INTI, HIGHLIGHTS OF PERÚ Arequipa, Titicaca Lake and Machu Picchu ITINERARY SUMMARY DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN LIMA DAY 02: LIMA AREQUIPA FLIGHT. AREQUIPA CITY: HISTORICAL DOWNTOWN DAY 03: AREQUIPA COLCA CANYON DAY 04: CRUZ DEL CONDOR VIEWPOINT. CHIVAY/PUNO BUS DAY 05: TITICACA LAKE: UROS AMANTANI DAY 06: TAQUILE - PUNO DAY 07: PUNO/CUSCO BUS DAY 08: CUSCO CITY AND SURROUNDINGS: SAQSAYHUAMAN, Q ORIQANCHA DAY 09: SACRED VALLEY: MARAS MORAY CHINCHEROS DAY 10: OLLANTAYTAMBO. TRAIN TO MACHU PICCHU DAY 11: MACHU PICCHU. TRAIN TO CUSCO. OPTIONAL HUAYNAPICCHU DAY 12: CUSCO LIMA. INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE DETAILED ITINERARY DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN LIMA Arrival in Lima. We will pick you up at the airport and transfer to your hotel. We will welcome you and deliver the necessary documentation, and we will do a detailed review of the program. Overnight in Lima Meals: None Private transfer.
DAY 02: LIMA AREQUIPA FLIGHT. AREQUIPA CITY: HISTORICAL DOWNTOWN. We arrive to Arequipa (2350 meters above the sea level) approximately at 7 am. Our representative will pick you up from Airport and accompany you to your hotel*. We will delivery all necessary information and we will review together the program. *Depending on the time of your arrival it will be needed an early check-in at the hotel (ask for supplements). Arequipa is a city of colonial origin with its own strong identity and an interesting and well-preserved architectural heritage. Its main houses are located in the historic area, which can be reached by foot. Many of its houses are built with Sillar, a white volcanic stone, for this reason it is known as the "white city. The whole area is surrounded by volcanoes and one of them, the Misti ("Lord" in quechua), dominates over the city. In the morning or afternoon (decided locally), accompanied by our tour guide, we will visit the Carmen Alto and Yanahuara viewpoints where we can see the landscape of the valley and the surrounding volcanoes. We will then walk the downtown area and the main square. We will stop to see the Cathedral with its imposing towers and the Jesuit Church of the Company of Jesus with its baroque style a representation of the seventeenth century. This Main Square, (one of the best of the continent) which is still the point of social life. Only a couple of blocks away, the convent of Santa Catalina occupy an entire walled block. In the past was the home of over 400 recluse nuns, many of them belonged to high society? These days the number has been reduced to less than thirty the chapel, cloisters and rooms are connected by a maze of colorful alleyways offering a fascinating view of how the nuns used to live: A city within a city. The City of Arequipa is a World Heritage Site since 2002. Overnight in Arequipa Meals: B Services on private basis. DAY 03: AREQUIPA COLCA CANYON We will pick you up at the hotel at 7:30 am to travel a 160 kilometers to the village of Chivay, capital of the Caylloma Province. This road will give us the opportunity to observe the impressive geological formation of the Andes Mountains. On our way to "Pampa Cañahuas" which is in the Natural Reserve of Salinas and Aguada Blanca, we will see the Misti, Chachani and Pichupichu volcanoes. In Pampa Cañahuas" we will stop to see groups of vicuña in their wildlife. The vicuña is a threatened species that has been hunted to near extinction and is now protected by the Peruvian Government in this National Reserve. We will have reached an altitude of 3,400 meters above sea level. Continuing our journey we will get to "Pata Wasi (Pata = high. Wasi = home), an Andean community located on the opposite side of the reserve where we will see interesting rock formations and the back side of the Misti and Chachani volcanoes. To prevent altitude sickness we will take a "Mate de Coca" (coca leaf tea) at a local restaurant. Then we will continue the journey passing through the area of "Tocra" ( 4,500 meters above the sea level) we will have left behind lagoons
inhabited by migratory birds and an extensive view of the plateau that is visited by groups of grazing llamas and wild guanacos. Our highest point is " Pata Pampa " ( Pata = high, Pampa = ground ) located at 4,850 meters above the sea level from where you can see the Chila Mountains in which the Ampato, Sabancaya, Hualca Hualca,and the Misti (the source of the Amazon River) volcanoes can be observed. Approaching the village of Chivay (3,651 meters above the sea level) on our way down we will see the multicolored terraces of the COLCA Valley. At Chivay we will go to the traditional village of Coporaque, where we will have lunch (not included). After lunch (optional), the guide will offer us a walk through Coporaque and its main square, the ruins of San Antonio to visit an old cemetery with an excellent view of the Pre-Inca terraces of the canyon (about 60 minutes walk), la Calera with natural hot springs where we can bath. (Tickets and towels are not included). At the end of the day we will go back to the hotel. Overnight in Colca Meals: B Services on privat or shared basis. DAY 04: CRUZ DEL CONDOR VIEWPOINT. CHIVAY/PUNO BUS After an early breakfast we will go to "Mirador de la Cruz del Condor, where we can appreciate the depth of the Colca canyon, a canyon twice as deep as the Nortn America s Grand Canyon. If the weather allows it we can see the spectacular flight of the Condor, a bird considered a sacred in Inca culture. Then our guide will take us for a short walk (about an hour) through the margin of the canyon. in our way back to Chivay we will visit the traditional village of Pinchollo and the Antahuilque viewpoint where we find wonderful terraces about 1,500 years old built by the Collagua people ( Pre Inca ). Within the terraces we will stop at the Choquetico viewpoint where we could see "hanging graves and Lito model engraved with the picture of the terraces. We will have a brief visit to the town of Maca, its church is considered the most beautiful church of the valley. Return to Chivay, lunch in town (not included). After lunch, approximately at 13:30 pm, we will depart to the city of Puno which we will reach at 20:30 hrs. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred directly to the hotel. Overnight in Puno Meals: B Services on private or shared basis. Chivay-Puno bus shared basis only. DAY 05: TITICACA LAKE: UROS - AMANTANI This day we will visit the legendary Lake Titicaca, a gigantic portion of the sea captured to 3.965 meters high, making it the highest navigable lake in the world. In this Peruvian plateau area the Pukara culture was developed and later the Tiahuanaco culture. The Inca myths place their origins in this lake held sacred by many people throughout Peru.
We will leave Puno city to go to the port of Puno (3,800 m above sea level). We will start our journey by motor boat that will allow us to see the vastness and beauty of Lake Titicaca. Quechua and Aymara populations who inhabit its shores and small islands live from fishing, agriculture and many of them of tourism. The clear, cold and dry sky will give us some unforgettable sunsets and sunrises. The first destination will be the Uros floating islands and their community, one of the oldest in the continent. Although today it is said that little remains of the original Uros, their descendants have certainly known preserved techniques to twist and shape the reeds of the region Totora as a remarkable cultural legacy. With them they create huge floating islands on which their homes, schools, medical centers are built. We will continue our journey to the Amantani Island, inhabited by 800 families grouped in peasant and textile community. We will arrive at 13:00 hrs. And have lunch at a local family home. In the afternoon we will start a trek that will take us to the highest point of the island on the Llacastiti Mountain from where we will watch a breathtaking sunset. After dinner we will have a small gathering at a local community where we will share, dance and talk with the hosting families. Overnight with a hosting family Meals: B, L, D Services on private or shared basis. Traditional wooden motorboat. DAY 06: AMANTANI ISLAND TAQUILE - PUNO We will have an early breakfast. (8:00 am) and then leave to the island of Taquile for a boat ride trip that will take about 40 minutes. Taquile has approximately 1,200 inhabitants and a rich textile tradition. Since tourism development on the island, some taquileños offer accommodations, meals at restaurants and transportation boats. We will arrive at the island on the north pier and walk an hour to the village where we will have lunch. Later on the opposite side of the island we will descend 530 steps until the dock. We will return in the same boat towards Puno. Overnight in Puno Meals: B, L Services on private or shared basis. Traditional wooden motorboat. DAY 07: PUNO / CUSCO BUS Early in the morning, we will head to the bus station. Departure to Cusco at 7:30 am on a tour bus with onboard service. The trip takes eight hours, but our stops and the passages that we take will make this a fun and rewarding day trip. We will have guided tour to the museum of Pukara, passing by La Raya (highest path 4,335 mts over sea level), the archaeological complex of Raqchi and Andahuaylillas temple. Then, we will approach to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and one of the most important cities of the Viceroyalty of Peru. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO. Arrival in Cusco (3,399 mts above sea level). We will be in dry season from April to August, it will be really cold in the mornings and freezing in the evenings. Reception at the bus station and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Cusco. Meals: B Services on shared basis only. Tours and museum entrances included in Bus ticket. DAY 08: CUSCO CITY AND SURROUNDINGS: SAQSAYHUAMAN, Q ORIQANCHA Today we will leave the city heading to Sacsayhuaman, an imposing Inca building that dominates Cusco from the north heights of the city. We will visit Puca Pucara, Tambomachay And Q'enko;all these archaeological sites will help us understand the history and Inca Cosmo vision as they are related to the cults of the Inca state and the astronomical observation, critical to the development of the agricultural economy in the Andes. In our way back, we will visit two important sites of the city; The Cathedral and the Qoricancha Temple of the Sun which is the true sacred center of the ancient Inca capital.
Overnight in Cusco. Meals: B Services on private or shared basis. DAY 09: SACRED VALLEY: MARAS MORAY - CHINCHERO Today we headed to the impressive salt mines of Maras, actively in use to the present day. We will see how the villagers removed the salt with a technique inherited from generation to generation since pre -Inca times, using the underground salty water, which are distributed in thousands of wells to facilitate the evaporation of water in order to abstract salt. Then we will go to Moray, an ancient agricultural laboratory located 7 Kilometers from Maras. On natural giant crevices called Dolinas, the Incas and their predecessors built a series of terraces or concentric terraces with their respective irrigation canals; what is striking is the difference in the average annual temperature between the top and the bottom of the terraces and in each of the levels. It is a difference that reaches up to 15 C. As a result, each year they could plan and control agricultural production throughout the territory, characterized by large differences in altitude and climate variability. Here is where amazing advances in agriculture allowed the expansion of the Inca state If time allows, we will stop at Chinchero village. The village has a colonial church built on the former palace of Tupac Inca Yupanqui (important Inca ruler). It keeps some original features that contrast and enhance the beauty of the main square, inside there are murals and paintings from the classic colonial age, full of symbolism and history. But the most remarkable are the weaver women of Chinchero, whose weaves keeps the history alive through organic designs that tell the past with colors produced with natural ingredients. More than a poncho, a tablecloth or dress, the fabrics are the way to express their wisdom, in every design they express a clear understanding regarding the reproductive cycle of cattle, agriculture and the all-around nature; they express their vision and love. Until a few years ago this tradition was in danger of falling into disuse, but the valuable work of a group of people led by Nilda Cañaupa has helped to restore and strengthen this tradition restoring its value, and allowing the weavers to offer their products at a fair price. Throughout the village there are several open workshops who teach the process of production. Visits are free of charge, but a purchase is expected and gratuities are accepted. Overnight in Cusco / Meals: B Services on private or shared basis. DAY 10: OLLANTAYTAMBO. TRAIN TO MACHU PICCHU Today we will have free time to enjoy the citadel of Ollantaytambo and the fortress* that guards the small Inca origin town, the valley, the river, and the narrow streets; and get a clear idea of how was this military, religious and cultural center during the Inca Empire. The cobbled streets with houses and tiled roofs are endearing. In the afternoon, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu from the Ollantaytambo train station. The trip last approximately. 1:45 h. Aguas Calientes is at the base of the mountain on which the sacred city of Machu Picchu is located. * Admission ticket to the fortress included in the BTC (Cusco Tourist Ticket). Our destination, Machu Picchu, still keeps many mysteries. Nowadays we know from archaeological research that most likely it was a place of sacred and religious nature built by the Inca Pachacutec. It was dedicated to the surrounding mountains, mainly the Salkantay Mountain and to astronomical observation which was very important in the pre-columbian Peru. Archaeological findings show significant presence of female remains, possibly priestesses. The sophisticated carved stones, architecture and engineering, are a supreme expression of the Incas technological achievements. Excavations go on and every day we discover something new about this unique place. People think that somewhere in the city the tomb of Pachacutec (the most important ruler of the Incas) can be found. Overnight in Aguas Calientes Meals: B Train in Expedition service. (see supplements for up-grades).
Day 11: MACHU PICCHU. TRAIN TO CUSCO. OPTIONAL HUAYNAPICCHU From Aguas Calientes we will take a bus to the citadel of Machu Picchu ascending 400 m using a zigzag road for about 30 minutes. We will arrive at the sanctuary of Machu Picchu where we will have a guided tour (Approx. 2 hours). We will visit the Main Square, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sundial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the cemeteries; then we will still have time to explore the archaeological site at our own leisure. In the afternoon we will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes where we will have a meal at a local restaurant (not included). A specific hour and a meeting point will be set in the town of Aguas Calientes where we will board the train back to Cusco. In the afternoon we will board the train back to Cusco*. We will arrive to Poroy station and transfer to your hotel. * Budget option taking the train to Ollantaytambo and then a bus to Cusco Plaza del Regocijo. Optional Huaynapicchu: After the tour we ll still have time to climb Huayna Picchu, the mountain overlooking Machu Picchu, which takes approximately 90 minutes to climb. Although it is not a difficult hike, it is necessary to be in good physical condition. Alternatively for another spectacular climb which is less steep, Machu Picchu Mountain offers incredible views. Both also need permits to enter which need to be booked in advance. Please do let us know if you would like to prepurchase these. Overnight in Cusco Meals: B Services on private or shared basis. DAY 12: CUSCO LIMA. INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE In the morning we will take the flight to Lima. And make the connection to the international flight. -. Meals: B Private transfer. END OF THE ITINERARY B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; BL: Boxed Lunch; D: Dinner The BTC or Cusco Tourist Ticket, allows you the entrance to 16 places surrounding Cusco and Sacred Valley. INCLUDED Local flights Reception and transfer from/ to airport to hotel and Bus Terminals.
Heart Tourist Bus to Puno/Cusco Expedition Train to Machu Picchu: Ollantaytambo / Aguas Calientes / Cusco. Entries to each archaeological site and/or natural reserves included in the trip. Official local guide All meals included in the program (excepted when the pickup is before the hotel breakfast) BTG (Cusco Tourist Ticket) BTC (Colca Tourist Ticket) Printed local flights boardingpass (and International flight too if locator is sent) Follow up phone service and 24 hours emergency phone NOT INCLUDED Entrance to Cusco or Arequipa Cathedral Entrance to Huaynapicchu Mountain Tips Overweight Luggage Meals not specified in the program Personal expenses and any other items not specified in the program. Travel insurance LIABILITY All itineraries are subject to our Terms and Conditions. You can read them in the link below: http://arawiperu.com/?p=350 DESIGN AND TECHNICAL ORGANIZATION Arawi Perú Expediciones Av. Primavera 1771, oficina 15, 2do piso Lima 33, Perú T: +511 6749371 (Lima office) +51 +51 978210309 (Lima mobile) +34 656 914 266 (Barcelona mobile) www.arawiperu.com Information and reserves on this route: info@arawiperu.com RUC: 20555149507 Registered in the National Directory of Qualified Tourism Services of Foreign Trade and Tourism Ministry; and registered in the TOUR OPERATORS SPECIAL LIST BY SUNAT. info@arawiperu.com Ι www.arawiperu.com