ECOPE06 Lima–Nasca–Arequipa–Titicaca–Cusco–Machu Picchu 15D/14N

Day 1: Lima Arrival

Arrival in Lima. Reception and transfer to the hotel. Accommodations and short briefing about next day activities.

Day 2: Lima City tour

Our tour begins through the colonial town visiting the Huaca Puccllana pre-Inca ruins, and then we go to the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, San Francisco Church and its impressive "Catacombs". Later on we go towards the modern Lima, visit to the districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, followed by a visit to the modern shopping center known as Larco Mar from where we get an splendid view of the Pacific Ocean. Hotel in Lima. Free afternoon. (B)

Day 3: Lima – Ica – Nasca Lines - Ica

Breakfast. Starting early in the morning private car will transport us towards Ica City. Then we continue towards Nasca to enjoy an optional over-flight over Nasca Lines, one of the greatest mysteries of South America. Giant geometrical lines resembling land strips, intriguing figures such as a condor, monkey spider, etc. Later on visit the Nasca Artesian and Cultural Centre where the Italian Museum is, containing original pieces of the Nasca Lines. Transport to Ica and hotel. (B).

Day 4: Ica – Ballestas - Lima

In the morning will be driving North West to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. With a boat we will navigate to visit the Ballestas Islands, where we will observe sea lions, cormorants, pelicans, gannets and other abundant sea birds together with a nice view of the Pacific Ocean. After, we will visit the Paracas National Reserve and the Julio C. Tello Museum. Late afternoon arrival back in Lima. Hotel. (B).

Day 5: Lima - Arequipa

Transfer to the airport in Lima and flight towards the city of Arequipa. This is one of the most charming cities in Peru and located in a beautiful area surrounded by high volcanoes which gives to the city a wonderful appearance. The city has many colonial-era Spanish buildings built of sillar, a pearly white volcanic rock, from which it gets the nickname La Ciudad Blanca ("The White City"). The historic centre of Arequipa was named a UNESCO world heritage site in recognition of its architecture and historic integrity. Up on arrival transfer to the hotel followed by a 3 hours guided tour to visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, visit to la Mansion del Fundador and El Molino de Sabandía. Hotel in Arequipa. B.

Day 6: Arequipa – Chivay (Colca Canyon Tour)

Morning drive towards the Salinas and Aguada National Reserve. Located north of Arequipa city, at an altitude between 3,600 and 6,000 meters, the National Reserve is the habitat to wild cameloids, such as vicuña and guanaco, and the home to a wide range of migratory and sedentary birds that breed around various mountain lakes, dams and rivers. Created in 1979 to preserve the endangered flora and fauna of the area, it occupies some 370,000 hectares in the southern departments of Arequipa and Moquegua. The volcanoes Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu are found here, as well as the beautiful Salinas lagoons, a birdwatchers favorite place due to the consistent number of flamingos, and the Indio lagoon, an important refuge for aquatic birds. The Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve is the habitat to animal species (23 mammals and 138 birds). Some of the most representative are the vizcacha, the Andean huemul, the culpeo fox, the vicuña (which goes through a repopulation program), the flamingo and the guanaco. In Pampa Cañahuas and Tocra there is significant population of vicuñas and it is an attractive stop on the way to Chivay. Lunch box on the way and finally arrive to Chivay Town. Hotel. B, LB.

Day 7: Chivay - Colca Canyon - Arequipa

Colca Canyon is formed by the Colca River. Located about 100 miles (160 kilometers) northwest of Arequipa it is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States, however, the canyon's walls are not as vertical as those of the Grand Canyon. In the surroundings, the Colca Valley is a colorful Andean valley with towns founded in Spanish Colonial times and formerly inhabited by the Collaguas and the Cabanas Indian communities. The local people still maintain ancestral traditions and continue to cultivate the pre-Inca stepped terraces. The canyon is home to the Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus), a species that has seen world-wide effort to preserve it. The condors can be seen at fairly close range as they fly through the canyon walls and are a popular attraction. 'Cruz del Condor' is a popular tourist stop to view the condors, the pass where condors soar gracefully on the rising thermals occurring as the air warms. The condors are best seen in the early morning and late afternoon when they are hunting. At Cruz del Condor, the canyon floor is 3960 ft (1200 m) below the rim of the canyon. Other attraction is "La Calera" natural hot springs which is located at Chivay, the biggest town in the Colca Canyon. Transport back to Arequipa where we will arrive late in the afternoon. Transfer to your hotel. B.

Day 8: Arequipa - Juliaca - Puno

Morning transport to the city of Puno on the shores of the great Titicaca Lake. This journey is plenty of beautiful views of the high Andean plateaus and of the high volcanoes. We will follow the road Arequipa – Juliaca – Puno. Short before arriving to Puno, we make a visit to the Chullpas de Sillustani known as the burial site of the ancient Hatun Colla chiefs and located on the shores of the solitary Umayo Lake. On their own and after arrival in the hotel, passengers can visit the main square and have the opportunity to appreciate the interesting Indian Market in the city of Puno. Hotel. B.

Day 9: Puno – Titicaca Lake (Uros & Taquile Islands)

Shared (in pool) tour:
From your hotel transfer to the shores of Titicaca Lake and by boat (shared tour) travel to Uros, the unique floating islands located on Titicaca Lake. On this group of 40 big island-like packs of floating totora (reeds), Uros natives continue living like their ancestors, preserving its costumes and idiosyncrasy, but above all, their own system of communal life. Later on we continue to visit the Taquile Island, where are still living descendants from the Incas and they spin the finest woven goods in Peru. Late afternoon return to Puno and transfer to your hotel. (B, L).

Day 10: Puno - Cusco

Shared (in pool) tour:
In the morning we take the comfortable tourist bus Inka Express transport to Cusco. During the 8 hours drive to Cusco, we visit to the communities of Pukara where we visit the interesting museum. Later on we make a stop at La Raya where we can enjoy nice views of the high snow covered Andean peaks and also we can observe herds of Vicuñas. Later on we stop at Sicuani town for lunch. Afterwards we continue towards Racchi to visit the interesting Temple of Wiracocha. Later we make our last stop in Andahuaylillas to visit the famous Chapel of Checacupe. Hotel. B, L.

Day 11: ½ Cusco City tour

In the morning we make a city tour in Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire. We will stroll on the beautiful cobbled narrow streets visiting the Plaza de Armas (Main Square) with its beautiful colonial buildings, then we go for a visit to the impressive Koricancha Temple (Temple of the Sun) now known as the Santo Domingo Church. Later on we go for a visit to the nearby Inca ruins of Cusco: Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, and Tambo Machay. Return to the hotel in Cusco. Free afternoon. (B).

Day 12: Cusco – Incas Sacred Valley

In the morning we depart by car for full day tour to visit Urubamba, known as the Incas Sacred Valley. The Valley is generally understood to include all the tourist attractions between the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The Urubamba River (known also as Vilcanota River or Wilcamayu), as this Sacred river is called when passing through the valley is fed by numerous rivers which descend through adjoining valleys and gorges. The valley was appreciated by the Incas due to its special geographical and climatic qualities. It was one of the empire's main points for the extraction of natural wealth, and the best place for maize production in Peru. Here we find numerous archaeological remains and villages: the beautiful Pisac Inca Ruins, The Ollantaytambo Inca Fortress, the Pisac town and its colorful Indian market, the Ollantaytambo Inca town. Overnight in a local Hotel in the Sacred Valley. B.

Day 13: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Early morning transfer to the Ollanta train station and departure with a local train to Aguas Calientes. The scenic train ride follows the side of the Urubamba River until it arrives to the town of Aguas Calientes. From this point and using a public tourist bus we will go up to the entrance of the famous Lost City of the Incas: Machu Picchu, one of the most impressive Inca Citadel in the world. The site is located 2400 meters (7875 ft) above sea level, and situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley. Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and it is especially important as a cultural site and is considered a sacred place. Machu Picchu was built in the classical Inca style, with polished dry-stone walls. Its primary buildings are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. These are located in what is known by archaeologists as the Sacred District of Machu Picchu. In September 2007, Peru and Yale University reached an agreement regarding the return of artifacts which Hiram Bingham had removed from Machu Picchu in the early twentieth century. In the afternoon by tourist public bus transport to Aguas Calientes and the train back to Ollantaytambo from where by car we transport you to Cusco. Hotel. (B).

Day 14: Cusco Free day.

Free day in Cusco to relax and remain the beautiful tour done in Peru, the land of the Incas. Hotel Accommodations.

Day 15: Cusco – Lima out.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima and connection to your flight back home (or program extension). B.

Gross Rates per Person in US$:

Included:

Transport + English speaking guide + all entrance fees + Hotel based in DWB or twin bed accommodations + Noted meals (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch).

Not included:

Over flight to the Nasca Lines (2009: us$ 85.- pp – can change) , Nasca Airport fee, Train tickets Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Cusco (Vista Dome: $131; Back Packer: $91.-pp), domestic and international flights, airport taxes, extras, tips and personal expenses, other meals.
Train tickets and air tickets rates may vary without any previous advice from Peru Rail or the airlines respectively.