THE PEARLS OF THE ANDES
(15 Days / 14 Nights)

DAY 01: International arrival at Lima
Assistance on your international arrival in Lima and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 02: LIMA: City Tour
In the afternoon a guided city tour by the most attractive and important sites in Lima, the "City of Kings". The tour includes Lima's Historical Center, visiting San Martin Square, the Main square, the Government Palace, the City Hall, the Cathedral, the Cathedral Museum, the Church of Santo Domingo, where the tombs of Saint Rose and Saint Martin of Porras lied, and Lima's Colonial Balconies. Afterwards we visit The Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology that shows the biggest collection of pre-hispanic objects such as stone sculptures from Chimu culture, clothes from Paracas culture, handicrafts of Nazca and Mochica cultures, and metal work of Chimu culture, as well as paintings, documents and objects that belonged to important people of Colony and Republic period of Peru. This visit will allow you to have a global vision of Peruvian History.



DAY 03: BALLESTAS ISLANDS / NAZCA
Early in the morning, transfer from Lima to Paracas, where we will start a boat excursion to the Ballestas Islands, in the Paracas National Reserve. Here we can observe sea lions, boobies, pelicans, penguins and marine birds.
On the way back, from the water, we can also see the "Candelabro"(Candelabrum), a giant figure etched in the sand on the side of a hill in the style of the Nazca Lines. Afterwards travel to the city of Nazca. Overnight in Nazca.

DAY 04: NAZCA / AREQUIPA
Optional: Early morning transfer to Nazca airport for a 45-minute overflight of the enigmatic Nazca Lines. These enormous lineal drawings of animals, birds and geometric figures, remain etched in the desert and they can only be appreciated from the air. At noon travel to the city of Arequipa along the desert and coast valleys. On your arrival at Arequipa, transfer to the selected hotel.



DAY 05: AREQUIPA: City tour
Morning city tour of Arequipa, including the Main Square, one of the most beautiful squares in Peru, and the Cathedral, a prime example of XIX century Peruvian architecture, housing beautiful treasures in gold and silver.
We also visit the La Compania Church, and ancient Jesuit temple.

Maybe the most important one in Arequipa due to its history and tradition, with a beautiful facade with carved columns, laurel crowns, flowers, birds, etc .

A more careful look at the façade, however, reveals the limits of European influence, as the angels have Indian faces; and indeed one face is even crowned with feathers.

Then, we will visit the Santa Catalina Convent, a "small town" built in the XVII century and opened to the public in 1970, after 400 years cloister.




DAY 06: AREQUIPA: Colca Canyon
Early in the morning, depart on a wonderful four hours bus trip to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world (3,400 mts.). On the trip we drive across Pampa Cañahuas in the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, inhabited by herds of vicuñas and alpacas (South American camelids). We also see beautiful pre-Columbian terraces, still being cultivated by native Collaguas. On your arrival at Colca Valley, transfer to the selected logde.

DAY 07: COLCA: Condor Cross
We leave early in the morning to the "Condor's Cross", where we can appreciate one of the biggest birds in the world. On the way back we visit the colonial towns and churches of Yanque, Coporaque, Achoma and Maca. Good opportunity to appreciate the life of these people that has changed little since Inca times. Overnight at selected hotel.

DAY 08: COLCA / PUNO: Sillustani
Trip by bus to Puno. During our trip we will visit the famous Chullpas of Sillustani, stone cylinder burial chambers used by the Aymaras to bury their important leaders. Here you also have the opportunity to observe several local typical birds. Arrival to Puno. Overnight at selected hotel.

DAY 09: PUNO: Titicaca Lake, Floating Island of the Uros and Island of Taquile
Early in the morning, we will have a motorboat excursion on the Lake Titicaca to the unique "Floating Islands" of the Uros. These ancient inhabitants of the lake, known as the Water Tribe, have builttheir own "islands" by periodically adding new layers of a type of reed unique to the area called "totora" (Scirpus Totora), vegetable fibre from the Papiro family.
Their homes and boats are also made from this material. We continue our motorboat trip to Taquile island, inhabited by Quechua-speaking natives who have developed efficient and unique social systems, as well as fine hand weaving techniques, down through generations. After lunch in a local Taquile inn, we have a walk through the various hills and archaeological sites. In the afternoon, return to Puno for overnight at selected hotel.



DAY 10: PUNO / CUSCO
Early departure by bus to the City of Cusco. During the trip, we pass through La Raya Ranch where we can see herds of vicuñas and llamas. In the afternoon, arrival to Cusco and transfer to the selected hotel.

DAY 11: CUSCO: City tour and visit to nearby ruins
Morning at leisure.
In the afternoon, city tour of Cusco visiting the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Temple of the Sun or Korikancha Then, we continue to the Inca sites of Kenko, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara and the impressive fortress of Sacsayhuaman, strategically built on a hill overlooking Cusco and famous for its enormous carved stones. Return to the hotel.

DAY 12: CUSCO: Sacred Valley of the Incas
Excursion to the "Sacred Valley of the Incas", a succession of picturesque towns, agricultural terraces and archaeological sites. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, we´ll visit the typical Indian market, with a catholic mass service on Sunday (celebrated in Quechua, the native language).

Lunch at a local restaurant in the Sacred Valley. In the afternoon we continue our trip to the Inca Fortress and Citadel of Ollantaytambo, which was built to guard the entry of this part of the valley and protect it from enemies of the lower jungles; consisting in a series of superimposed terraces of carved stones accessed by long staircases. We will have the opportunity to walk through the quaint streets of the nearby town, religious and agricultural centre during the Inca Empire, and get a clear idea of the military strategy against possible invasions.



DAY 13: CUSCO: Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
Early morning transfer to Cusco train station for a three hour train journey to the famous Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, also known as "The Lost City of the Incas".

Upon arrival, guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and various burial grounds.

After the tour we will have time to stroll around and explore the archaeological site by yourself. Overnight in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

DAY 14: CUSCO: Aguas Calientes - Cusco
We will have an excellent opportunity to visit Machu Picchu a second time and enjoy with a beautiful sunrise as well as stroll by the town of Aguas Calientes and visit its thermal waters. In the afternoon, back to Cusco by train, and transfer to the selected hotel for overnight.

DAY 15: CUSCO / LIMA
Transfer to the airport. Flight to Lima.

End of our services.