Discover the world’s second deepest canyon and spectacular Machu Picchu
HIGHLIGHTS: Arrival in Arequipa - Colca Canyon - Titicaca Lake - Kayaking - Guided bus Puno to Cusco - Cusco - Super Sacred Valley: Pisac, Moray, Salineras, Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu - Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley - Farewell in Cusco.
A very good combination of nature, archeological, and local living in only 12 days.
Visit the fascinating "White City" of Arequipa, experiences the majestic giant condors soaring overhead at Cruz del Condor in the beautiful Colca Canyon the world’s second deepest chasm, before traveling on to Cusco, the Capital of the Inca civilization. Discover Cusco, city of blue sky, thick clouds and the great religious center of Sacsayhuaman and the magical Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, visit the Pisaq market and the unique archaeological complex of Ollantaytambo, tour the city of the Incas and discover the citadel that centuries later would become one of the Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu.
Choosing this tour, you will not only be enjoying the wonders that this tour offers you, but you will also be supporting the sustainability and the economic improvement of the farmers living in high Andean communities of Peru. Because part of our profits is destined to support our nonprofit projects Colors of Peru, this project supports building rustic houses in the Andes of Cusco.
Itinerary:
-
Day1 - Arrival in Arequipa any time
On your landing in Arequipa, you will be welcomed by our staff with a sign of Go Get Peru and your name, then you will be escorted to your hotel located in the city center, today no planned activities. If you arrive in the morning use the rest of the day to walk through the main plaza with colonial buildings, then 30 or 40 minutes walking from the main plaza you can reach Yanahuara neighborhood, and have a sensational view of Arequipa and its volcano Misti.
- Hotel: In Arequipa - Casa de Avila or similar
- Meals Included: None
-
Day2 - Colca Canyon Tour: Arequipa - Chivay with Overnight
Today after breakfast at the hotel we set out Colca Canyon Excursion by Chivay village. Feast your eyes on the magnificent views of the Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu volcanoes as you draw near National Reserve of “Pampa Cañahuas”. Upon reaching the reserve you can witness the wild Vicuñas, Llamas and Alpacas in their natural habitat. Our exploration continues to wasi (3800m/12460ft) where you will take pleasure in the natural rock formations with the Misti and Chachani volcanoes behind you. We will ascend further to a mountainous and splendid 4500m/14,760ft. height, passing “Tocra” on the way. The “highlight” of the tour will be “Pata Pampa” where you will stand at 4820m/15,810ft. Approaching the Chivay town (3651m/11,978ft.), you will be amazed at Colca Valley’s multicolored terraces. After lunch optional visit to La Calera hot springs, or just relax in your hotel.
- Hotel: In Chivay - Yanque - Casona Plaza Eco lodge or similar
- Meals Included: Breakfast in the hotel, Lunch
-
Day3 - Chivay – Colca Valley – Condor Cross – Bus to Puno
The second day in Colca, after breakfast we will drive to Cross of the Condor, where you can see the largest Andean flying condors (largest in the western hemisphere). Then we will move on to visit Colca Valley in Cruz del Cóndor. This is the second deepest canyon on earth. Along the way back to Chivay we will have the chance to see the town of Pinchollo; as well as the “Antahuilque watching point” to view a marvelous terrace built 1500 years ago by the Collagua civilization. Another stopover will be at viewpoints “Choquetico” and “Tumbas colgantes” which means ‘hanging tombs’. Our tour will progress with visits to the towns of Maca (shaken by an earthquake in 1991) and Yanque where you can see the most beautiful church of the valley. After arriving in Chivay again you can enjoy a hearty lunch at a local eatery. After we will take the bus to Puno journey will take around 6 hours. Upon arrival, reception, and transfer to your Hotel.
- Hotel: In Puno - Casona Plaza Puno or similar
- Meals Included: Breakfast in the Hotel, Lunch
-
Day4 - Puno – Taquile Island – Lunch – Luquina community Homestay
Pick up from your hotel at around 07:00 am, we depart early by motorboat. Only 30 minutes ride we will reach Uros Floating Islands, an ancient people living on a series of artificial islands made from totora reed that grows in the lake itself. They are made by weaving the totora to form a natural mat, where the reeds grow the thickest. They build their homes on top and cook in the open air to prevent fires. After an hour you will continue to the island of Taquile, along the way, we will have some Aymara language lessons & more. We will arrive at this unique place in the most secluded section of the island. Apart from it being the least visited sector of Taquile Island, there is also a pristine sandy beach to enjoy. We will have at least 3 hours to explore this paradise including a 1-hour soft and gradual hike along a pre-Inca pathway with breathtaking landscapes. while members of the community show us their dances, textiles and other unique cultural expressions. Once we arrive the members of the community of Taquile will show us their dances, textiles and other unique cultural expressions, then we will continue to Luquina to enjoy our organic Lunch (Pachamanca the traditional food of the island). Then one of the members of the family in Luquina will escort you to the family house where you will spend the night, there we are welcomed by the friendly inhabitants and accommodated in a local family homestay. Take some time to learn about the local culture and in the late afternoon there is an optional hike to the top of a nearby hill for an unforgettable Titicaca sunset. After dinner enjoy a small celebration with traditional music and dances. Overnight at the Homestay; It has basic but comfortable facilities, good mattresses, blankets & sheets, sheets, clean toilet.
- Overnight: In Luquina Community - Homestay
- Meals Included: Breakfast in the hotel, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day5 - Kayaking in Luquina – Lunch – Puno
After having breakfast at your family house, at around 9 am we will start walking to the base camp, at around 9:30 am we will begin with the security briefing and basic paddling instructions and help us the get on properly the kayak gear, flotation device, etc. Then we start paddling towards the tip of the Peninsula of Chucuito, from here it is possible to distinct the high Bolivian snow-capped mountains at the other side of the Lake. Enjoying the cool lake breeze we continue paddling and at 11:30 am. reach a pristine sandy beach at the community of Karina. short break to enjoy the spectacular views. Then we start paddling again back to our base camp of Luquina, finally, we will walk to the family house, where the family will be waiting for us with a delicious lunch, later on, the boat will pass to pick you up and return back to Puno.
- Hotel: In Puno - Casona Plaza or similar
- Meals Included: Breakfast with the Family, Lunch
-
Day6 - Bus Puno to Cusco with Guided Tour
Breakfast in the hotel and private transfer to the bus station, bus departs Puno at 07:00 am, then enjoy the landscape while traveling by bus to Cusco. Along the way, you will stop in la Raya to take a short break, and enjoy the view to the snow mountain, and also we will stop in Sicuani town for our lunch in a local restaurant. Two more interesting places to visit still await us on this trip to Cusco, we visit Raqchi the Wiracocha Temple and have the guided tour, then Andahuaylillas chapel, known as the Sistine Chapel of América, finally at around 5: pm arrival to Cusco and private transfer to your hotel.
- Hotel: In Cusco - El Balcon or similar
- Meals Included: Breakfast in the hotel, Lunch
-
Day7 - Cusco Tour: The Cathedral – Koricancha – San Pedro Local Fruit Market - Sacsayhuaman
Pick up from your hotel at 09:00 am; the tour is beginning in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, you will enter the Cathedral of Cusco, the first Catholic church ordered to build on 1559, then continue towards the Temple of the Sun (known as Koricancha) on which the Santo Domingo Convent was built. Then we will continue to San Pedro Local Market, during this tour, you will be able to see different types of local products coming from the Andes, valleys, and the cloud forest of Cusco, which are sold fresh and organic, here you can interact with the vendors, also you can try fresh fruit and also natural juice.
After learning about the market's history as you explore rows of local produce, colorful fabrics, flower vendors, and shaman stalls, we will continue by our minivan to the famous park of Sacsayhuaman where you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of Cusco. Sacsayhuaman boasts impressive Incan design and artwork with massive stones over 9 meters (30 feet) tall and weighing up to 125 tons, then we will get back to your hotel.
- Hotel: In Cusco - El Balcon or similar
- Meals Included: Breakfast in the hotel
-
Day8 - Chinchero authentic quechua Village - Moray – Maras - Ollantaytambo – Urubamba
Pick up at 08:00 a.m. by the guide and our private van to continue our journey through the colorful agriculture terraces of Chinchero towards the archaeological center of Moray. On the way, we will make some stops to appreciate the natural beauty that the Vilcanota mountain range offers us with its snowcapped mountains. Moray is famous for its sunken amphitheater, made up of four circular terraces, which appear to disappear into the earth like an artificial crater. The site was apparently an Inca agricultural research station designed for experimenting with crops at various altitudes, it is believed that the terraces, built over containing walls filled with fertile earth and watered by complex irrigation systems, enabled the Incas to grow more than 250 plant species. Continue to the impressive Maras salt pools formed by water emerging from a lake inside a mountain in the Urubamba Valley. An amazing view of evaporating ponds for the extraction of salt. Learn about ancestral techniques, which are still used, in agricultural, irrigation, and salt-recollection tasks, as well as in Andean festivals and rites.
Your next destinations will be the remains of Ollantaytambo Fortress and the Temple of the Sun, a mysteriously built structure with massive 12 foot (3.5m) tall stones.
Finally, our private transportation will take as to Urubamba town, place where we will spend the night in a peaceful place out of the city, surrounded by trees, flowers and birds.
- Overnight in Urubamba Hotel: Casitas del Arco Iris or Similar
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
-
Day9 - Traditional Andean dish preparation of Pachamanca – Pisac – Machu Picchu town
After breakfast at your hotel, our representative will pass by your hotel to pick up at 09:00 am then you will continue to the authentic village of Huchuy Qosqo Community in the Sacred Valley, upon arrival and, you will have an affectionate welcome by the members of the community with colorful native clothes and Andean music. Then we will start the preparation of this experience flavors of the Andes known as Pachamanca. It is a way of preparing food that consists of digging a hole in the ground, placing some stones in it, previously heated with firewood. Then, put various types of ingredients on top such as potatoes, cassava, sweet potato, corn, cheese, broad beans, chicken meat, vegetables and other ingredients.
After sharing the lunch with the locals, our next destination is visit the picturesque town of Pisac, in about 30 minutes driven we will arrive to this town, short ride 25 more minutes up to Pisac archeological site. Here you will participate in the guided tour, visiting all its holy places including terraces, aqueducts, paths that are associated to walls and gates, water channels, cemeteries, bridges, etc. On our way back you have chance to visit the local Market where you can purchase beautifully crafted products hand-made by the locals. Then by our private transportation we will continue to Ollantaytambo train station to continue by train to Aguas Calierntes ór Machu Picchu town.
- Hotel: In Aguas Calientes - Flowers House or similar
- Meals Included: Breakfast in the hotel, Lunch
-
Day10 - Machu Picchu Tour – Back to Cusco
Excursion to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, short ride (25 minutes) up to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, and you will participate in a guided tour, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the most important preserved Intihuatana, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows. Optional climb to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain; from where you can appreciate the immensity of Machu Picchu, even more, amazing being high and distant (not included in the price): In the afternoon you will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes for the train ride to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo station, private transfer to Cusco
- Hotel: In Cusco - El Balcon or similar
- Meals Included: Breakfast in the Hotel
-
Day11 - Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain
Early Pick up from your Cusco hotel at 05:00 am. We leave for the rainbow mountain; after 3 hours and 30 minutes driving accompanied by a spectacular panoramic view with canyons, native villages, alpacas and llamas grazing in the mountains we will arrive at the starting point of our hike which is over 4500 meters. We will prepare our day backpacks and snacks, then we need only 1-hour hike to reach this famous mountain, on the top of the mountain it is quite cold because it runs icy winds, so I recommend bring a warm jacket, wool hat and gloves if you want to appreciate the beauty of the mountain without any discomfort.
We have around 30 - 50 minutes to enjoy the beauty of this stunning place. You have two highlights in front of you. A panoramic view towards the Vinicunca mountain with its natural spectacular colors, then when turning 180 degrees, you will have the sight of the prominent snowy mountain of Ausangate. You will simply fall in love with this place, it is a natural wonder, that you will not believe it exists. After taking photos, we will hike downhill to the point we started. As soon as we arrive at the foot of the mountain we relax a few minutes before our car will bring us to the local restaurant for our lunch, then back to Cusco.
- Hotel: In Cusco - El Balcon or similar
- Meals Included: Breakfast and Lucnh
-
Day12 - Departure from Cusco
Breakfast in the hotel; according to your flight schedule pick up from your hotel and transfer to Cusco airport, then continue to your next destination – Adios Cusco.
Whats included
-
Hotel Accomodations
- 1-nights hotel accommodation in Arequipa
- 1-night hotel accommodation in Chivay (colca)
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Puno
- 1-night in Luquina family house – homestay
- 4-nights hotel accommodation in Cusco
- 1-night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Town
-
Excursions
- Colca Canyon 2 Days
- Lake Titicaca with homestay + Kayaking
- Cusco Tour (City Tour, San Pedro Local Market, Sacsayhuaman Inca site)
- Moray, Salineras, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain
-
Entrance fees to parks and cultural sights
- Boleto Turistico for Colca Canyon Tour
- Entry ticket to Lake Titicaca
- Boleto Turistico to visit Sacsayhuaman, Moray, Salineras, Ollantaytambo
- Entry Ticket for Machu Picchu Tour
- Entry Ticket for Rainbow Mountain
-
Transfers and Assistance
All airport transfers, Hotel pickup, and drop-off, all transfers are assisted by English-speaking staff.
-
Train Tickets and Transport
Expedition Train Ticket From Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu town (Round Trip )
Bus, minivan, on foot
-
Others
Meals: According mentioned in the itinerary
Local top quality English-speaking guides to accompany visits and excursions
24-hour support by our local staff
Not included
-
- Travel Insurance
- Internal flights within your Peru Tour
- Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain
- Personal items, pre & post tour accommodation, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras