complete with reed houses and canoes, creating in this way their own little world.
After strolling around the floating Islands, we continue our journey towards "Amantani Island", where we will spend the rest of the day and the night.
Upon arrival, a group of native families will welcomed you at the harbor, and afterwards the guide will introduce you the family that will provide you lodging in their house. The group is split in couples, so each couple goes with one family.
In the afternoon we will walk up to the highest point of the Islands to explore ancient ruins on a mountain called by locals Pachamama. There are stunning views of the Lake from this lookout point and an amazing sunset. Soon after nightfall, we descend to the main plaza and meet our local families, and then we go to their houses for dinner. At dinner you will be invited to go to the little kitchen (mind the head when entering, their doorways are very small), a warm place where they cook with a primitive stove made of clay.
By night, visitors are invited to a particular party. Our local families will provide traditional clothing to attend this nice Andean party, at the house; men are given ponchos and wooly hats. The hats are hand-made by the families, with unique styles, so that they can recognize you in the hall. Women are given colorful skirts, blouses and veils. The party takes place at the main folklore saloon and it is accompanied by one of the local orchestras. Overnight at a family house.

Day 10º: Taquile Island

After breakfast, we will have to say goodbye to our local family and go down to the harbor to meet the rest of the group. Afterwards we will sail towards "Taquile Island" (1 hour aprox.), a traditional Quechua speaking community, full of ancient agricultural terraces and some ruins dating back to the pre-Inca times. The Taquile population was relatively isolated from the mainland until 1950s, and the notion of the community and family is still very strong among them. The weaving tradition of the Taquile Island goes back to early civilizations, thus keeps elements from pre-Inca Andean cultures alive in the present. All weaving is done on pre-Inca fixed and pedal looms. The most characteristic garments are the so-called "Chullo", a knitted hat with an earflap, and "The Calendar Waistband", depicting the annual cycles connected to ritual and agricultural activities.
When visitors reach the island, they will have to walk up along a narrow path, enjoying on the way impressive views of the Lake Titicaca and also see gorgeous little houses inhabited by the direct decedents of the Inca Culture.
At the top of, you will have free time to explore the Island on your own and afterwards you will have to meet the group for lunch at one local restaurant.
After lunch, we will descent to the harbor to take our boat back to Puno. We will be getting there by 5:00 pm approximately. Overnight at the designated hotel in Puno.

Day 11º: Bus ride to Arequipa

After breakfast transfer to the bus station to take the local bus to the "City of Arequipa". The bus ride to Arequipa offers great natural scenery. Along this paved road we will drive throughout small towns, as well as a beautiful lagoon called Lagunillas, where trout farms can be seen, and if you are lucky you might also see Andean Flamingoes and many others Andean birds.
Upon arrival in Arequipa, transfer to the hotel. Afternoon free for you to explore Arequipa. Overnight at the designated hotel in Arequipa.

Day 12º: Colca Canyon.

At around 8:00 am you will be picked up from your hotel by our local guide/representative. Afterwards we will drive northwest following a paved road towards the "Colca Canyon". Before leaving Arequipa, we will stop first at a small shop where our clients can buy some chocolates, candies and coca leaves; this will help to keep your sugar level high, and also help to ward off altitude sickness. Later on we will continue till Pampas Cañahuas (3500 masl), a National Reserve where visitors may spot some Vicuñas & Alpacas. Unlike the Alpacas, Vicuñas are wild animals, and still can be seen running freely on these high plateaus. We will stop at this national park and our local guide will provide information about these shy Andean camels.
Then we continue our journey to the Colca Canyon, little further up we will stop again at the little restaurant of Viscachani, where you can enjoy a stunning scenery and also drink a typical coca tea. Afterwards we will continue ascending a dirt road till we reach the highest point of our trip, " The Lookout Point of the Andes (4800 masl). At the very top, we will get off of the bus some minutes to the landscape, having in the background the volcanoes Ubinas, Mismi, Misti, Chachani, Sabancaya (active) and Ampato, all around 6000 metres high.
Later on we will drive down hill to the main village of the Colca Canyon, the Village of Chivay (3600 m). In this town we will have lunch in one typical Andean restaurant, where visitors may enjoy their meals accompanied by Andean musicians. After lunch our clients will be transferred to our lodge located in a little village at edge of the Canyon.
Late, in the afternoon, you may walk around the village and get to know better the rural life in this corner of Peru. By the afternoon we will go to swim and relax to the Hot Springs of the Colca Valley (35°), a nice pool outdoors surrounded by huge mountains. Overnight at our lodge at the "village of Yanque" or at the "village of Coporaque".
Note: The visit to the Hot Springs is optional; those who wish to go will have to pay their entrance fees ($ 3.00 per person). We will provide the rest (towels, round trip transportation, guide etc)

Day 13º: Cruz Del Condor

In order to see the mighty Condor, you will be woken up at 5:00 am, breakfast will be served at 5:30 am, and by 6:00 am we get on the bus to head towards the "Cruz del Condor", a natural lookout point where you can see the flight of the Condors (we won't return to the hotel, which means you must bring all your staff along with you on the bus). On the road we will have the best view of the Colca Valley, as we drive along the edge of the Canyon, seeing on route ancient terraces still in use by the local farmers, who grow mainly varieties of corn and potato. We will make some stops for photos, and our local guide will give us a good insight into the Colca Canyon history. Here you will stumble upon a great rock, where ancient architectures carved the terraces, testing (perhaps) which parts of the Canyon were suitable for cultivation. This is a good place also to see the "Colca River" and hanging pre-Inca tombs. Eventually we will reach Cruz Del Condor, where we will spend an hour or so, observing the beautiful flight of the Condors as well as the depth of the Canyon. (be careful and only walk on signed trails if you intent to go for a walk on your own).
After approximately one hour and a half, we will return to Chivay, passing typical towns along the way. Later on we will have lunch at the community of Chivay and eventually will return to Arequipa. We will be back in Arequipa around 5:00pm. Overnight at the designated hotel in Arequipa.

Day 14º: Free day in Arequipa

This day is free for you to explore this beautiful Andean city. Arequipa is a delightful Colonial City, situated at the foot of El Misti Volcano, a snow-capped perfect cone of 5,822 metres. Known as the White City, Arequipa is teemed with fine Spanish buildings and wonderful natural landscape. At the heart of the City, you may visit the magnificent Santa Catalina Monastery, the most remarkable sight in Arequipa, with numerous passageways and intricate architecture dating back to the XVI century. At the Museum of Santuarios Andinos you may meet Juanita "The Ice Girl", a well preserve Inca mummy, found high into the Andean glaciers some years ago. Its Plaza de Armas is one of the most beautiful of Peru, beautifully laid-out with palm trees and gardens, surrounded by arcaded buildings in colonial style, including the gorgeous Cathedral. In the evening, at around 9:00 pm, you will be transferred to the bus station to take the local bus to the desert city of Nazca. Overnight bus to Nazca.

Day 15º: The Nazca Lines & the Maria Reiche Planetarium

Upon arrival in Nazca, you will be collected from the bus station by a representative of Mystery Peru, and then transferred to the hotel. Morning free for you to relax at the pool of the hotel. In the afternoon transfer to the local airport to fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines. The aircraft will fly over a bizarre desert, where hundreds of years ago ancient Peruvians drew huge designs, which can be seen only from the air. Among the figures you will see an enormous representation of a monkey, a hummingbird, a condor, and a strange creature known as the Spaceman. In the evening we will visit the Planetarium Maria Reiche, where we will attend an interesting lecture about the Nazca Lines. Overnight at the designated hotel.

Day 16º: Sandboarding on the highest Sand Dune of the World

Before dawn, you will be picked up from your hotel, and then transferred to the km 28. to start our adventure trek on the highest Sand Dune of the World "Cerro Blanco". This is an adventure tour that combines trekking, wonderful scenery and a lot of fun. In order to do this trip easy and cool, it is necessary to leave early in the morning; an advisable time is around 4:00 am, before sunrise. Starting out at this time we will avoid the searing heat of the sun, and will truly enjoy our trek.
The hike is gentle at the beginning, and it gets a little tough once we reach the sandy slopes. It takes about 3 hours to get to the top. On the way we will be able to see unique sceneries of the Andes as well as whimsical dune formations all over the place.
Once we have conquered the summit of Cerro Blanco we will take a good break, have breakfast and talk about this dune formation and other important aspects. Afterwards we will learn some safety techniques so that you can enjoy your ride safely. We will start to practice on the many little dunes that are at the top, so once we have practiced enough, we will jump off. The length of this slope is over 1 kilometer, so a lot of fun should be expected.
Once we have landed at the shore of Cerro Blanco, we will have to walk downhill for about 30 minutes, until a point, where our transfer back to town will pick us up. We will return to the hotel in time for good shower at our rooms, and also to swim and relax in the pool of the hotel. In the afternoon, we take a private bus to the City of Pisco. Overnight at the designated hotel in Pisco.

 

Note:

If you don't want to do the tour to Cerro Blanco, Mystery Peru, offers you a good option. You can visit the famous pre-Inca cemetery of Chauchilla and the Channels of Cantalloc. Here are details of this archaeological excursion: At around 9:00 AM we will start our visit to pre-Inca graveyard known as Chauchilla. For many years this pre Inca cemetery was looted by treasure hunters, who destroyed the place completely, taking away all the treasures the mummies kept in their tombs for centuries. Grave robbers just left behind the corpses, which can be seen today all over the ground. In addition to skulls and bones, you also will see several tombs centuries old, as well as long human hairs, ceramic fragments and others remains scattered on the dessert surface. Later on, our guide will take you to visit the ancient Channels of Cantalloc, a marvelous archaeological site where around 2000 years ago, pre-Inca people built magnificent subterranean channels, which are still in use today by the local community of Nazca. After visiting all, these archaeological wonders we will return to the hotel. In the afternoon we will leave to the City of Pisco (3 hours aprox.) Overnight at the designated hotel.

Day 17º: Ballestas Islands - Bus to Lima

Early in the morning, around 7:00 am, our local guide will collect you from your hotel, and then you will be transferred to the Paracas harbor, which is located few kilometers away from the City of Pisco. Upon arrival you will board a speed-boat to go to the Ballestas Islands a natural reserve that shelters an array of marine birds, such as Peruvian Bobbies, Pelicans, Inka Terns, Humboldt Penguins, vultures and hundreds of sea lions, which are usually seen swimming around the Islands.(it is windy on the boat, so we suggest to bring along a fleece or a warm jacket). Along the way, we will stop our speed boat to see the famous figure known as The Candelabro, an enigmatic design etched on the desert floor hundreds of years ago. The Candelabra is overlooking the Ocean, so here you will have the chance to take pictures, as well as to learn about its theories.
Afterwards we will continue to the National Park of Paracas, where we will see the famous rock formation known as The Cathedral, located on the shore of the Pacific Ocean. In the afternoon transfer to the bus station to take the bus to the city of Lima. Upon you arrival you will be met by a representative and then transferred to the hotel al the residential zone of Miraflores. Overnight at the designated hotel.

Day 18º: Lima - Departure day

End of our service.

Additional information:

• Confirmation of the excursion will be received at time of booking.
• All tours are operated in English unless otherwise stated.
• All your personal information is required at the moment of your booking.

Travel voucher:

• You will receive an electronic voucher via e-mail once your booking is confirmed.
• You will be required to print a voucher for presentation at our office in Lima.

Local Operator Information:

• Our Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

How to book this tour....

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