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Home > Peru > Peru Adventures >
Peru Explorer
17-day adventure
Cuzco, Machu Picchu,
Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon and La Ciudad Blanca: Arequipa. Ancient and modern Peru come together in this adventure. Incan history
in Lima, Cuzco, Urubamba Valley, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca contrasts
with the spectacular Canyon del Colca (far deeper than the Grand Canyon)
and colonial Arequipa, the city built of white limestone in the high
desert at the base of snowcapped Volcan Misti.
We start in Lima with the impressive museum collections in Lima for exposure to the great history of Peru, and with sampling Lima's unique seafood quisine. In Cuzco and the Urubamba Valley visit modern, acitve communities amidst the famous Incan stonework. At Macchu Picchu we revel in three perfect days of discovery.
From the center of the Inca universe we head south across the altiplano (high plains) to the brithplace of the Incan civilization, Lake Titicaca. En route we stop at ruins of both Inca and pre-Inca temples. On Lake Titicaca we visit an Urcos Island family to experience their floating way of life.
From the highest lake to one of the deepest canyons, we journey across the Andes to Colca Canyon. There we hike, look for condors and relax in the thermal pools of Colca Lodge.
Arequipa, the White City, is our final stop. We explore this colonial city, founded by Pizzaro near the snow-capped volcan Misti. We walk the old town and spend time at Santa Catalina Convent, a special city-within-a-city made of an unusual white stone that can be cut thin enough to use as skylights. Somewhat autonomous, Arequipeñans are proud of their city and heritage.
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Top: Arequipa ladies at the annual Vicuña auction (Wes Walker).
Above: A tiny part of Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world (Wes Walker).
Day 1 |
Arrive in Lima, Peru. Overnight in Lima. |
Day 2 |
Tour historic Lima. Visit the National Museum of Archeology and the Larco Museum. Afternoon grand buffet of seafoods and Peruvian specialties. |
Day 3 |
Fly to Cuzco, walking tour of Cuzco historic, dinner of typical Cuzqueñan specialties. |
Day 4 |
Visit the Inca Museum, Central Market and Archbishop's Palace. Afternoon visit to Sacsayhuaman. View a special shamanic ceremony in the ruins. |
Day 5 |
En route to the Urubamba Valley, visit Lake Huacarpay, tour the Church San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, see a weaving demonstration and have a picnic lunch in San Salvador. Then descend into the Urubamba Valley to explore Pisac village and ruins. |
Day 6 |
Stroll Chinchero Sunday Indian market, visit the Moray Incan horticultural center and the Maras salt pans, explore Ollantaytambo town and extensive ruins, then rest up at the inn. |
Days 7-9 |
Three days at Machu Picchu (an INCA exclusive)! At your own pace, ponder the mysteries of this spot, hike with our guide to Huaynu Picchu, the peak of Machu Picchu or along the Inca Trail, take photos or just "hide out" while trainloads of day-trippers make midday cameo appearances. Return to Cuzco on the afternoon of Day 9.
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Day 10 |
Leave Cuzco
for a spectacular drive to Puno. En route visit Paquillacta and the city of Raqchi with well-preserved
Inca ruins including a temple, an artificial lake,
and ritual baths. Today, Raqchi
is a major pottery producer. |
Day 11 |
The
turquoise blue Lake Titicaca was the most sacred body of water in the Inca
Empire. We visit the lake's famous Islas de los Uros—the floating islands—as well as the village
of Chucuito, which was a major Lupaca center, and see a pre-colonial sundial in the main plaza.
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Day 12 |
From Puno, cross over
the Andean divide to the Colca Canyon, one of the world's
deepest gorges. Stay in
Colca Lodge, a charming, comfortable respite with thermal pools next to the Colca River. |
Day 13 |
We visit the Cruz
del Condor, or the Condor Crossing, where we are very likely
to see these majestic birds soaring in the currents. Visit the village of Cabanaconde, high among the canyon's
terraces. Hike in the Canyon in the afternoon. |
Day 14 |
Along the route to Arequipa, enjoy
vistas of snowcapped volcanoes, endless rolling plains,
and hopefully vicuņas and alpacas. Dinner in Arequipa of regional cuisine. |
Day 15 |
Explore Arequipa.
The city is built from white sillar rock that was blown out from the
eruptions of Volcan Misti. Visit the Santa Catalina
Convent, a mini city in its own right with its maze of cobbled
alleys, rooms and cloisters painted in rich browns and blues. |
Day 16 |
Morning
flight to Lima. After a farewell lunch at a delicious seafood
restaurant, you have the afternoon free. |
Day 17 |
Depart for home or other adventures. |
For a deeper look at this adventure, please read the Detailed Itinerary. |
Departures • Peru Explorer
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2010 |
any week of the year as a Private Journey |
2011 |
any week of the year as a Private Journey |
Prices & Supplements • Peru Explorer
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2010 |
from $7895
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2011 |
from $7995
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Single |
$2800
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Small Group
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A Small Group Supplement applies if there
are fewer than four travelers on your trip.
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