Peru Inti Raymi & Archaeology a taste of the Peruvian culture This Peruvian adventure is a taste of culture, architecture and history. Everything what you should have seen in Peru is included in the journey from nature and wildlife to food and archaeology. Travel from Lima along the coast to Lake Titicaca, which is the world s highest navigable lake. The journey continues through the mountains with the Inti Raymi Festival and the famous ancient Inca city: Machu Picchu which will be visit not once but twice! During the journey, you will get immersed with the culture and traditions of the Inca s. Day 1: 6 June 2018 (Wednesday) Lima Welcome to Lima, the capital of the cultural Peru. Upon your arrival at the airport we provide a transfer to your hotel which is arranged by us and where you have a for a pre-trip briefing. For the rest of the day go on an orientation tour of Miraflores, a gourmand neighbourhood of Lima. Take advantages of Peru s national dish, ceviche, in one of the local restaurants. Overnight in Lima (Hotel Antigua Miraflores or similar) - There are no meals included on this day Day 2: 7 June 2018 (Thursday) Alameda de Chabuca Granda A tour is provided through the city s old streets with all the historical churches and places. Walk from the Plaza Mayor with the Cathedral of Lima to the San Francisco Monastery and continue to the Central Market with a variety of fresh food and the local delicacy, el cuy. From there on we visit the next area: Alameda de Chabuca Granda where you can try some authentic Peruvian desserts that you definitely have to try during your stay in Lima. Overnight in Lima (Hotel Antigua Miraflores or similar) Breakfast is included
Day 3: 8 June 2018 (Friday) Paracas In the morning, a transfer in the mini-van is provided to coastal Paraces. Enjoy the 3-4 hours journey with the scenery of Peru its country side. When arrived in Paracas you are free to explore the city for the rest of the day. Museu JC Tello is really worth a visit. It shows a huge collection of art of the Paracas culture. Overnight in Paracas (Hotel San Agustin Paracas hotel or similar) Breakfast is included Day 4: 9 June 2018 (Saturday) Ballestas Islands The early rise for the excursion to the Ballestas Islands is definitely worth it as you can see a huge amount of wildlife such as flamingos, pelicans, sea lions and penguins as well. The boat tour brings to close to the wildlife. Try to spot the famous candelabra into the sandy hills. At the end of the morning, you travel by a private van to Nazca. Visit the oasis town of Huachachina and see the mysterious Nasca lines yourself when you stand on the viewing platform during the stopover. In the evening, try the pachamanca meal which is provided for you. This meal is made by the traditional baking method over hot stones. Overnight in Nazca (Hotel Majoro or similar) Breakfast and dinner are included Day 5: 10 June 2018 (Sunday) Flight over the Huachachina Yesterday you have seen the Nazca Lines from the platform but today you will see them from above during a flight over the lines. Afterwards, a drive in the private van of approximately 8 9 hours brings you to Arequipa. For the rest of the day you are free to explore the city, go for a walk or watch the Volcanic El Misit that dominates the city skyline. Overnight in Arequipa (Hotel Casa Andina or similar) Breakfast is included Day 6: 11 June 2018 (Monday) Arequipa The planning of today is to explore the city Arequipa that begins with a walking tour. Walk into the Jesuit Iglesia de La Compania where you can find the San Ignacio Chapel. Where it has been covered in mystery for the public until 1970, nowadays the allows you to wander along the beautiful courtyards. Overnight in Arequipa (Hotel Casa Andina or similar) Breakfast is included
Day 7: 12 June (Tuesday) Colca Valley We are leaving Arequipa behind us and travel further through the altiplano, views of remarkable woodlands, llamas grazing along the road and Peru s indigenous people that have built stone cairns, to the Colca Canyon. On the highest point of the valley, the scenery is breath taking as it has a rocky landscape below and in the distance, the snow-capped Nevado Ampato Volcano can be seen. Be lucky and spot an Andean Condor, this is one of the largest flying birds in the world. The Peruvians culture is reflected in the locals with their colourful dresses and their alpacas who are on the way to the market. From here on, we drive to Chivay which features some hot springs. Want to experience the real Peruvian culture? Visit the local pena in the evening and enjoy the show with some Peruvian s music and dances Overnight in Chivay (Hotel Eco inn or similar) Breakfast is included Day 8: 13 June (Wednesday) Puno If yesterday was not your lucky day, there is still a chance to spot the Andean Condors at the Condor Viewpoint this morning. After lunch, the journey continues with a stopover at Sillustan, which is a pre-incan civilisation cemetery, to Puno. In this place, the Aymara and Quechuan India culture are melted together. Wander around and catch breath taking views over Puno and Lake Titicaca on the top of the Mirador El Condor. Overnight in Puno (Hotel Hacienda Puno or similar) Breakfast is included Day 9: 14 June (Thursday) Suasi Island Step on the boat and cruise around Lake Titicaca, float by the Uros Islands and explore the floating villages. Stop at Taquile island where the men knit the local woollen handicrafts while the women spin the wool. When the sun sets down, the private island of Suasi is the last stop which is at the same time the sleeping place for the two coming nights. Catch the opportunity to learn more about the history of the area in the island s cultural museum the next morning. After the visit, it is time to see step in a canoe and pass totora reeds while observing the birds. This is not the only sportive thing that is planned for today. Before standing on the highest point of the island, an easy late-afternoon walk will be done in approx. 1 2 hours which is definitely worth it. Enjoy the beautiful landscape and watch a sunset that will be unforgettable and that all while having a picnic with drinks on the top. 2 overnights in an Eco lodge on Suasi Island all meals are included these two days
Day 11: 16 June (Saturday) Puno Back in Puno explore the port town while having a free evening. Relax, have dinner in a local restaurant or grab a drink. Puno is also the folklore capital of Peru with having many colourful festival throughout the year. Overnight in Puno (Hotel Hacienda Puno or similar) Breakfast is included Day 12: 17 June (Sunday) Cuzco In approximately 6 hours, a local bus brings the group from Puno through the altiplano to the oldest inhabited city of South America. Once it was the capital of the Inca Empire before the Spanish took it over. The combination of both cultures can be seen back in the heart and soul of Peru nowadays. Wander around and take a look at the ancient temples and the walls line built by the Incas. The next day, it is a free day to discover the city of Cuzco yourself. The city is known for the archaeological remains of the Incas and the colonial architecture of the Spanish. Begin at the Plaza de Armas where the walk continues to one of museums in town. Here you can find some archaeological gold pieces. More in for an adventure? Stretch your legs and walk 2 km uphill on the ruin of Sacsayhuaman and enjoy some great views over Cuzco on the ruins. 2 overnights in San Agustin Plaza hotel or similar Breakfast is included both days Day 14: 19 June (Tuesday) Sacred Valley The Sacred Valley was a long time the main resource of food in the high Andes which is the first destination of today. Here are the fortress ruins of Sacsayhuaman situated as well if you stayed in the city the day before there is another chance to visit it. From there on, the bus takes you to a nearby local community included with a lunch. Do not forget to visit the market with its hand painted beads and ponchos which is a nice souvenir to bring back home. More ruins and great photo opportunities are coming in the next town, Ollantaytambo. The day ends in Aguas Calientes which is a town s hot spring situated at the foot of Machu Picchu. A train brings you there within 90 minutes. Overnight in Hotel Hatun Inti or similar Breakfast and lunch are included today
Day 15: 20 June (Wednesday) Machu Picchu Today is the day to visit the Machu Picchu, one of the biggest reason for many people to visit Peru or South America. The famous ruins of the lost city are hidden behind forested mountains and clouds which it makes a more remarkable destination. A guided tour gives more information about the history and people of the region. Nowadays the purpose of the city is still a big mystery. Maybe you will figure it out as there is some free time after the tour to explore the site on your own. The next morning it is going to be an early morning and head back to Machu Picchu. The site looks even more spectacular in the morning. Explore the site even better without the crowds. Do not forget to visit the Temple of the sun and observe the winter solstice with its special shades. Later this day, head back to Cuzco with the bus and train 1 overnight in Hotel Hatun Inti or similar Breakfast is included 1 overnight in San Agustin Plaza or similar Breakfast is included Day 17: 22 June (Friday) Maras and Moray The first day back in Cuzco, a visit to Maras and Moray is planned. The small-town Maras features salt mines and pools, all from the Incan times. From Maras, travel to Moray which is an Inca archaeological site with concentric terraces. Both sites include a guided tour. Overnight in San Agustin Plaza or similar Breakfast is included Day 18 23 June (Saturday) Inti Raymi Festival Today the Inti Raymi Festival in Cuzco starts. The whole city is filled with colours, music and dancing, especially around Plaza de Armas. Do not miss the highlight of the day, the lighting of the sacred fire; Mosoq Willka Ninna Papichy. And if you dare, join the Quechua singing contest. The Inti Raymi opening ceremony begins in the Qorikancha Temple the next morning. The introduction is done in native Quechua language and welcome the four main regions of the empire. The representatives of the four different tribes dance and march on the Plaza de Armas where the audience walks to after the introduction. A bus transfer is arranged to Sacsayhuaman where the main event takes place of the festival. Here they sacrifice the mock and do an offering to the sun. As It is all finished around 4 pm, the group heads back to Cuzco for a final pisco sour as it is the last night of spectacular journey through Peru. 2 overnights in San Agustin Plaza hotel or similar Breakfast is included both days and lunch only the 2 nd day
Day 20 25 June (Monday) Lima The group heads to the airport for a flight back to Lima which is included. After arriving at the hotel, time to explore the city again or just relax along the city s waterfront. Enjoy an optional group dinner and as the Peruvian adventure comes to an end it is time to look back on the great journey of the last two weeks together with a final Peruvian feast. After breakfast, there is the option to flight out of Lima anytime you want or we can book extra accommodation for you if you want to explore more of the city when you book the trip (subject to availability) Overnight in Antigua Miraflores or similar Breakfast is included both days Included: Accommodation, daily breakfast, other meals where stated, tours with professional English speaking guide on a shared service basis unless otherwise stated, airport transfers where stated Excluded: Any meals not mentioned in the above itinerary. Travel Insurance and tips. Any flights or services not mentioned in this itinerary. Please Note: This itinerary and/or hotels quoted within this itinerary may change due to local operating conditions or availability at the time of booking. Please see our terms and conditions for more details. As this trip requires a minimum of 4 passengers to depart. Please do not book any nonrefundable flights or services before the departure is guaranteed to depart. Please note that all flights are non-refundable and non-changeable unless advised otherwise. Viva Expeditions accepts no responsibility for flight delays and subsequent delays on tours. Please be aware that many of our products are operated in US Dollars and therefore subject to currency fluctuations. Viva Expeditions will do its upmost to avoid passing on any additional charges however if there is a significant change in exchange rates then we will be required to add a currency surcharge without warning. If you would like to remove this currency risk you do have the option of paying in full at the time of booking. Additionally if you have booked one of our cruise products - be aware that many operators also reserve the right to apply fuel surcharges dependant on the price of crude oil. Final payment on bookings are generally due 95 days prior to departure Pre-booking Advice Please click on the below link which includes some detailed information on common destinations. Please read this information prior to approving your quote with your sales consultant as the items mentioned in this document can be difficult (and/or expensive) to change after your booking is confirmed. Itinerary Planning Advice Important Information on Facebook and Twitter For more inspiration, great images and interesting Latin America and Antarctic updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.