Peru Explorer

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Lima

Arrive in Lima at any time. As your fellow travellers are arriving at various times throughout the day, there are no planned activities other than a group dinner and info session. Check into our hotel and enjoy the city. Look in the hotel lobby for notices on when and where the group meeting will occur.Peru is frequently referred to as the 'Land of the Incas'. It is true that the Incas formed the greatest empire on the continent and left mysterious cities such as Machu Picchu. However, it is important to remember that the Incas were the only the last in a long series of Peruvian civilizations spanning several thousand years and the ruins of many of these earlier civilizations can also be visited. Peru is made up of three main geographical areas: the Andes, the Amazon and the desert coastal area. On this trip we concentrate on the Andes region of south-central Peru, and the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco.Known as the City of Kings, Peru’s capital city Lima was founded by Francisco Pizarro on the Day of the Three Kings (Epiphany) in 1535. The Plaza de Armas is the heart of old Lima, and it is here you find the Cathedral, Government Palace and Archbishop’s Palace. The Cathedral dates back to the 1700s and houses the remains of the conquistador Pizarro. To get a feel for colonial Lima, take a cab to the Plaza de Armas and watch the changing of the Palace Guard in the afternoon. Walk the streets surrounding the Jirón de la Unión for great examples of Spanish-colonial architecture and to get a taste for life in a large South American city. An optional city tour visits many of the city’s highlights.There are many fine museums in and around the city, including the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera, which houses an equally impressive collection of pottery, mummies and textiles from the Paracas and Nazca cultures. The more affluent districts of Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro, which are on the coast, offer good nightlife and cafés all within walking distance. Limeños (Lima’s residents) are friendly, and the city is filled with excellent restaurants; seafood lovers in particular should be sure to try a ceviche, for which Lima is well known.

Day 2-3 Puno and Lake Titicaca (2B)

Fly to Juliaca and take a short bus ride to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Afternoon free to come to terms with high altitude. The next morning we board a boat to Taquile and/or Amantaní Island. En route, we stop on the floating reed islands of the Uros people. Located at 3830 m above sea level, Puno is the highest altitude of any place we sleep on the tour. As a result the weather can be extreme with very cold nights and a strong sun during the day (don’t worry, if you get cold, buy an alpaca sweater from the market —they are inexpensive). Puno is also known for its wealth of traditional dances: there are up to 100 different varieties, usually performed in the street processions celebrating Catholic feast days. If you are fortunate enough to be visiting at the right time you may even catch one of these celebrations. Titicaca is also the largest lake in the world above 2000m, and the views from both Amantaní and Taquile Islands are stunning.Our first stop on Lake Titicaca is the floating islands of the Uros people. The Uros began their unusual floating existence centuries ago in an effort to isolate themselves from the Colla and Inca tribes. Sadly, the Uros language has died out, and today the islanders speak Aymara due to intermarriage with Aymara-speaking clans. Today about 300 families live on the islands, however their numbers are slowly declining.The Totora reeds that grow in the shallows of the lake are used for making everything from the islands themselves to the model boats that the islanders sell. The islands are made up of layers upon layers of reeds; as the layers closest to the water start to rot, they are replaced with fresh reeds on top. The reeds are also used to build their boats, which if constructed well will last up to 6 months. The people of Taquile Island’s unique culture, style of dress and lifestyle make for a memorable visit. The men of the community do all the knitting, as this is strictly a male domain, while the women do the spinning. High quality, locally knitted goods are available for purchase at various cooperatives on the island. Despite the short distance that separates the two islands, Amantaní is quite distinct. Its soil is a rich terra cotta red, due to the high iron deposits, and the colour contrasts brightly with the deep azure blue of the lake and sky and the greenery of the local crops.

Day 4-5 Cuzco (2B)

The trip from Puno to Cuzco takes the better part of the day, with stark, beautiful scenery en route as you travel through the high Altiplano region. Our late afternoon arrival at the hotel is followed by a short familiarization walk around the Plaza de Armas (main square) and free time to explore this city steeped in one of the world's most alluring and ancient cultures. An evening briefing and dinner together before returning to your hotel prepare us for tomorrow's numerous activities. Day 5 in Cuzco begins with a guided tour of the city, visiting the major sights and museums. The balance of the day allows you to pick optional activities according to your interest. They include horseback riding, mountain or motor biking, hiking or visits to Incan ruins around town. Cuzco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and the hub of the South American travel network. The city attracts travellers who come not just to visit a unique destination but also to experience an age-old culture very different from their 20th century way of life; one could easily spend a week just in and around the area. Inca-built stone walls line most of the central streets and you don't have to go far to see other major Inca ruins. It is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend.Every year Cuzco attracts thousands of travellers who come to delve into its noble but tragic past. It is the perfect base for optional explorations around the city and area as well as a range of outdoor activities. Relax and explore this fascinating city, and take time to acclimatize to the high altitude.Cuzco’s numerous colonial churches are one of the city’s most common sights. The Cathedral was started in 1559 and took 100 years to build; it is also one of the city’s greatest repositories of colonial art. Immediately in front of the entrance is a vault containing the remains of the famous Inca historian, Garcilaso de la Vega. Also worth visiting are the churches of La Compañía, La Merced and San Francisco. The city itself offers many museums, shops, churches, cathedrals and so much more to pass the day away. An evening of rustic restaurants, local cuisine, fine dining or anywhere in between are available here as well. Eat, drink and enjoy as little or as much as you like on this last night in Cuzco.While most ruins are just outside of the city, the main ruin within is that of the Coricancha, once the Inca Empire's richest temple. Today the ruin forms the base of the colonial church of Santo Domingo. During Inca times this temple was literally covered with gold, but within months of the arrival of the first conquistadors this incredible wealth had all been melted down. It is left to the individual imagination to envision the magnificence of the original structure.There are several good museums in Cuzco, including the Archaeological Museum, which also houses a small art museum, the Regional History Museum and the Religious Art Museum. Our best advice for exploring Cuzco is to wear a comfortable pair of shoes, arm yourself with a city map and set off to explore!

Day 6 Sacred Valley / Ollantaytambo (B)

Travel with our local guide through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Visit the impressive Pisac ruins and the colourful artisan market (market days only). The day trip finishes in the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, site of another large Inca ruin.The town and fortress of Ollantaytambo are strategically situated overlooking the beautiful Urubamba River Valley. This major ruin site is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. It is admired for its huge steep terraces guarding the Inca Fortress and for being one of the few places where the Spanish lost a major battle during the conquest. We spend the night in this small town before heading out towards Machu Picchu the next morning.

Day 7 Aguas Calientes (B)

We board a morning train that winds through the steep Urubamba Valley to its final destination of Aguas Calientes. Relax in the natural mountain hot baths that gave the town its name. For serious archaeology buffs, there is time for an optional independent visit to Machu Picchu before the guided tour the following morning.

Day 8 Machu Picchu (B)

Early wake-up to take the first bus up to the historic spiritual centre of the Incas, the "Lost City" of Machu Picchu. Tour the ruins with our expert guide for about 2 hrs, explore on your own or hike up spectacular Wayna Picchu to get away from the crowds. In the evening return to Cuzco by train.Machu Picchu is both the best and the least known of the Inca ruins. It is not mentioned in any of the chronicles of the Spanish conquistadors and archaeologists today can do no more than speculate on its function. The local Quechua farmers in the area knew of Machu Picchu for centuries, but it was not until an 11-year-old boy led the American historian Hiram Bingham (who was in search of Vilcabamba) to the site on July 24, 1911, that the rest of the world became aware of its existence. At that time the site was covered in thick vegetation, and Bingham and his team returned in 1912 and 1915 to clear the growth. Over the years, much work has been done on excavating and studying the site. Despite these efforts, many unanswered questions remain.We return to Cuzco for a final night on the town or some well-deserved rest, before flying to Lima the next day.

Day 9 Lima (B)

The last full day of this memorable visit to Peru is spent back in the bustling capital. We transfer to the Cuzco airport and board our plane for the short flight to Lima. Your G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader will gladly help you set up a requested activity. Don’t miss the farewell dinner and a last Pisco sour or two with your travelling buddies!

Day 10 Depart Lima

You are free to depart Lima at any time.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Comfortable hotels (9 nts).
Departure	Departs twice per month
DepEnd	Sat-Mon
Group Size	Max 15, Avg 10
Included Highlights	- Guided tour of Taquile and Uros Islands on Lake Titicaca - Cuzco city tour with guide (half-day)- Sacred Valley tour- Guided tour of Machu Picchu- Arrival transfer and breakfast daily
Local Payment	USD200
Meals Included	Breakfast daily
StartFinish	ex Lima
Testimonial	"We loved our trip. It was amazing! Very well planned out and it was great to have time to do our own thing some days. " - Julia Duinker travelled on Peru Explorer
Transport	Public bus, boat, train and local flights.
Brochure Intro	A condensed tour of the essential Peruvian highlights, culminating with a visit to magnificent Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas".

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-08-02	2008-08-11	1
2008-09-27	2008-10-06	7+
2008-10-11	2008-10-20	7+
2008-10-25	2008-11-03	7+
2008-11-08	2008-11-17	7+
2008-11-22	2008-12-01	7+
2008-12-06	2008-12-15	7+
2008-12-20	2008-12-29	7+
2009-01-03	2009-01-12	7+
2009-01-17	2009-01-26	5
2009-01-31	2009-02-09	7+
2009-02-14	2009-02-23	7+
2009-02-28	2009-03-09	7+
2009-03-14	2009-03-23	7+
2009-03-28	2009-04-06	7+
2009-04-11	2009-04-20	7+
2009-04-25	2009-05-04	7+
2009-05-09	2009-05-18	7+
2009-05-23	2009-06-01	7+
2009-06-06	2009-06-15	7+
2009-06-20	2009-06-29	7+
2009-07-04	2009-07-13	7+
2009-07-18	2009-07-27	7+
2009-08-01	2009-08-10	7+
2009-08-15	2009-08-24	7+
2009-08-29	2009-09-07	7+

Browse Similar Trips

• Galapagos & Absolute Peru
• Lima City Break - Original - Hotel Antigua Miraflores
• Puno to La Paz by Catamaran

• Cuzco City Break - Original - El Puma Hotel
• Peru Uncovered
• Lima City Break - Comfort - Faraona Grand Hotel

• Altiplano & Amazon
• Puno and Suasi Island
• Cuzco City Break - Original - Prisma Hotel

• Lima City Break - Original - Hostelera Los Girasoles
• Lima City Break - Comfort - Faraona Grand Hotel
• Andean Adventure

• Home
• International Airfare
• Hotels
• Hostels
• Community
• RTW Guide
• Travel Blogs
• Adventure Trips
• Travel Gear
• Travel Insurance
• Eurail