SOUTHERN JEWELS

Duration 15 Days / 14 Nights
Tour Type Archaeological, Cultural, Ecological.

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 at your arrival to Lima International Airport and transfer to your hotel. There you will receive a briefing on your tour; receive vouchers covering all the services included in your tour and additional information on the organisation of your Peru trip.

DAY 02: Lima: Sightseeing 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 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, Plaza Mayor, 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 the 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 the Chavin Culture, weavings from the 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 Perriods 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 II 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.
Evening free to rest as the next day our guide will pick you up early.

DAY 03: 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 Marine 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 04: 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 landscapes. 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 05: 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.
Evening free. We suggest to dinner at the hotel and have an early night as the next day you will have an early rise to begin your trip towards the Colca Canyon.

DAY 06: 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 (3180 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). The highest point of the road is at 4350 m.a.s.l.. We also see beautiful pre-Columbian terraces, still being cultivated by 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's 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 07: Colca: Condor Cross / Arequipa.- We leave early in the morning to the "Condor's Cross", where the biggest flying bird in the world can be usually seen soaring amongst the peaks. 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 08: Arequipa: Countryside / Cusco .- Breakfast. Then we shall leave towards 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.
Transfer to the Airport to board your departure flight to Cuzco. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast.

DAY 09: Cusco: Sightseeing Tour and Visit to Nearby Ruins.- Breakfast. 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 sightseeing 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 get ready to enjoy a dinner in a typical restaurant with a folklore show where the musicians play their melodies with Andean instruments of beautiful sounds while typically dressed dancers will show you different ancient Peruvian dances. The most enthusiastic spectators will be invited to form part of the show.

DAY 10: 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 Military, 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 11: 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 12: 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 Spring 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 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 stone emerging from the ground as if 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.

DAY 13: Cusco / Puno by bus.- Early departure by bus to the City of Puno, (3860 m.a.s.l.). 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. 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 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 Centre, 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.
Note : This regular bus journey is available on private transportation upon request.

DAY 14: 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 inhabitants 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 fiber 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 efficient and unique social systems down through the generations, as well as fine hand weaving techniques, .
It is necessary to go up a stairway of more than 567 steps - slabs 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 15: 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. 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.
Upon arrival in Lima, meet and transfer to your selected hotel. At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport to board your International homebound flight.

info@peruexpediciones.com

reservas@peruexpeciones.com

perutour@hotmail.com