Peru: 14 days in the heart of the unmissable

Beschrijving van de reis

Accommodatie

Programma van het verblijf

• dag 1

  Arrival in Lima

  Welcome to the Peruvian capital, Lima. The former City of Kings preserves its colonial past and its beauty. Today, Lima is one of the world’s leading culinary destinations. You will enjoy unforgettable Peruvian meals, which combine unique flavors from various Peruvian regions and cultures. We welcome you at the airport and drive you to the hotel.

• dag 2

  Explore Lima with a Special City Tour

  

  Today, we explore the magnificent Peruvian capital! One of the highlights is the Convent and Church of San Francisco, the largest complex of colonial art in America. The residential districts are also attractive, e.g. Barranco and Miraflores, where you can visit the modern Larcomar shopping center, near the coastline, as well as the magnificent green spaces along the boulevards. We see the ceremonial and administrative center “Huaca Pucllana”, considered by the Incas to be a sacred village. In Lima’s historic center, visit the Paseo de la República, Plaza San Martín, Plaza Mayor, the Government House, the Basilica, the Archbishop’s House, the Municipality, as well as the oldest streets, with colonial mansions and Moorish-style balconies. In the afternoon, we travel along the Peruvian coast to Paracas.

• dag 3

  See Penguins at the Ballestas Islands and go sandboarding

  

  During the boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, in the morning, you can see the Candelabro, the famous geoglyph near the beach, as well as the group of rocky islands, habitat of sea lions, Humboldt penguins and many types of birds. Ica and the nearby oasis of Huacachina, not so far from Paracas, offer superb opportunities for sandboarding and a fun buggy excursion. After this adventure, we will continue the journey to Nazca, where we will check in at our hotel.

• dag 4

  See the mysterious and enigmatic Nazca Lines from the sky

  

  A visit to the mysterious Nazca Lines is an extraordinary experience. The lines, some of which are more than 2,000 years old, have puzzled historians for centuries. To date, there is no unanimous agreement on how they were created or on the reasons for their creation. A flight over the Nazca Lines is an excellent experience for travelers who want to discover the lines and their history. We continue our journey further south to the white city of Arequipa (day or night bus).

• dag 5

  Explore the impressive colonial city of Arequipa

  

  Today, discover this magnificent colonial city. Don’t miss the Plaza de Armas, the impressive church, San Francisco Square, the dome of La Compañía de Jesús, the elegant colonial houses and the unforgettable convent of Santa Catalina, characterized by its narrow streets and the different styles that were famous in the 16th century. Although thousands of tourists visit Arequipa each year, it remains preserved and authentic. Almost all the hotels, restaurants and cafés are located in magnificent old buildings, witnesses to centuries of impressive architecture. The convent of Santa Catalina de Siena is located at 301 Santa Catalina Street, Arequipa. It is a few blocks from the magnificent Plaza de Armas of Arequipa, considered one of the most beautiful in all of Peru, and accessible on foot.

• dag 6

  See stunning scenery and alpacas in the Colca Canyon

  

  Today, we wake up early and explore the magnificent Colca Canyon. On the way to Colca Canyon, we will see incredible landscapes, beautiful terraces and snow-capped volcanoes, including Arequipa’s Misti Volcano, at 5,825 meters above sea level. You will pass through reserves where rare vicuñas live (Peru’s national animal, similar to the alpaca). The highest point of our trip will be 4,910 meters, at Patapampa. We check in at our hotel in the picturesque village of Chivay.

• dag 7

  Watch Condors in the Colca Canyon

  

  We wake up very early the next day to have the best chances of seeing condors at the Choquetico viewpoint. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Colca Canyon and, with a bit of luck, see the impressive Andean condors soaring above the canyon. On the way back to Chivay, explore the pre-Inca tombs hidden in the mountainside and visit the « Litomaquetas », the clock tower of the terraces. Along the route, there are three unique traditional villages where you can take a closer look at local crafts and customs. After lunch, we travel further on to Puno.

• dag 8

  Live with a local family on the beautiful island in Lake Titicaca

  

  Today is the first day of our 2-day tour on Lake Titicaca. We will visit the famous floating islands of the Uros and Taquile, one of the most beautiful islands in the region. The island’s inhabitants produce magnificent textiles, such as hats, ponchos and blouses. Spending the night on one of the islands with a local family is an unforgettable experience. Amantani is another beautiful island, offering many magnificent viewpoints and incredible handicrafts.

• dag 9

  Another boat trip across the vast waters of Lake Titicaca

  

  The next day, you travel to the island of Taquile, known for its magnificent landscapes and its unique textile traditions. The local weaving techniques are recognized by UNESCO as being part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. After exploring the island and enjoying a traditional lunch (optional), you return by boat to Puno. Hotel in Puno or night bus to Cusco.

• dag 10

  Admire the Peruvian highlands between Puno and Cusco

  Today, we travel overland from Puno to Cusco in a luxury tour coach. There are several bus stops along the way. This Ruta del Sol (Route of the Sun) is a scenic route, turning a journey of about 10 hours into an immersive sightseeing excursion featuring ancient ruins, mountain passes, and a buffet lunch. We visit, among others, Andahuaylillas and the San Pedro church, often called the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas" for its beautifully ornate interior. Check-in at your hotel in Cusco.

• dag 11

  Be impressed by the Story of the Gold in Temple of the Sun

  

  Explore the city of Cusco! In Cusco, the capital of the former Inca Empire, you will not want to miss the impressive colonial Cusco Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas, as well as Qoricancha, the Temple of the Sun — the main religious center of the Incas, dedicated to the worship of the Sun God. According to chroniclers, the walls of this temple were once entirely covered with gold plates. Only 8 km from Cusco, you will find magnificent Inca ruins: Sacsayhuamán — famous for its huge carved stones — Quenqo, Tambomachay and Puka Pukara.

• dag 12

  Let's Visit the Spectacular Sacred Valley of the Incas

  

  Nestled in the heart of the Andes of Peru, the spectacular Sacred Valley was originally the heart of the Inca Empire. This magical valley is long and narrow, stretching from Urcos, narrowing at Ollantaytambo, then continuing on to Machu Picchu. The Sacred Valley is a wonderful place to soak up Peruvian culture in a magnificent setting. In Pisac, we visit the colorful traditional market or the Inca ruins; there is time for lunch in Urubamba. Ollantaytambo is a small town full of Inca architecture and an impressive fortress. Ollantaytambo has a small station where we will board a train to Machu Picchu.

• dag 13

  A dream come true: Machu Picchu in the morning light

  

  Today is the day of our breathtaking excursion to Machu Picchu, one of the most fabulous places in the world. An impressive mountain setting surrounds Machu Picchu. Enjoy your first views of this fantastic landscape and begin to explore every corner of the lost Inca city. The well-preserved ruins of Machu Picchu are magnificent and surrounded by tall green mountains overlooking the Urubamba River valley. Even after seeing the classic photos of Machu Picchu, words still cannot capture the essence of this impressive place. Machu Picchu is located in a unique spot on the side of a mountain, which makes it relatively inaccessible. Visiting Machu Picchu — one of the 7 new wonders of the world — is an experience to have at least once in your life and a dream come true for many travelers. We return to Cusco by train for our last night in this incredible city.

• dag 14

  Say Goodbye to Cusco

  After leaving the hotel, we will take you to the airport for your return flight to Lima. This is the end of our services (additional activities and nights can be added).