ANCIENT CULTURES OF PERU

Day 01 LIMA

Arrival in Lima. Transfer to the hotel. Afternoon visit to Colonial and Modern Lima. Guided tour through the historic center of the city. Admire the beauty of San Martin and Major squares, the Cathedral, the Government Palace and visit the Convent of San Francisco and its catacombs, religious building from the end of the XVI century. Drive through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores.

Day 02 LIMA – JULIACA – PUNO

Transfer to the airport in time for the flight to Juliaca. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel in Puno. In the way visit to the Necropolis of Sillustani. These ruins are located about 32 km from Puno, on the road to Juliaca and are one of the most important in the region. These circular stone towers, the Chullpas, which overlook a small lake, are huge funerary monuments built by the Collas to keep their mortal remains. Each structure is at least 12 meters high. The way they were built, with a smaller diameter in the base than at the top challenges the laws of equilibrium. (Breakfast).

Day 03 PUNO – UROS – TAQUILE – PUNO

Visit the floating islands of the Uros and then continue to Taquile Island (solid ground), about four hours by boat from Puno, where its inhabitants have made their vivid color schemes and weaving designs part of the regional folk-art. Their island is one of the most prosperous points in the region. There are pre-Columbian ruins. Lunch on the island. (Breakfast – Lunch).

Day 04 PUNO – CUSCO

Transfer to the station for bus or train ride to Cusco. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. (Breakfast-lunch)

* You may also take the PERURAIL TITICACA TRAIN, from Puno to Cusco, although it operates on Monday, Thursday and Saturday. 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 is included.
Restaurant and bar service is available at an additional cost.
Train leaves Puno at 07:30 and arrives in Cusco at 17:50

Day 05 CUSCO

Afternoon city tour and nearby ruins . Visit Main Square, the Cathedral and its religious Art Museum, the Church of Santo Domingo or Koricancha. Includes visits to Sacsayhuaman and Puca Pucara fortresses, the temple and amphitheater of Kenko and the water shrine of Tambomachay. (Breakfast).

Day 06 CUSCO – MACHU PICCHU

Transfer to the station for a morning train ride to the unparalleled, Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas”. Machu Picchu 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 stonework of the Cusco Imperial style, though the site was probably occupied well before the Incas started their expansion. Machu Picchu was associated with the earth cult revolving around the Coca leaf, which was a privilege restricted to the Inca Royal family and priests. Guided tour. You will have time to enjoy a light lunch or snack and return to your hotel at your leisure. In the evening, we will enjoy a wonderful dinner at the hotel or in Machu Picchu Pueblo. Overnight at one of the hotels in the area.
(Breakfast – Dinner).

Day 07 MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Morning at leisure. You may choose to return to Machu Picchu, hike Huayna Picchu or relax in the village of Aguas Calientes and its hot springs. Mid afternoon departure by train to Cusco. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. (Breakfast).

Note: Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu on this day are not included. Please advise if you go back to the ruins or hike the Huayna Picchu at time of booking (subject to availability)

Day 08 CUSCO – LIMA

Transfer to the airport in time for the flight to Lima. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Guided shopping tour taking you to the famous handicraft markets. (Breakfast).

Day 09 LIMA – HOME

Transfer to the airport for your international departure flight or continue on the extension of your choice. (Breakfast).

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