Accommodation

14 nights' accommodation Day 1-2 Lima: Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3* Superior Hotel Category = Jose Antonio Deluxe or similar 4* Deluxe Hotel Category = Pullman Lima Miraflores or similar 5* Day 3 Paracas: Standard Hotel Category = San Agustin Paracas or similar 3* Superior Hotel Category = Aranwa Paracas or similar 4* Deluxe Hotel Category = Hotel Paracas, A luxury Collection Resort or similar 5* Day 4 Nasca: Standard Hotel Category = Casa Andina Nasca or similar 3* Superior Hotel Category = DM Hoteles Nasca or similar 3* Deluxe Hotel Category = DM Hoteles Nasca or similar 4* Day 5-6 Arequipa: Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Arequipa or similar 3* Superior Hotel Category = Hampton by Hilton Arequipa or similar 4* Deluxe Hotel Category = Wyndham Costa del Sol Arequipa or similar 5* Day 7-8 Colca: Standard Hotel Category = Casa Andina Standard Colca or similar 3* Superior Hotel Category = Colca Lodge or similar 4* Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa, Pueblito Encantado del Colca or similar 5* Day 9-10 Puno: Standard Hotel Category = Hacienda Puno or similar 3* Superior Hotel Category = Jose Antonio Puno or similar 4* Deluxe Hotel Category = GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca or similar 5* Day 11-12; 14 Cusco: Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3* Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4* Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5* Day 13; Sacred Valley: Standard Hotel Category = AVA Spots or similar 3* Superior Hotel Category = Casa Andina Premium Sacred Valley or similar 4* Deluxe Hotel Category = Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba or similar 5* OPTIONAL EXTRA: Pre-night in Lima: Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva or similar 3* Superior Hotel Category = Jose Antonio Deluxe or similar 4* Deluxe Hotel Category = Pullman Lima Miraflores or similar 5* Post-night in Cusco: Standard Hotel Category = Tierra Viva Cusco or similar 3* Superior Hotel Category = Hilton Garden Inn or similar 4* Deluxe Hotel Category = Aranwa Cusco Boutique or similar 5*

Transport

Transfers in a private vehicle from and to the airport Transfers from/to train stations in private vehicle Transfer from Lima to Paracas in private vehicle Transfer from Paracas to Nasca in private vehicle Transfer from Nasca - Arequipa in private vehicle Transfer from Arequipa to Colca and Puno in private vehicle Ticket for a public bus transfer from Puno to Cusco (shared basis) Roundtrip train to Machu Picchu in Expedition Service (PeruRail) or Voyager (IncaRail) for Standard and Superior category and Vistadome Service (Perú Rail) or 360° (Inca Rai) for Deluxe category

Meals

14 breakfasts 6 Lunches on day 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14 1 box lunch on day 9

Guide

Operated with English, Spanish or French-speaking local guide on a private basis

Others

Pre-night in Lima: Admission to all major monuments and sightseeing attractions mentioned in above itinerary: Casa Aliaga, Cathedral and Larco Museum in Lima; Ballestas Island tour (on shared basis), Santa Catalina Monastery and Society of Jesus Church in Arequipa; Condor Cross in Valley & Colca Canyon; Uros and Taquile Islands in Puno; Pucara, Racchi and Andahuaylillas on route from Puno to Cusco; Coricancha, Cathedral, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay in Cusco; Machu Picchu tour, Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC)

Not included:

Flights

International flights are not included Domestic flights are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Others

Expenses of a personal nature. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during meals. Meals not stated in the programme International flights to Peru Domestic flights (we advise booking the first flights in the morning) International and domestic airport departure taxes Tips for driver and guide KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Day 1: Optional extra Magic Water Circuit with Dinner and Folk Show does not operate on Mondays. Rates do not apply to Peruvians or residents with more than 60 days of stay. If passengers are Peruvians or exceed 60 days of stay, sale taxes (18%) will be collected by our local operator. Please note that check-in in most hotels begins at 13:00 hrs. Clients will be subject to the availability of the room if they arrive before, waiting in the hotel lobby. If your trip includes the visit to high-altitude cities such as Cusco and Puno located at more than 3,400 metres, do not forget to take precautions in order to avoid altitude sickness. Passengers who have heart problems or high blood pressure should check with their doctor before travelling. Upon arrival it is recommended you rest for a few hours, drink coca tea and eat lightly. As a reference, Machu Picchu is located at 2,400 metres. During the months of December-March (rainy season), we will visit Chinchero, Maras and a ‘chichería’ (local corn beer factory) instead of Las Salineras. Also, during these months, you have the option of replacing this tour with a visit to the South Valley. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEW ENTRANCE REGULATIONS TO MACHU PICCHU The current restrictions on visits to Machu Picchu allow a maximum stay of 4 hours in the citadel accompanied by a guide during the first entry. If the visitor tours an alternate route (Mountain Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu) he/she will have 3 hours for this in addition to the 4 hours in the citadel. If the passenger wishes to enter the citadel again during the afternoon shift or the next day, he must previously acquire an additional ticket to enter during the new shift. There is no ticket sale point in the archaeological zone. The following objects are forbidden within the premises: professional cameras that require lights and tripods, or are equipped with telephoto lenses weighing more than 2 kilos (in order to use them, special authorisation and an additional fee is required), drones, selfie sticks, sprays, high heels, walking sticks without rubber tips, banners and posters, sharp objects and backpacks that surpass the following measurements: 40cm x 35 cm x 20 cm. NEW PLASTIC REGULATION: After the prohibition of bringing single-use plastic items into the 76 natural reserves, including Machu Picchu, it is important to use reusable bottles. INSTRUCTIONS Domestic flight from Lima to Cusco must arrive no later than 10:30 hrs. Noon arrivals are too late. Carry the same document that you presented to the agency, as the train tickets and entrance to Machu Picchu will be issued with the same information. In all train services to Machu Picchu, passenger can carry only one piece of hand luggage (backpack, bag or briefcase) weighing no more than 5 kg. You will find your luggage at the chosen hotel. Allowed size: 157 cm (height + length + width).

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrival Lima
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrival Lima

Arrive at Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima. Upon arrival, a representative will be waiting to greet you at the airport and the transportation service will transfer you to your hotel at the scheduled time. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure in Lima, the capital of Peru and a city steeped in history. During colonial times, the Historic Centre of Lima, known as the ‘Ciudad de Los Reyes’ (City of Kings), was the political, administrative, religious and economic centre for the Spanish in Peru, and it was the most important city of the Spanish dominions in South America until the middle of the 18th century. The historic centre is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. Lima is now a modern metropolis currently undergoing an exciting process of cultural and economic change. Take the opportunity to rest and recover after the flight or head out into the city for your first glimpse of life in Peru´s sprawling capital city. Alternatively, you can book our optional Magic Water Circuit with Dinner and Folk Show: Magic Water Circuit with Dinner and Folk Show (private basis): A modern system of fountains certified as the largest in the world by the Guinness World Records. Built-in Exhibition Park, the Magical Water Circuit attracts crowds during summer and winter, being one of the new favorite attractions of Lima. See yourself and enjoy our water cruise that is followed by a unique gastronomical experience at a restaurant, accompanied by a delicious buffet dinner and amusing folk show. Notes: Private service. Start time: 18:00 hours. Duration 4 hours. Includes Pick-up and Drop-off, Bilingual guide (Spanish and English), Admission to Magic Water Circuit, and Buffet Dinner with Folkloric show Overnight in Lima.
Day 2 Day 2: Limacity Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Limacity Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, get ready to explore Lima’s fascinating old town and colonial center. The route begins at the Larco Museum of pre-Columbian art. Housed in a former mansion, itself built on the site of a seventh-century, pre-Columbian temple, the museum boasts a very complete collection of gold and silver articles, pottery, and erotic art. Continue on to Casa de Aliaga, the oldest colonial mansion in Lima. The house has been owned and lived in by the Aliaga family and their descendants since conquistador Francisco Pizarro granted the land to his trusted ally Jerónimo de Aliaga in 1535. The tour will then guide you through the colonial center of the city. Visit the impressive Plaza de Armas, the city’s central square, and a showcase of Spanish colonial architecture. The Government Palace occupies the north side of the square and the magnificent, 16th-century Cathedral of Lima is located to the east. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Lima.
Day 3 Day 3: Lima – Paracas (265 Km – 4 Hrs)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Lima – Paracas (265 Km – 4 Hrs)

Once you have had your breakfast at your hotel, a tour representative will transfer you from your hotel to Paracas Hotel. Upon arrival, you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure. Situated on the coast, Paracas is the perfect opportunity to relax on the beach or take a trip into the nearby Paracas National Reserve. The reserve is a protected natural area known for its wealth of marine wildlife and its dramatic shoreline of wind- and wave-sculpted rock formations and vast orange dunes that stretch on for kilometres. In the evening, why not watch the sunset over the sea whilst enjoying a refreshing drink in one of the beachfront promenade restaurants. Overnight in Paracas.
Day 4 Day 4: Paracas - Ballestas Islands - Nasca (215 Km - 3.5 Hrs)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Paracas - Ballestas Islands - Nasca (215 Km - 3.5 Hrs)

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to El Chaco pier to embark on a boat ride to the Ballestas Islands. The Ballestas are a collection of rocky islets with beautiful geographical formations, just a few kilometres off the western coast of Peru. The islands are the ideal habitat for various species of birds and an eclectic mix of larger wildlife like seals, boobies, pelicans, sea lions and the endangered Humboldt penguin. Cruise around the islands’ dramatic cliffs and watch large herds of noisy sea lions relaxing on the rocks, birds stretching their wings and if you’re lucky, dolphins near to your boat. While you will not disembark onto the islands, you will get startlingly close to this impressive array of wildlife. As you sail, you will also pass the Paracas Candelabra, a huge geoglyph that has been dated to around 200 BC, although the purpose and the creator of this three-pronged carving remain a mystery. At the end of your boat tour, you will be taken to the bus station for your transfer to Nasca. Overnight in Nasca.
Day 5 Day 5: Nasca Lines – Arequipa (570 Km – 10 Hrs)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Nasca Lines – Arequipa (570 Km – 10 Hrs)

Today, breakfast is followed by a 30-minute flight over the Peruvian desert and the mysterious Nasca lines. The small town of Nasca would go unnoticed on the map if it were not for the ancient geoglyphs etched into the sand that have given it worldwide fame. As you fly over the desert, lines take shape to form simple geometric designs, then some of the swirls and zigzags start to form more distinct shapes: a spider, a condor, a monkey, to name a few. If the weather conditions and the airspace allow, you will also fly over the recently discovered drawings in Palpa. Continue your flight over the mountains where marine fossils that date back millions of years were found and then fly back to Pisco to end your aerial experience. Once back on land, you will be transferred to the bus station to catch your transport to the next destination: Arequipa. After a 10-hour journey, you will arrive at your hotel to enjoy a well-deserved rest. Overnight in Arequipa.
Day 6 Day 6: Arequipacity Tour & Santa Catalina Monastery
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Arequipacity Tour & Santa Catalina Monastery

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before spending the day getting to know the town of Arequipa. Today’s tour will begin in the main square, the Plaza de Armas, where you will find the elegant, neo-Renaissance Basilica Cathedral of Arequipa and the sensational Santa Catalina Monastery. The monastery, founded in the 16th century, was almost entirely self-sufficient and it consisted in accommodation, cloisters, squares, kitchens; it was a walled community, tucked away from prying eyes and the influence of the outside world. The families of nuns paid large sums of money for their daughters to join the convent, thus increasing the wealth and prestige of the Monastery. Nowadays, strolling through its colourful streets is like a step back in time, giving us an insight into colonial Peru. Continue on to the Church of the Company, perhaps Peru’s finest example of Baroque architecture. Its intricately-carved façade, the sacristy and main cloister are particularly beautiful. To finish the tour, visit the neighbourhoods of Yanahuara and Carmen Alto to enjoy magnificent views of the Misti volcano rising above the city. Overnight in Arequipa.
Day 7 Day 7: Arequipa – Colca (165 Km – 3 Hrs)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Arequipa – Colca (165 Km – 3 Hrs)

After finishing your breakfast at the hotel, it is time to say good bye to Arequipa and head to the Colca Valley. The route will take you through the Yura district, an area characterised by impressive geographical features, ranging from deep ravines to high mountains, waterfalls and lush vegetation. The route continues on to the Pampa Cañahuas. This extensive Andean plateau is home to the vicuña, an indigenous Andean camelid that is closely related to the alpaca, guanaco, and llama. Cross the pampas of Viscachani and Toccra and skirt the crater of the now extinct Chucura Volcano to reach the Mirador de los Andes at Patapampa, 4,910 metres above sea level. This viewpoint offers impressive views of the numerous volcanoes surrounding Arequipa. Enjoy lunch in the picturesque town of Chivay before being transferred to your selected hotel in the Colca Valley for a free afternoon. Overnight in Colca
Day 8 Day 8: Colca Canyon & Valley
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Colca Canyon & Valley

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel then get ready for a day to remember at the Cruz del Condor viewpoint of the Colca Canyon. This impressive valley is one of the deepest in the world, reaching depths of approximately 3,400 metres, double the depth of the Grand Canyon. As you take in the sheer vastness of this area, you may witness the majestic condors gliding by on the thermals rising from the canyon. Descend the valley to discover some of the traditional towns located on the banks of the Colca River, such as Chivay, Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma and Yanque, where beautiful colonial churches are backdropped by the peaks of the Andes. You may also stop at the Antahuilque and Choquetico viewpoints, both offering majestic views of the whole valley. Continue to the Ocolle lookout to admire ‘the Amphitheatre’, a collection of pre-Inca terraces that demonstrate the impressive agricultural technology of the past, and then visit the Uyo Uyo archaeological site before returning to your hotel for the night. Overnight in Colca
Day 9 Day 9: Colca Canyon - Puno (250 Km – 4 Hours)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Colca Canyon - Puno (250 Km – 4 Hours)

Start the day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and then take advantage of your free morning to enjoy the hotel facilities. In the afternoon, we will begin our journey to Puno, a port city situated on the western shore of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable body of water in the world. The route cuts through the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve and takes in the stunning stone forests of Patahuasi. The landscapes and scenery are both dramatic and enchanting; you will pass high plains, volcanoes, unusual rock formations and even lagoons, where you can spot cranes drying their wings above the water. There are several viewpoints, remote cafés that offer visitors coca tea and craftsmen selling traditional textiles and handicrafts along the route. On arrival in Puno, you will be transferred to your hotel and you will have the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Puno.
Day 10 Day 10: Puno - Lake Titicacauros & Taquile
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Puno - Lake Titicacauros & Taquile

After breakfast at the hotel, travel to the port of Puno where a boat will be waiting to take you to the beautiful Uros Islands. The Uros are an indigenous people of Peru that live on a series of man-made islands, created entirely from the buoyant totora reeds that grow abundantly in the shallows of the lake. The islands are composed of layers of woven totora, which are constantly replenished from the top as they rot from the bottom. The Uros people also use reeds to construct their homes, so cooking is done outdoors to avoid possible fires! After visiting this fascinating island, sail to Taquile, a small slice of heaven that once belonged to the Inca Empire. Look around and you will notice traces of its Incan past in the ruins that still exist around the island. After a brief introduction, the local community will give you an insight into their customs and traditions with a cultural demonstration. Lunch is enjoyed on the island before the return trip to Puno. Overnight in Puno.
Day 11 Day 11: Puno - Cusco (390 Km - 8 Hours)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Puno - Cusco (390 Km - 8 Hours)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then transfer to the bus station to start your journey through the impressive landscape of the Andes to Cusco, the heart of the Inca Empire. As you travel across the mountainous plateau that reaches the dizzying altitude of 4,313 meters above sea level, you will pass traditional villages and spot local wildlife and animals along the way. Your first stop of the day is the archaeological site of Pukara, the first urban settlement on Lake Titicaca, established between 100 and 300 A. D. Continue the journey to Racchi, home to the Wiracocha Temple, a striking rectangular structure 30 metres wide and 20 metres high. Then, when you are only 40 kilometres away from Cusco, make a stop in the town of Andahuaylillas. The main attraction here is the local Church, known as the ‘Sistine Chapel of America’ owing to the high quality of art found inside. Upon arrival in the Imperial City, a transportation service will pick you up from the bus station and transfer you to your hotel for the night. Overnight in Cusco.
Day 12 Day 12: Cuscocity Tour & Archaelogical Sites
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Cuscocity Tour & Archaelogical Sites

After breakfast at the hotel, take advantage of your free morning in Cusco to rest at the hotel or to explore its cobblestoned streets and shop for local handicrafts. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the capital of the Inca Empire. The tour begins at the Santo Domingo Convent, a building constructed on the site of Coricancha, one of the most important Incan complexes dedicated to sun worship. According to historical records, the original temple walls depicted scenes of nature and were covered in gold leaf. After Coricancha, visit the imposing cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, then head to the Cusco hills, where you’ll find the fortress of Sacsayhuaman and panoramic views of Cusco. Continue on to Qenqo, an archaeological site where it is believed the Incas carried out religious rituals. Your tour ends in Puka Pukara, meaning ’red fortress’ in Quechua. Puka Pukara is an ancient military site comprising numerous rooms, courtyards, baths, aqueducts and towers. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight in Cusco.
Day 13 Day 13: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Chinchero – Ollantaytambo (75 Km – 1.5 Horas)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Chinchero – Ollantaytambo (75 Km – 1.5 Horas)

Today breakfast at the hotel is followed by visit to the town of Chinchero, a small high-altitude town offering beautiful views of the valley and the chance to witness traditional clothing, customs and local handicrafts. Visit archaeological remains and a beautiful 17th-century church, one of the first Catholic buildings in Peru, and on Sundays you may also visit the local market. You will then be transferred to the Yucay Museum of Living Culture, where you can see textiles, adobe pottery and silverware being crafted using techniques dating back to the Incas. This centre not only gives you an insight into local Andean traditions, but also the opportunity to feed the llamas, sheep and alpacas! Feel the true spirit of the Sacred Valley as you sample a lunch of local cuisine in a cosy restaurant in Ollantaytambo. After eating, explore the streets of Ollantaytambo, inhabited uninterruptedly since Inca times, and climb the iconic fortress built into the mountainside. At the end of the day, return to your hotel to rest full of the spirit of the Incas. Overnight in Sacred Valley.
Day 14 Day 14: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes (115 Km – 3 Hours)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes (115 Km – 3 Hours)

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and then you’ll be transferred to the Ollanta station to begin your trip to the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu. Enjoy the approximately two-hour scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, also known as ‘Machu Picchu Pueblo’, the last stop before entering the most important archaeological site in Peru. It is believed that Machu Picchu was built for the Inca emperor Pachacutec around 1450 as a holiday residence. The citadel was abandoned just over 100 years later, probably as a result of the Spanish Conquest, although historians have never uncovered why it was abandoned or how it escaped the destruction that other Inca settlements faced. Instead, the jungle slowly engulfed its stone construction, covering it in a thick vegetation that kept it hidden and protected until the ‘lost city of the Incas’ was brought to international attention in 1911. Your tour will introduce you to the origins of this impressive citadel and guide you around some of its most iconic monuments, such as the main square, the royal rooms, the Temple of the Three Windows, the circular towers, the Sacred Clock and cemeteries. At the end of the tour, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and to board the train back to Cusco. Overnight in Cusco.
Day 15 Day 15: Departure Cusco
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Departure Cusco

After finishing your breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport. Although this is the last day of your journey through some of Peru’s most fascinating sites of natural beauty and historical interest, we hope that your memories of this remarkable region will last a lifetimeBreakfast included.

+12

15 days tour

Enigmas Of The South, Private Tour

This tour includes:

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Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Enigmas Of The South, Private Tour

Day 1: Arrival Lima

Day 2: Limacity Tour

Day 3: Lima – Paracas (265 Km – 4 Hrs)

Day 4: Paracas - Ballestas Islands - Nasca (215 Km - 3.5 Hrs)

Day 5: Nasca Lines – Arequipa (570 Km – 10 Hrs)

Day 6: Arequipacity Tour & Santa Catalina Monastery

Day 7: Arequipa – Colca (165 Km – 3 Hrs)

Day 8: Colca Canyon & Valley

Day 9: Colca Canyon - Puno (250 Km – 4 Hours)

Day 10: Puno - Lake Titicacauros & Taquile

Day 11: Puno - Cusco (390 Km - 8 Hours)

Day 12: Cuscocity Tour & Archaelogical Sites

Day 13: Cusco – Sacred Valley – Chinchero – Ollantaytambo (75 Km – 1.5 Horas)

Day 14: Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes (115 Km – 3 Hours)

Day 15: Departure Cusco

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