Peruvian Highlands (14 days / 13 nights)

The Peruvian highlands are extremely diverse in themselves and in this tour you will see the amazing variety of landscape and natural and man-made beauty that they have to offer. Volcanoes, canyons, panoramic views of snow-capped mountains rising over the deep blue waters of the immense Lake Titicaca and fantastic and mysterious archeological sites make this an invigorating trip...

ITINERARY:

1st day:

Lima - We pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel.

2nd day:

Lima - Arequipa - 1 hour flight to Arequipa. Afternoon free. Popular options are a visit to the Cathedral or the 17th century Santa Catalina Monastery or the Ice Maiden Tomb. B*

3rd day:

Arequipa - Colca Canyon - At 8am, we leave Arequipa and go by bus to Chivay (5 hours). During the journey we will see the source of the mighty Amazon River and a chain of active volcanoes. At Chivay, we will visit the medicinal hot springs and stay the night. B*

4th day:

Colca Canyon - Arequipa - We will visit one of the deepest parts of the Colca canyon and hopefully see the condor gliding over our heads. B*

5th day:

Arequipa - Free day in the "White City". One option is to do 'Tour Campiña' - a visit to Arequipa's beautiful countryside. B*

6th day:

Arequipa - Puno - Comfortable bus journey (5 hours) to the city of Puno. B*

7th day:

Puno - Islands - We will take a boat to the amazing floating islands of Uros and stay the night with a native family on Amantani island. BLD*

8th day:

Islands - Puno - We will visit the lovely island of Taquile and arrive back in Puno at approximately 5 pm. B*

9th day:

Puno - Cusco - A 9-hour bus ride will take us to the Arquaeological Capital of the Incas. On the way we will make 6 stops in order to view the fascinating mountain range of the Andes, Pre-Inca and Inca sites. BL*

10th day:

Cusco - We have a free morning to explore the city of Cusco and in the afternoon will go on the beautiful City Tour. B*

11th day:

Cusco - Aguas Calientes - A 4-hour train ride on one of the most impressive railways in the world will take us to Aguas Calientes (town nearest Machu Picchu) where we will stay the night. We will take the bus the next morning to the Inca city of Machu Picchu. B*

12th day:

Machu Picchu - After spending the morning exploring this amazing Inca site, we will take the 4pm train back to Cusco. We will arrive at about 8.30pm. B*

13th day:

Cusco - Free day in Cusco. You can explore the city of Cusco itself, visit its museums, go on the Sacred Valley Tour (a tour of some impressive Inca towns, Andean communities and the most fertile valley in Cusco), enjoy the local food or simply shop and rest in the Main Square. B*

14th day:

Cusco - Lima - Flight from Cusco to Lima (1 hour). B*

B*= Breakfast
L*= Lunch
D* = Dinner

HIGHLIGHTS:

Arequipa with its beautiful Monastery and Cathedral. It is known as the "White City" and was declared a World heritage site in 1992. Also in this region is the Colca Canyon, arguably the deepest in the world!

Puno with its Floating Uros islands.

Cusco and Machu Picchu - no explanation needed!!

Includes:

• All hotel accommodation (1 home-stay on the island trip)
• Pick-ups from airports/bus stations to hotels and vice versa
• Breakfast is included in all accommodation (lunch and dinner are included only where stated)
• 2 flights: Lima - Arequipa, Cusco - Lima
• Tour of the Colca Canyon in Arequipa
• Comfortable coach to Puno from Arequipa
• Island Trip. Includes boat transport, Guide, basic family accommodation and food
• First Class Coach to Cusco. Includes Guide, lunch and 6 stops along the way in order to see pre-Inca, Inca and Spanish sites
• City Tour and Tourist Ticket in Cusco
• Machu Picchu Trip. Includes entrance fee to Machu Picchu, return train journey, hotel (one night in Aguas Calientes), breakfast and Private Guide

What you need to take:

• Warm and waterproof jackets, gloves and hats. (Traditional gloves and hats can be bought in Puno, Arequipa and Cusco)
• Torch for the Island trip
• 1 kilo of rice, sugar etc. - this type of gift is greatly appreciated by family on Island trip (these, of course, can be bought here)
• Insect repellent
• Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended).