This 14 day holiday takes in all the highlights of Peru, the beautiful colonial city of Arequipa and the spectacular Colca Canyon, the tranquility of Lake Titicaca and finally the focus of the trip, Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Itinerary in brief:
Day 1:Fly to Lima.
Day 2:Fly to Arequipa – Optional City Tour.
Day 3:Travel across the altiplano to the Colca Canyon.
Day 4:View the condors from Cruz del Condor before returning to Arequipa.
Day 5:Free day in Arequipa – Optional tour to the countryside around Arequipa.
Day 6:Travel to Puno by tourist bus.
Day 7:Visit the floating islands and Amantani Island on Lake Titicaca. Homestay with a local family.
Day 8:Visit Taquile Island and return to Puno in the afternoon.
Day 9:Travel to Cusco by tourist bus with visits to sites of interest throughout the day.
Day 10:Free morning in Cusco to explore the city by yourself. City tour in the afternoon.
Day 11:Free morning in Cusco. Afternoon train to Aguas Calientes.
Day 12:Guided tour of Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco.
Day 13:Free day in Cusco. Optional Sacred Valley tour.
Day 14:Flight to Lima and then home.
Overview
Arequipa
With an impressive colonial center built from the white volcanic rock that is found in the area there are a variety of things to do whilst in the city such as visit the Santa Catalina Monastery or the museum where the Ice Mummy ‘Juanita’ is kept. The main attraction of the city is the nearby Colca Canyon where it is possible to see condors soaring on the thermals.
Puno
People visit Puno for Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake and home to the Uros people. The Uros people have lived on floating islands that they construct from reeds for generations, possibly as far back as Inca times and it is this unique culture that attracts people to the area. A boat ride on Lake Titicaca is an unforgettable experience, visiting the floating islands as well as the islands of Amantani and Taquile you see a side of Peru that is all but lost.
Cusco
The old Inca capital is the main destination of everyone’s trip. Sat at 3300m / 10,827ft. above sea level, Cusco has a unique charm and provides an interesting mix of Andean and Spanish cultures. Filled with ancient Inca sites and colonial buildings sat alongside modern restaurants and upmarket cafes, Cusco has a little something for everyone.
Machu Picchu
The lost city of the Incas is a short train journey from Cusco. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery and with some of the most impressive Inca buildings ever constructed, Machu Picchu iss the highlight of Peru.