PERU HIGHLIGHTS ( 10 Days )

Day 1

LIMA

Includes airport transfer with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative.  Lima is situated halfway along Peru’s desert coastline, literally stuck between the desert and the deep blue sea. The valley was once dominated by hundreds of pre-Inca temples and palaces. Pizarro chose the palace of local chief Taurí Chusko as the site of the city’s inauguration on January 6 1535 and thus began Lima’s colonial history, reflected in the opulent mansions with Moorish latticed wooden balconies that grace Lima’s plazas. The main square, Plaza de Armas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with paths, gardens and an elegant bronze fountain. Surrounding the main plaza are the Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, the Town Hall and the impressive Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace). Cultural attractions aside, areas such as Barranco, Miraflores and San Isidro have much to offer the visitor in the way of shopping, restaurants and nightlife. The Casa Andina Private Collection is considered the ultimate Lima hotel, and is situated in the fashionable, high end district of Miraflores. The 148 rooms in this boutique-style hotel feature top of the line technology, with delicate touches of Peruvian style and furnishings. An impeccable staff adds to the experience of genuine hospitality. The culinary expertise of the kitchen is remarkable, for even the most discerning critic will not find fault in the gourmet preparation and even casual specialties. Though there are plenty of local restaurants in walking distance, many find themselves coming back for more at the Casa Andina. Spend time using the hotel's gym and sauna, or make use of the location, which allows for convenient access to all the hot spots and sights of the city. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

Lima

Casa Andina Private Collection, Miraflores, Lima 

 

 

Day 2

LIMA

Gateway for all international flights, Lima is located in the central coastal area, founded in 1535 by Francisco Pizarro. Today, with a population of over 8 million people, Lima is a bustling metropolis with a mix of colonial mansions and modern buildings, art galleries and baroque churches, restaurants, beautiful parks, bohemian bars and discotheques. Start your day with a sightseeing tour of Colonial and Modern Lima in the company of your private vehicle, driver and English speaking Guide, passing by outstanding monuments such as the Government Palace, the City Hall and the Cathedral (closed on Sundays) at the Plaza Mayor. Visit the 17th century San Francisco Convent. Take a short tour of the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores where there is a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean. After lunch (included in tour) visit the Larco Herrera Museum- Since 1926 the world’s largest private collection of pre-Columbian art with a unique assortment of erotic pottery, genuine and rich jewels in gold, silver and semi-precious stones. The museum holds 45,000 pieces of ceramics plus genuine mummies and marvellous Paracas textiles. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

 

 

 

Day 3

LIMA-AREQUIPA

Includes airport transfer with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative. Fly from Lima to Arequipa direct on Lan Peru Airlines. Includes airport transfer with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy a three hour private, guided city tour of Arequipa starting with a visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery, a city within the city, founded at the end of XVII century and only opened to the public few years ago. Your English speaking Guide will also bring you to the magnificent main square the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Jesuit Cloister and the residential areas of Cayma and Yanahuara before finishing the tour at the “Mirador de Yanahuara” for a superb view of the volcanoes. Arequipa is the second-largest city in Peru, and is also known as the ‘white city’, since the most important colonial buildings were built of white volcanic rock (ashlar) from a nearby quarry. In 2000 the city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Both Spanish colonial and Andalusian influences are visible everywhere. Especially remarkable is the Santa Catalina Convent – a beautiful ‘city within a city’. Arequipa is a great place for hiking and mountaineering expeditions with daily excursions to the Cotahuasi and Colca Canyons, one of the deepest in the world. El Misti is a relatively easy climb and river rafting is becoming popular in the area. Casa Andina Private Collection proudly shares with travelers to Arequipa its newest acquisition, converted from an old mansion and opened in early 2008. The 41 rooms are immaculately kept, each designed with a fusion of contemporary and traditional decor so that one may embrace the history of this city in each hallway. The gourmet restaurant serves a variety of culinary surprises from around the world, all in an elegant and romantic setting. For those who will spend time learning the history of Arequipa, the hotel is just a few blocks from the main square and the monastery. One will appreciate the quietude and convenience this placement offers. Also feel free to use the hotel's wireless Internet services. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

 

 

Day 4

AREQUIPA-COLCA CANYON

This tour is impressive due to the beautiful landscapes and the thermal baths you can appreciate, as well as the cultural symbiosis of the ancient Andean cultures and the Catholic religion introduced by the Spanish. The people living in the valley today are testimony to this history and the cultures of Collaguas and Cabanas settling there. In the early morning depart from Arequipa and head towards the valley. On the way you will pass Yura, Pampa de Arrieros, Pampa Cañahuas (where we’ll find the Vicuna National Reserve of Aguada Blanca), Vizcachani and Tojra (all the year we can see here a variety of migratory birds resting in so called “bofedales”, a sort of peat bog). Apart from the impressive landscape with several snow-capped volcanoes, we’ll see on the way a lot of small stone towers called “apachetas”, which have been assembled this way by the locals as an offering to the “Apus” or the mountains according to old Andean religion. Entering the Colca canyon we’ll arrive at its most important town, Chivay where we’ll also have lunch. In the afternoon we’ll then visit the thermal baths of La Calera (about 1 km from Chivay) and on our drive back we’ll make a short stop in the city to visit the market and the main square. Colca Canyon is a canyon of the Colca River in southern Peru. It is located about 100 miles (160 kilometers) northwest of Arequipa. It is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States. However, the canyon's walls are not as vertical as those of the Grand Canyon. The Cotahuasi Canyon to the northwest is a deeper canyon at 11,488 ft (3,501 m). The Colca Valley is a colorful Andean valley with towns founded in Spanish Colonial times and formerly inhabited by the Collaguas and the Cabanas. The local people still maintain ancestral traditions and continue to cultivate the pre-Inca stepped terraces. The Libertador Colca Lodge, seated in the Colca Canyon region, is a refreshing getaway to peaceful surroundings, far from manmade distractions. The lodge and its rooms are constructed of natural materials that have been used over time by the native population and Peruvians. Each room includes a private bathroom and all the comforts of home, Modern day distractions such as Televisions are refreshingly absent from the rooms to allow you to really get in touch with the natural surroundings. When dining, enjoy everything from local delights to the international dishes that make for memorable meals. Step into the relaxing hot springs, go horseback riding, or take a hike through the area to get in touch with nature at its best. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

 

 

Day 5

COLCA CANYON-PUNO

In the morning we’ll drive to the observation point “Cruz del Condor”. While this is not the deepest point of the Canyon, from Cruz del Condor you can appreciate the grandeur of the canyon and with a bit of luck, you might even spot an Andean condor, the largest flying bird in the world, soaring across the high plain. Afterwards, continue to Puno with your Private English speaking guide and driver. Enjoy a box Lunch along the way. In the morning we’ll drive to the observation point “Cruz del Condor”. While this is not the deepest point of the Canyon, from Cruz del Condor you can appreciate the grandeur of the canyon and with a bit of luck, you might even spot an Andean condor, the largest flying bird in the world, soaring across the high plain. Afterwards, continue to Puno with your Private English speaking guide and driver. Enjoy a box Lunch along the way. Puno is the center of Peruvian folklore and hosts some of the best festivals. Spaniards were lured to the region by the vast mineral wealth and the area is dotted with both colonial churches and pre-Columbian ruins. Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, is the home of the Uros people who have for centuries built their homes and boats out on the lake using Totora reeds. Around the lake can be found pre-AD 1000 remains from the Pucara and Tiahuanaco cultures. Peering onto the banks of Lake Titicaca in Puno, the largest lake in South America, the Libertador welcomes guests to discover this region. Its 123 rooms provide delicious panoramic views of the lake and all its activity. Rooms are equipped with all the amenities of home plus all sorts of toiletries for convenience. Dine at Los Uros Restaurant, where one may sample Andean cuisine at its best. Take advantage of this opportunity to truly savor the talents of chefs using traditional ingredients and techniques. Make sure to learn about the unique Uros people that inhabit the manmade islands on these waters. Also take some time to loosen up in the Jacuzzi and sauna. Enjoy dinner at your hotel (Included in the tour price).

 

 

Puno

Libertador Lake Titicaca Puno 

  

Day 6

PUNO

Enjoy a Full day shared tour to visit Uros and Taquile Island on a shared boat with a private English speaking guide. A Quechua speaking population developed an efficient and original social system frm generation to generation in these parts. The islands are also famous for one of the world’s finest handweaving techniques. Board a small boat and venture out onto the waters of Titicaca Lake. Visit one of the native Uros communities located on a man-made floating island in the lake. The Uros people live totally interwoven with the "Totora" reed which grows abundantly in the shallows of the lake. This way of life began over 500 years ago when the Uros built the islands in an effort to isolate themselves from the Coyas and the Incas. From here, continue onwards to visit Taquile. The community here lives in perfect harmony with the environment. The locals wear colorful traditional clothes which they make themselves and maintain a strong air of group individuality. Men always seem to be walking around the island knitting the woolen caps they wear. Women weave traditional clothes, which are among the most beautiful Peru's. Enjoy a great lunch Taquile and then return to Puno in the afternoon. Enjoy dinner at your hotel (Included in the tour price).

 

  

Day 7

PUNO-CUSCO

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Flight from Juliaca to Cusco. Includes airport transfer with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). High in the Andes, 3000m above sea level, lies the historic city of Cusco, with its unique blend of Spanish and Inca cultures. Take a half day private tour of the city including the best of Cusco: the Koricancha Temple (Temple of the Sun) and the Cathedral with its magnificent chapels and baroque altars and paintings from the Cusquenian School. The tour also includes the surrounding ruins: the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the Inca bath of Tambomachay, the labyrinth of Puca Pucara and the amphitheatre of Kenko. Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire (founded AD 1100), The city today is a fascinating mix of Inca and colonial Spanish architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983. Almost every central street has remains of Inca walls, arches and doorways that serve as the foundation for the colonial and modern buildings. Narrow alleys of whitewashed houses with sky-blue and bottle-green shutters open out onto elegant squares with stone-hewn fountains and elegant restaurants and posadas (inns). Colorful murals depicting historical scenes can be seen on countless walls and indigenous women with braids and embroidered shawls set up makeshift stalls selling woven blankets and handmade crafts and jewelry. The elegant Plaza de Armas, or main square, is lined with arcades and houses with ornately carved wooden balconies and terracotta tiled roofs. Casa Andina Private Collection is located just 3 blocks from the Main Square in Cusco, this 18th century former colonial home is an appealing option for those who like to live in a historic boutique style. The 72 rooms are clean, with all the comforts of home and a lovely view onto the picturesque courtyard. Genuinely friendly and caring service only adds to this travel experience. Cuisine ranges from European to Mediterranean, with a touch of South American. Enjoy a variety of grilled meats, vegetables, and seafood, all fused with flavors from around the world. The hotel is surrounded by gorgeous landscaped gardens and lounging areas, with 3 courtyards to spend time in and meet other travelers. Otherwise, the centrally located hotel makes for easy access the best parts of Cusco. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

 

 

Cusco

Casa Andina Cusco, Private Collection 

 

 

Day 8

CUSCO

Enjoy a full day private excursion to the Sacred Valley with your own private vechile, driver and english speaking guide. Traveling north of Cusco, enjoy a visit of Ollantaytambo, a fortress built during the Inca Empire, excellent sample of military architecture. Enjoy a buffet lunch (included ) at a restaurant. Afterwards, visit the village of Pisac and attend the local agricultural open-market where artisans from all over the area congregate to sell their crafts. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

 

 

Day 9

CUSCO

Includes transfer to/from the train station with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative. Board the Vistadome train for a 6:05am* departure to the ancient ruins at Machu Picchu (4 hours) with your private guide. The journey begins with a series of switchbacks, known appropriately as the 'zigzag', up the hill out of Cusco, before a brief stop at the village of Poroy. The train then descends from the highest point of the journey into the Sacred Valley and the foothills of the Andes. Before reaching Machu Picchu, the train travels along the Urubamba River, with awe-inspiring views of the dramatic canyon. .*Note train times and schedules may vary based on availability In the Urubamba Valley jungle, the Inca Citadel lies between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu (“Young Peak” and “Old Peak”). The Inca Pachacutec built the Citadel using sharp stone blocks, fitted together perfectly. Houses, temples, a public square; all connected by narrow roads and steps cut into the mountainside. There are many theories as to the purpose of Machu Picchu; a temple to the sun? A fortress against jungle inhabitants? A sanctuary for the Incas? The mysterious lost city awaits you. Return to Cusco on the Vistadome train. Departs from Aguas Calientes at 3:25pm* and takes 4 hours to return to Cusco. Snacks are served on board.*Note train times and schedules may vary based on availability Includes transfer to/from the train station with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price).

 

 

 

Day 10

CUSCO-LIMA

Includes airport transfer with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative. Direct flight from Cusco to Lima. Includes airport transfer with private vehicle, professional driver and local representative. Lima is situated halfway along Peru’s desert coastline, literally stuck between the desert and the deep blue sea. The valley was once dominated by hundreds of pre-Inca temples and palaces. Pizarro chose the palace of local chief Taurí Chusko as the site of the city’s inauguration on January 6 1535 and thus began Lima’s colonial history, reflected in the opulent mansions with Moorish latticed wooden balconies that grace Lima’s plazas. The main square, Plaza de Armas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, complete with paths, gardens and an elegant bronze fountain. Surrounding the main plaza are the Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, the Town Hall and the impressive Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace). Cultural attractions aside, areas such as Barranco, Miraflores and San Isidro have much to offer the visitor in the way of shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Conveniently located right beside the Jorge Chavez Airport in Lima, the Ramada Costa del Sol is a great choice for travelers. The 130 guest rooms include mini bar and climate control, so that one may feel practically at home. Breakfast offers a lovely range of options, with all the necessities required to start the day off. Also try the hotel restaurants, which feature items from across the world. For those who want to do some sightseeing, the Limas Cathedral and Larcomar shopping center and entertainment complex are not far from the hotel. Otherwise, spend some time using the sauna and massage services, which will guarantee a relaxing trip.

 

 

Lima

Ramada Costa Del Sol 

 

 

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Trip Includes

Service of English speaking professional guide - All ground transfers in private car with driver - Guaranteed departure - Meal plan as per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner) - Specialised and personalised services - Entrance fees to include local government taxes - Flights as indicated in the itinerary

 

Trip Excludes

Laundry - Tips - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages including mineral water - Domestic and International Airport departure taxes - International airfare - Visas - Optional activities/extras