Life in the Andes- Peru        PE1         PE2

Introduction:

Escorted Group Tour - Explore the Sacred Sites from an earlier time used as secret ceremonial sites.

We will offer two different tour packages to choose from, the PE 1 package will offer very little trekking, while the other, PE 2, is a hikers dream tour with six days on the less travelled Chocquequirrao Trek. To participate in the PE 2 tour, it is necessary to be in a good state of health as the trek is rated "challenging" and that a visit to your local doctor would be recommended before making any trip decisions.

Both tours include the famous ruins of Machu Picchu, as well as the city of Cusco,which will serve as our base. We will be staying at Hotel Mayor, it is across the street from the beautiful Plaza Regocijo and also one block from the Plaza de Armas. Cusco is steeped in history,tradition and legend and is also full of great restaurants,lively plazas,art galleries,cathedrals and museums. The first two days of each tour will be in and around Cusco so as to allow ample time to acclimatize to the altitude.(3300 metres)

PE 1 - we will have the opportunity over 5 days to explore Lake Titikaka and its islands. Lake Titikaka is the world's highest navigable lake,and features floating reed islands.This location is a primary Celestial Star Gate.

PE 2 - is a hiker´s dream as we will be hiking and camping on a 6 day trek to Chocquequierao. Choquequirao( meaning "Cradle of Gold" in the local Quechua language) is an archaeological complex of enormous significance,hidden deep within the jungle-clad Vilcabamba Mountain Range of Peru's southern Andes.The site,often referred to as Machu Picchu's sister city,is thought to have been the gateway to the Vilcabamba,the Inca's last refuge during their final resistance of the Spanish conquest.

The Incas hid in the natural fortress, a site much bigger,more isolated and much less explored than Machu Picchu. From this hideout in the Vilcabamba,the Incas played out the final tragic chapter in their Empires glorious history.

Although the site dwarfs Machu Picchu in scale,and possibly importance,its isolation has spared it from the tourist crowds,and much of the complex remains unexplored.

Have a look at each of our tours and decide for yourself which is best for you.

Life in the Andes - Peru - Tour PE1

Life in the Andes Cusco (12 days/11 nights)

Cusco, Machu Picchu, Puno, Lago Titikaka and its Islands

Itinerary Outline

Day 1 : Transfer from the airport to the hotel, free day.

Day 2 : Morning: Sacsayhuaman tours (4 Inca sites). Afternoon: City tours (Inca museums, Cathedral, San Blas, Qoricancha, and typical Andean handicrafts markets)

Day 3 : Sacred Valley- Indian Market in Pisac- Pisac Arquelogical Park – Ollantaytambo and Chinchero Tour

Day 4 : Cusco to Machu Picchu and the mineral hot springs.

Day 5 : Machu Picchu tour - return to Cusco in the evening.

Day 6 : Free day Cusco - Nighttime: Centro de Arte native folk dance

Day 7-11: Cusco – Puno, Lago Titikaka, etc

Day 12 : Cusco transfer hotel at the airport

Trip Details

Day 1 : Transfer from the airport to the Hotel.

You will be picked up at the airport in Cusco and taken to your hotel where you can rest for a while after your long trip and also acclimatize yourself to the altitude. Once in the city center you will no doubt notice the many fine examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the city as well as the remains of the old Inca settlement on which Cusco was constructed. After resting for a short while, you can grab lunch in either your hotel or one of the many fine restaurants in the area.

Day 2 : Morning: Sacsayhuaman tours (4 Inca places) Afternoon: City tours (Inca museums, Cathedral, San Blas, Qoricancha, and typical handicrafts markets)

Cusco was the heart of the Inca empire and as such there are many interesting Inca archaeological sites which are to be found both within and around the city. After an early light breakfast we will leave the hotel at 8.00 a.m and be taken on a short bus trip to Tambomachay archaeological site. Afterwards we will walk to the Inca sites of Pukapukara, Qenqo and Sacsyhuamanon and then complete our morning tour by walking 20 minutes back to the city where we will stop at San Cristobal Square to take pictures of Cusco city.

To end the morning part of this tour we will take a typical andean lunch at one of the local peruvian restaurants located near the Plaza de Armas.

After lunch Then we will visit the Inca Museum, the 600 year old Cathedral, Qoricancha Temple, as well as the San Blas neighborhood which is where the best artists, artisans, and original Inca streets are located. We will finish up the day by visiting one or two typical handicrafts markets as well.

In the late afternoon we return to the hotel where you can relax before setting out to eat in one of the many restaurants in Cusco. Remember to put on something warm as it can get cold pretty quickly. Spend the evening enjoying the local cuisine and hospitality of Cusco’s very friendly people.

Day 3 : Sacred Valley- Indian Market in Pisac- Pisac arquelogical Park – Ollantaytambo and Chinchero Tour.

After an early breakfast and an early start you will be taken via private bus through the Sacred Valley of the Inca where life has remained almost unchanged for 500 years. The drive from Cusco is not very long and on the way you will see some typical Andean villages and scenery. Upon descent into the Sacred Valley you will know that you have arrived in the area the Inca revered for its lush fertile soils.

When we arrive at our first stop in Pisac, you will have the opportunity of visiting the lively local market to enjoy the beautiful handicrafts and fine Andean garments for sale. Then you will be taken to the impressive arqueological Park of Pisaq. For lunch you will have the chance to try out traditional Andean foods.

Later on you will visit the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo. These ancient ruins look out as outposts over the valley and are a wonder to view. This was the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti during the Inca Empire and served as a stronghold for Manco Inca Yupanqui.

And lastly we will visit the ancient Inca city Chinchero. In the evening you will return to your hotel in Cuzco where you will once again be given the opportunity to spend the evening at your leisure in one of the many fine restaurants or bars available in the area.

Meals: buffet lunch

Day 4: Cusco - Machu Picchu – afternoon Hot Spring

After breakfast at the hotel we will take a private bus to the train station of Ollantaytambo and from there board the train to the town of Agua Calientes where nearby is the hidden temple of the Incas: Machu Picchu. The train ride is a destination in itself as you pass through an abundant cloud forest with amazing views out over the Andes.

Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, around early afternoon, we will check in at the hotel in time to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. Later, for those that are interested we will visit the local mineral hot springs so remember to bring your bathing suit and be prepared to be totally refreshed!

Meals: buffet lunch and buffet dinner.

Day 5: Machu Picchu tour – Cusco.

After a very early breakfast at the Hotel we will take a bus to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu at sunrise is a spectacular event you will not soon forget. Once you arrive in Machu Picchu, you will begin a guided tour of this world wonder and afterwards, if you wish to stay longer at Machu Picchu, you may as our return train to Cusco does not leave until late afternoon. There are several shuttle buses so just be sure to return to Agua Calientes in time!!

Meals: buffet lunch

Day 6: Free day in Cusco - night Centro de art native folk dance

Today you can stroll around Cusco, visit the museums, the local market or pick up some nice Peruvian gifts for those back home.

Later in the evening we offer a traditional night of native folk dancing at the Centro de Art for your enjoyment.

Day 7 : Cusco – Puno Tour (Andahuaylillas – Raqchi - La Raya - Pukara)

After breakfast we depart from Cusco to Puno via private bus to enjoy the scenery and to visit places further south in Peru that will provide you not only breathtaking scenery but also give you a sense of the different climates and culture to be found in Peru.

Andahuaylillas
Our first stop is named the "Sistine Chapel of America". The church of Andahuayllas is a jewelry of the mestizo baroque architecture that developed in Cusco. Its nave presents profuse decoration, especially in the ceiling decorated with carved panels which is covered with pan de oro (type of gold decoration).

Raqchi (Temple of Wiracocha God)
Located at KM 121 south of Cusco, this was an Inca church of monumental dimensions: 100 meters of length by 26 meters of wide and 14 meters of height; the temple is divided in two naves and each nave shows basics of 11 giant columns. The bases of the church were built perfectly with carving stones continued with adobe. While Machu Picchu and its architecture was impressive you have to see this site to understand how impressive were the Inca builders.

Typical Lunch Buffet (Sicuani):
Our lunch on this trip will be typical Andes food which includes vegetables, red meats and white beans all served in a comfortable restaurant typical of the city of Sicuani.

La Raya
This is the halfway point in our Cusco to Puno route. It is the highest part, over 4335 meters above sea level, beautiful landscapes, as well as llamas and vicuñas.

Pukara
This is the most important and oldest ceremonial center of the Altiplano and is also where the origins of the Andean culture in the Altiplano were first discovered. The ceremonial center is characterized by a series of echelon platforms as well as litosculptures, trails and tombstones that seem to show evidence of a brave civilization.

Puno
Finally, in the late afternoon, we arrive in Puno and our hotel. After checking in (and a shower!!) we will gather for a delicious Andean dinner.

Meals : Andean Buffet Dinner

Day 8 : Puno – Titikaka Lake – Amantani.

Another early breakfast and then a transfer to the local pier from which we will visit the floating islands of Uros. Main activities in these Islands -made of totora- are fishing, hunting, and taxidermy. We will then continue towards Amantani island where we will stay overnight in the houses of local families.

After lunch we will visit Pachamama and Pachatata ceremonial centers, where we will enjoy the beautiful fauna and flora of the Lake Titicaca Reserve. At night we will have a local typical dinner and folk show offered by the villagers. If you have a video camera you don't want to miss this!

Meals : Local Andean Lunch, Local Andean Dinner

Day 9 : Amantani – Taquili - Puno

After breakfast, we have time to stroll around the quaint streets of this colorful island. Late morning, we will travel by motor-boat towards Taquile Island, inhabited by quechua-speaking natives who have developed over the generations an efficient and original social system as well as fine hand weaving techniques. After lunch, at a local posada of Taquile, we can take a walk through the several hills and archaeological sites of this 6 km long island. Later in the afternoon, we return to Puno to the hotel.

Meals : Lunch

Day10 : Morning free and Sillustani Tour.

All morning you can stroll around Puno, visit the museums, the local market or complete you shopping list. After lunch we will be board our bus at 1.00 p.m. to visit SILLUSTANI COMPLEX. This archeological site is 34 km (30 minutes) from Puno on the paved highway to Juliaca. It contains the famous CHULLPAS, round burial towers built of stone with some standing as tall as 12m (39ft). They were used by the Collas and later by the Incas. Lake Umayo, is near the archeological site which only serves to add to the beauty of this place, especially at sunrise. In the vicinity you can also see some waru waru, the artificial hillocks of earth designed for protecting crops from frost and floods.

Sillustani is also a good place to observe wild guinea pigs, birds and other wildlife of the high Andes.

DAY 11 : Puno – Cusco

After breakfast at the hotel will board our private bus and return to Cusco arriving some time in the late evening.

DAY 12 : Cusco Hotel to the Airport.

This is basically a free day and also the last day to do some last minute shopping and perhaps revisit those places in Cusco that interests you. We will ensure that you are escorted to the airport in sufficient time for your return flight home.

Included:
All transfers
Hotels
Breakfasts
All other meals as indicated
Tourism (private) bus
English speaking tour guides
All entrance fees
Train tickets to/from Machu Picchu
Bus shuttle tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Life in the Andes - Peru - Tour PE2

Life in the Andes (14 Days/13 Nights)

Cusco, Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu, Choquequirao, Cusco

Itinerary Outline

Day 1: Transfer from the airport to the hotel, free day.

Day 2: Morning: Sacsayhuaman tour as well as 4 other archaeological Inca sites Afternoon: City tours (Inca museum, Cathedral, San Blas, Qoricancha, and typical Andean handicrafts markets)

Day 3: Sacred Valley- Indian Market in Pisac- Pisac Archelogical Park – Ollantaytambo and Chinchero Tour

Day 4: Cusco to Agua Calientes/Machu Picchu and the mineral hot springs.

Day 5: Machu Picchu tour - return to Cusco in the evening.

Day 6: Free day Cusco

Day 7-12: Cusco – Chocquequiarao - Cusco

Day 13: Free day Cusco – Native Folk Dancing Show at the Theatre of Art

Day 14: Transfer from the hotel to airport

Trip Details

Day 1: Transfer from the airport to your Hotel

You will be picked up at the airport in Cusco and taken to your hotel where you can rest for a while after your long trip and also acclimatize yourself to the altitude. Once in the city center you will no doubt notice the many fine examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the city as well as the remains of the old Inca settlement on which Cusco was constructed. After resting for a short while, you can grab lunch in either your hotel or one of the many fine restaurants in the area.

Day 2: Morning: Sacsayhuaman tour as well as 4 other archelogical Inca sites Afternoon: City tours (Inca museum, Cathedral, San Blas, Qoricancha, and typical Andean handicrafts markets)

Cusco was the heart of the Inca empire and as such there are many interesting Inca archaeological sites which are to be found both within and around the city. After an early light breakfast we will leave the hotel at 8.00 a.m and be taken on a short bus trip to Tambomachay archaeological site. Afterwards we will walk to the Inca sites of Pukapukara, Qenqo and Sacsyhuamanon and then complete our morning tour by walking 20 minutes back to the city where we will stop at San Cristobal Square to take pictures of Cusco city.

To end the morning part of this tour we will take a typical andean lunch at one of the local peruvian restaurants located near the Plaza de Armas.

After lunch Then we will visit the Inca Museum, the 600 year old Cathedral, Qoricancha Temple, as well as the San Blas neighborhood which is where the best artists, artisans, and original Inca streets are located. We will finish up the day by visiting one or two typical handicrafts markets as well.

In the late afternoon we return to the hotel where you can relax before setting out to eat in one of the many restaurants in Cusco. Remember to put on something warm as it can get cold pretty quickly. Spend the evening enjoying the local cuisine and hospitality of Cusco’s very friendly people.

Day 3: Sacred Valley- Indian Market in Pisac- Pisac arquelogical Park – Ollantaytambo and Chinchero Tour.

After an early breakfast and an early start you will be taken via private bus through the Sacred Valley of the Inca where life has remained almost unchanged for 500 years. The drive from Cusco is not very long and on the way you will see some typical Andean villages and scenery. Upon descent into the Sacred Valley you will know that you have arrived in the area the Inca revered for its lush fertile soils.

When we arrive at our first stop in Pisac, you will have the opportunity of visiting the lively local market to enjoy the beautiful handicrafts and fine Andean garments for sale. Then you will be taken to the impressive arqueological Park of Pisaq. For lunch you will have the chance to try out traditional Andean foods.

Later on you will visit the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo. These ancient ruins look out as outposts over the valley and are a wonder to view. This was the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti during the Inca Empire and served as a stronghold for Manco Inca Yupanqui.

And lastly we will visit the ancient Inca city Chinchero. In the evening you will return to your hotel in Cuzco where you will once again be given the opportunity to spend the evening at your leisure in one of the many fine restaurants or bars available in the area.

Meals: buffet lunch

Day 4: Cusco – Agua Calientes/Machu Picchu – afternoon Hot Spring

After breakfast at the hotel we will take a private bus to the train station of Ollantaytambo and from there board the train to the town of Agua Calientes where nearby is the hidden temple of the Incas: Machu Picchu. The train ride is a destination in itself as you pass through an abundant cloud forest with amazing views out over the Andes.

Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, around early afternoon, we will check in at the hotel in time to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. Later, for those that are interested we will visit the local mineral hot springs so remember to bring your bathing suit and be prepared to be totally refreshed!

Meals: buffet lunch and buffet dinner.

Day 5: Machu Picchu tour – Cusco.

After a very early breakfast at the Hotel we will take a bus to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu at sunrise is a spectacular event you will not soon forget. Once you arrive in Machu Picchu, you will begin a guided tour of this world wonder and afterwards, if you wish to stay longer at Machu Picchu, you may as our return train to Cusco does not leave until late afternoon. There are several shuttle buses so just be sure to return to Agua Calientes in time!!

Meals: buffet lunch

Day 6: Free day in Cusco

Today you can stroll around Cusco, visit the museums, the local market or pick up some nice Peruvian gifts for those back home.

Day7: Cusco – Cachora – Chikiska

The site of Choquequirao (meaning “Cradle of Gold” in the local Quechua language), is an archaeological complex of enormous significance, hidden deep within the jungle-clad Vilcabamba mountain range of Peru's southern Andes. The site, often referred to as Machu Picchu's sister city, is thought to have been the gateway to the Vilcabamba, the Inca's last refuge during their final resistance of the Spanish conquest.

The Incas hid in this natural fortress, a site much bigger, more isolated and much less explored than Machu Picchu. From this hideout in the Vilcabamba the Incas played out the final tragic chapter in their Empire´s glorious history.
Although the site dwarfs Machu Picchu in scale, and possibly importance, its isolation has spared it from the tourist crowds, and much of the complex remains unexplored. Your Peru adventure trek begins by road, with an early departure from your Cusco hotel crossing the surrounding mountains, over the Apurimac River to the town of San Pedro de Cachora, where you will enjoy an energy rich lunch.

From here you set off on foot, following a trail that leads up into a cool forest of fragrant eucalyptus trees and native flora until the trail flattens out and leads to a lookout point at Capuliyoq which offers stunning views of Choquequirao and the surrounding Vilcabamba. From here you descend on a zigzagging trail until reaching the first camp at Chikiska

Distance: 19 km / 11.80 ml
Minimum Altitude: 1860 masl / 6102 ft
Maximum Altitude: 2900 masl / 9514 ft
Approximate Time: 6 hours
Gradient: moderate

Meal: lunch and dinner

Day 8: Chikiska – Choquequirao

After filling up on a hearty breakfast you will continue the descent until you reach the Apurimac river. From here you begin to climb, sometimes tackling very steep inclines until reaching Marampata at 9557 feet above sea level, for a well deserved break, where another perspective of Choquequirao can be enjoyed.

From here you will follow a varied route until you reach the camp at Choquequirao itself in time for lunch. After resting your legs you will start to explore this intriguing site, which is still only partially understood by archeologists. Your guide will take you through the lower part of the enormous complex to visit the agricultural terraces, water channels and an impressive ceremonial rock called the Paccha. Afterwards you will return to camp to relax before enjoying an excellent evening meal.

Distance: 14 km / 8.69 ml
Minimum Altitude: 1600 masl / 5249 ft
Maximum Altitude:3100 masl / 10170 ft
Approximate Time: 8 hours
Gradient: challenging

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 9: Choquequirao all day tours.

The sunrise at this majestic Place will be a dream come true for all the visitors, we will have a delicious breakfast, then we will begin to explore the archaeological park. At noon after lunch we will have the chance to stroll around and camp.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10: Choquequirao – San Ignacio

After lunch at the camp you will set off again towards the San Ignacio crossing of the Apurimac River following an extremely steep descent which exposes some unforgettable views of the Vilcabamba. After a gentle climb you will arrive at camp for dinner and a chance to relax your legs.

Distance: 9 km / 5.59 ml
Minimum Altitude: 1800 masl / 5905 ft
Maximum Altitude: 3100 masl / 10170 ft
Approximate time: full day
Gradient: challenging

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 11: San Ignacio – Huanipaca

Leaving the camp you will follow a trail through the valley of the Tambobamba River, walking through a beautiful mango forest and enjoying yet more fine views of the Vilcabamba. At mid day we arrive at the delightful lodge of Villa Los Loros where you will enjoy a final delicious lunch amid tranquil flower gardens and a gently flowing river, Overnight in Huanipaca Villages.

Distance: 8 km / 4.97 ml
Minimum Altitude: 1800 masl / 5905 ft
Maximum Altitude: 3100 masl / 10170 ft
Approximate time: 5 hr
Gradient: moderate

Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 12: Huanipaca – Cusco

After breakfast in our camp site a private bus will be waiting to take us back to Cusco (4 hours drive). We will arrive in Cusco between 13 and 14pm. Distance Travelled: 8 km / 4.97 ml Approximate Walking Time: 5 hr
Along the way see beautiful mountains and small villages.

Day 13: A free day to rest, browse, buy those last minute items and also to possibly revisit those sites in and around Cusco that interest you.

Day 14 : Cusco Hotel to the Airport.

Included:

All transfers
Hotels
Breakfasts
All other meals as indicated
Tourism (private) bus
English speaking tour guides
All entrance fees
Train tickets to/from Machu Picchu
Bus shuttle tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

6 Day Chocquequirao Trek (also included)
- All meals
- Tents (double occupancy)
- Sleeping bags (or bring your own)
- Pack horses
- Chef and assistant
- English speaking guides
- Dining tents, chairs
- Toilet tent
- Mattresses
- Walking sticks
- Private Bus from Cusco to Cachora
- Private bus from Huanipaca to Cusco

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