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PERU
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
An imaginary trip through time visiting the archaeological
treasures of the Children of the Sun. The history and
the mysteries of these lands, as well as the wonders
created by the people of anci ent
Peru, will dazzle you for their beauty and perfection.
Tour
Details
Duration 19 Days / 18 Nights
Tour Itinerary
All
our programmes can be tailor made according to your
requirements, whether regarding the length of your tour,
any special interests or specific activities, flight
reservations, optional destinations or tours.
DAY 01: International arrival in Lima Assistance
on your arrival in Lima and transfer to your selected
hotel. Free time to rest and prepare for starting your
trip around this unusual city and magical country.
DAY 02: Pachacamac and Sightseeing Tour & Archaeological
Museum
After breakfast, we take a 45-minute drive to the ancient
pre-Columbian Pachacamac Pilgrimage Centre overlooking
the fertile Valley of Lurin and the Pacific Ocean. Built
around 700 AD, as a temple for worshipping the Sun God,
the complex is mostly constructed from mud bricks or
adobe. The Temple housed an oracle and is considered
as one of the main ceremonial centres of pre-Hispanic
Peru. Pilgrims flocked here from far and wide to worship
Pachacamac, believed to be the Creator of the World
and all of its creatures. The best preserved area is
the Inca-built section (1440-1533). The archaeological
site includes palaces, plazas and temples, that have
been recently restored, and an on-site Museum housing
interesting pre-Hispanic relics. Return to your hotel.
After lunch, guided sightseeing tour to the most attractive
and important sites in Lima, the "City of Kings".
The tour includes Lima's Historical Centre, passing
by Plaza San Martin, The Main Plaza, the Government
Palace, the City Hall, the Cathedral and its Religious
Art Museum, the Church of Santo Domingo, with the tombs
of Santa Rosa and San Martin de Porras, and Lima's Colonial
Balconies.
We will visit the Convent and Church of San Francisco,
the greatest monumental complex of Colonial Art in America
and Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The tour includes
a visit to the Basilica of 21 altars, Convent of Cloisters,
Capitulary and Clementine Rooms, Chorus and Library
of the Monks, a Museum showing 11 paintings of the Rubens
School, the Sacristy with paintings of Surbaran and
Ribera, its great patio decorated with Seville tiles
of XVIth Century, Moorish arches and underground Catacombs.
From here, we leave downtown Lima 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
Chavin Culture, Weavings from Paracas Culture, ceramics
of the Nazca and Mochica Cultures, and metal work of
the Chimu Culture, as well as paintings, documents and
objects that belonged to important people of the Colonial
and Republican 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 Districts of San
Isidro and Miraflores, passing by the Huaca Pucllana,
a Ceremonial and Administrative Centre of the Lima Culture
built in the IInd Century A.C. that the Incas considered
as "Ñaupallaqta" or Sacred Town. We
will also visit El Olivar Park with olive trees brought
from Spain in the XVth Century, the Central Park of
Miraflores and Larcomar, a symbol of modern Lima and
a Tourist and Entertainment Centre as well as a privileged
site to enjoy an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean.
Late afternoon transfer to the selected hotel.
Note: Lunch included only for de Luxe and Superior category
prices.
DAY 03: Lima / Chiclayo Early morning, transfer
to Lima Airport to board your flight to Chiclayo. Meet
upon arrival and transfer to your hotel.
Begin with an excursion to the impressive Necropolis
of Huaca Rajada, a Mochica Funeral Centre where a great
number of tombs have been discovered and where the tombs
of the Old Lord of Sipan (3rd Century) and the Lord
of Sipan (5th Century), famous for its objects in gold
and semi-precious stones, were unearthed in the decade
of 1980's by Peruvian archaeologists led by Dr. Walter
Alva.In
the afternoon, we will visit to the Royal Tombs of Sipan
Museum, where we will be able to appreciate a Lord of
Sipan Tomb replica, additionally we will be able to
see several ceramic pieces. Nowadays, this Museum is
one of the best and most modern in South America.
DAY 04 Chiclayo: The Sicán Museum - Pómac
- Túcume and the Brûning Museum
After breakfast, we will leave for a visit to the Sicán
Museum, which is located 36 km. Northeast and 20 minutes
from Chiclayo where we will be able to appreciate different
treasures from the Sicán Culture, which have
been thoroughly studied by the famous archaeologist
Dr. Isumi Shimada. The exhibit shows a recreation of
the tomb, but it goes further than that and, at the
same time, it shows an interpretation of society at
that time, its  artefacts,
the daily life of its people and their ways of thinking.
We will continue our excursion towards the Historical
and Cultural Sanctuary of the Pómac Forest, located
in the Village of Batangrande, District of Pitipo in
the Province of Ferreñafe, where we will find
a Pyramid Complex of 20 adobe Pyramids in an area covering
46 square kilometres, the most important of which are:
Huaca de Oro, El Santillo de la Cruz, Horno de los Ingenieros,
Las Abejas, etc. It is believed to have been the cradle
of development of the Sican Culture.
After lunch, we will visit the Archaeological Complex
of Túcume, which on its 220 hectares holds up
to 26 adobe Pyramids, and where we will find a Pyramid
structure known as Huaca Larga, which length of 700
m, width of 280 m and height of 30 m makes it the largest
of its kind in South America. After this we will pay
a visit to the Brûning Museum, which contains
valuable archaeological collections of the pre-Hispanic
Cultures of Moche, Lambayeque or Sicán, Chimú
and Inca.
There is also an important Gold Collection with more
than 500 gold pieces from Peru's ancient Cultures. Back
to your hotel.
DAY 05: Chiclayo - Trujillo After breakfast,
transfer to Trujillo in private car (2 hours 30 minutes
approx.) en route we will visit the Archaeological Complex
of El Brujo (the Shaman) containing three large buildings
constructed
in different eras: Huaca Prieta, the oldest construction
on the Peruvian Coast; Huaca El Brujo, a Pyramid from
the Mochica Culture and Huaca Cao Viejo, with an old
Christian Church. Actually, scientific works are being
done on its magnificent and recently discovered remains.
Arrival and transfer to your hotel.
We will visit the largest adobe Archaeological Complex
of pre-Hispanic America, Chan Chan, ancient Capital
of the Chimu Empire (13th Century), visiting the Templo
del Arco Iris (Rainbow), the Site Museum and the Tshudi
Palace.
We will proceed to Huanchaco Beach, well frequented
by beach-goers and surfers, where you will have the
opportunity to appreciate the local fishermen surfing
the waves in their traditional "Caballitos de Totora",
Totora reed boats used for fishing since pre Inca times
by Northern Peruvians.
DAY 06: Trujillo : Temples of the Sun and the Moon
After breakfast, we will make an excursion 15 minutes
South of Trujillo to visit the enormous adobe constructions
built by the Mochica Culture in the 5th Century, called
Temple of the Sun, considered the largest adobe Pyramid
in Peru, and the Temple of the Moon, housing an extensive
burial ground and some fine polychrome murals in which
their deity is often depicted. Is believed that both
were complementary, one Administrative and the other
Religious. Transfer to the Airport and assistance on
your departure to Lima. Upon arrival, meet and transfer
to your hotel. 
DAY 07: Lima - Paracas: Ballestas Islands / Nazca
Early in the morning, leave Lima by private transportation
to the Paracas Peninsula, where we can find the most
important Wildlife Sanctuary on the Peruvian Coast.
Boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, where we can
observe Sea lions, Boobies, Pelicans, Penguins and other
Sea birds. On the way back, from the boat, 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 Nazca Lines.
In the afternoon continue by private transportation
to the City of Nazca for overnight.
Free time to enjoy the facilities of your hotel.
DAY 08: Nazca: Nazca Lines / Arequipa After
an early breakfast, transfer to Nazca Airport for a
45-minute flight over the enigmatic Nazca 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, travel by private transportation to the City
of Arequipa (About 8 hours) along the Desert and Coastal
valleys. During the journey, we will make some stops
in different outstanding points to rest and enjoy the
sights.
Arrival at the White City of Arequipa. It receives this
name due to its white rock buildings, a white rock that
flows out of the  Misti
Volcano. Upon your arrival in Arequipa, meet and transfer
to the selected hotel.
DAY 09: Arequipa: Sightseeing tour
Morning sightseeing tour of Arequipa, including the
Main Square, one of the most beautiful squares in Peru,
and the Cathedral, a prime example of XIXth Century
Peruvian architecture, housing beautiful treasures in
gold and silver. We also visit the La Compañia
Church, an 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 XVIIth Century
and opened to the public in 1970, after 400 years as
a 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.
We recommend the Sol de Mayo Restaurant. In the afternoon,
tour of Arequipa's beautiful countryside, including
the Mill of Sabandia, a still functioning flourmill
built in 1621 powered by a nearby waterfall, and the
Founder's Mansion, a fully restored XVIth Century Hacienda
that belonged to the City's 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. We suggest to dinner at the hotel and
have an early night as the next day you will have an
early-rising to begin your trip towards the Colca Canyon.
DAY 10: Arequipa: Colca Canyon Early in the
morning, depart on a wonderful four hours bus trip to
the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the
world (3400 mts.). On the trip we drive across Pampa
Cañahuas in the Aguada Blanca National Reserve,
inhabited by herds of Vicuñas and Alpacas (South
American cameloids). We also see beautiful pre-Columbian
terraces, still being culti vated
by the native Collaguas. Box lunch. On your arrival
at Colca Valley, transfer to the selected lodge.
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 lodge surroundings
or you could take a repairing bath at the hot springs
nearby the lodge.
Dinner and overnight at selected lodge at the Colca
Valley.
DAY 11: Colca: Condor Cross / Arequipa We leave
early in the morning to the "Condor's 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.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Late afternoon return to the selected hotel in Arequipa.
Evening free. We recommend to have dinner at the Sambambaia's
or La Truffa restaurants.
DAY 12: Arequipa - Juliaca : Chullpas of Sillustani
en route Early morning transfer to Arequipa
Airport to board your flight to Juliaca. Arrival and
transfer to your hotel. On the way, we will visit the
famous Chullpas of Sillustani: Stone cylinder Burial
Chambers used by the Aymaras to bury their important
leaders. Lake Umayo, located in front of the Chullpas,
adds further beauty to the place. Here you also have
the opportunity to observe several local typical birds.
DAY 13: Puno: Titicaca Lake, Floating Islands
of the Uros and Taquile Island 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 in habitants
of the lake, known as the Water Tribe, have built their
own "Islands" by periodically adding new layers
of a type of reed called "Totora" (Scirpus
Totora), vegetable fibre of the Papyrus 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, down
through generations, an efficient and unique social
system, as well as fine hand weaving techniques.
It is necessary to go up a stairway of more than 567
steps - steps of stone that wind their way among green
platforms - to arrive at the Town of Taquile where we
will have a break to eat. 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 / Cusco Breakfast. Early departure
by bus to the City of Cusco. We travel along the High
Plateau of Collao, stopping at the Town of Ayaviri,
an important livestock and textile centre, to visit
the impressive Temple of Kalasaya, ruins from the ancient
Pucara Culture. On the way, we stop in Raqchi, 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 the La Raya Ranch where we can see
troops of vicuñas and llamas. During the trip,
we pass by the lovely Wacarpay Lake, 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.
Buffet lunch in a quiet countryside restaurant, where
we can enjoy the delightful culinary art of the Region.
Upon arrival in Cusco, meet and transfer to your hotel.
Dinner on your own.
DAY 15: Cusco: Sightseeing tour and Nearby Ruins
Breakfast. Morning at leisure. Lunch on your own.
In the afternoon, we will have a guided sightseeing
tour of Cusco 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 and
famous for its enormous carved stones, some of them
standing over 9m / 30ft high and weighing over 350 tons.
Return to the hotel and get ready to enjoy a dinner
with a folklore show in a typical restaurant where the
musicians play their melodies with Andean instruments
of beautiful sounds, while typically dressed dancers
will show you different ancient Peruvian dances.
DAY 16: Cusco: Sacred Valley of the Incas
Early morning excursion to the Urubamba Valley, the
Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Visit to the picturesque indian Pisac Market held on
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, 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 Mlita ry,
Religious, and Agricultural Centre was like during the
era of the Inca Empire. On our way back to Cusco we
stop of at the picturesque Andean village of Chinchero
to visit the ruins of the Royal Hacienda of Tupac Inca
Yupanqui. We will admire a well-preserved Inca Wall
in the Main Square, and visit the beautiful Colonial
Temple built on Inca foundations, with interesting frescoes
in the portico. Late afternoon return to your selected
hotel 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.
Note: The visit to the Village of Chinchero depends
on the time available.
DAY 17: 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, we'll participate
in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza,
the Circular Tower, 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
DAY 18: 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 Hot Springs Thermal waters. Then, you
will have time to perform some of the following activities:
(Not included in the overall price):
1. Visit the Citadel of Machu Picchu for a second time.
2. For active or more adventurous people, we suggest
to climb up the Huayna Picchu (Depending on weather
conditions) from where you can appreciate the immensity
of Machu Picchu, even more amazing being so high and
distant. Arriving at the top takes about two hours and
a half and it is recommendable before 13:00 hours. It
is necessary to register at the checking point at the
beginning of the trail. An exciting adventure for the
travellers who want to see from the top, the nature
and the carved rock emerging from the ground as if by
a geological miracle.
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.
Meals
Included: Breakfast.
DAY 19: Cusco - Lima / International departure
Breakfast. Transfer to Cusco Airport to take your flight
to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, transfer to your selected
hotel. At the appropriate time, transfer to the Airport
to board your International homebound flight.
Meals
Included: Breakfast.
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