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From Giant Wings up to Sacred Town

Enjoy the natural and cultural wonders of Peru, from the arid Peruvian coast (the crossbreeding cradle of Peru), the Colca Canyon, the second deepest in the world, to Arequipa, where we will watch the largest flying bird, the Andean Condor, in its domain. The adventure then takes us to the heart of South America, Cusco, the cradle of Andean Culture. Finally, arriving at the summit of the sacred and magical city of Machu Picchu, uncorrupted by conquerors hands, we will follow the Incas footsteps by hiking the Royal Inca Trail. At the same time we will also enjoy The White City of Arequipa where we will see the famous Juanita Mummy “The Ice Maiden”, and of course explore other Inca ruins such as Saqsayhuaman, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo and the stunning landscapes of the Sacred Valley before returning to Cusco. First-hand knowledge of the Andean life can only be acquired through the real experience.

Itinerary : Lima / Arequipa/Colca Canyon / Sacred Valley/ Machupicchu/ Cusco/Lima

1st Day : Home/ Lima .

Upon arrival, our English speaking representative will be waiting for you and will take you to the Hotel and help you with your luggage and hotel registration.

2nd Day : Lima/Arequipa/ City Tour of Arequipa

Early departure to the airport to board the flight to take us to Arequipa which is an excellent point to get acclimatized to the altitude gradually. In the afternoon, we will visit the “White City” including the most popular attractions, the Santa Catalina Convent, a beautiful citadel from the 16th century, the Main Square, the Church of  La Compañía de Jesus and the colorful paintings of the San Ignacio’s Dome, we will finish with the Juanita Mummy (Ice Maiden) exhibit in the main city museum. Hotel.

3rd Day : Arequipa / Colca Cañon.

We will pick you up from your hotel early to start the trip to the town of Yura and the National Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca, continuing on to Pampa Cañahuas, the natural habitat of South American camelids, such as Vicuñas and Huanacos and then on to Chivay. Depending on the schedule, we may have lunch in town or have a picnic enjoying the beautiful scenery from one of the natural viewing spots of the area. In the afternoon we recommend a visit the hot springs of La Calera. Overnight hotel in Chivay

4th Day : Colca Cañon/ Arequipa.

Early wake up call to go to "Cruz del Condor" and enjoy a spectacular view of the Colca Canyon, the second deepest in the world. If we are lucky we will have the opportunity to see the biggest flying bird in the world, The Condor. Depending on time we may stop in Pinchoyo, the only still inhabited Pre- Inca town. Later on we´ll stop at the handicraft market in the town of Maca. Return to Chivay and Arequipa. Hotel.

5th Day : Arequipa / Cusco Transfer Sacred Valley

When you arrive at Cusco Airport your guide will be waiting for you and will take you straight to the Sacred Valley area, we consider this is the best way to avoid altitude sickness symptoms. The valley is a tranquil area with a rich variety of culture, history, and agriculture, just 45 minutes from Cusco and a few thousand feet lower in elevation. You will make a short stop at the Living Weaving Museum of Awanakancha, where you can find weavers, Incan agricultural terraces and the South American camelids, which include the Vicuña, Guanaco, Llama, and Alpaca.

6th Day : Sacred Valley - Chincheros/ Ollanta

Today we will start around 9 a.m. to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas. During the journey we will be able to appreciate characteristic towns, varied landscapes and a typical market in Chinchero where we will also visit the archaeological area. Lunch will be taken in a restaurant or a picnic en route to the “Vilcanota River”. In the afternoon we continue to the colonial town of Ollantaytambo which is built on the foundations and the city-planning distribution of an Inca city and then the archaeological area with the same name.

After the tour, free time to enjoy the hotel facilities or walk around. The Hotel is located in the Valley area.

7th Day : Royal Inca Trail to Machupicchu

Early wake up call in order to board the train that will transport us to Km. 104 where we start our walk in a landscape of sub-tropical forest. We will visit the archaeological group of Chachabamba and after approximately 4 hours of walking we will arrive at the impressive complex of Wiñaywayna made up of an agricultural centre with numerous terraces and a religious and urban sector. Then we will have our lunch. From Wiñaywayna we will descend toward Machupicchu. After approximately 2 hours we will have the first panoramic view of this magical place. After that we will take the bus to Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night.

8th Day : Machupicchu

This morning we will have a guided tour of this impressive Inca City, where we can appreciate the magnificent social organization, the urban lines and the incomparable architecture of the Inca state. After the guided tour there will be free time to explore the area on your own. Buffet lunch at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. In the afternoon you will board the train that will take you back to Cusco. On arrival, our transport will be waiting at Poroy station to take you to your hotel.

9th Day : City Tour Cusco

We will start around 9.00 am with the Cusco City Tour. We will visit the Imperial city of Cusco which is actually a living museum with a mix of Andean and Spanish culture. We will begin with the Santo Domingo Convent built on the remains of the Ancient Qoricancha Inca Temple, continuing with the Cathedral where we will see the largest collection of colonial paintings and the Sacsaywaman National Park where we will visit different Inca remains. Free afternoon. Hotel

10th Day : Cusco / Lima City Tour Lima

Today we will transfer you to the airport to board your flight from Cusco to Lima. Upon arrival at Lima airport our representative will be waiting for you and will take you to the hotel and help you with your luggage and hotel registration.

Then we will take the essential Lima City Tour, “The City of Kings,” which will include the most important architectural icons of the city, such as the Main Square, where we will find the Government Palace, the City Hall, the Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Palace. Then, we continue with a visit to the San Francisco Convent, an architectonic jewel dating back to the 16th century. On our way to the modern area of the city we will pass through the exclusive district of San Isidro, the new financial heart of the city, to take a look at pre-Inca Huaca Huallamarca. Finally, we conclude our circuit in Miraflores, an excellent spot to enjoy a great view of the Pacific Ocean.

11th Day :  Lima / Home

Time to say good bye to the navel of the world. At the appropriate time you will be transferred back to Jorge Chavez Airport for your international flight home.