This tour take you to the most important Archaeological places in Peru, covering Caral, Arequipa and the Colca Valley, Puno and Titicaca Lake, Cusco and the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Day 1- Lima:Arrival in Lima, reception and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 - Lima - Caral: After breakfast, Private excursion to Caral. Box lunch and cold drinks. Estimated times are 8 am departure from the hotel, arrival at the turnoff to the Supe Valley (Km. 182 on the Pan-American Highway North), arrival at Caral. Caral is the oldest civilization in the Americas, having developed almost simultaneously with the civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India and China. The inhabitants of Peru were ahead of those of Mesoamerica, the other center of civilization (of the six recognized worldwide) by at least 1,500 years. The Sacred City of Caral is located in the Supe valley, province of Barranca, 182 km north of Lima, in the north-central area of Peru. Because of its size and its architectural complexity, this is the most outstanding urban settlement of all that have been identified on the American continent from 3000 to 2000 B.C. 3:15 pm departure from Caral to Lima and to the hotel. (B/L)
Day 3 - Lima - Arequipa: After breakfast transfer from hotel to the airport for your flight to Arequipa. After your arrival in Arequipa our staff will transfer you to the hotel in the white city of Arequipa. A City Tour visiting the Chilina valley and the old San Lazaro district. General view of the city from the Yanahuara Belvedere, the Plaza de Armas and its Cathedral, the cloisters of La Compania Church, the Church and Square of San Francisco and the extraordinary Santa Catalina convent which is built from volcanic lava and dates from the 16th century. Return to the Hotel (B)
Day 4: Arequipa - Colca Valley: We travel from Arequipa at 4:00 am and after about 3 ½ hours arrive at Chivay, from where it is a further two hours to Cabanconde, at the edge of the canyon. We have breakfast around 8:00 am and then start trekking. We stop at the rim of the canyon to appreciate the spectacular views, then begin the zig-zag descent to the river. On the other side of the bridge in San Juan de Chuccho we have lunch and some welcome relaxation. We carry on walking on the other side of the canyon, passing through idyllic countryside and the remote villages of Coshñirgua and Malata, before descending to the Oasis, where we stay the night in bamboo bungalows.
Day 5 - Colca Canyon - Arequipa: Around 3:00 am the following morning we get up and start the climb up the canyon, by torch and starlight (such a climb is fiercely hot by day). Those who are feeling very tired have the option of making the ascent by mule. Breakfast at the Valle de Fuego hostel tastes delicious after the walk. We aboard our vehicle and drive a short distance down the side of the Colca Canyon reputed to be the deepest canyon in the world, past megalithic ancient terracing, to Cruz del Condor. Here Andean Condors and other Birds of Prey, roost on inaccessible ledges and once hot air thermals have developed, produced by the burning Andean sun, they circle out gaining height and provide stunning photographic opportunities. The Condors are big and one cannot help but be amazed by these creatures. In the afternoon return to Arequipa and to your hotel. (B)
Day 6 - Arequipa - Puno: After breakfast transfer from Arequipa to Puno, on the Peruvian Altiplano at 3,825 m./12,546 ft. We transfer south to Puno, on the lake, and continue to our country hotel with expansive views over Lake Titicaca. It's important to take it easy at first so that you gradually acclimate to the altitude. (B/L)
Day 7 - Titicaca Lake - Overnight at Islandr`s Home: After breakfast, a tour by boat to the islands of Uros and Taquile on Lake Titicaca. Our first stop are the floating reed islands of the Uros indigenous group who maintain houses and evens schools on these floating reed islands continuing to Taquile, where members of this self-supporting island will welcome you and offer a glimpse into their ancient traditions and customs. Box Lunch on the island and an opportunity for some spectacular views over the haunting beauty of Lake Titicaca. We spend a delightful afternoon hiking on the island. Overnight in homes of the islanders. (B/L)
Day 8 - Titicaca Lake - Puno: We have a second day to explore this entrancingly beautiful and peaceful island. Only four miles long and less than a mile wide, the island has hidden beaches, hilltop shrines, and a gentle and industrious population of Quechua peasants who welcome us wherever we go. We depart by boat in the afternoon, and visit the astonishing floating reed island communities of the Uros Indians. Return to the mainland, overnight at hotel in Puno. (B/L)
Day 9 - Puno - Cusco: Early breakfast and transfer to the Bus Station to take the Tourist Bus to Cusco (Luxury Orient Express Train available), a long the way we will have stops and guided tours to the Incas sites of Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, and Pikillaqta. We have lunch at the restaurant in Sicuani. After our arrival into Cusco our staff will meet and transfer us to the Hotel. (B/L)
Day 10 - Cusco City Tour: Morning free. In the afternoon City tour of Cusco, and include: The Cathedral, Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun, the most important of Inca ceremonial sites). Later we will continue to the most important site of Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Qenqo and Puca Pucara. We return to our Hotel (B/D)
Day 11 - Cusco - Sacred Valley with overnight and trek briefing: After breakfast we travel by bus through the Sacred Valley of the Inca. where life has remained almost unchanged for 500 years. Upon decent into the Sacred Valley you will know that you've arrived in the area the Inca revered for its lush fertile soils. The scenery is unsurpassable, close and distant snow peaks glistening in the Sun. Later on, you will have the opportunity of visiting the lively local Ancient Pisac market where many of the local Indians sell their hand made textiles. It is here that many fine Andean garments are for sale and you can test your haggling powers as you bargain for trinkets and souvenirs. For lunch you will have the chance to eat a buffet lunch at the local hacienda restaurant with traditional Andean foods and music. We continue to Ollantaytambo the major Inca fortress. Constructed of finely cut polygonal stones and rhyolite blocks, the fortress and nearby town represent the best of Inca architecture and construction. Large worked blocks, some weighting as much as 100 tons were quarried from a site more than a thousand vertical feet above the valley floor using a technique of pecking with hammer stones, then skidded down and across the Urubamba river several kilometers to the temple site. Inclined ramps were built to raise the blocks several hundred feet up hill to the construction area. Overnight on the Sacred Valley (B/L/D)
Day 12 - Inca Trail/ Wayllabamba
Early breakfast and short journey to the small Andean town of Chilca and on to the trailhead at Piscacucho at km 82. Here you will meet the team that will join you during the trek, such as the porters, camp assistants and cooks. You will begin the walk, the first day is quite easy and during the first kilometers, you will have a beautiful view of the snow peaked Veronica Mountain, walking alongside the Vilcanota River until you arrive at the Archaeological Complex of Patallacta, where you will have lunch and gain energy to reach Wayllabamba, the name in Quechua means 'grassy plain. Most tour groups spend the first night here although there are prettier campsites a little further on. (B/L/D)
Day 13 - Pacaymayu
Today we climb up from Wayllabamba for about 3 hours through steepening woods and increasingly spectacular terrain brings you to the treeline and a meadow known as Llulluchapampa (3,680m). It is another 1? hours climb to the first and highest pass of the trail (Abra de Huarmihuanusca or 'Dead Woman's Pass) at 4,200m. During this part of the trail hikers are exposed to the Andean elements: first scorching sun and then, closer to the pass, freezing winds. Once at the top hikers can celebrate having completed the most difficult section of the trail. The decent from the pass is steep although not difficult, following the trail on the left side of the valley to the valley floor and to the 2nd night's campsite at Pacaymayu (3,600m). There are toilet facilities here. (B/L/D)
Day 14: Wiñayhuayna
Today you will continue to climbing a series of Inca steps, it takes about an hour to climb up to the ruins of Runkuracay (12,172ft). These small circular ruins occupy a commanding position overlooking the Pacamayo valley below. Another 45 minute hike will bring you to the top of the second pass: Abra de Runkuracay (4,000m). At last you'll feel that you are walking along the trail of the Incas with paving, for the most part, being original. The descent down the steps from the pass is steep so take care. After about 1 hour from the 2nd pass you'll arrive at Sayacmarca by way of a superbly designed stone staircase. The name Sayacmarca means 'Inaccessible Town' and describes the position of the ruins perfectly, protected on three sides by sheer cliffs. No one knows the exact purpose of these ruins. From then on the path descends into magnificent cloud forest full of orchids, hanging mosses, tree ferns and flowers, passing through an impressive Inca tunnel, carved into the rock, on the way. A few minutes after the pass is Phuyupatamarca, the most impressive Inca ruin so far. The name means 'Town in the Clouds'. Access to the ruins is down a steep flight of stairs passing six 'Inca Baths' probably used for the ritual worship of water. Be careful with your knees which will feel the strain by the end of the day. After about an hour of walking through cloud forest you may just be able to see the tin roof of the Trekkers Hostal at Winay Wayna, although it probably won't be for another 2 hours until you arrive. A short trail leaves from the southern end of the hostal to the ruins of Winay Wayna. The name in Quechua means 'forever young' and is named after a variety of pink orchid which grows here. The ruins comprise magnificent agricultural terraces set in an impressive location. There are also many buildings of good quality stonework and a sequence of 10 baths, suggesting that the site was probably a religious center associated with the worship of water. Ritual cleansing may have taken place here for pilgrims on the final leg of the trail to Machu Picchu. (B/L/D).
Day 15: Machu Picchu
After an early breakfast, in the anticipation of continuing on the trail your hearts may begin to pound from the excitement that awaits your every steps and breath as you approach the fabled citadel. The trail contours a mountainside and drops into cloud forest before coming to an almost vertical flight of 50 steps leading up to the final pass at Intipunku (Sun Gate). Our guide will explain the history and the myths that surround this archaeological wonder (7'800ft.) Afterward transfer by bus to return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and after that you will board the train for your returning to Cusco. After your arrival to the Cusco train station our staff will meet and transfer you to your hotel. (B/L)
Day 16 - Cusco free day: Free day to enjoy the most importants sites of the City.(B/D)
Day 17: Cusco - Lima: Transfer for your departure flight back to Lima and connection flight back home. (B)
PRICES $3,003.00: Prices start from $ per person in double occupancy from Lima, Peru. This includes all meals from Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, accommodations as stated in the itinerary, domestic airfare, ground transportation during the tour, and guide services provided by our guide. It does not include airfare from your home to Lima and return, airport departure taxes, alcoholic beverages, special gratuities, phone calls, laundry, or items of a personal nature. Rates are based upon group tariffs; if the tour does not have sufficient registration, a small-party supplement may have to be charged.
The single supplement for this tour is $. You will be charged a single supplement if you desire single accommodations.
TOUR REGISTRATION: To register for this tour, complete the Tour registration form and return it with a deposit of $500 per person. If registering by phone, the deposit must be received within 10 days or the space will be released. Full payment of the tour fee is due 60 days prior to the tour departure date.
AIR INFORMATION: Sun God Expeditions Tours E.I.R.L is a full-service travel agency and we will be happy to make any domestic or international air travel arrangements from your home and return. Please feel free to contact us to confirm your air arrangements.
CURRENCY: Nuevo Sol; as of February, 2006, $1 USD = 3.42 Nuevo Sol. Local currency and USD are available from ATM’s at Lima airport and major cities
DOCUMENTS: For U.S. citizens, a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure is required. Non-United States citizens should check with their local Peruvian consulate or embassy. A visa is not required; a tourist card will be issued by the airline
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
• Departure tax: Lima/USA $28.25 as of August 2005. This may be paid in Peruvian Soles or U.S. dollars.
• Electric Current: 220 Volts (flat pin plug).
• Time: Eastern Standard Time
Note: Upgrades and Hiram Bingham train and private tours, please contact us for details
Before booking, it is important to have read and understood the Terms and Conditions. Please bear in mind that significant price reductions are available for groups.
