Andean Discovery By World Journeys
Andean Discovery By World Journeys
10 Days / 9 Nights from $5,565 Price Per Person
Sales from 17 April 2023 to 31 December 2025
**Day 1: Lima**
You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
**Day 2: Lima > Cuzco**
Fly from Lima to Cuzco and start exploring this beautiful UNESCO listed city that oozes historic charm, and was once the Inca ‘capital of the world’.
**Day 3: Cuzco**
This morning is at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Enjoy an afternoon city tour visiting the San Pedro Market and the artisan district of San Blas. Then see Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun, and admire the finest example of exquisite Inca stonework found anywhere in their empire. The tour ends with a visit to the impressive Cathedral – considered one of the most beautiful in Latin America.
**Day 4: Cuzco > Sacred Valley**
Depart Cuzco on a shared full day sightseeing tour to the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. First stop will be at the village of Chinchero, famous for its weaving and a town where many still proudly wear their typical costumes. Enjoy a walk around the village, admire the Inca ruins and visit the Parwa cultural centre, where you will learn about the local textile processes. Then continue to the archaeological site of Moray and marvel at the enormous Inca circular agricultural terraces. It is not totally clear why the terraces were built, but most experts believe it was so they could experiment with different crops. Admire some great views before descending into the Sacred Valley and enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon visit the mighty fortress ruins of Ollantaytambo, scene of the last great battle between the Inca army and the Spanish conquistadores. Spend the night in a charming valley hotel.
NB: Your luggage will remain stored at your hotel in Cuzco and you travel with a smaller overnight bag to visit the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. It is not possible to take large suitcases on the train to Machu Picchu
**Day 5: Sacred Valley > Machu Picchu**
Enjoy your scenic 90-minute train journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo. On arrival enjoy lunch in a restaurant in town. After lunch transfer to the citadel of Machu Picchu to embark on a guided tour of the ruins. Undiscovered until 1911, Machu Picchu more than justifies its title as one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’. Learn about the history, architecture and lifestyle of the inhabitants as your guide takes you through this incredible site. Afterward return to the nearby town of Machu Picchu Pueblo for dinner and your overnight stay.
**Day 6: Machu Picchu > Cuzco**
Time to revisit the ruins this morning (at additional cost) or explore the markets in town. This afternoon travel by train back to Cuzco and transfer to your hotel.
**Day 7: Cuzco > Arequipa**
Take a morning flight to the lovely ‘white city’ of Arequipa. In the afternoon enjoy sightseeing including a visit to the wonderfully resorted Santa Catalina Convent dating from 1579, and a chance to marvel at the beautiful cathedral on the lovely main square.
**Day 8: Arequipa > Colca Canyon**
One of the essential destinations to visit in Arequipa is the Colca Canyon. The journey to this natural wonder will be a spectacle in itself. First stop to appreciate the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Continuing along way, you will reach 4,000 meters above sea level, from where you can appreciate the Misti, Pichu Pichu and Chachani volcanoes, as well as the stone forest. Take the opportunity to capture this magical moment! Then enter the Pampa de Toccra, home of the alpaca, as well as varieties of birds in which the elegant flamingo stands out. Your adventure will continue at the Andes viewpoint, known as Patapampa, the highest point of the Colca Canyon with a height of 4,910 meters above sea level. From here you can observe the eight volcanoes that form the famous circle of fire. After appreciating the natural beauty of Arequipa, descend to the last destination of the day: Chivay, a town near the Colca Canyon. Here you will taste the delicious local cuisine at lunch.
**Day 9: Colca Canyon > Arequipa**
Early this morning head towards the canyon, on a road surrounded by beautiful and imposing landscapes. Arrive at the Cruz del Cóndor, a viewpoint from where you can appreciate in all its magnitude the beautiful scenery of Colca, one of the deepest canyons in the world. From here you can also witness the majestic flight of the Andean condor, a species that inhabits this area. In addition, you will visit other attractions in the area such as the picturesque town of Pinchollo, located in the heart of the Colca Canyon, the Wayra Punku town, and the Antahuilque viewpoint from where you can see amphitheater-shaped agricultural terraces and beautiful lagoons that surround the famous valley. Also make a stop in the town of Maca, whose beautiful church attracts visitors for its mestizo baroque style. Return to Chivay for lunch before heading back to Arequipa. *The order of the tour stops may vary.
**Day 10: Arequipa**
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Type of Journey: Tailor-made journey: This itinerary can be tailor-made, with the number of days, places visited, and activities varied to suit you.
Inclusions
- 9 nights’ accommodation in your category of choice
- 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 1 dinner
- Meet & Greet at all airports
- Private transfers as per the itinerary
- Shared transfers Aguas Calientes > Machu Picchu > Aguas Calientes
- Economy class flights Lima > Cuzco > Arequiapa
- PeruRail’s Vistadome train Ollyantambo > Aguas Calientes > Ollyantambo
- English-speaking local guides
- Private sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Shared Machu Picchu tour and Arequipa > Colca Canyon > Arequipa sightseeing
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
