Day 1 & 2 - Departing the hustle and bustle of Lima we keep heading south through the town of Pisco , popular for its most famous export “Pisco Sour”. Our boat trip takes us to the Ballestas Islands said to be the Galapagos of Peru with its permanent population of seals and birdlife even the chance to see a penguin, or if you are really lucky in the breading season a hump back whale may pass by. We now head to Nazca, where over 2500 years have elapsed since the pre-Inca culture of the Nazca people disappeared leaving what today is one of the wonders of South America . The lines left on the Plato’s around Nazca have been studied by Archaeologists and mathematicians alike, with know one being able to say without doubt what they are their to symbolize. The best way to see them is to take a flight.
Day 3 & 4 - Our next stop is camping on the Peruvian coast just south of Nazca were we can light a good old fashion BBQ on the beach and enjoy the sound of the waves. Porta Inca is well placed in a protected cove and because of this the Inca leaders turned it into a port, which supplied Cuzco with fresh seafood. Today all that is left of the port are stone walls and buildings that you can walk around and imagine what it would have been like. Leaving Porta Inca we head further south on the Pan Americana highway along the scenic coastal road on our way to Arequipa . Arequipa lies in the midst of three volcano's at an altitude of 2325m.
Day 5 & 6 -Due to the use of the white rock from near buy volcano's, Arequipa was nicknamed the white city and today this same stone is being used in new housing around the area. Arequipa is the second biggest city in Peru and is steeped with history. Must-sees are the MONASTERIO DE SANTA CATALINA. This little village all of its own holds an interesting and sordid history!! It takes up an area of around 20,000 square meters, and covers an entire city block. In its prime it is said to have had about 450 people living there, only about a third of these were nuns and the rest servants and slaves!! The doors were opened to the public in the 1970's and since then it has remained pretty much unchanged. Also take time to visit MUSEO SANTUARIOS ANDINOS. This is where you will find the remains of ‘Juanita’ ice Maiden of Ampato.
Day 7- Early to raise today as we head for the second deepest ravine in the world, out striping the might grand canyon in North America for the deepest point. Along the way we cross a pass at just under 5000m before descending into the Colca valley. The valley itself is covered in terracing that predates the Incas. The thought is that the Inca learnt their knowledge to grow in terracing from the people of the Colca valley. But the main reason we visit the canyon is to get the chance to see the endangered condor, which use the valley as a nesting place. After this we return to Chivie were we can finish the day in a hot spring, time permitting.
Day 8 & 9 - When Columbus arrived in the Americas , Cuzco was the thriving, powerful capital of the Inca Empire . The city founded in the 12 th Century is said to be shaped like a Puma. The Rio Tullumayo forms the spine, the Sacsayhuaman forms the head and the main city centre is meant to resemble the body. The city grew under the descending leaders of the Inca Empire to one of the greatest civilization centers in the western hemisphere, until the Spanish intervention changed all that, including the name, from qosq’o, which means “the earth’s navel”, to Cuzco . Today Cuzco is the centrepiece of the Peruvian tourist industry and the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley before it.
Day 10 - Travelling over the mountains we drop 500m to the sacred Urubamba River . We stop off at the village of Pisac were you get a chance in the traditional markets to maybe buy some good quality souvenirs. We then visit the extensive ruins of Pisac with their stunning views over the valley before finishing our day in Ollantaytambo.
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Day 11 - 14 - From Ollantaytambo we begin our four-day excursion along the Inca trail, crossing spectacular passes and visiting more Inca ruins en-route to the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu . A local guide will lead this expedition to ensure that you get all of the detailed information a visit to such an important site deserves. The trekking company also supplies porters to cook and carry the main equipment, leaving you free to carry your personal items to enjoy the trail. The first day is relatively easy, walking 4.5 hours and will get you limbered up for the highest pass at Warmiwañusca (dead woman’s pass 4,200m), which you will reach before lunchtime on Day 2. This should take around 7 hours. After dead woman’s pass, it's all down hill as the trail winds it way along old Inca stairs to our campsite. On Day 3 we pass the ruins of Sayacmarca and Phuyupatamarca, walking today is around 7 hours. The last morning, after a stop at Wiñay-Wayna, we make our way very early passing the sun gate to the dramatic city of Machu Picchu . The ruins were only discovered by the outside world in 1911, when American explorer Hiram Bingham found them while looking for another lost city called Vilcabamba. Due to their isolation and not being discovered by the Spaniards, most of the buildings are still quite intact. You can't help but admire Huayna Picchu ( Young Mountain ), which towers above the ruins, a good hard climb to the spectacular view from the top (takes about 50 minutes). Before returning to Cuzco by train, you can soak your tired muscles in the hot springs at Aguas Calientes.
Day 15 - We leave this day free so that you have the opportunity to venture around and see the things you want or maybe do a day rafting or a para-glide in the sacred valley Cuzco will amaze you with the options it has.
Day 16 - 18 - Time to leave the excitement of Cuzco , destination Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca . On arrival we will have a meeting with our guides who will give you in-depth and up to date information about our visit to the floating reed Islands of the Uros Indians. We make our way to Amantani Island , where we spend the night in the home of native families. The following morning we'll stop at Taquile, where the men walk around knitting typical woolen hats, while the women tend the fields before returning to Puno for our final night in Peru
Day 19 & 20 - Driving out of Puno we stay close to Lake Titicaca , until crossing into Bolivia were we stop at the pre- Inca ruins of Tiahuanaco , they say here is the origin of Andean cultures. Starting out on the shores of Lake Titicaca they later conquered all the surrounding valleys. The level of development was so high in stone construction, pottery and water systems that many cultures benefited from their knowledge. We can see the influence of Tiahuanaco in the cultures of Wari, Nazca, Paracas and last of all the Incas. Next stop La Paz and tour end.
Day 21 - The first thing you will notice about La Paz is that most buildings are sited on the hill side surrounding the city centre, 3’636m above sea level. Our hotel here is in a prime position within walking distance of all the sites. La Paz is a shopping mecca, for those wanting to pick up cheep Llama and Alpaca garments or just taking in the sites and smells of the famous witches market three streets away from your hotel. You can also take a day out on one of the most exciting downhill bike rides in the world, well worth the money if you love biking.
See below for departure dates. |
