GTVP-04 – PERU

An introduction to Peru’s Colonial and Incan civilizations, traditions and cultures

Lima, Arequipa & Colca Canyon, Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu
Nine Days / Eight Nights
Daily Departures

FEATURING ARANWA HOTELS

ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN LIMA

Arrival in Lima, meet and greet at the airport and transfer to hotel. Assistance for check-in at hotel. This same day, our representative will give you a short briefing about the rest of your stay.
Overnight stay in Lima at comparable hotel category

DAY 2: LIMA/AREQUIPA (B)

Transfer to the airport to catch the departing flight to Arequipa. On arrival, meet and greet at the airport, transfer to your hotel. Free morning to get used to the altitude. This afternoon the White City opens its doors on a journey that begins in the beautiful Colonial district of San Lazaro, the founding place of Arequipa; from here we will walk through its picturesque streets adorned with geraniums to later go to the Carmen Alto viewpoint for a chance to see the wonderful landscape of agricultural terraces and the three volcanoes surrounding the city: Misti, Chachani and Pichu-Pichu. It is time to head for the Yanahuara Colonial district, famous for its Andalusian style church and its viewpoint, architecture jewel surrounded by sillar (volcanic stone) arches. Then we will visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, impressive religious monument which was closed for about 400 years; with narrow streets, squares and gardens reminiscent of the
old quarters of Seville or Granada. We will proceed to the Main Square to see its beautiful Cathedral and the stone arches that surround it, and finally, it is time to visit the Church of the Society of Jesus, founded in the seventeenth century by the Jesuits, famous for its cloisters and its magnificent San Ignacio Dome.
Overnight stay in Arequipa at comparable hotel category

*Note: Domestic flight must arrive in Arequipa no later than 11.00hrs

DAY 3: AREQUIPA/COLCA (B/L)

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 hotel. Free afternoon to rest and enjoy the hotel and the optional visit to the thermal baths in the area. Dinner.

Overnight stay in Colca at Aranwa Pueblito Encantado del Colca

DAY 4: COLCA/AREQUIPA (B/L)

Early in the morning we will go to the Condor Cross viewpoint. Before us the shocking flight of the condors, huge Andean birds on the brink of extinction and symbol of the Andes Mountain Range. The view at this place allows us to appreciate the canyons depth, considered as one of the deepest in the world. We will then visit the Maca and Yanque towns which still keep the colonial churches. After lunch, we will return to Arequipa.
Overnight stay in Arequipa at comparable hotel category

DAY 5: AREQUIPA/CUSCO (B)

Departure transfer to board our domestic flight to Cusco. Upon arrival, welcome and transfer to our hotel.

In the afternoon, we will climb up the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman, and start our excursion visiting the fortress with the same name, a beautiful place that radiates peace and quiet, where we will be able to admire the huge rocks measuring up to 4 meters high that were used in its construction. We will then head for Q’enqo, and ancient temple of the Puma, where we will be able to appreciate an altar for sacrifices in the inner part of a huge rock, and then Tambomachay, sacred fountains of life and health. On the way we will have a panoramic view from Puca Pucara, a watchtower that controlled the entrance to the city. After that we will visit the Temple of the Sun “The Korikancha”, on top of which the Saint Dominique Convent was built. A legend tells that his temple was entirely lined in gold sheets that marveled the Conquistadors upon their arrival. Finally, we will go to the Main Square and will visit the Cathedral that reassures invaluable colonial paintings and other works of art such as the Cross that arrived with the first conquerors.
Overnight stay in Cusco at Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel

*Note: Domestic flight must arrive in Cusco no later than 11.00hrs

DAY 6: CUSCO/SACRED VALLEY/CUSCO (B/L)

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is waiting for you. On the way we will stop at Awanacancha, small complex to admire Andean camelids such as alpacas and llamas and learn from local inhabitants about traditional dyeing and knitting techniques. Later we will explore the Pisac Market with enough free time to go around and buy handcrafts and if you feel like tasting something traditional, stop by the wood ovens for a delicious empanada or a piece of bread. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, our tour continues to Ollantaytambo, a small town full of local color and inhabited since Inca times in which we will visit the main temple used as a fortress during the Inca resistance. Breathtaking views for amazing pictures.
Overnight stay in Cusco at Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel

DAY 7: CUSCO/MACHU PICCHU/CUSCO (B/L)

Early in the morning, we will go to the Poroy train station, where we will depart by train to visit one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. We arrive at the Aguas Calientes station where our staff will assist us on boarding the bus to go up the winding road to Machu Picchu, amid a spectacular view of the Urubamba River and its canyon. The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, will astonish us with its terraces, ceremonial shrines, steps and urban areas. Energy is all around us. At the arranged time, we will enjoy lunch at Tinkuy restanrautn. Later, we will take the train back to Cusco city.
Overnight stay in Cusco at Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel

DAY 8: CUSCO/LIMA (B)

Departure transfer to board our domestic flight to Lima. Upon arrival, meeting and assistance and transfer to hotel.

In the afternoon, we will have a tour through Lima’s streets and plazas. Starting at “Parque del Amor” in Miraflores, with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean, and then we are heading to the Huaca Pucllana, ceremonial center of the Lima culture, for a panoramic view. After this, we go on to the Main Square where the Government Palace and the Town Hall are located. We will visit the Cathedral and explore the Santo Domingo Convent, along which corridors San Martin de Porres and San Rosa de Lima used to walk around in 17th century, and where their remains rest today.
Overnight stay in Lima at comparable hotel category.

*Note: We suggest arriving in Lima no later than 11.00hrs.

DAY 9: DEPART TIME | INC: B.

Transfer to the airport for your next destination.

TOUR RATES INCLUDE:

Four nights at Aranwa hotels in Cusco and Colca with daily breakfast.
Four nights at selected hotels in Lima and Arequipa with daily breakfast.
All transfers, visits and excursions fully escorted by local English-speaking local guides. Transfers between hotels and train stations.
VISTADOME train ticket for the route Ollantaytambo/Aguas Calientes/Poroy
Shuttle bus ticket Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes (Day 7).
Entrance fee Machu Picchu (Day 7) of the program).
Meals as per itinerary.

TOUR RATES DO NOT INCLUDE:

International air tickets and local flights within Peru. To be quoted separately on request. Airport taxes.
Personal expenses, beverages in meals.
Tips for transfers, guides or waitress.
Land services, tours and hotels not indicated in the itinerary.