Conquest Of The Andes
The Desert
Before the Incas, there were other civilizations that thrived along Peru’s harsh desert coast, like the Paracas and Nasca cultures.
The Andes
In an attempt to understand the Incas, we will immerse ourselves into the heart of the Andes and the Inca Empire. Starting in Cusco, we venture forth through the Sacred Valley and beyond to reach the lost citadel of Machu Picchu.
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca has sustained Andean cultures for centuries and is the mythical birthplace of the Inca culture and it’s creators. At over 12,000 ft., it is the highest navigable lake in the world.
*Discover Peru is an active, non-trekking adventure.
Itinerary
Day 01 LIMA
Arrival and transfer to your hotel. If you arrive early, we can arrange optional tours to museums or to visit the city and surroundings sites.
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Day 02 LIMA - ICA
Early departure by coach to Ica. The comfortable bus will bring you to this desert city traversing various lush valleys that cut through the Atacama desert. Arrival and check-in at your hotel, afternoon optional 50 minute flight over the Nazca Lines ($145). (B)
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Day 03 ICA – PARACAS – LIMA
After breakfast, a vehicle will take you to the National Reserve of Paracas, the only marine protected area in Peru. A boat ride brings you to the Islas Ballestas, a small group of islands teeming with marine bird life as well as sea lions. Following lunch, the bus returns us to Lima. (B)
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Day 04 LIMA - CUSCO
Early departure , Transfer to airport for short flight to Cusco, center of the Inca Empire. Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel. Rest of morning free to relax and acclimatize to the altitude (10,856 ft.). An afternoon tour of Cusco’s temples, churches and the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko and Tambomachay will educate you on the history of this cities impacting cultures. (B)
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Day 05 CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY
Full day guided excursion to the Sacred Valley, as important today as it was during the reign of the Incas. Here we will visit the picturesque Pisac Market and ruins above it, then continue down the Urubamba Valley. After lunch we reach Ollantaytambo (9,185 ft.), a small town with an impressive Inca fortress. Overnight at a local hotel in Urubamba. (B,L)
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Day 06 MACHU PICCHU
Early transfer from your hotel to the train station at Ollantaytambo. The scenery during this two-hour ride down the Urubamba gorge changes from mountain vegetation to cloud forest. Arrival at the station and a bus ride will bring you to the mountain citadel of Machu Picchu (7,800 ft.), for a full day guided tour. Afternoon return to nearby Aguas Calientes and overnight at a local hotel. (B,L)
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Day 07 MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Optional early rise for those who want to experience the serene beauty of Machu Picchu in the morning (great opportunity for crowd less photos). The other option is to sleep in, relax and stay around the village. Afternoon train return to Cusco, where we will arrive in the evening. Transfer to your hotel. (B)
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Day 08 CUSCO - PUNO
Morning transfer to bus station for a full day bus ride over the “altiplano” (high planes) to Puno along the shore of Lake Titicaca. Transfer to hotel. (B)
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Day 09 LAKE TITCACA
Leaving from the dockside at Puno harbor, we travel by boat via the famous floating Uros Islands to the tranquil setting of Taquile Island, a community of male weavers and spinners in a Mediterranean-like setting. Afternoon return to Puno. (B, L)
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Day 10 PUNO - AREQUIPA
Morning transfer for departure to Arequipa Along the way, we visit the ruins of Sillustani, Transfer to Arequipa hotel, overnight Arequipa hotel. (B)
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Day 11 AREQUIPA – CHIVAY
Leaving the city behind we slowly ascend to the highland Savannah or “Puna”, with a close up view of Mt. Misti and the other surrounding volcanoes. On this high altitude desert, you will have a chance to see herds of llamas, alpacas and the endangered vicuña in an impressive altiplano landscape. Descend into the upper Colca Canyon at Chivay and overnight in a small hostel in the Colca Valley. (B, L, D)
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Day 12 COLCA CANYON – AREQUIPA
An early departure to Cruz del Condor, the viewpoint over the deepest part of this world famous canyon will let you see Condors at their best as they leave their rocky sanctuary with the morning warm air currents, to slowly ascend over the horizon. From here we the drive back the way we came to Arequipa, arriving in the afternoon at your hotel. (B)
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Day 13 AREQUIPA – LIMA
Transfer from Arequipa Hotel to Airport Flight to lima end of services, ( Optional trip extension )
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Key: (B)reakfast, (L)unch, (D)inner
Physical requirements: This adventure involves moderate to difficult trekking/hiking at high elevations (above 10,000 ft.) and in varying temperature conditions. Good walking/aerobic fitness is required.
Special Products Donations / Non profit activities / Horses / Amaru Express
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Copyright 2006 Land of the Inkas