Peru Classic Expedition
Lima – Arequipa – Puno – Cusco
(11 days / 10 nights)

DAY 1: LIMA
-Transfer from the Airport to your Hotel.
– Overnight in Lima.

DAY 2: CITY TOUR – LARCO MUSEUM – HUACA PUCLLANA
– Breakfast.
9:00 a.m. – The tour begins with a visit to historic downtown Lima, also known as “the City of the Kings”. Stops include the Main Square of Lima, upon which sits the Government Palace. We will visit the Cathedral and as well the San Francisco convent with the catacombs.

In the Cathedral we will see in the interior the altarpieces of Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo, Saint John the Baptist and the Lady of the Candles. In the baptistery is located the Francisco Pizarro crypt. Inside a lead box is placed his skull.

San Francisco is the most important religious complex of Lima. Among the most outstanding in the church stands out the tiles that were brought from Seville donated by different people, among them Catalina Huanca, goddaughter of Francisco Pizarro who arrived from Huancayo with fifty mules charged with gold and silver. Under the temple the highlight are the catacombs where is estimated were buried near twenty-five thousand people.

12:00 p.m. We move on to The Larco Museum, founded in 1926, displays remarkable chronological galleries providing an excellent overview on 3000 years of development of Peruvian pre-Columbian history. Located in a unique vice-royal mansion of the 18th century built over a 7th century pre-Columbian pyramid is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The Larco Museum also features the finest gold and silver collection from Ancient Peru and the famous erotic archaeological collection, one of the most visited Peruvian tourist attractions.

1:30 p.m. – Time for lunch.

3:00 p.m. – We continue to the modern district of San Isidro where will visit Huaca Pucllana, a Pre-Incan adobe pyramid; afterwards, you will head to Miraflores, a district filled with tourist attractions, and stop off at the “Parque del Amor” (a sort of lover’s lane) and its incredible view of the Pacific Ocean. Finally, we come back to the hotel.

– Overnight in Lima.

DAY 5: CRUZ DEL CONDOR – AREQUIPA 

– Breakfast.

06:00 a.m. – We visit the Cruz del Condor, a lookout point with a magnificent view of Mt. Misti and the swiftly flowing river far below, you have spectacular views of one of the deepest canyons in the world. It is here where you can admire the Andean Condors.

1:00 p.m. -After lunch we go to Puno by tourist bus or private transportation. We will stop in Mirador de Patapampa (4950 m.a.s.l.), Chucura Volcano, Lagunillas: for bird-watching and seeing little lakes

7:00 p.m. – Arrival in Puno and transfer to the hotel

– Overnight in Puno.

DAY 6: PUNO – UROS ISLANDS – TAQUILE ISLAND
– Breakfast.

07:30 a.m. -We have a full day excursion on Lake Titicaca, world’s highest navigable lake. First, you will sail to the floating Uros Islands. The Uros people are known as the “People of the Lake”, and the islands were built out of reeds that grow about the lake called totora. After this visit we will go to Taquile Island, where you will experience the islanders’ customs and traditions, their colorful outfits that follow the designs of their ancestors, and the local art. We will have our lunch here.

– Overnight in Puno.

DAY 7: PUNO – CUZCO
– Breakfast.
07:00 a.m. – Transfer Puno – Cusco by private car, tourist bus or train (Andean Explorer). 
We stop during the route in the Pukara Museum (3900 m.a.s.l.) and after that we arrive to La Raya Pass (4355 m.a.s.l.).

12:00 a.m. – Lunch in Sicuani.

P.M. – Raqchi “Temple of Wiracocha”(3450 m.a.s.l) and Checacupe, Coffered Ceiling (3135 m.a.s.l.).Andahuaylillas church (3122 m.a.s.l.) known as the Sistine Chapel of America.

5:30 p.m. – Arrival in Cusco.

– Overnight in Cusco.

DAY 8: CUSCO – CITY TOUR – SACSAYHUAMAN
– Breakfast.

City Tour
– You begin the city tour at the Cathedral and the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun, an important example of Inca architecture, this is the Santo Domingo church now.

Following that, you head upwards to Sacsayhuaman, a fortress located in a strategic spot high above the city with a view that is absolutely stunning.

You will also visit Kenko, the amphitheater and religious center; Tambomachay, it is called as well “The Inca Baths” and center of worship to the water god; and finally we go to Puca-Pucara “The red fortress” built to protect Tambomachay.

– Overnight in Cusco.

DAY 9: SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS
– Breakfast.

This morning depart for a full-day trip, we drive 32 kilometers to visit the colorful Indian market at Pisac and the archaeological site.

– Lunch at local restaurant in Urubamba.

In the afternoon we will visit the ancient fortifications at Ollantaytambo, one of the most monumental architectural complexes of the ancient Inca Empire. Ollantaytambo was a highly effective fortress, that also served as a temple. Then, we will follow to the town of Ollantaytambo, “the unique living Inca town”: the best surviving example of Inca city planning, with narrow cobblestone streets that have been continuously inhabited since the 13th century.

Finally, on the way back to Cusco we will visit the village of Chinchero where we will visit the beauty Colonial Temple with invaluable portraits, built over Inca Bases.

– Overnight in Cusco.

DAY 10: MACHU PICCHU 
– Breakfast.

Early, you will travel to Machu Picchu by train to the town of Aguas Calientes, an experience in which you will see the striking scenery of the Sacred Valley. Upon your arrival, you will be driven to the archeological site, and you begin your excursion at Machu Picchu. Once the guided tour is over, you will have some free time to explore the site on your own, to relax, or to meditate. At the agreed upon hour, you will descend to Aguas Calientes for lunch and board the train later that afternoon for the return trip.

Once you have arrived at either the Ollantaytambo or Poroy Station, you will be driven to your hotel.

– Overnight in Cusco.

DAY 11: CUSCO – LIMA
– Breakfast.
– Transfer in the morning to the airport.

Details:

Hotel in Chivay:
– Casa Andina Standard or Pozo del Cielo.
Hotel in Chivay:
– Casa Andina Standard or Tierra Viva.

Language:
English or french.

Inclusions:
– Transfers and Tours in Private Service.
– Professional tour guide in English, French or Spanish.
– Breakfasts.
– 02 nights accommodation in Lima.
– 01 night accommodation in Arequipa.
– 01 night accommodation in Chivay.
– 02 nights accommodation in Puno.
– 03 nights accommodation in Cusco.
– 01 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
– Train tickets (Vistadome Train) Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Cusco.
– Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes.
– Entrances fees.

Exclusions:
– Meals.
– Tip: It is strictly voluntary.