Majestic Peru

Visiting: Peru

Majestic Peru

Travel to Peru's wild Ballestas Islands, Survey the mysterious Nazca Lines, Meet the mummies of Chauchilla Cemetery, Taste traditional coca tea in Cuzco, Marvel at the soaring pre-Inca funerary towers at Sillustani, Peruse the remarkable ruins at Ollantaytambo, Visit locals on Lake Titicaca's 'floating islands', Experience wonder at incredible Machu Picchu, Sip a Pisco sour in Pisco, Meet villagers in the Sacred Valley

Travel to Peru in style, from the hot coastal plains to the high cities of Cuzco and ancient Machu Picchu. Uncover charming colonial towns, stunning Andean landscapes, Inca ruins, colourful markets and a fascinating local culture. Tour through Lima, Pisco, Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. This majestic adventure will take you into the true heart of Peru, unveiling a fascinating culture that is sure to astound.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

You are met on arrival at Lima airport and transferred to your hotel. Please advise flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure if you wish to have this transfer provided.

Your leader will take you on a walking tour of downtown Lima, including the city's historical centre - so there's no need for you to visit the downtown area prior to the trip. Flanked by streets of ornate colonial mansions, palaces and churches, Plaza Mayor is the best place to start any exploration of Lima. Take a walk through the old streets to get a feel for colonial life. On one side of the plaza is the Cathedral, which houses the remains of Lima's founder, Francisco Pizarro.

This evening we enjoy an included dinner.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS:

Parts of your trip go above 2800 metres / 9200 feet where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude - regardless of your age, gender and fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary!

Before your trip: Some pre-existing medical conditions are known to severely worsen at high altitude and be difficult to adequately treat on the ground, leading to more serious consequences. It is imperative that you discuss your pre-existing medical condition/s with your doctor. We understand certain medications are reported to aid acclimatizing to high altitude. Please discuss these options with your doctor.

Included Activities

Leader-led walking tour

Optional Activities

Gold Museum, Lima - PEN35.00

Museo de la Nacion, Lima - PEN10.00

Museum of the Inquisition, Lima - Free

Pachacamac Tour (30 km from downtown), Lima - USD37.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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Before we travel to Pisco we take a  boat to the Ballestas Islands.

Sometimes called the 'Galapagos of Peru', the Ballestas Islands are a haven for wildlife including hundreds of pelicans, red-footed boobies, flamingos, sea lions and even penguins. Get up close to this amazing wildlife with a boat tour of the islands (approx 1.5-2 hrs).

Between June and September the port might be closed by the Peruvian Navy due to weather conditions. Should this occur an alternative option of a land tour to the Paracas National Reserve will be offered.

Travel from Pisco to Nazca by private van. Driving straight through it would take about 3 hours. However, time permitting we will stop en route at the oasis of Huacachina.

The town of Huacachina is built around a small natural lake surrounded by dramatic sand dunes, which offer endless photography and sandboarding opportunities.

From a lookout tower it's possible to admire two of the Nazca Lines: the tree and the hands.

Included Activities

Ballestas Islands tour

 

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Our journey to Arequipa takes approx 7-8 hrs. Here our driver will leave us and return to Lima.

Standing at the foot of El Misti Volcano and oozing the best of Spanish colonial charm, Arequipa vies with Cuzco for the title of Peru's most attractive city. Built out of a pale volcanic rock called sillar, the old buildings dazzle in the sun, giving the city its nickname - the 'White City'. The main plaza, with its cafes and nearby cathedral, is a lovely place to while away the day.

Your group leader will take you on a walking tour of Arequipa. The tour includes a visit to the main square, the San Ignacio Chapel with its impressive colonial mural paintings, the Santa Catalina Monastery, and the suburb of Yanahuara. Your leader will also suggest a picanteria where you can get a typical lunch.

Included Activities

Arequipa City tour + Santa Catalina Nunnery

San Ignacio Chapel

Santa Catalina Monastery

Optional Activities

Juanita Museum, Arequipa - PEN15.00

Nazca Lines viewing tower, Nazca - PEN2.00

 

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Our journey to Arequipa takes approx 7-8 hrs. Here our driver will leave us and return to Lima.

Standing at the foot of El Misti Volcano and oozing the best of Spanish colonial charm, Arequipa vies with Cuzco for the title of Peru's most attractive city. Built out of a pale volcanic rock called sillar, the old buildings dazzle in the sun, giving the city its nickname - the 'White City'. The main plaza, with its cafes and nearby cathedral, is a lovely place to while away the day.

Your group leader will take you on a walking tour of Arequipa. The tour includes a visit to the main square, the San Ignacio Chapel with its impressive colonial mural paintings, the Santa Catalina Monastery, and the suburb of Yanahuara. Your leader will also suggest a picanteria where you can get a typical lunch.

Included Activities

Arequipa City tour + Santa Catalina Nunnery

San Ignacio Chapel

Santa Catalina Monastery

Optional Activities

Juanita Museum, Arequipa - PEN15.00

Nazca Lines viewing tower, Nazca - PEN2.00

 

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We travel by minivan to Puno (approx 6 hrs). On the way we stop at the Sillustani archaeological site.

Tucked away in between the many small villages around Puno are the ruins of Sillustani. These ruined towers are set on a beautiful peninsula near Lake Umayo, built by a pre-Inca civilisation hundreds of years ago. The Sillustani Indians built several 'chullpas', funeral towers. Each tower would have contained the remains of noble men, buried together with offerings to secure their comfortable passage into the next life.

Tour the lake by slow motor boat stopping off to visit the floating islands. The Uros originally built the islands from many layers of totora reeds that grow in the lake's shallows to isolate themselves from the rival tribes. As the reeds closest to the water begin to rot, more layers are added on top. These reeds are used for making everything on the islands, including the boats which can last up to 12 months.

We will also visit the Taquile Island, where knitting is strictly a male domain and women do the spinning. This is a great place to pick up some high quality, locally knitted goods. To reach the main part of the island there is a an uphill trek (approx 1 hour) with great views of the lake. There will also be an optional lunch consisting of a basic set meal where you can taste the nutritious quinua soup and enjoy a muna tea (Andean mint tea).

A descent of approx 500 steps brings us back to the boat which will take us all the way back to Puno (approx 3 hours).

Tonight there's an included dinner in Puno.

Included Activities

Lake Titicaca boat tour

Sillustani archaeological site

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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We travel by minivan to Puno (approx 6 hrs). On the way we stop at the Sillustani archaeological site.

Tucked away in between the many small villages around Puno are the ruins of Sillustani. These ruined towers are set on a beautiful peninsula near Lake Umayo, built by a pre-Inca civilisation hundreds of years ago. The Sillustani Indians built several 'chullpas', funeral towers. Each tower would have contained the remains of noble men, buried together with offerings to secure their comfortable passage into the next life.

Tour the lake by slow motor boat stopping off to visit the floating islands. The Uros originally built the islands from many layers of totora reeds that grow in the lake's shallows to isolate themselves from the rival tribes. As the reeds closest to the water begin to rot, more layers are added on top. These reeds are used for making everything on the islands, including the boats which can last up to 12 months.

We will also visit the Taquile Island, where knitting is strictly a male domain and women do the spinning. This is a great place to pick up some high quality, locally knitted goods. To reach the main part of the island there is a an uphill trek (approx 1 hour) with great views of the lake. There will also be an optional lunch consisting of a basic set meal where you can taste the nutritious quinua soup and enjoy a muna tea (Andean mint tea).

A descent of approx 500 steps brings us back to the boat which will take us all the way back to Puno (approx 3 hours).

Tonight there's an included dinner in Puno.

Included Activities

Lake Titicaca boat tour

Sillustani archaeological site

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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We travel by local bus across the spectacular Altiplano to Cuzco (approx 6 hrs).

The Cuzco region truly is the heart and soul of Peru. The city itself is the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city and was the home of the Incas for two centuries before the Spanish built their first capital here. Today Cuzco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. Inca-built walls line the central streets and many of the elegant colonial buildings are built on or around Inca foundations. This is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend and is a perfect base for explorations into the Inca world or to enjoy a range of outdoor activities.

Take the time to acclimatise to the city's 3,450 m (11,150 ft) altitude and explore the many Baroque churches and ancient temples that dot the city.

Your leader will take you on a walking tour including a visit to the Coca Musuem - where you can learn more about this infamous plant which has been an essential part of life in the Andes for centuries - and the local San Pedro market.

The cathedral, built on top of an Inca palace, dominates the Plaza de Armas, Cuzco's picturesque heart. The cathedral is one of the city's greatest repositories of art and houses an elegantly carved choir stall and a silver-covered Neoclassic altar.

There are several impressive Inca ruins within the city. The most easily accessible is Coricancha, which was the Inca empire's richest temple. Once plated in thick gold, the Spanish built a Dominican church atop its sturdy walls.

For lunch or mid-morning coffee and cake head to Yanapay restaurant at 415 Ruinas St. This restaurant uses all its profits to support children in Cuzco through Aldea Yanapay and its social projects. For more info on Aldea Yanapay visit: http://yanapay.facipub.com/

Included Activities

Coca Museum

 

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We travel by local bus across the spectacular Altiplano to Cuzco (approx 6 hrs).

The Cuzco region truly is the heart and soul of Peru. The city itself is the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city and was the home of the Incas for two centuries before the Spanish built their first capital here. Today Cuzco is a fascinating combination of both cultures. Inca-built walls line the central streets and many of the elegant colonial buildings are built on or around Inca foundations. This is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend and is a perfect base for explorations into the Inca world or to enjoy a range of outdoor activities.

Take the time to acclimatise to the city's 3,450 m (11,150 ft) altitude and explore the many Baroque churches and ancient temples that dot the city.

Your leader will take you on a walking tour including a visit to the Coca Musuem - where you can learn more about this infamous plant which has been an essential part of life in the Andes for centuries - and the local San Pedro market.

The cathedral, built on top of an Inca palace, dominates the Plaza de Armas, Cuzco's picturesque heart. The cathedral is one of the city's greatest repositories of art and houses an elegantly carved choir stall and a silver-covered Neoclassic altar.

There are several impressive Inca ruins within the city. The most easily accessible is Coricancha, which was the Inca empire's richest temple. Once plated in thick gold, the Spanish built a Dominican church atop its sturdy walls.

For lunch or mid-morning coffee and cake head to Yanapay restaurant at 415 Ruinas St. This restaurant uses all its profits to support children in Cuzco through Aldea Yanapay and its social projects. For more info on Aldea Yanapay visit: http://yanapay.facipub.com/

Included Activities

Coca Museum

 

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We travel by private bus through the Sacred Valley (approx 1.5 hrs total travel time). Known as Wilcamayo by the Incas, the lush, fertile valley has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. Maize crops can be seen surrounding the river and covering the terraces carved high into the valley walls.

We'll head to a community along the valley to learn about local lifestyle and activities, and if our visit coincides with market day, we can spend time browsing the stalls in search of hand-painted beads or warm ponchos and maybe practising a little bit of the local language, Quechua. Your leader might also suggest an optional local meal or an Andean picnic with the locals.

Continue the journey to Ollantaytambo.

The town of Ollantaytambo has been built over an ancient Inca town, which is a magnificent example of Inca urban planning. This is one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish.

Ollantaytambo's archaeological site is located to the east of the Plaza de Armas. The upper terraces of this site offer great photo opportunities of the squared grid town below.

Today you'll leave most of your luggage in Cuzco while we visit the Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. Please make sure you have a small backpack to carry the necessary items for the three days ahead.

 

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We travel by train through the winding Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes (approx 90 mins).

While away your free time in the natural hot springs that give the town its name.

Optional Activities

Hot springs, Aguas Calientes - PEN10.00

Machu Picchu Site Museum, Aguas Calientes - PEN25.00

 

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We take a bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu (approx 30 mins).

While it's thought Machu Picchu was built around 1440 as a country retreat for Incan nobility, there is evidence this had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Another school of thought is that this was an astronomical observatory. There's plenty of time for you to decide for yourself as you wander around the many temples, palaces and living quarters. You will have a guided visit (approx 1.5-2 hrs) with plenty of free time afterwards. After taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, it's time to return to Cuzco for a well deserved shower and a pisco sour.

WAYNA PICCHU: Due to our internal safety policy our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking this activity.

Included Activities

Coca Museum

Guided tour of Machu Picchu

Optional Activities

Cathedral, Cuzco - PEN25.00

Coricancha, Cuzco - PEN10.00

Museo Inka, Cuzco - PEN10.00

 

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We take a bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu (approx 30 mins).

While it's thought Machu Picchu was built around 1440 as a country retreat for Incan nobility, there is evidence this had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Another school of thought is that this was an astronomical observatory. There's plenty of time for you to decide for yourself as you wander around the many temples, palaces and living quarters. You will have a guided visit (approx 1.5-2 hrs) with plenty of free time afterwards. After taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, it's time to return to Cuzco for a well deserved shower and a pisco sour.

WAYNA PICCHU: Due to our internal safety policy our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking this activity.

Included Activities

Coca Museum

Guided tour of Machu Picchu

Optional Activities

Cathedral, Cuzco - PEN25.00

Coricancha, Cuzco - PEN10.00

Museo Inka, Cuzco - PEN10.00

 

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We fly from Cuzco back to Lima (approx 1 hr). The rest of the afternoon is free for you to continue exploring Lima.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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We fly from Cuzco back to Lima (approx 1 hr). The rest of the afternoon is free for you to continue exploring Lima.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner