Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lima
Welcome to beautiful Peru! At the airport, look for your Juve Travel Peru host holding a sign with your name on it. They will escort you to your hotel.
Overnight and breakfast: Casa Andina Miraflores Centro
Day 2: Fly to Arequipa and enjoy the privat city tour
In the morning we will return to the airport for our flight to Peru’s second largest city, Arequipa, “The White City”. Our host will meet us at the airport and take us to the hotel. Arequipa is famous for its bleached white colonial buildings, made from a pearly volcanic rock known as sillar. After lunch, the guided tour will include visits to the Santa Catalina Convent, Main square and the traditional neighborhoods of Carmen Alto and Yanahura with spectacular views of the volcanic peak El Misti.
Overnight and breakfast: Casa Andina Arequipa (L)
Day 3: Arequipa- Colca Canyon
After an early breakfast at the hotel we will drive in our private transportation towards the highlands, passing through Yura – Pampa Cañahuas and La Pulpera,observing of wild vicuñas and peaceful rural villages. At the Colca lodge in the village of Chivay,you can take advantage of the thermal baths and Eco spa service.
Overnight and breakfast: Colca lodge (L)
Day 4: Colca Canyon and drive to Puno
Following an early breakfast at the hotel we will continue towards the ”Cross of the Condor” for the spectacular views of condors wheeling across the Colca Canyon, the world’s deepest canyon. After driving a little further into the canyon to see some pre-Inca ruins and burial grounds, we will see the way of life in this remote land and admire the impressive irrigation system and the fertile mountains terraced for farming. Our afternoon travel to Puno features unique natural scenery of the Peruvian Highlands.
Overnight and breakfast: Casa Andina Puno (L)
Day 5: Lake Titicaca – Amanatani Island
Awake early to catch the breathtaking sunrise across Lake Titicaca before enjoying a delicious breakfast in the hotel.
Today’s tours explore the eclectic beauty and diversity of life on Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the entire world. First, you will take a traditional boat ride to the Uros Islands, stunning manmade lands carefully created from woven reeds that are constantly being replenished. The Uros Islands are an ancient community that has lived off the natural resources of the Lake for thousands of years. Then we continue our journey on the lake to Amantani Island.Your host family will meet you at the port and take you to their home for the typical lunch made from fresh produce. In the late afternoon, you can climb to the highest point on island to see the sunset. After dinner prepared by your hosts,the family will dress you up in the traditional local clothing and take you to the community hall for a celebration.
Overnight and breakfast: With the host family ( L, D)
Day 6: Taquile Island – Puno
After breakfast with the family, we depart for one hour boat ride to Taquile Island where a long, gradually ascending path will take us to the village. Locals welcome us explore their island and see their excellent handcrafted weavings.
We will enjoy lunch at one of the local, family run restaurants.The views are simply magnificent. In the afternoon we will return by boad to Puno
Overnight and breakfast: Casa Andina Puno(L)
Day 7: Bus tour from Puno to Cusco
After breakfast at the hotel, we leave on our first class guided bus tour through the Peruvian Andes to Cusco, stopping at several places of interest along the route. Our first stop is at pre Inca Pukara archaeological site. The next stop is la Raya which is the highest point of our journey. After enjoying the lunch on the way, we will stop at Raqchi archeological site and the Chapel of Andahuylillas which one has been called as the Sistine Chapel of Americas.When we arrival in Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, our host will meet us and take us to the hotel.
Overnight and breakfast: Casa Andina Cusco Plaza(L)
Day 8. Cusco and nearby Inca Sites
Today we go by private transport to explore the nearby Inca sites of Sacsayhuaman, where you will view the impressive architecture of the Inca and the massive stones used in the fortress overlooking Cusco. We will visit Qenqo, a labyrinth with carved stone walls. Then continue to Puka Pukara which is believed to be a defense fortress and is made up of large walls, terraces, and staircases. End your visit at the Incan bath and water temple of Tambo Machay. Spend the remainder of the day shopping, dining and exploring the diversity and rich culture of Cusco!
Overnight and breakfast: Casa Andina Cusco Plaza
Day 9: Sacred Valley
After breakfast at the hotel, we continue in our private transportation to Chinchero,a place sacred to the Incas because it is the mythical birthplace of the rainbow. Inhabitants live amongst almost untouched Inca constructions in the same way that our ancestor lived. In this knitting village, local people have preserved a living heritage expressed in the handcrafted textiles.Artisans from Chinchero are happy to show you their ancient technique of how the wool of alpaca and sheep is prepared, washed, spun, dyed and woven into their works of art.
Then we will go to Moray, an important Inca site whose multi-terraced architecture made it an advanced bio-agricultural laboratory in its time. Enjoy the natural beauty while you marvel at the mysterious circular terraces which some historians believe created mini-microclimates used to grow different crops. After exploring Moray, we will go to the incredible salt ponds of Maras. Originally mined by the Incas, these ancient and colorful pools are now individually owned and tended by the local people. Enjoy lunch in Urubamba before continuing to Ollantaytambo. One of the few remaining Inca cities in the Sacred Valley that has retained its original Inca urban planning. We will climb up the terraces toward the Temple of the Sun where we can enjoy views of the valley and see the quarries which provided the stones for Ollantaytambo. Return to your hotel in the afternoon and relax on your own.
Overnight and breakfast: Casa Andina Valle Sagrado(L)
Day 10: One day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
After breakfast we will travel travel by private transportation to the train station at Ollantaymbo to board the scenic train and travel to Km 104, the starting point of the trek. We ascend gradually to Wiñay Wayna, the best-preserved Inca site around Machu Picchu, visiting Chachabamba on the way. Lunch will be at a place chosen by the tour guide. We continue on the stone-paved Inca Trail through the cloud forest to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) where we will have a panoramic view of Machu Picchu and some time to enjoy the magical Inca city at sunset. Then we will go by bus to Aguas Calientes, where our hotel and dinner will be waiting for us.
Overnight and breakfast: Casa Andina Machu Picchu ( L)
Day 11: Machu Picchu to Cusco
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we will take the bus back to Machu Picchu for the complete guided tour of the magical city. Our guide will explain the significance of the stone structures, temples and the most important places. Later, we will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then take the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transportation will take us back to the hotel in Cusco.
Overnight and breakfast: Casa Andina Cusco Plaza
Day 12. Explore Cusco
After breakfast at the hotel, you have a free day for independent activities and discovering the rich diversity and culture of Cusco. Wander through this lovely city, exploring the astonishing narrow streets of this tile roof colonial town. Great buys are the traditional Peruvian handicrafts, alpaca-wool sweaters and rugs, ponchos, pottery, gold and silver jewellery, leather goods, etc. Because there is such a variety of products, if you find a particular item you like, you should purchase it – you may not find the same items in other stores. We appreciate all your support of our local Peruvian small businsses.
Overnight and breakfast: Casa Andina Cusco Plaza
Day 13: Cusco to Lima
Enjoy a last morning to explore Cusco at your own pace. Our tour leader will be happy to offer suggestions for places to go and sight to see.We will take you to the airport in our private transportation for your flight back across the Andes to Lima to connect with your flight home.
WHAT WE RECOMMEND BRINGING:
- Current passport is required. If your passport expired between booking and starting your tour, bring both the old and new passports!
- Short-sleeved shirts, long-sleeved shirts, fleece, thermals, wool socks, lightweight pants, warm hat
- Small pack to carry things that you will need during the day
- Rain gear or poncho
- Hiking boots with ankle support
- Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
- Camera, film and batteries (batteries die faster in cold conditions)
- Hydrating face and body lotion
- Sun block and insect repellent
- Water bottles (Nalgene or metal ones are required, plastic bottles are not allowed)
- Toilet paper and tissues
