PERU 15 DAYS

LIMA PISCO NASCA  AREQUIPA PUNO CUSCO & MACHUPICCHU

Wednesday October 27th: International arrival in Lima
Assistance on your arrival in Lima and transfer to your selected hotel. Free time to rest and prepare for starting your trip around this unusual city and magical country.
Meals Included: None

Thursday October 28th: Sightseeing Tour
guided sightseeing tour to the most attractive and important sites in Lima, the "City of Kings". The tour includes Lima's Historical Centre, passing by Plaza San Martin, The Main Plaza, the Government Palace, the City Hall, the Cathedral and its Religious Art Museum, the Church of Santo Domingo, with the tombs of Santa Rosa and San Martin de Porras, and Lima's Colonial Balconies.
We will visit the Convent and Church of San Francisco, the greatest monumental complex of Colonial Art in America and Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The tour includes a visit to the Basilica of 21 altars, Convent of Cloisters, Capitulary and Clementine Rooms, Chorus and Library of the Monks, a Museum showing 11 paintings of the Rubens School, the Sacristy with paintings of Surbaran and Ribera, its great patio decorated with Seville tiles of XVIth Century, Moorish arches and underground Catacombs.
Then we visit Larco Herrera Museum, for an excellent overview of Peru's ancient past as it holds the best private collection of pre-Columbian art in the country. The museum has many fine examples of textile works, one example of which has a record breaking 398 threads per inch; materials and tools used by ancient Peruvians to produce their work in ceramics and metal; and Pre-Inca and Inca period pottery, gold and silver pieces with semiprecious stones.
And finally we will go to the residential Districts of San Isidro and Miraflores, passing by the Huaca Pucllana, a Ceremonial and Administrative Centre of the Lima Culture built in the II Century A.C. that the Incas considered as "Ñaupallaqta" or Sacred Town. We will also visit El Olivar Park with olive trees brought from Spain in the XVth Century, the Central Park of Miraflores and Larcomar, a symbol of modern Lima and a tourist and entertainment centre as well as a privileged site to enjoy an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean.

p.m. leave Lima by private transportation to the Paracas Peninsula, where we can find the most important Wildlife Sanctuary on the Peruvian Coast. 260 kms = 4 hrs

Meals Included: Breakfast

Friday October 29th:: Ballestas Islands / Nazca

Boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, where we can observe Sea lions, Boobies, Pelicans, Penguins and other Sea birds. On the way back, from the boat, we can also see the "Candelabro"(Candelabrum), a giant figure etched in the sand on the side of a hill in the style of the Nazca Lines. In the afternoon continue by private transportation to the City of Nazca for overnight. Free time to enjoy the facilities of your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Saturday October 30th: Nazca: Nazca Lines / Arequipa

After an early breakfast, transfer to Nazca Airport for a 30 - minute flight over the enigmatic Nazca Lines. These enormous lineal drawings of animals, birds and geometric figures remain etched in the desert and they can only be appreciated from the air.
At noon, travel by private transportation to the City of Arequipa ( About 8 hours ) along the Desert and Coastal valleys. During the journey, we will make some stops in different outstanding points to rest and enjoy the sights.
Arrival at the White City of Arequipa. It receives this name due to its white rock buildings, a white rock that flows out of the Misti Volcano. Upon your arrival in Arequipa, meet and transfer to the selected hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Sunday October 31rst: Arequipa: Sightseeing tour
Morning sightseeing tour of Arequipa, including the Main Square, one of the most beautiful squares in Peru, and the Cathedral, a prime example of XIXth Century Peruvian architecture, housing beautiful treasures in gold and silver. We also visit the La Compañia Church, an ancient Jesuit temple, maybe the most important one in Arequipa due to its history and tradition, with a beautiful façade with carved columns, laurel crowns, flowers, birds, etc. A more careful look at the façade, however, reveals the limits of European influence, as the angels have Indian faces; and indeed one face is even crowned with feathers. Then, we will visit the Santa Catalina Convent, a "Small Town" built in the XVIIth Century and opened to the public in 1970, after 400 years as a Cloister. Perfectly preserved for four Centuries, you go back in time as you enter the Cloister and see the numerous, spacious patios and gardens, the kitchen and slave quarters and stone washtubs of this Convent. About 20 nuns, of what were once 500, still live in a section of the Convent.
Transfer to your selected hotel and free time for lunch. We recommend the Sol de Mayo Restaurant. In the afternoon, tour of Arequipa's beautiful countryside, including the Mill of Sabandia, a still functioning flourmill built in 1621 powered by a nearby waterfall, and the Founder's Mansion, a fully restored XVIth Century Hacienda that belonged to the City's founder. Then it was sold to the Jesuits, who used it as a Retreat Centre, and finally passed on to the Goyeneche family. You will also visit its beautiful fully restored Church.
Evening free. We suggest to dinner at the hotel and have an early night as the next day you will have an early-rising to begin your trip towards the Colca Canyon.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Monday November 01rst: Arequipa: Colca Canyon
Early in the morning, depart on a wonderful four hours bus trip to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world ( 3400 mts.). On the trip we drive across Pampa Cañahuas in the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, inhabited by herds of Vicuñas and Alpacas (South American cameloids ). We also see beautiful pre-Columbian terraces, still being cultivated by the native Collaguas. Box lunch. On your arrival at Colca Valley, transfer to the selected lodge.
In the afternoon, we recommend you to rest and get used to the altitude. If you are in good shape, you will have free time to stroll around the lodge surroundings or you could take a repairing bath at the hot springs nearby the lodge.
Dinner and overnight at selected lodge at the Colca Valley.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Tuesday November 02nd: Colca: Condor Cross / Arequipa

We leave early in the morning to the " Condor's Cross ", where the biggest bird in the world can be usually seen flying. On the way back we visit the Colonial Towns and Churches of Yanque, Coporaque, Achoma and Maca. Good opportunity to appreciate the life of these people that has changed little since Inca times.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Late afternoon return to the selected hotel in Arequipa.
Evening free. We recommend to have dinner at the Sambambaia's or La Truffa restaurants.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Wednesday November 03rd: Arequipa - Juliaca : Chullpas of Sillustani en route / Puno
Early morning transfer by private bus to  Puno. Arrival and transfer to your hotel. On the way, we will visit the famous Chullpas of Sillustani: Stone cylinder Burial Chambers used by the Aymaras to bury their important leaders. Lake Umayo, located in front of the Chullpas, adds further beauty to the place. Here you also have the opportunity to observe several local typical birds.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Thursday November 04th: Puno: Titicaca Lake, Floating Islands of the Uros and Taquile Island

Early in the morning, we will have an unforgettable motorboat excursion on the waters of Lake Titicaca to the unique "Floating Islands" of the Uros. These ancient inhabitants of the lake, known as the Water Tribe, have built their own "Islands" by periodically adding new layers of a type of reed called "Totora" ( Scirpus Totora ), vegetable fibre of the Papyrus family. Their homes and boats are also made from this material. We continue our motorboat trip to Taquile island, inhabited by Quechua – Speaking Natives, who have developed, down through generations, an efficient and unique social system, as well as fine hand weaving techniques.
It is necessary to go up a stairway of more than 567 steps - steps of stone that wind their way among green platforms - to arrive at the Town of Taquile where we will have a break to eat. After lunch in a local Taquile Inn, we have a walk through the various hills and archaeological sites of this 6 km long Island. In the afternoon, return to Puno for overnight at your hotel. Evening free.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Friday November 05th: Puno / Cusco
Breakfast. Early departure by bus to the City of Cusco. We travel along the High Plateau of Collao, stopping at the Town of Ayaviri, an important livestock and textile centre, to visit the impressive Temple of Kalasaya, ruins from the ancient Pucara Culture. On the way, we stop in Raqchi, where we can see a spectacular Inca Sanctuary built by the Inca Pachacutec, and dedicated to the great Inca God of Wiracocha. It has a great central wall with a stone base of fine Inca architecture. Other walls are made of giant adobe bricks. The structure also has two circular lateral columns. Around the Temple are several buildings once used for housing and storage. About 70 km further on, we pass through the La Raya Ranch where we can see troops of vicuñas and llamas. During the trip, we pass by the lovely Wacarpay Lake, offering spectacular views of the mountains reflected in its calm waters.
We proceed to the beautiful Town of Andahuaylillas, and visit the Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, better known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas, due to its decorated polychrome ceiling.
Buffet lunch in a quiet countryside restaurant, where we can enjoy the delightful culinary art of the Region.
Upon arrival in Cusco, meet and transfer to your hotel.
Dinner on your own.
Meals Included: Breakfast &  Lunch

Saturday November 06th: Cusco : Sightseeing tour and Nearby Ruins

Breakfast. Morning at leisure. Lunch on your own.
In the afternoon, we will have a guided sightseeing tour of Cusco visiting the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun or Korikancha Then, we drive out of the City to visit the Inca sites of Kenko, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara and the impressive Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, strategically built on a hill overlooking Cusco and famous for its enormous carved stones, some of them standing over 9m / 30ft high and weighing over 350 tons. Return to the hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Sunday November 07th: Cusco: Sacred Valley of the Incas

Early morning excursion to the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Visit to the picturesque indian Pisac Market held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, the shopping paradise of the Andes where barter is still practiced.
Enjoy the unique atmosphere during a typical lunch.
In the afternoon, passing through the Towns of Calca and Urubamba, we visit the Inca Fortress and Citadel of Ollantaytambo, built to guard the entrance to this part of the Valley, and protect it from possible invasion from the tribes in the Lower jungle. You can walk through the quaint streets of the nearby Town, and get a good idea of what this strategic Mlitary, Religious, and Agricultural Centre was like during the era of the Inca Empire. Late afternoon return to your selected hotel for overnight.
Evening free. We suggest strolling around the Main Square and enjoy the night atmosphere trying a delicious Pisco Sour in some of the many pubs around the Square.

Meals Included: Breakfast &  Lunch

Monday November 08th: Cusco: Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
The day starts with an early morning rise to transfer to Cusco Train Station for a three hour train journey to the famous Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, also known as "The Lost City of the Incas" Arrive at Aguas Calientes Station followed by a 30-minute bus drive, climbing 6km of winding road, to the incredible site of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we'll participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, The Sacred Sun Dial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and various burial grounds. After the tour you will have free time to stroll around the Archaeological Site on your own. Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, back to Cusco by train, and transfer to your selected hotel for overnight.
Evening free. We recommend to dine at the hotel and have an early night.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Tuesday November 09th: Machupicchu Free Day

Balance of the day free

p.m. Back to Cusco
Meals Included: Breakfast

Wednesday November 10th:: Cusco - Lima / International departure
Breakfast. Transfer to Cusco Airport to take your flight to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, transfer to your selected hotel. At the appropriate time, transfer to the Airport to board your International homebound flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast

INCLUDED:

In Lima:  Sightseeing Tour
In Paracas and Nazca: Excursion to the Ballestas Islands in Paracas and overflight of the Nazca lines.
In Arequipa: Sightseeing Tour and excursion by Arequipa's countryside.
In Colca: All included (excursions and meals ).
In Puno: Boating excursion on Titicaca Lake, Lunch in Taquile and visit to Sillustani.

In Cusco: Sightseeing Tour and Nearby Ruins;

In the Sacred Valley of the Incas: Excursion to Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Lunch included.
In Machu Picchu: Guided visit of the Citadel including lunch.

• 14 Nights accommodation
• All breakfasts and meals as described in the programme
• All entrance tickets applicable
• All transfers and land transportation
• Train ticket from Cusco- Aguas Calientes-Cusco
• Private car Up Lima end Puno
• Bus ticket best class Puno / Cusco
• Private guide Axel Tippe up Lima end in Lima
• Airfare Cusco / Lima
• Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes- Machu Picchu- Aguas Calientes
• All applicable taxes
• All bilingual guided tours ( english/spanish ) as described in the itinerary

NOT INCLUDED:

• International flights - on request - min. 1350 EURO
• Airport taxes (  for international flights and  for domestic flights ) about 50 EURO
• Baggage excess ( Cusco / Puno bus )
• Alcoholic drinks, soda or bottled mineral water
• Personal expenses
• Tips
• International or National personal telephone calls
• Meals not mentioned  

Price per person in DWB Occupancy Hotel 3* : $1895USD

Hotel	City	Check In	Check Out	Nights
El Carmel, Faraona or La Castellana	Lima Miraflores	October 27th	October 28th	01
Mar Azul	Paracas	October 28th	October 29th	01
Casa Andina	Nasca	October 29th	October 30th	01
Casa Andina	Arequipa	October 30th	November 01rst	02
Casa Andina	Chivay	November 01rst	November 02nd	01
Casa Andina	Arequipa	November 02nd	November 03rd	01
Casa Andina	Puno	November 03rd	November 05th	02
Royal Inka	Cusco	November 05th	November 08th	03
Gringo Bill	Aguas Calientes	November 08th	November 09th	01
Royal Inka Cantabrico	Cusco MADRID	November 09th November 11th	November 10th November 12th	01 01