15-Day Great Inca Expedition

Day 1 · Welcome to Lima.

1. 1

   Lima

   45 min

   Arrival in Lima, meet and greet at the airport, transfer to your hotel. Stay in Lima

1 night of accommodation in Lima. Lodging according chosen category.

Day 2 · Lima’s Historic Center and the Larco Museum

1. 1

   Plaza de Armas (Plaza Mayor)

   20 min

   historical Downtown Lima, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which awaits us full of stories of yesteryear.

2. 2

   Museo Larco

   2 hours Admission included

   Larco Museum, a place where we will get a clear vision of the different Cultures that existed in Ancient Perú. Expect to be astonished admiring the gold pieces, textiles and erotic pottery which are part of the collection that will introduce us to the cosmovision of the ancient Peru. The warehouse of this museum will be open during our visit so that we can appreciate the expressions of art that were reflected in their pottery.

3. 3

   Museo Catedral De Lima

   one hour Admission included

   Cathedral of Lima, where the crypt of the conquistador Francisco Pizarro is located.

4. 4

   Basilica y Monasterio de Santo Domingo

   one hour Admission included

   Convent of Santo Domingo, colonial architectural jewel where time seems to have stopped. In this place lie the mortal remains of Santa Rosa de Lima, San Martín de Porres and San Juan Masías, much worshiped saints. Inside we will find a great library that stores books printed in the XV century. At this convent the first University of America was established, San Marcos.

1 night of accommodation in Lima. Lodging according chosen category.

Day 3 · Nasca Lines, UNESCO Heritage

1. 1

   Nasca Lines

   1 h 30 min Admission not included

   Departure by bus going to the Paracas bay. Arrival and transfer to the Pisco airport to fly over the enigmatic Nasca lines, huge drawings that can only be appreciated from the air and represent a variety of insects and animals, such as the monkey, the hummingbird, the condor or the spider, it is believed to be an astronomy calendar designed by the ancient local people of the desert. Return to Ica. Transfer to the hotel. Free rest of the day to enjoy the hotel facilities and surrounding areas.

1 night of accommodation in Paracas. Lodging according chosen category.

Day 4 · Paracas National Reserve

1. 1

   Paracas

   2 hours

   Early in the morning we will make a marine excursion in motorboat to the Ballestas Islands. Along the way we will appreciate the “Candelabro”, a drawing carved on a sand hill facing the Pampa de Nasca. In the islands, we will watch Humboldt penguins and seals, besides migratory birds that live there. In the afternoon, departure by bus to Lima. Arrival and transfer to the hotel.

1 night of accommodation in Lima. Lodging according chosen category.

Day 5 · Arequipa, the White City

1. 1

   Arequipa

   4 hours

   Transfer to the airport. Departure to Arequipa. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, the “White City” opens its doors to us in a tour that starts in the beautiful colonial neighborhood of San Lázaro, the place where Arequipa was founded; from here we will walk thru its colorful streets adorned with geraniums and later we will go to the observation point of Carmen Alto, to enjoy a beautiful view of agricultural terraces and from there we will be able to observe the three volcanos towering over the city: Misti, Chachani and Picchu -Picchu. We continue towards the colonial district of Yanahuara, and its observation point. Later, we visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, impressive religious monument that was closed for nearly 400 years; with narrow streets, squares and gardens that remind us of the old neighborhoods of Sevilla or Granada. Next, we head towards the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and the Church of Jesus Company, established by the Jesuits in the XVII century,

1 night of accommodation in Arequipa. Lodging according chosen category.

Day 6 · The volcanos route, Pampa Cañahuas and Chivay

1. 1

   Colca Canyon

   5 hours Admission included

   Outing in an adventure by land towards the spectacular Colca Valley. We take the route of the volcanos, going up by the side of the Chachani volcano, and having a formidable view of the Misti and the Picchu volcanos. Our path will go across the vicuna reserve of Pampa Cañahuas, high Andean habitat where the vicunas live and are protected. The highest point of our trajectory will reach 4,900 m.a.s.l. in the pass of Patapampa, from there we can appreciate the active volcano Sabancaya. Descent to the Colca Valley. Arrival and lodging. Lunch at the hotel. Free time to rest or to enjoy a bath in the thermal waters in the area.

1 night of accommodation in Colca. Lodging according chosen category.

Day 7 · Colca Canyon, Observation point of the Cruz del Cóndor and Route to Puno

1. 1

   Colca Canyon

   5 hours

   At dawn, we head towards the observation point of the Cruz del Cóndor. We will be observing the imposing flight of the condors, huge Andean birds that are the symbol of the Andean countries. The view lets us appreciate the great dimension of the canyon, considered one of the world’s deepest canyons. We will visit the towns of Maca and Yanque that still preserve its colonial churches. Lunch in a restaurant in the area. In the afternoon, departure by bus in a 6 hour and a half trip to the city of Puno. Arrival, assistance, and transfer to the hotel.

1 night of accommodation in Puno. Lodging according chosen category.

Day 8 · The Titicaca Sacred Lake and its islands

1. 1

   Taquile Island

   6 hours Admission included

   In the morning, board a motorboat to visit the Uros, a town of people that sought refuge inside Lake Titicaca, fleeing the different cultures that arrived to dominate them. This community continues building their islands following the ancient techniques, and welcome us to pass on their knowledge. Its people make a living from its visitors. Continue sailing towards the Island of Taquile. The community of this island has maintained alive its traditions, clothes and way of life. It is one of the few Quechua communities in a region that is essentially Aymara, and they have kept unreachable to modernity and its possible effect on their lives. They will welcome us with their music and dances. Lunch at a community restaurant, a simple meal but very rich in nutrients. Afterwards, take a walk around the surrounding areas to appreciate the beautiful view of the Lake Titicaca. Return to the port of Puno. Transfer to the hotel.

1 night of accommodation in Puno. Lodging according chosen category.

Day 9 · Route of the Altiplano

1. 1

   La Raya Pass

   8 hours Admission included

   Tour bus to the city of Cusco.First stop at Lithic Museum of Pucara. It preserves the remains of the local culture; monolites, stelas and sculptures with animal shapes. This town is also famous for the toritos de Pucará (Pucara little bulls), beautiful multicolored handicrafts that symbolize protection, happiness and fertility. Our next stop will be in the highest point at 4,335 m.a.s.l. in La Raya, geographic division of the basin of the water from the Titicaca lake and from the Vilcanota river that will go to the Amazonas river basin. Lunch. We continue towards the town of Racchi, location of the temple of the god Wiracocha, the stone base of the huge columns and walls stand out and give us an idea of how majestic this small palace was. As our last stop, we visit the beautiful church of San Pedro Apóstol de Andahuaylillas, known as the “Sixtina de América” (The Sistine Chapel of America) for the paintings that adorn its ceilings and walls. Arrival to Cusco. Transfer to the hotel.

1 night of accommodation in Cusco. Lodging according chosen category.

Day 10 · Cusco, Capital of the Empire and the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman

1. 1

   Stop 1

   3 min

   In the morning, we will leave behind the crowds in order to visit Sacsayhuaman, an impressive citadel full of colossal constructions surrounded by beautiful landscape in total communion with the environment. Afterwards, we continue to the Inca adoratory of Q’enqo, with its surprising altar for sacrifices embedded in the internal part of its rocky formation. Finally, we arrive at the Puca Pucará lookout and Tambomachay, a monument of notable architectonic excellence which is considered one of the pillars of the Andean cosmovision.

2. 2

   Q'enqo

   30 min Admission included

   Q’enqo, with its surprising altar for sacrifices embedded in the internal part of its rocky formation.

3. 3

   Tambomachay

   one hour Admission included

   Tambomachay, a monument of notable architectonic excellence which is considered one of the pillars of the Andean cosmovision.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   30 min

   San Pedro Market, where we will absorb the local flavors and learn more about the products of the area in this market that has it all and supplies the entire city.

5. 5

   Mirador de San Cristobal

   15 min

   Plaza de San Cristóbal (San Cristobal Square) to enjoy a panoramic overview of the city.

6. 6

   Qorikancha

   one hour Admission included

   Qorikancha Temple will welcome us with all its splendor and magnificence, with walls that used to be covered in gold.

7. 7

   Calle Hatun Rumiyoc

   30 min

   From San Blas, the artisans’ neighborhood, we will walk down the street Hatun Rumiyoc finding in our way the palace Inca Roca, today´s Archbishops Palace, and we will have time to admire the world famous Twelve Angled Stone.

8. 8

   Cusco Cathedral

   one hour Admission included

   We will continue to the Plaza de Armas to visit The Cathedral that houses colonial works of incredible value.

1 night of accommodation in Cusco. Lodging according chosen category.

Day 11 · Sacred Valley: Inca and Colonial Pisac, Inkariy Museum and Yucay Live Culture Center

1. 1

   Pisac

   1 h 30 min

   The Sacred Valley of the Incas receives us in this day. Our first stop will be at the Inca village of Pisac, one of the most beautiful archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley. From the top of the mountain there is a great view of the colonial village of Pisac.

2. 2

   Pisac Market

   one hour

   Walk through the colonial village. Time for shopping at the artisan workshops.

3. 3

   Museo Inkariy

   one hour Admission included

   Later, tour of the Inkariy Museum to visit the different halls with exhibits of representations of the pre-Hispanic cultures of ancient Peru. Lunch.

4. 4

   Yucay Museo de Cultura Viva

   one hour Admission included

   Visit to the Yucay Live Culture Center, tourist complex were the local settlers will show us their techniques of weaving and dying of traditional textiles, making of the adobes, preparation of the traditional chicha, a drink made of corn, and a close encounter with the Andean camels: llamas and alpacas.

1 night of accommodation in Sacred Valley. Lodging according chosen category.

Day 12 · Sacred Valley: Moray Terraces, Maras Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo Living Inca Village

1. 1

   Maras Moray Tours

   one hour Admission included

   This day will take us to find marvelous places in this region of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The Inca Terraces of Moray, a lab that was looking to re-create 20 different microclimates and secure the agricultural production of the empire.

2. 2

   Salinas de Maras

   one hour Admission included

   Continue towards the Village of Maras, tour of the famous and ancient salt mines, which still are exploited since immemorial times. The contrast between the white wells and the clayey land makes this landscape into a place not to be missed for taking pictures. Lunch.

3. 3

   Archaeological Park Ollantaytambo

   2 hours Admission included

   In the afternoon, tour of the streets, plazas and terraces of the last Inca living village of Ollantaytambo. Enter the archaeological site that dominates the village, where we will see the technique that the Incas used to work on the stones in the Sun temple that was left half built. At the proper time, embark from the village train station to arrive at the town of Machu Picchu, located at the foot of the mountain. Overnight stay in the area.

1 night of accommodation in Aguas Calientes. Lodging according chosen category.

Day 13 · Machu Picchu, the Lost City

1. 1

   Machupicchu

   5 hours Admission included

   The much-awaited day to visit one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Boarding at the Ollantaytambo station. Departure in the selected train. Arrival at the Machu Picchu station. Assistance, from our staff to board the bus that will ascend up a winding road, with a spectacular view of the Urubamba river which forms a deep canyon. The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, will greet us with its incredible terraces, staircases, ceremonial sites and urban areas. Energy exudes from the whole place. Lunch. At the coordinated time, return by train and transfer to the hotel in Cusco.

1 night of accommodation in Cusco. Lodging according chosen category.

Day 14 · Cusco at your Pace

1. 1

   Cusco

   one hour

   Free day. Cusco offers many cultural, archaeological and adventure-oriented activities. Reserve the activities with anticipation. We recommend:

   Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain. Located at 5000 m.a.s.l. in the heights of the Valley of the Vilcanota River in the mountain range of the Ausangate snowcapped mountain, this beautiful mountain has become one of the main attractions and great wonders of Cusco.

   Kayak in the Huaypo Lake. One day of contact with our inner being, paddling in a kayak on the Huaypo Lake with the snowcapped mountains as the backdrop. A moment to relax and let the silence invade and renew our energy. Lunch on the lake banks.

1 night of accommodation in Cusco. Lodging according chosen category.

Day 15 · Farewell day

1. 1

   Lima

   Passing by

   Transfer to the airport and flight to Lima. Arrival, assistance and transfer to the hotel. Free rest of the day to discover the city. Stay in Lima