Treasures of Southern Peru
Lima, Arequipa, the Colca Canyon, Puno, Titicaca Lake, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machupicchu,the Amazon rainforest.

Overview

We start our voyage from The White City of Arequipa, famous for its beautiful colonial buildings constructed using the white volcanic rock from the Misti Volcano. which overlooks the city. Arequipa is home to some of the tastiest food in Peru and also produces quality leather and alpaca goods. Close by travel to Colca Canyon where we will witness the flight of the condor then going through picturesque landscapes we arrive to Titicaca Lake at 3800 mts, home to the floating reed islands of the Uros and the culture rich people of Taquile island. We continue with a beautiful bus journey across the steppes of the high Andean mountains until Cusco where we visit the amazing megalithic temples and palaces of the Incas, then we will take the scenic train journey to the lost city of Machu Picchu. Afterwards we head into the jungle for some wildlife adventure and a stay at a specially selected jungle lodge. We end the tour in the bustling capital of Lima where we can sample some of the best sea food in the world.

– Taste the splendid Arequipa speciality Adobo – a delicious pork stew
– Visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, a masterpiece of colonial architecture in Arequipa
– Take in the breathtaking views of Colca Canyon and catch a glimpse of the flight of the condor
– Board a cruiser bus passing through the beautiful landscapes of the Andes
– Explore the Uros where river reeds are not only used for making the island itself but also interesting goodies to buy
– Visit the unique people of Taquile whose culture, lifestyle and clothing will leave a strong impression
– Discover the unique and charming blend of Inca and colonial architecture of Cusco
– Get awe-struck at the incredible city of Machu Picchu
– Spend your nights in a luxury Amazon Log-Cabin

15 days – 14 nights

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15

Arrival Lima. Overnight in Lima

Fly to Arequipa. Afternoon City tour. Overnight in Arequipa

Start your Three day excursion to the Colca Canyon. Overnight in the Colca Canyon

Excursion in the Colca Canyon, Cruz del Condor to observe the condors. Overnight in the Colca Canyon

Drive to Puno. Afternoon arrival. Overnight in Puno.

Excursion to the Titicaca Lake, the islands of the Uros and Taquile. Overnight in Puno.

Bus journey from Puno to Cusco. visiting four sights of interest along the way. Overnight in Cusco

Morning free. Afternoon Cusco city tour. Overnight in Cusco

Sacred Valley tour. Overnight in the Sacred Valley

Morning train to Machupicchu. Guided tour of Machupicchu Sanctuary. Overnight in Aguas Calientes

Free morning in Aguas Calientes. Optional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain Peak. Afternoon return train to Cusco. Overnight in Cusco

Flight to Puerto Maldonado. First day in the Amazon Rainforest. Overnight in a Jungle Lodge

Second day in the Amazon Rainforest. Overnight in a Jungle Lodge.

Last day in the Amazon Rainforest. Flight to Lima and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Lima

City tour of Lima. Evening transfer to the airport for your international flight

Departures:

Daily departures year round

Destinations:

Lima, Arequipa, the Colca Canyon, Puno, Titicaca Lake, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machupicchu,the Amazon rainforest.

Reservation code:

AQ15

On arrival to Lima, we wait for you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Miraflores. For customers arriving in the late evening we offer the option to upgrade to a four-star airport Hotel which is directly connected to the airport. If you opt for the airport hotel make your own way over to the Costa del Sol Ramada and check in. You will find that the hotel is just a short walk from the airport arrival lounge.

Please pick up your Chaska Tours holiday hotel vouchers at the reception desk of the Hotel.

Overnight in Lima
No meals

Transfer to the airport for flight from Lima to Arequipa. Arrival and transfer to your hotel and you will have the morning for free.

Well known as the “White City” due to the color of its buildings made from sillar (white volcanic stone), and a picturesque colonial structure, this city has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO; it is surrendered with an impressive snowy mountains and volcanoes (Misti, Chachani, Pichu Pichu) and the Colca Canyon one of the world’s deepest canyons.

The department of Arequipa is also geographically varied with Andean valleys a several nature reserves and beautifully natural landscapes which became in an interesting place to visit.

Afternoon city tour. We will visit the Main Square, Yanahuara, its church and observatory, Arequipa´s most important churches, like San Francisco, the «Compania de Jesus»’ famous cloisters, colonial houses, and a special visit to the Santa Catalina Convent and Cloisters.

Overnight in Arequipa.
Breakfast included.

Transfer to the Colca Canyon. Driving across Pampa Cañahuas at the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, habitat of herds of vicuñas and stopping at the Mirador de los Andes, the crater of Chucura, the Mirador de Chivay, where beautiful pre-columbian terraces are still being cultivated by the native Collaguas. Arrival to the town of Chivay transfer to the hotel. Free time to enjoy the hot springs.
Overnight in the Colca Canyon.
Breakfast included.

Morning departure to the «Condor’s Cross» where the great Andean bird, the Condor, may be spotted flying in circles above the still farmed green pre-Hispanic terraces. On the way back to Chivay, visit to the Mirador of Chinina, where we will find the famous Hanging Tombs.
Overnight in the Colca Canyon.
Breakfast included.

After breakfast journey to Puno, arriving in the afternoon. Transfer to your hotel.Free time.

Overnight in Puno.
Breakfast Included.

Today we will leave for the port where a boat awaits us to visit one of the highest lakes in the world (3800 meters / 12467.19 feet). We will explore the floating island of Uros inhabited by traditional fisherman, stepping on the island feels very much like a water bed but it is quite safe. We see the houses, the islands and meet its friendly inhabitants. Uros people are descendants of one of the oldest South American groups. Rides on traditional reed boats can be arranged.

After we will continue navigating the highest navigable lake in the world, the Titicaca Lake, for about 2 ½ hours enjoying the spectacular views to get to Taquile Island port, from where we will take a long path that gradually ascend until the indigenous community to know these textile experts and their weaving traditions. You will find handy craft textiles of high quality make by them at a good price. Lunch at one of the many local restaurants.

After this nice experience with the indigenous community, we depart back to Puno City, on arrival we will transfer you to your Puno hotel.

Overnight in Puno
Breakfast and typical lunch included

Early in the morning you will be transferred to the bus station for your tourist hop-on hop-off bus to Cusco in which you will visit 4 archeological sites along the way. This will be a very active and interesting 9 hours journey.

This day long bus ride takes you through snow-covered peaks, high and wide Andean valleys where llamas graze on spiky grass. As you pass by villages with cobblestone streets and you will see people making adobe bricks by hand. On our way to Cusco we will visit the litho-sculptures of Pukara, La Raya, the highest point between Cusco and Puno (14234 feet / 3800 meters), Raqchi, the temple of the God Wiracocha and Andahuaylillas. The church of Andahuaylillas is known as the «Sistine Chapel of America». It is known as one of the best- preserved examples of Andean religious art. Arrival in Cusco and transfer to hotel.

Alternative option: Upgrade to Lake Titicaca train to Cusco available at an additional cost. Train operates Puno to Cusco: Monday, Thursday and Saturday.

Travel in style on the Lake Titicaca train to Cusco. Morning transfer to the local train station of Puno where the train operated by Peru Rail is waiting for your spectacular rail journey to Cusco, which runs on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The glass-walled observation coach provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The journey is broken by a scenic stop at La Raya, which is also the highest point on the route.
 First class lunch is served aboard the train in style.
 A music and fashion show and a bar-tending lesson will also be part of your experience aboard.

Overnight in Cusco
Breakfast and lunch Included.

Cusco was once the capital of the Incas Empire where you will learn more about the Andean culture as the city itself represents the center of indigenous Quechua culture.

Today you will have a free morning to acclimatize to the altitude and in the afternoon your guide will meet you to visit the Inca city delegated by UNESCO as a world heritage in 1983.

First, we will visit the Cathedral of Cusco on the Plaza de Armas and continuously the temple of Qoricancha, also known as the temple of the Sun. After these visits, we will continue to the upper part of Cusco to visit several archaeological sites. The first stop will be at Sacsayhuaman, a ceremonial complex of the Incas. We will also visit Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay. At the end, we will return to Cusco and drop you off at your hotel.

Note: In private service you will first have a tour by foot through the city, visiting Qoricancha the Inca Sun Temple, the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral, enjoying the atmosphere of the city by observing the well-preserved colonial architecture that conserves Incas original stone walls, evidence of a rich and complex history. We will continue our way until we get to San Pedro Central Market where the locals shop for Andean grains, fruits, natural medicine plants and more. Afterwards, drive up above Cusco for a visit of the spectacular Sacsayhuaman Inca complex with stupendous stonework, Qenko a place of rituals and then we sill visit the Textile Art Museum of Sulca to see their lovely textile made by hand.

Return to your hotel. Rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight in Cusco
Breakfast Included

This will be a full day tour where you will enjoy the varied landscapes of the beautiful Río Urubamba Valley, known as “Valle Sagrado de los Incas”, along the way we can see attractive colonial towns and isolated villages of indigenous communities that continue their tradition for weaving, pottery and agriculture. Main attractions will be the handicraft markets and the lofty Inca citadels of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, it is definitely the perfect match between a cultural experience, the andean sunlight and delicious typical food.

We will visit first the famous Pisac Colorful Indian market to see the handicrafts and taste delicious empanadas baked in huge typical ovens. Afterwards, continue to the Pisac ruins above the town for a visit of the Sun Temple and admire the many surrounding terraces. We will continue to Urubamba to enjoy lunch, then off to one of the original Inca towns of Ollantaytambo to be amazed by the ruins that sit in front of the quaint town. After a wonderful day you will return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the night.

Overnight in Sacred Valley
Breakfast and lunch included.

This morning you will ride on the train from Ollantaytambo with breathtaking views to Aguas Calientes. You will check into your hotel and then take the bus to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

In your way up to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu you will have spectacular views from the Mountains and the typical flora and fauna of the mysterious Cloud Forest. It is highly recommended to have lunch in Sanctuary Lodge Restaurant located in the entrance of the Citadel, enjoying the atmosphere of this magical place and then have a quiet guided tour after noon, with less crowds and the chance to see the amazing sunrise.

With your Official guide you will visit the enigmatic Citadel of Machu Picchu following a specific route where you will walk through the different sectors such as the Urban and Ceremonial and other places of interest. You will also have time for taking memorable pictures. We are sure that this will be a unique experience!

The Citadel of Machu Picchu was declared by UNESCO a world heritage in 1983. It is believed to have been built in the 15th century and abandoned by the Inca Empire when the Spaniards conquered them. The locals always knew about the ruins and some locals lived around it. The ruins were brought to the world’s attention in 1911. Visit the Sun Temple, the Room of the Three Windows, the Royalty sector and more.

Note: New regulations have been stablished for the visit to Machu Picchu since 2019, according to these statements there are certain schedules for the visit, with the Machu Picchu ticket you can stay 4 hours as maximum in the Citadel. Please notice that Machu Picchu is open from 6:00 am to 5:30pm. aumentar

Overnight in Aguas Calientes
Breakfast and lunch included.

Today you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu on your own pace.

If you have chosen the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel, you can opt to do one of the various excursions on the hotel grounds which include bird-watching, orchid and nature hikes with specialist guides.

Otherwise, based on your choice you could climb the Huayna Picchu or the Machu Picchu Mountain Peak. This short trek inside the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu will make your day spectacular! You will hike up through Inca’s original paths that will lead you towards magical places within the Cloud Forest. With every step you will get fascinated by the beautiful views of the famous Andean Mountains. You can have a taste of the real Inca Trail doing this trek and appreciate the architectonic magnificence of the Incas. You have to see it with your own eyes!

Please make sure you check out of your hotel before you leave for the Sanctuary and to pick up your luggage and to be at the train station half an hour before your train’s departure.

Return to Aguas Calientes and enjoy lunch on your own. Then board your train to the Poroy or station. Private transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Note: Tickets are subject to availability. There are schedules for the visit to one of the Mountains, with the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu tickets you can stay inside the Park for 6 hours and with the Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain Peak ticket for 7 hours maximum. The visit for one of the mountains has a moderate grading that requires a good physical condition although effort is well worth it. The Huayna Picchu hike is easier and takes less time than Machu Picchu Mountain Peak.

Overnight in Cusco
Breakfast included

Transfer to the airport for Flight to Puerto Maldonado. We will be waiting for your arrival in Puerto Maldonado to start your Amazon tour, we check-in at the lodge office.

Then we travel to our lodgings by motorized canoe along the Madre de Dios River (approximately 25-minutes). On our arrival we will have a buffet lunch with organic ingredients and native flavors.

After lunch we take a nature trail walk where you will discover and learn about primary and secondary rainforest, its components, uses, transformations by the human being, and its relevance for the world. At dusk navigate on a canoe in a twig light excursion. Boating on the Madre de Dios River, you will learn about its ecosystems, Amazon creeks, nocturnal animals’ behavior and the southern constellations. Return to the main building for dinner.


Overnight in an amazon Lodge
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

After breakfast we have a long trek through terra firma in the Tambopata National Reserve to Sandoval Lake. Here you will understand why Madre de Dios is called the biodiversity capital of the world, we will learn about the reserve’s conservation efforts and the lake’s formation. We travel across the oxbow lake that is home to the endangered giant river otter, the blue and yellow macaw, the red howler monkey and the black caiman. We head back to the lodge for lunch for the canopy walkway and anaconda walk. We ascend one of the two 98 ft (30 m) towers and cross the seven hanging bridges that connect the treetops at 90 ft (28m) high. Here we have breathtaking views and we can observe toucans, woodpeckers, squirrel monkeys and the three-toed sloth. We then walk along the 200-meter wooden bridge over some swamps and learn about the fauna and flora of these flooded ecosystems.Return to the lodge for a nice dinner.


Overnight – Amazon Lodge

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

(The Amazon itinerary is from one of the different lodges we offer; the itineraries may change depending on which lodge you choose)

After breakfast we take a canoe ride back to Puerto Maldonado. Arrive at the Butterfly house & lounge where you can wait for your flight to Lima. Once you arrive we will take you to your hotel in Lima. Evening free.

Optional: Evening tour Magic water fountain park
We begin our tour with a visit to the Magic Water Circuit at Parque de la Reserva. This recently remodeled park boasts 12 beautiful water fountains that literally “dance” to the music with special lighting and laser beams. This park is the pride of Lima and has been recognized by the Guiness Book of World Records as the largest water fountain park in the world. You will also see the 80-meter high largest water fountain in the world.


Overnight in Lima.
Breakfast included.

Morning pick up at your hotel for your Lima city tour. The tour offers the best combination of the different attractions in Lima and its three historical periods: pre-Hispanic, colonial and contemporary.

We will visit the colonial sites of the Plaza Mayor, the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace. Right after we visit the San Francisco Monastery and Catacombs. We continue to modern section and visit the suburbs of San Isidro and Miraflores. On our way we will pass by the Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca pyramid shaped temple.

Then we will visit the Parque del Amor (Lovers Park) and enjoy refreshing views of the Pacific Ocean as we drive down to the Miraflores Malecon, a road overlooking the ocean. At the end of the tour you will be dropped back your hotel. You will have free time until your evening scheduled transfer to the airport for your international flight.

Option: hotel for day-use, normal check out is usually at 13:00pm, luggage can be left at hotel storage.

Breakfast included.

Included

Hotels included:
Lima two nights, Arequipa one night, Colca two nights, Puno two nights, Cusco three nights, Sacred Valley one night, Aguas Calientes one night, the Amazon rainforest two nights

Entrance tickets:
All entrance tickets for the places to visit mentioned in the program

Excursions:
All excursions as mentioned in the program

Guide:
Official guides during excursions

Machupicchu:
Roundtrip bus tickets and entrance tickets to the Sanctuary on day 10

Meals:
Meals as mentioned in program

Tips:
Tips at airports, hotels and tips for guides, drivers or other personal

Train:
Round trip train from Ollantaytambo-Aguas Calientes -Poroy Station

Not Included

Flights:International flights and Domestic flights
Tips: Tips at airports, hotels and tips for guides, drivers or other personal.
Insurance: Travel insurance
Second day entrance to Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain Peak
Roundtrip Bus tickets to Machu Picchu on day 11
Titicaca Train to Cusco
Anything not mentioned in program.

HOTELS

Choose your hotel category

Prices

* Prices for 2022 (we are working on it) Contact one of our Experience Travel Consultants to tailor this trip for you or if you have any questions, we are here to help you and strive to respond the same business day.