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Home > Peru > Peru Adventures >
Peru Explorer
17-day adventure
Detailed, day-by-day itinerary for this adventure!
Accommodations are noted, and meals are coded as B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner
Above: Ornate carved balcony of Arequipa (Wes Walker). Below: Whimsical reed boat on Lake Titicaca, docked at a floating island in the reeds (Bill Adams).
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Day 1 |
Arrive in Lima, Peru |
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Fly from your home city to Lima, Peru. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel for check-in and overnight.
Miraflores Park Hotel |
Day 2 |
Lima |
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Lima is a large city with a population of over 9 million in its metropolitan area. It also has flower gardens, great plazas, huge cathedrals, elegant colonial homes, fine museums, surfing, hopping nightlife, unique cuisine, and excellent hotels and restaurants. We tour historic Lima, including the Plaza de Armas, where you'll see elegant carved wooden balconies and colonial architecture.
We visit the National Museum of Archeology Anthropology and History which has one of the largest collections of Pre-Hispanic art and relics including exceptionally well preserved mummies. From here we proceed to Museo Larco to see an impressive collection of pottery, gold and silver.
Now with our work for the day almost completed, we have earned a sumptuous lunch that will take care of both you and the rest of the afternoon! We return to the hotel for the night. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Miraflores Park Hotel, BL |
Day 3 |
Cuzco |
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A quick flight over the snow-covered Andes brings us to the legendary city of gold—Cuzco (alt. 11,200 feet)—the Center of the Inca Universe. Inca means "ruler," or "king" - an equivalent to the Roman Caesars.
After check-in, we have breakfast and sip coca-leaf tea while acclimating to the elevation. We begin our walking exploration of Cuzco after lunch (on your own), walking along streets where the Incas and later the Spaniards walked.
In the course of the day we will stop at Coricancha, the partially restored Temple of the Sun at the center of the Inca Universe, where the gold-covered walls were stripped by the Conquistadors. Along narrow cobblestone streets, we pass walls of stone so precisely fitted that they remain in superb condition centuries later, even after many earthquakes. We look into the University, churches and shops that face onto the Plaza de Armas.
Dinner tonight will be in the courtyard of the Art Museum at the delightful MAP Café accompanied by traditional music of the High Andes.
El Monasterio del Cuzco, BD |
Day 4 |
Cuzco, Sacsayhuaman |
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We visit the bustling Cuzco "Mercado Central", a traditional market were we will get a sense of the daily rhythm of Cuzqueño life. From open air stalls, everything from coca leaves, carrots, rubber boots, jeans, padlocks, beef, live chickens and ducks, to cuys, Band-Aids, and a range of familiar and unfamiliar fruits and vegetables are sold —sometimes for cash, sometimes in the traditional manner—barter.
Later we will be admitted to view an archbishop's private collection of colonial and Indian art. After lunch we will visit the Inca Historical Museum for a fine overview of the history of the Inca Empire from its beginning to its demise.
In the late afternoon we will venture to Sacsayhuaman to explore the spectacular ceremonial and "parade" grounds used by the Incas for major celebrations, pageants and sporting events. Inti Raymi, the Incan "Festival of the Sun," is still celebrated here beginning every June 24. Cuzco fills with colorfully dressed, chicha-drinking Indians from villages all over the Andes, who come for this week-long festival of folk-dance competitions, pageantry and renowned debauchery.
We will be treated to a special ceremony with plants and herbs conducted by a shaman before we descend into Cuzco.
El Monasterio del Cuzco, BLD |
Day 5 |
Pisac, Sacred Valley of the Incas |
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Our first stop on the way out of town is the fountains of Tambo Machay right outside of Cuzco. After a scenic ride through rich fields of quinoa and amaranth, we descend into the scenic Urubamba Valley, cross the river and drive high above the valley floor to explore the ruins of the Inca Fortress of Pisac.
On our return drive we make a short stop to explore the typical, indigenous village of Pisac (or if you are inclined, you may hike down from the Fortress through the terraces to the village where we will meet you), before continuing to lunch at Huayoccari Hacienda Restaurant, an elegant farmhouse filled with exquisite antiques and art in the hills above the Sacred Valley. Following lunch we continue through the valley to Sol y Luna, where you will have the rest of the afternoon to enjoy the gardens, spa and property.
Sol y Luna, BLD |
Day 6 |
Ollantaytambo, Chinchero Market, |
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We begin our day with a visit to the spectacular temple-fortress and village of Ollantaytambo, a site that is little changed from the days of the Incas.
We then climb out of the valley to a very scenic 12,000-ft. plain en route to the Sunday Indian market at Chinchero. There we will observe how the local population shops for the week. You may find a few things that you simply must have!
We have planned a weaving demonstration orchestrated by Nilda Challañaupa, the founder, and director of The Center for Traditional Textiles of Cuzco. This organization is dedicated to preserving ancient textile designs and weaving techniques from all over the Andes. Some designs are more than 2000 years old and were thought to have been lost. Textiles created at the Center may be available for purchase.
We return to Sol y Luna for a late lunch and possibly a Peruvian Paso horse show. Late in the afternoon, you will have a cooking demonstration by the inn's chef, where you will learn about and sample the local cuisine and taste the delicious preparations.
Sol y Luna, BL D is cooking demonstration |
Day 7 |
Train to Machu Picchu, hike to Machu Picchu Mountain |
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We catch the early train in Ollantaytambo for one of the most breathtaking rail journeys in the world. The rail line follows the river down the impressive Canyon of the Vilcanota to the foot of Machu Picchu.
If our accommodations are at Hotel Pueblo de Machu Picchu, we leave the train at Aguas Calientes to check in to this lovely riverside inn. Then we head up the mountain by bus to Machu Picchu.
If our accommodations are at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge on the mountain by the ruins, we transfer to a bus for an exhilarating 20-minute dash up the mountainside to Machu Picchu. We check into the hotel on arrival.
We start our exploration of Machu Picchu with an orientation stroll around the site. This helps us get a sense of the layout of the ruins.
Machu Picchu is truly a place to explore on your own. The elevation is about 7,500-ft., much lower than Cuzco’s 11,500-ft., so you will feel much better. After lunch we will all have an extended guided walking tour.
Machu Picchu Sanctuary or Hotel Pueblo de Machu Picchu, BLD |
Day 8 |
Machu Picchu |
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The park opens at sunrise, a magical time of the day. Mist often shrouds the major peaks and floats onto the valley. The rising sun casts a golden glow into this fantasy land; it is not to be missed at this hour. Enjoy, and then return to the hotel for a quick breakfast.
We have an optional (weather-dependent) hike to the peak of Machu Picchu Mountain—a 5-6 hour round trip scenic workout! We'll bring our picnic lunch and feast on it as well as the sights.
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Depending on the weather, we have another optional hike climbing the steep, challenging trail, hidden in crevasses and bushes, that leads to the top of Huayna Picchu, the slender granite peak that appears in every photo of Machu Picchu. On top we have an overwhelming view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding valleys and snow-capped peaks. The climb is impressive and requires no more than 1.5 - 2 hours, even if you are a very slow hiker. It is a challenging hike, but the reward of reaching the summit is one of the greatest views in the world! The descent is relatively quick and easy, but steep, and leads straight to lunch!
After lunch you have the afternoon to yourself to explore the ruins, snooze in the sun, read and take photos. This is the special time that is all yours to savor Machu Picchu as you see fit.
Machu Picchu Sanctuary or Hotel Pueblo de Machu Picchu, BLD |
Day 9 |
Machu Picchu, train to Cuzco |
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This morning is all yours to enjoy Machu Picchu. You may hike up to the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu or explore the Inca Bridge, take photos or muse about Machu Picchu until you meet the rest of the group for lunch.
After lunch we bus down to the train for Cuzco. Once there we tumble into the Monasterio del Cuzco for the night.
El Monasterio del Cuzco, BL |
Day 10 |
Cuzco to Puno |
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This morning we leave Cuzco for a spectacular drive to Puno. We visit Paquillacta, the only major pre-Inca ruin in the Cuzco area, built by the Wari culture in 1100 AD. We also explore the amazing city of Raqchi. Raqchi, known to the Incas as Cacha, was a major ritual center visited as a pilgrimage site. A well-preserved set of Inca ruins includes a spectacular temple, an artificial lake, ritual baths, and an extensive series of storehouses. Today, Raqchi is a major pottery producer with approximately 80 households who gain a large portion of their income from pottery production. We check into our hotel in Puno and meet for dinner.
Libertador Lago Titicaca, BLD |
Day 11 |
Lake Titicaca |
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The world's highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca, according to legend, gave birth to the Inca civilization. It is the center of region where thousands of farmers make a living fishing its icy waters, growing potatoes at its edge or herding llama and alpaca at altitudes that leave most of us gasping for air. The turquoise blue lake was the most sacred body of water in the Inca Empire and is now the natural separation between Peru and Bolivia.
The best-known of the islands dotting the surface of Titicaca are the Islas de los Uros-the floating islands of reed named after the Indians who inhabited them. From tightly bundled reeds, the Uros build canoe-shaped boats for transport and fishing. A well-constructed boat can carry a whole family for about 6 months before beginning to rot. We visit these floating islands, as well as the village of Chucuito, which was a major Lupaca center with a pre-colonial sundial seen today in the main plaza.
Libertador Lago Titicaca, BLD |
Day 12 |
Puno to Colca Canyon |
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From Puno, we cross over the Andes bound for Chivay in the Colca Canyon. The road climbs over the Andean divide, passing through a region of snowcapped, active volcanoes. The steady descent on the western side passes through strikingly dry, windswept landscapes.
The Colca Canyon is one of the world's deepest gorges with a maximum depth of 10,607 ft. Our destination is Casitas del Colca, a charming comfortable respite in the heart of the Valley. Here you may stroll the grounds, hike along the canyon or be pampered at Spa Samay.
Casitas del Colca, BLD |
Day 13 |
Colca Canyon |
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After breakfast we leave for one of the most popular sections in the Colca Canyon, the Cruz del Condor, or Condor Crossing, where we are very likely to see these majestic birds soaring in the strong air currents. We then visit the native village of Cabanaconde, high amonthe the canyon's terraces. We have a good hike in the Canyon in the afternoon before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Casitas del Colca, BLD |
Day 14 |
Colca to Arequipa |
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We leave early in the morning for the day's journey to Arequipa, and quickly gain altitude as we climb out of the Colca Canyon. Along the route, we enjoy spectacular vistas of snowcapped volcanoes, endless rolling plains, and hopefully vicuņas and alpacas as we pass the vicuņa reserve of Aguada Blanca. We dine in Arequipa, sampling the regional cuisine.
Casa Andina Private Collection, BLD |
Day 15 |
Arrive in Lima, Peru |
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We explore Arequipa, home to some of the most beautiful colonial architecture in the country. The city, founded by Pizzaro and known as the Ciudad Blanca (the White City), is built from white sillar rock that was blown out from the eruptions of snowcapped Volcan Misti.
We visit the Santa Catalina Convent, opened to outsiders in 1970 after four centuries of seclusion and mystery. A mini city in its own right, it is a maze or cobbled alleys, rooms and cloisters painted in rich browns and blues. The masterpiece of colonial architecture houses some of the finest examples of Spanish American religious art. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Casa Andina Private Collection, BL |
Day 16 |
Arrive in Lima, Peru |
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In the morning we fly from Arequipa to Lima. You may rest, shop, and explore on your own for the rest of the day. Lunch and Dinner are not included tonight; however, there are many fine restaurants in Lima.
Miraflores Park Hotel, B |
Day 17 |
Lima to home or other adventures |
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Transfer to the airport with check-in to your homeward bound flight unless you are remaining for more adventures. |
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