Highlights of Peru

Overview

We start our trip with a relaxing afternoon at the beautiful beach resort in Paracas,a visit to the «small Galapagos», then we continue to Ica to appreciate the beautiful Oasis of Huacachina in the middle of the desert. Then we will get to enigmatic Nazca lines, the white city of Arequipa and finally a chance to spot condors in the Colca Canyon.
In Puno we cruise the highest navigatable lake in the world and step on the floating reed islands of Uros and the island of Taquile with no cars and an incredible weaving tradition of Peru.

The highlight of our tour cumulates in Cusco, the Unesco’s world heritage city with its Inca and colonial centre, onto the Sacred Valley and our hike to Machu Picchu.

16 days – 15 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
Day 16

Arrival in Lima, Transfer to your hotel

Vip coach to Paracas, afternoon free to relax in your hotel. Optional dunebuggy and Sandboarding Tour

Excursion to Ballestas Islands and the National Reserve of Paracas.Transfer to Ica

Ica City Tour, afternoon bus to Nazca

Morning flight over the Nazca lines. Optional Excursion to the Aqueducts of Kantalloc, ceramic and gold processing ateliers. Evening night bus to Arequipa

Morning free to relax. Afternoon City tour of Arequipa city including the Main Square, Yanahuara church, Santa Catalina

Three-day excursion to Colca Canyon.

Spotting condors at the Condor's Cross

Trip to Puno by first class bus. Arrival early afternoon.

Excursion to Titicaca lake, visiting Taquile Island and the floating islands of the Uros.

Travel to Cusco by first class bus, visting four sites along the way.

City tour of Cusco.

Excursion to the Sacred Valley.

Two day Inca Trail lto Machu Picchu (or alternavely directly by train)

Guided excursion of Machu Picchu, afternoon return to Cusco.

Fly to Lima. Optional excursions in Lima.

Departures:

Daily departures year round

Reservation code:

HP16

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

Please collect your Chaska Tours holiday hotel vouchers that will be waiting for you at the reception desk of the Hotel.

Overnight in Lima
No meals

Early morning transfer from your hotel to the bus station where you will board your bus to Paracas.
Paracas is a small port town in the Pisco province of southern Peru, about 4 hours south of Lima. The town is an ideal departure point for the Ballestas Islands and the enormous Paracas National Reserve, a gorgeous desert peninsula which acts as a protected area for wildlife and it is an important archaeological zone as well.

The bus departs very early in the morning taking you along the coastal road to Paracas. On your arrival to Paracas we will take you to your hotel, after your check in, you will have the rest of the day to relax.

Overnight in Paracas.
Breakfast included

This morning at a convenient time we will pick you up at your hotel for your excursion to the Ballestas Islands.
In Peru people call the Ballestas islands, the “small Galapagos” because of its abundant wildlife. It will take about 45 minutes to get to the Islands by boat; here we can observe the hundreds of sea lions and seals; they swim around our boats and lie on the small beaches of the islands.
A large variety of seabirds are found here, flamingos, pelicans, boobies, cormorants and many others. After exploring the Ballestas islands we continue with an excursion to the National Reserve of Paracas we visit the «Mirador de Lobos», Lagunillas and Yumaque beaches, «La Aguada» and «El Obelisco de la Independencia».

After visiting this places we will return to our hotel in Paracas.At the proper time in the afternoon, we will transfer you to the bus station for your two-hours journey to Ica. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Ica.
Breakfast Included.

Ica located 300 km south of Lima is known for its great historical past and for being an oasis in the middle of the desert pampas of Peru. Ica is also known as the city of pisco and good wine having as a backdrop the harvest festival (which takes place in March) This being one of the biggest attractions of the region.

During the City tour if Ica we will visit the Wine Cellar and Restaurant «El Catador»: The most touristy winery in Ica, we will visit its facilities to taste its wines, piscos, cachinas and learn about the elements that are used for the elaboration of Piscos and Wines in an artisanal way. Here you can have lunch on your own. Then we will visit the the Plaza de armas of Ica, the temple of Luren and Alameda de Luren. At the Oasis of Huacachina we will enjoy an impressive landscape where we will find the Huacachina Lagoon surrounded by immense dunes, we will also see the monument to the Huacachina mermaid and the craft center of the place. Drop you off at your hotel.

If you are a bit more adventurous you can enjoy a dune buggy and sandboarding tour in the desert oasis of Huacachina, this is an extra tour and it is completely optional, this is a great experience for those who enjoy the active tours and you do not need any previous experience. This tour takes about 2 hours.

At a convenient time, we will pick you up to transfer you to the bus station for your bus to Nazca.At your arrival transfer to your hotel.

Note: In Ica you also have the option to choose a Winery Tour:
This morning we will drive and visit the «Bodega Catador», a small artisanal family Wine and Pisco Distillery, with 154 years of history. Here you will taste different kinds of wines and Pisco in an underground cellar. Then we continue to the Tacama Bodega, a larger Commercial Winery.It is housed in a 16th-century farm, and uses modern technology for its wine production. Next, we move onto the biggest and oldest winery in Peru, “Hacienda Vista Alegre”. Winery tour – Two and a half hours

Overnight in Nazca.
Breakfast included

This morning transfer to the airport for the over flight of the mysterious Nazca Lines. These designs are believed to have been made by the Nazca Culture between 400 and 650AD. Be in awe with the mysterious lines of animals such as a monkey, hummingbird, plants, and geographic shapes. The Nazca Lines were declared by UNESCO a world heritage in 1994.
Hotel in Nazca for day use included.Evening comfortable bus-ride on sleeper seats at 10 p.m. for our journey to Arequipa.

Note: After your flight you can visit the Chauchilla Cemetery to see the many tombs containing pottery and human remains including the amazing aqueducts of Kantalloc and the ceramic and gold processing ateliers. Available only for private Service. Please ask your Travel Consultant for this additional excursion.

Overnight on bus.
Breakfast included.

On your arrival to Arequipa we will take you to your hotel where you can relax the rest of the morning.

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 church and observatory, Arequipa´s most important churches, like San Francisco, the Compañia de Jesus’ famous cloisters, colonial houses, and a special visit to the Santa Catalina Convent and Cloisters.

Overnight in Arequipa
Breakfast included

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

Morning departure to the «Condor’s Cross» from where the great Andean bird, the Condor, may be seen, usually flying in circles above the canyon. On the way back to Chivay, we will visit the Mirador of Chinina, where we will find the famous Hanging Tombs.
Overnight in Chivay, Colca Canyon.
Breakfast included

Alternative Option: A fantastic two day trek into the Canyon is also available, please consult us.

After breakfast we have the morning free to relax before we board our afternoon bus to Puno ( Departure at 1.30 p.m. arrival around 6 p.m.). Free Evening
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

Transfer 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 will 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 be taken to the train station of Ollantaytambo to board the train to the starting point of the trail. We disembark at Km 104 and begin the hike through the recently discovered ancient trail to Machu Picchu.
We cross the Vilcanota (Urubamba) River climbing up through abundant vegetation that is home to hundreds of bird and orchid species. We’ will emerge from the cloud forest at Wiñaywayna which is a beautiful ceremonial site divided into two sectors and fashioned from finely-carved stones fitted together with great precision. We continue our hike to the Sun Gate where we’ wil get our first views of Machu Picchu. Here, the final stretch of the royal Inca trail will take us to the citadel itself, hidden in undergrowth for four centuries and now laid out for our appreciation. From the Sanctuary we will take a bus to Aguas Calientes town where we will spend the night in our hotel.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes town
Breakfast and box lunch included

This day, we start early, after taking breakfast with our guide we take the bus up to the citadel of Machu Picchu on time to catch the first rays of sunlight over the citadel.

Our guide will slowly show you around the main areas, explaining some theories about the building techniques the Incas used and recounting myths and legends passed down over the centuries. You will have about 4 hours for your visit in the Citadel.

At noon, it will be time to have lunch in town and at a convenient time you have to be at the train station to board the return train to Poroy station and then a transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Second day for the alternative option: You have the option to return to Machu Picchu Sanctuary and explore the site for a second time with a private guide or you can choose to visit the waterfalls of Mandor. Optionally you can choose to climb one of the Mountains in Machu Picchu: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain Peak:

These short treks 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!

If you are staying at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel (4 stars category), 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 as the Hotel is located inside the cloud forest, also you can enjoy the Unu Spa, characterized by a mystical Andean approach. The natural products are derived from local botanical extracts (mint, eucalyptus and orchids), offering a spiritual, sensual and relaxing experience.

Please make sure you check out of your hotel before you leave for the Sanctuary, 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 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. Please check the rates of this alternative option with your Travel Consultant.

Overnight in Cusco
Breakfast included

This is your last day in Cusco, in the morning you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Lima.

Option for Lima (it will depend on your International flight’s schedule)
On arrival to Lima our representative will meet you at the exit gate to take you directly to leave your luggage at the airport luggage storage. From the airport you will be transferred to the drop off, pick up point in Miraflores in front of the Marriott Hotel. You will have free time on your own to explore the Malecon of Miraflores and enjoy the beautiful oceans view, also Lima has been considered Latin America‘s Gastronomic Capital and it’s the location for a great number of restaurants that top the World’s 50 Best Restaurants where you can have multiple options for lunch.

At 2:00 pm you will be picked up from the drop off, pick up point, in front of Marriott hotel for your guided Lima City tour in group service for about 4 hours, you have to consider that is takes 1 hour approximately to get from Miraflores to the airport and you have to be there 3 hours before your international flight departures.

Places to visit in the City Tour: the colonial sites of the Plaza Mayor, the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, the Archibishop’s Palace. Right after we visit the San Francisco Monastery and Catacombs. In the modern section visit the suburbs of San Isidro and Miraflores, the Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca pyramid shaped temple and Parque del Amor (Lovers Park) enjoying the refreshing views of the Pacific Ocean. At the end of the tour you will be dropped back to Marriott Hotel for your scheduled transfer to return to the airport for your international flight.

Breakfast included.

End of our program.

Included

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

Excursions:
All excursions mentioned in the program

Guide:
Official bilingual guides during excursions

Machupicchu:
Roundtrip bus tickets and entrance tickets to the Sanctuary on days 14 and 15.

Meals:
Meals as mentioned in program

Train:
Train round trip to Machu Picchu

Train Andean Explorer:
First class bus Puno – Cusco

Not Included

International and domestic flights
Tips: Tips at airports, hotels and tips for guides, drivers or other personal.
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain Peak
Laketiticaca Train to Cusco
Insurance: Travel insurance

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.