Few countries come close to matching the range of scenery, history and culture which make Peru such a richly textured and stimulating destination. These two action-packed weeks focus on the famous sites of southern Peru - the Colca Canyon, the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu.
Itinerary:
Day 01: Lima
Arrival in Lima. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodations
Day 02: Lima / Arequipa
Transfer to the airport to catch the departing flight to Arequipa. Welcoming reception on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Free morning to get used to the altitude. This afternoon tour of the “White City” has more than a surprise for us: the Main Square, the Cathedral, the Cloisters, the Compañia de Jesus Church, the colonial district of Yanahuara, the San Lazaro neighborhood, the Chilina ravine and the residential area of Selva Alegre. On top of all that we will be lucky to witness a true gem: the Santa Catalina Monastery which was closed for almost 400 years and now captivates us with its narrow passages, plazas and gardens inspired by the ancient neighborhoods of Seville and Granada. Stay in Arequipa.
Day 03: Arequipa / Canyon Colca
We set off to the spectacular Colca Valley going up the foothills of Chachani volcano and admiring the Misti and Picchu Picchu Volcanoes. Then we cross the vicuñas reservation of Pampa Cañahuas where we can see them running free in the high Andean lands. Peculiar villages around us. We will stop for lunch on our way to the lodge. Free afternoon to rest and enjoy the lodge and the optional visit to the thermal baths in the area. Dinner and overnight stay at Colca Valley.
Day 04: Canyon Colca / Arequipa
Tour to Yanque, Puente Cervantes, Achoma, and Lari the towns and the Cruz Del Cóndor (a natural observatory); perfect for watching the condors while they are majestically flying. In case you can not observe them, you will be transfered to the Tapay observatory. Return to Chivay, Patapampa, Yura and Arequipa. Return to Arequipa and transfer to the hotel.
Day 05: Arequipa / Flight / Cusco
Transfer to the airport to take your flight to Cusco. Upon arrival reception and transfer to your hotel. Morning at leisure, 11:00 city tour Cusco
Day 06: Cusco / Transfer to KM 82 / Huayllabamba Camp (3000m) Camp
The inca trail hike starts with the transfer from your hotel, in the early morning and transfer until kilometer 82 (inca trail check point) in a private bus. We will stop for photos and inca trail control. The first part of the inca trail is considered gentle training section, for about two hours, from the trail there is seen Llactapata "inca archaeological site", also from the trail is possible to appreciate the impressive landscape, flora, fauna and Villages with native people with Inka traditions. The place for lunch is at river bank, and after the hike continues ascending lightly to a semi-tropical valley for two hours until the camp ground, (Huayllabamba 3000 m)
Day 07: Huayllabamba / Trekking Warmiwañusca Pass (4200m) / Pacaymayu Camp (3600) Camp
It starts with an early breakfast, this part fo the inca trail leads to the highest point, passing through different climatic and ecological zones as we ascend the Warmiwañusca pass at 4200 m.a.s.l. the hike will undertake ascent up to the high pass, the first section presents abundant vegetation with trees of wild origin. Because of this reason its known by many as the worlds highest cloud forest amongst the landscapes the flora and fauna starting at 3800 m.a.l.s. after this section of the inca trail, it tends to be less forests up to the high point, is typical of the andean mountains covered with Icchu or straw and mountains with perpetual snow. After arduous approximately 6 hours walk you summit it. Time to have some rest, take photos and start to walk down hill. From there we will observe the beauty of the deep valleys and at distance snow cap mounts. Second camp ground at Pacaymayo (3600 masl)
Day 08: Pacaymayu / Trekking to Wiñayhuayna Camp (2650m) Camp
The trail climbs steeply up the opposite side of the valley wall, towards the second pass. About halfway upthere is a small round roofless stone building, This Inca archaeological remains is known as Runcuracay. The building is thought to have been a astronomic site. After the trail continues climbing towards the second pass "the Abra de Runcuracay", which is at around 3900m.
Day 09: Wiñayhuayna / Trekking to Machu Picchu/ Transfer to Aguas Calientes / Train to Ollantaytambo / Transfer to Cusco
The final section of the magic inca trail, from Wiñayhuayna to Intipunku is an easy hike, following a broad level path, which winds comfortably through scrub and light woodland. Colorful butterflies flutter across the trail. After no more than an hour, the trail Comes to a narrow flight of stone steps leading upwards into a small stone structure with a grass floor a few meters square. This is Intipunku, the Gateway of the Sun, and through the rectangular doorway you can see the Machupicchu. From Intipunku, a pathway leads directly to Machu Picchu itself, before arriving to machu picchu there is needed to hike for about 1 hour by steeply down hill and before tour in machu picchu is needed to check out the inca trail and after make the tour. The tour usually takes two hours and after free. Leisure time to explore machu picchu, bus drive is provided to get aguas calientes town where the train station is.
Day 10: Cusco / Flight / Lima
Today, we will pick you up from your hotel and we will drive you to the airport of Cusco in order to take a plane to Lima.