Treasure of the South
Technical Notes
| Tour Lenght: | 14 days / 13 nights |
|---|---|
| Activities : | Cultural, Archaeological, Ecological. |
| Places to be visited: | Lima / Pisco / Nasca / Arequipa / Cusco / Puno |
| Minimun Number of Pax: | 02 pax |
Itinerary
Day 01: International arrival in Lima
Meet and greet upon your arrival in Lima and transfer to your selected hotel.
Day 02: Lima: City Tour & Archaeological Museum
Morning free to rest after your international travel. We recommend you to sleep long enough to be ready to start this unforgettable journey through this wonderful country.
Free time for lunch.
In the afternoon, guided city tour by the most attractive and important sites in Lima: the "City of Kings". The tour includes Limas HistoricalCenter, visiting San Martin Square, the Main square, the GovernmentPalace, the City Hall, the Cathedral, the CathedralMuseum, the Church of Santo Domingo with the tombs of Saint Rose and Saint Martin of Porras and Limas Colonial Balconies.
We will visit the Convent and Church of Saint Francisco, the greatest monumental complex of Colonial Art in America and Cultural Heritage of the Humanity. The tour includes a visit to the Basilica of 21 altars, convent of cloisters, Capitulary and Clementine Rooms, the chorus and the library of the priests, a museum showing 11 paintings of Rubens school, the sacristy with paintings of Surbaran y Ribera, its great patio decorated with Seville tiles of XVI century, Moorish arcs and undergrounds buries. From here, we leave Lima downtown towards the district of Pueblo Libre to visit The Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology that comprises the biggest collection of pre-Hispanic objects such as stone sculptures from Chimu culture, cloths from Paracas culture, handicrafts of Nasca and Mochica cultures, and metal work of Chimu culture, as well as paintings, documents and objects that belonged to important people of Colony and Republic period of Peru. This visit will allow you to have a global vision of Peruvian History to frame what you will visit the following days.
We then drive through the residential district of San Isidro and
Miraflores, passing by the Huaca Pucllana: a ceremonial and
administrative center of Lima Culture built in the II century A.C.
that the Incas considered as "ñaupallaqta" or sacred town.
We will also visit El Olivar Park with olives trees brought from
Spain in the XV century, The central Park of Miraflores and
Larcomar: a symbol of modern Lima and a Tourist and Entertainment
center as well as a privileged site to enjoy an amazing view of the
Pacific Ocean and a marvellous sunset. Around 18:00 hours, transfer
to the selected hotel.
Evening free to rest as the next day our guide will pick you up
early.
Day 03: Paracas: Ballestas Islands / Nasca
Early in the morning, leave Lima by private transportation to the ParacasPeninsula, where we can find the most important wildlife sanctuary on the PeruvianCoast. Boat excursion to the BallestasIslands, where we can observe sea lions, boobies, pelicans, penguins and marine birds. On the way back, from the water, we can also see the "Candelabro"(Candelabrum), a giant figure etched in the sand on the side of a hill in the style of the Nasca Lines.
In the afternoon continue by private transportation to the city
of Nasca for overnight.
Free time to enjoy the facilities of your hotel.
Day 04: Nasca: Nasca Lines / Arequipa
After an early breakfast, transfer to Nasca airport for a
45-minute flight over the enigmatic Nasca Lines.
These enormous lineal drawings of animals, birds and geometric
figures, remain etched in the desert and they can only be
appreciated from the air.
At noon, transfer to the bus station and connection to Arequipa (about 6 hours 30 minutes) along the desert and coast valleys.
Arrival at the WhiteCity of Arequipa. It receives this name due
to its white rock buildings, a white rock that flows out of Misti
Volcano. Upon your arrival in Arequipa, meet and transfer to the
selected hotel.
Evening free. We recommend to dinner at Sambabaias or La Truffa
restaurants.
Day 05: Arequipa: City tour
Morning city tour of Arequipa, including the Main Square, one of the most beautiful squares in Peru, and the Cathedral, a prime example of XIX century Peruvian architecture, housing beautiful treasures in gold and silver. We also visit the La Compañia Church, and ancient Jesuit temple, maybe the most important one in Arequipa due to its history and tradition, with a beautiful façade with carved columns, laurel crowns, flowers, birds, etc. A more careful look at the façade, however, reveals the limits of European influence, as the angels have Indian faces; and indeed one face is even crowned with feathers. Then, we will visit the Santa Catalina Convent, a "small town" built in the XVII century and opened to the public in 1970, after 400 years cloister. Perfectly preserved for four centuries, you go back in time as you enter the cloister and see the numerous, spacious patios and gardens, the kitchen and slave quarters and stone washtubs of this convent. About 20 nuns, of what were once 500, still live in a section of the convent.
Transfer to your selected hotel and free time for lunch.
In the afternoon, tour of Arequipas beautiful countryside,
including the Mill of Sabandia, a still functioning flourmill built
in 1,621 powered by a neighbouring waterfall, and the Founders
Mansion, a fully restored XVI century hacienda that belonged to the
citys founder. Then it was sold to the Jesuits, who used it as a
retreat centre, and finally passed on to the Goyeneche family. You
will also visit its beautiful fully restored church.
Evening free.
Day 06: Arequipa: Colca Canyon
Early in the morning, depart on a wonderful four hours bus trip to the ColcaCanyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world (3,400 mts.). On the trip we drive across Pampa Cañahuas in the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, inhabited by herds of vicuñas and alpacas (South American camelids). We also see beautiful pre-Columbian terraces, still being cultivated by native Collaguas. Box lunch. On your arrival at ColcaValley, transfer to the selected logde.
In the afternoon, we recommend you to rest and get used to the
altitude. If you are in good shape, you will have free time to
stroll around the lodges surroundings or you could take a repairing
bath at the hot springs nearby the lodge.
Overnight at selected lodge at the ColcaValley.
Day 07: Colca: Condor Cross / Arequipa
We leave early in the morning to the "Condors Cross", where the
biggest bird in the world can be usually seen flying. On the way
back we visit the colonial towns and churches of Yanque, Coporaque,
Achoma and Maca. Good opportunity to appreciate the life of these
people that has changed little since Inca times.
Late afternoon return to the selected hotel in Arequipa.
Evening free.
Day 08: Arequipa / Cusco: City tour and visit to nearby ruins
Early transfer to Arequipa airport to board your flight to
Cusco. Meet upon arrival and transfer to your selected hotel.
Remaining morning free to rest in your hotel in order to avoid
altitude sickness. In the afternoon, we will visit the city of
Cusco on a guided tour visiting the Main Square, the Cathedral and
the Temple of the Sun or Korikancha. Then, we drive out of the city
to visit the Inca sites of Kenko, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara and the
impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, strategically built on a hill
overlooking Cusco, famous for its enormous carved stones, some of
them standing over 9 m / 30 ft high and weighing over 350 tons.
Return to your hotel and overnight.
Day 09: Cusco: Sacred Valley of the Incas
Early morning excursion to the UrubambaValley, the SacredValley
of the Incas.
Visit to the picturesque Indian Pisac Market held on Tuesday,
Thursday and Sunday, the shopping paradise of the Andes where
barter is still practiced.
Enjoy the unique atmosphere during a typical lunch.
In the afternoon, passing through the towns of Calca and Urubamba,
we visit the Inca Fortress and Citadel of Ollantaytambo, built to
guard the entrance to this part of the valley, and protect it from
possible invasion from the tribes in the lower jungle. You can walk
through the quaint streets of the nearby town, and get a good idea
of what this strategic military, religious, and agricultural center
was like during the era of the Inca Empire.
Late afternoon return to your selected hotel in Cusco for
overnight.
Evening free. We suggest strolling around the Main Square and enjoy
the night atmosphere trying a delicious Pisco Sour in some of the
many pubs around the Square.
Day 10: Cusco: Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
The day starts with an early morning rise to transfer to Cusco train station for a three hour train journey to the famous Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, also known as "The Lost City of the Incas". Arrive at Aguas Calientes station followed by a 30-minute bus drive, climbing 6km of winding road, to the incredible site of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, well participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the MainPlaza, the CircularTower, the Sacred Sun Dial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and various burial grounds. After the tour you will have free time to stroll around the archaeological site on your own. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Evening free. Overnight at your selected hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 11: Machu Picchu: Aguas Calientes - Cusco
Excellent opportunity to wake up early and enjoy a beautiful sunrise as well as stroll around the town of Aguas Calientes and visit its thermal waters. Visit the Citadel of Machu Picchu for a second time. In the afternoon, back to Cusco by train, and transfer to your selected hotel for overnight.Evening free. We recommend to dine at the hotel and have an early night.
Day 12: Cusco / Puno by bus
Early departure by bus to the City of Puno, (3,860 m.a.s.l.). During the trip, we pass by the lovely WacarpayLake, offering spectacular views of the mountains reflected in its calm waters.
We proceed to the beautiful town of Andahuaylillas, and visit the Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, better known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas, due to its decorated polychrome ceiling. On the way, we stop in Rachi, where we can see a spectacular Inca Sanctuary built by the Inca Pachacutec, and dedicated to the great Inca God of Wiracocha. It has a great central wall with a stone base of fine Inca architecture. Other walls are made of giant adobe bricks. The structure also has two circular lateral columns. Around the Temple are several buildings once used for housing and storage. About 70 km further on, we pass through La Raya Ranch where we can see herds of vicuñas and llamas. Then we travel along the high plateau of Collao, stopping at the town of Ayaviri, an important livestock and textile center, to visit the impressive Temple of Kalasaya, ruins from the ancient Pucara Culture.
Lunch in a countryside restaurant, where we can enjoy the delightful culinary art of the region. Afternoon arrival in Puno and transfer to your selected hotel. Evening free.
Day 13: Puno : TiticacaLake, Floating Islands of the Uros and TaquileIsland
Early in the morning, we will have an unforgettable motorboat excursion on the waters of Lake Titicaca to the unique "Floating Islands" of the Uros. These ancient inhabitants of the lake, known as the Water Tribe, have built their own "islands" by periodically adding new layers of a type of reed unique to the area called "totora" (Scirpus Totora), vegetable fiber from the Papiro family. Their homes and boats are also made from this material. We continue our motorboat trip to Taquile island, inhabited by Quechua-speaking natives who have developed efficient and unique social systems, as well as fine hand weaving techniques, down through generations.
After lunch in a local Taquile Inn, we have a walk through the various hills and archaeological sites of this 6 km long island. In the afternoon, return to Puno for overnight at your hotel. Evening free.
Day 14: Puno / Lima: Chullpas of Sillustani en route / International Departure
Early morning transfer to Juliaca airport to board your flight
to Lima. On the way to the airport, we will visit the famous
Chullpas of Sillustani: stone cylinder burial chambers used by the
Aymaras to bury their important leaders. LakeUmayo, located in
front of the Chullpas, adds further beauty to the place. Here you
also have the opportunity to observe several local typical
birds.
Upon arrival in Lima, stand by to connect international flight.
Tour Inclusions
OUR PRICES INCLUDE:
- Lodging accommodation.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
- All entrance fees.
- All transfers and land transportation.
- All applicable taxes.
- All bilingual guided tours as described in the itinerary.
- Direct assistance.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Domestic flights.
- Airport taxes.
- Baggage excess.
- Alcoholic drinks, soda or bottled mineral water.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips.
- International or National personal telephone calls
Adventure Tours
- Choquequirao Trek 4x3
- Inca Trail Trek 4x3
- Birdwatching in the Amazon Jungle 8x7
- Pacaya Samiria Ecological Expedition 5x4
- Manu Cultural Zone Tour 4x3
- Manu Reserved Zone Tour 8x7
- Salkantay to Machu Picchu Trek 5x4
- Birdwatching in Tambopata Candamo 4x3
- Discovering Tambopata and Candamo 5x4
- Magical Tambopata Candamo 3x2
- Unforgettable Tambopata Candamo 4x3
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Tours by Destination
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- The Best Of Cusco 3x2
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- Exploring Maldonado 4x3
- Amazonas Explorama Lodge 3x2
- Caral Tour Full Day
- Colonial and Modern Lima Tour 4x3
- Traditional Lima Tour 3x2
- Nasca Lines Full Day (By Bus)
- Nasca Lines Full Day (By Plane)
- Overnight in Machu Picchu 4x3
- Pisco and Paracas National Reserve 2x1
- Puno and Uros Floating Islands 3x2
- Millenary Puno 4x3
- Archaeological Trujillo Tour 4x3
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