LUXURY PERU TOURs IN TWO WEEKS

Your luxury trip starts at the Lima, the world class foodie destination. Feast on exquisite seafood at a classic cevicheria in Miraflores as you overlook the ocean. Lima has historical riches as well as a vibrant modern art scene. You may choose to stay at the classic Miraflores Park Hotel in Lima
Your introduction to the Andes will be a night in Arequipa, the white city. Then you will be transported across the altiplano to a different reality, the Colca Canyon, where Andean Condors can be seen in their natural habitats. Visit authentic little villages, horseback rise the lovely trails, feed a baby lamb, and watch for Condors. Stay at the luxurious Las Casitas del Colca in Colca Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world. Also there is available a new luxury overnight train connecting the Colca Canyon with Lake Titicaca.

Next we will go to the lovely Cusco, where we will wander the cobble stone streets in search of the perfect Pisco Sour. We meander past Inca Walls, Spanish Architecture, and local markets and stroll through laidback and traditional Andean villages. Go to the outer lying ruins, and continue until the evening for a sundowner. At night, pamper yourself at the Palacio Nazarenas, or the Monasterio Hotel in Cusco, or one of the lovely smaller boutique hotels. The next morning, enjoy a delicious brunch on board the Belmond Hiram Bingham, a luxury train that will whisk you through the scenic countryside to Machu Picchu. We will overnight here to have plenty of time to enjoy this magnificent place. If your up for some hiking, we will arrange special hiking permits of the sites 

Traveling to Lake Titicaca, the birthplace of the Inca civilization, you will soak in the splendor of the high altitude lake and enjoy all-inclusive activities at Titilaka Lodge including kayaking or paddle boarding. The highest navigable lake in the world, this is the place where time seems to stand still, a place where the locals live the same way they have for hundreds of years. Dine in style on a pier off the shoreline at La Rosa Nautica.

Peruvian authorities have placed restrictions on the visitation of Machu Picchu, the lost Incan ruins. Currently, no more than 2,500 people daily will be allowed to visit the ruins. These new restrictions are great for the preservation of the ruins. We recommend booking with plenty of notice. Ask us about the other special access we can get permits for you to enjoy.

Day 01 LIMA

Upon arrival at the airport, be picked up in a private car by an English-speaking guide and transferred to the Belmond Miraflores Park or Hotel B Boutique Hotel

Day 02 LIMA

Tour of Lima. Morning, private tour of Lima, one of the most important cities in South America since its founding in 1535. Journey through the historic center of the city. Admire the beauty of San Martín and Major squares, the Cathedral, the Government Palace and visit San Francisco Convent, a religious building from the end of the 16th century, and its catacombs. Also drive through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores. After the tour, have lunch at a typical cevicheria in Miraflores facing the Pacific.
Afternoon visit to Larco Herrera Museum, Archeological Museum or Gold Museum. Evening, transfer and dinner at one of the best restaurants of typical Peruvian cuisine: Las Brujas de Cachiche.

Day 03 LIMA-AREQUIPA

Morning, transfer to the airport to take the flight to Arequipa. Arrival and transfer to the Costa del Sol Hotel or Casa Andina Premium City tour including the Catalina Convent, the Plaza de Armas or Main Square, the Cathedral, the Church of La Compania and the colonial district of Yanahuara.

Day 04 AREQUIPA – CHIVAY

This morning, be picked up from the hotel by private car to begin the journey of approximately 3 hours from Arequipa to Chivay, in the Colca Canyon. Cross the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve, passing by Pampa Canahuas before making a stop at Patapampa, the highest point of the trip to Chivay, offering a special viewpoint of the Andes situated at 4,800 meters (16,109 feet) above sea level. Exiting the vehicle, one may find themselves a bit short of breath, not only from the altitude, but from the beauty of the unusual landscape. For years and years, travelers have been placing apachetas”, or small stone towers (commonly called rock cairns in English), showing the way along the highest part of the route and as homage to the Apus or Andean mountains. After taking in the majestic views of the cordillera and the mountains, return to the vehicle and continue on to the town of Chivay. After lunch, transfer to the hotel for the rest of the day free to relax and explore. Overnight at Belmond Las Casitas or Colca Lodge.

Day 05 CHIVAY

Enjoy a choice of a la carte activities such as Peruvian Paso horse riding, hiking tours, painting lessons, fly fishing lessons, cooking lessons and pisco sour lessons.

Day 06 CHIVAY-CRUZ DEL CONDOR-AREQUIPA

This morning the private guide will pick up at the hotel to begin exploring the towns and sites along the Canyon rim. Begin the day with a visit famous Cruz del Condor viewpoint to see the majestic flight of the Andean condors. After taking in the beautiful sight of these enormous birds riding on the winds from the canyon, return towards Arequipa, making stops along the way. Visit the quaint town of Yanque and visit its church before visiting the other Andean villages of Achoma, Maca (visiting its church)and Pinchollo. Stop at the Antahuilque viewpoint, known for its mysterious lagoons to observe the andenes or cultivation terraces for which the canyon is famous. Enjoy lunch on the way to Arequipa, ending at the Costa del Sol hotel or Casa Andina Premium

Day 07 AREQUIPA – CUSCO

Breakfast. Morning, transfer to the airport for flight to Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco, transfer to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure to acclimatize.
Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at Belmond Palacio Nazarenas or Belmond Monasterio

Day 08 CUSCO WALKING TOUR

This morning, enjoy a private walking tour of Cusco and visit the Korikancha Temple, or Temple of the Sun, and the Cathedral and its Art Museum. During this private tour today there is the option to visit the Casa Concha museum or the San Pedro Market.
The Casa Concha museum was recently renovated and houses over 360 archaeological pieces from Machu Picchu, recently returned by Yale University.
San Pedro Market is a lively, local market where one will receive a briefing about the local Andean ingredients and have an opportunity to purchase them.
This market visit is a great opportunity to interact with the locals either selling or purchasing items from the market.
This afternoon there will be time for lunch before continuing to the nearby water shrine of Tambomachay (the Inca Fountains), Puca Pucara (the Red Fortress), the amphitheater of Kenko and finally the Sacsahuaman Fortress. This afternoon, return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Day 09 CUSCO – MACHU PICCHU

Morning transfer from your Cusco hotel to the Poroy train station to board the Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu. The train leaves in the morning taking a spectacular journey through a changing landscape with a gourmet breakfast. Pass through the Sacred Valley and its lush fields and colorful villages in the foothills of the Andes. From there, the journey is highlighted by wonderful vistas of the mountains and the beautiful Urubamba River which runs through the Sacred Valley. On arrival in the town of Machu Picchu at the foot of Machu Picchu citadel, be taken by bus to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge for lunch, overlooking the ancient citadel. After lunch, have a guided tour of the ruins. Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, was a flourishing ceremonial and agricultural site, probably the gateway to the jungle marches of the Inca Empire. The central buildings were erected with the polished stone works of the Cusco Imperial style, though the site was probably occupied well before the Incas started their expansion. It was associated with the earth cult revolving around the Coca leaf, which was a privilege of the Inca Royal family and priests. Typical English afternoon tea will be served at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. Dinner at the Sanctuary Lodge.
Overnight at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge

Note: Government regulations limit the number of visitors to Machu Picchu daily. Entrance is subject to availability. Please book with plenty of notice so we may confirm your entrance to the ruins for today and tomorrow.

Day 10 MACHU PICCHU

This morning our resident guide will pick up at the hotel in the morning for a second visit to the Machu Picchu ruins or hike the Huayna Picchu.
Early in the evening return to Cusco by Hiram Bingham Train. Cocktails and dinner will be served on board. Upon arrival in Cusco, transfer to the hotel.

Day 11 CUSCO – PUNO

Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Lake Titicaca. En route to the hotel, visit the necropolis of Sillustani (12,000 feet above sea level), the lagoon of Umayo and the fabulous “chullpas,” cylinder-shaped tombs. Transfer to the Titilaka hotel.

Note: One may also take the PERURAIL TITICACA TRAIN from Cusco to Puno (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday): Fantastic train ride that takes a gentle climb to higher and cooler altitudes. The first half of the journey is dominated by the magnificent Andean mountains which tower over the deep valleys of the meandering Huatanay River. It then reaches the gentler, rolling Andean Plains, where vicuña and alpaca can be seen. The glass-walled observation car provides the perfect opportunity to view the beautiful scenery. The journey is broken by a scenic stop at La Raya, which is also the highest point on the route. Three-course lunch included. Restaurant and bar service is available at an additional cost.
Train leaves Cusco at 07:50 and arrives in Puno at 17:50 surcharge applies, please ask a Peru Traces Travel Consultant.

Note that if one takes the train they will not be able to visit the Sillustani Ruins.

Day 12 PUNO

Activities at Titicaca. All meals and activities included.

Day 13 PUNO – JULIACA – LIMA

Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to the airport to take the flight to Lima. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Evening farewell dinner at La Rosa Nautica. This restaurant is located on a pier on the shores of the Pacific Ocean with amazing views.

Day 14 LIMA-FLIGHT HOME

Transfer to the airport to take the flight back home, or choose from optional tours in Peru.