DAY 2 – OCT 3, 2019

Lima

This morning will be a Colonial city tour of Lima. Of the important buildings seen, the government palace, built between 1921 and 1938, the San Francisco church, and it’s catacombs containing the remains of thousands of people, are of particular interest. Also visit the cathedral that houses the remains of Francisco Pizarro, the founder of Lima.

Visit the Larco Herrera Museum specializing in ceramics, with an excellent overview of the work of a number of early Peruvian cultures, as well as an important collection of gold and silver objects, textiles and mummies.

Then, visit the Huaca Huallamarca, located in the heart of San Isidro, Lima. It dates back to the sixth century and was used initially by the Huallas. It especially stands out because of the sharp contrast it forms with the modern buildings surrounding it. It consists of a temple, a cemetery and an urban area.

At night we will have a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 4 – OCT 5, 2019

Lima/ Cusco

Private transfer to airport.

Lima 8:00 am –> Cusco 9:25 am

Private transfer to Sacred Valley. Enroute visit the Pisac market. Lunch included in the Sacred Valley.  Also visit at least 1 craft village.

Check into your accommodations for the next 3 nights in the Sacred Valley.

DAY 7 – OCT 8, 2019

Mini trek to Machu Picchu

Morning transfer to the train station for the journey on the vistadome train to Machu Picchu.

The site lies 122 kilometers north of Cusco and is often called the “Lost City Of the Incas.” There are many theories as to who built the city. Many say it was the last refuge of the Inca Empire after the Spanish Conquest. The site was never found by the Spanish and when the last of the city inhabitants died, so did the secret of its existence. The sacred site lay buried beneath vines and jungle growth for 400 years until American Explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in 1911. The 220 stone temples and buildings of Machu Picchu crown a 9,000 foot ridge.

The trekking group will leave the train with a guide at KM 104 and the rest will continue on the train until Aguas Calientes where another guide will await in the train station for exploration of the town of Machu Picchu (formerly and aka Aguas Calientes). Please indicate if trekking or touring when booking. 

Please find below a brief description of the Mini Inca Trail program for the trekkers:

On reaching KM 104 we cross the Urubamba river and head for the archaeological complex of Choquesuysuy where we will pass through the Inca Trail control point. Here the trail climbs slowly to half-way up the mountain where we arrive at Wiñay Wayna, surrounded by lush vegetation. This part of the trek may take about 2 – 2/12 hours.  We pass a high waterfall where we can cool off. The Wiñay Wayna complex was once inhabited by farmers who used terraces to reclaim these steep slopes for agriculture. There will be some time to visit the ruins here.  Then continue along the trail to Inti Punku (another 2 hours), enjoying along the way the spectacular scenery, with the river far below, and the snowy peaks emerging from the surrounding cloud forest. Following a path which is very narrow in places, we eventually arrive at the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu from where we will get our first glimpse of the ruins below us. From here it is a forty minute walk to Machu Picchu. After a short visit, we will bus down to the village of Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes.

Dinner tonight all together. Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

DAY 9 – OCT 10, 2019

Cusco

The peaks and valleys of the Andes were the home of the mighty Inca Empire and their capital was Cusco. From here, 10,000 miles of stone roads radiated into the far reaches of the mountains. Cusco is still one of the most fascinating of the world’s ancient cities. The surrounding area is rich in archaeological and sacred sites, many of them never discovered by the conquering Spanish.

Half day Cusco city tour visiting the Cathedral, Koricancha (Temple of the Sun), Sacsayhuaman Fortress and the sites of Kenko, Pucapucara and Tambomachay.  The Inca pass would allow exploration of other Inca sites on your own.

Lunch on your own and afternoon at leisure. Dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

2 day Rainbow Mountain trek with full board
Note:  We can provide an alternative for anyone not interested in the trekking.  Please indicate if trekking or touring when booking. 

Next we will partake in a 2-day trek to Vinicunca, the amazing Rainbow Mountain. On the first day we travel from Cusco, enjoying stops in places such as the village of Pitumarca and the archaeological site of Machupitumarca. That night we sleep under the stars. An early morning start as we enjoy the day exploring the impressive scenery and learn about local culture.

DAY 11 – OCT 12, 2019

Chillca/ Vinicunca/ Cusco 

After your 05:30 wake-up call you might find the ground and even the inside of the tent frozen! This will be a good incentive to get dressed quickly and tuck into a hearty, cooked breakfast. The sun comes up at around 6am and it will be time to start the 11 kilometers/ 6.8 miles uphill walk to the Rainbow Mountain. The slope will be gradual on firm ground through pastures, passing small settlements and herds of alpacas. Accompanied by our guide who greets the locals in Quechua and tells us stories about the area, it will be a spectacular walk with views of Ausangate and the other snow peaks. The walking will not be hard but many people will find the altitude challenging as they reach over 5,000 meters /16,404 feet.

Nothing can prepare us for the spectacular sight of Vinicunca with it’s beautiful colours spreading across the horizon at 5,100 meters/ 16,732 feet. We will have a 360 degree view of the Ausangate snow-caps on one side and the multi-coloured Vinicunca on the other side– it is pure magic! The descent down the other side will be easy and as the oxygen returns, we will have a chance to breathe deeply and reflect on our amazing experiences over the last couple of days. Another wholesome, hot lunch will await at the bottom after which we will climb wearily into the vehicle for the return to Cusco, arriving at around 7pm.

Trekking distance: 15 kilometers/ 9 miles (6-7 hours)

Altitudes: Vinicunca: 5100 meters/ 16732 feet, Checacupe: 3.446 meters / 11,306 feet

DAY 13 – OCT 14, 2019

Lake Titicaca (Uros & Amantani Islands)

Our trip begins with a transfer to the port of Puno for the three and a half hour boat trip to Amantani. On our way to the island we will visit the artificial floating islands of the Uros, who inhabit the artificial totora reed islands on Lake Titicaca, who are the descendants of the oldest race on earth. However, very little is actually known about them. Their most characteristic tradition is their use of the aquatic totora reed, which they use to build their houses, boats and the very islands on which they live, which are made from thick layers of reed which they replace periodically.

Then we will go to Amantani Island, which is similar to Taquile but much larger. The island has simple restaurants, there is a plentiful supply of lake trout, and visitors who stay for a night will find themselves sharing a few moments in the peaceful lives of these marvelous people.

Overnight in a local home with a local family. 

DAY 15 – OCT 16, 2019

Puno/ Lima departure

Morning at leisure by the lake.  Visit Sillustai ruins en route to the airport.

Flight to Lima (either 1:25 or 3:00 pm).

Connect to evening departure from Lima home.

Additional costing if additional services needed in Lima.