Peru

Late departure on our overnight flight to Lima via Bogota (Colombia).

Upon arrival in Lima we transfer to our centrally located hotel (early check-in included). After some time to relax we’ll embark on our city tour, which will show us the Old Town, Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and the House of El Oidor. We also enjoy a guided tour of the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum, built on the site of pre-Columbian pyramid houses. This evening is our Welcome Dinner.

We fly to Cusco and transfer to the Sacred Valley, enroute visiting Manos de la Comunidad—a handicraft market dedicated to the conservation of the South American Camelids and the use of their wool.

This morning we visit the small town of Chinchero where we’ll enjoy an Andean weaving demonstration. Next, we’ll explore historic Moray to see the magnificent terraced circles built for planting experiments. Later we visit the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo where steep stone staircases and terraces lead to an inner temple.

We take a train to the incredible mountaintop ruins of Machu Picchu. Our guided walking tour will illustrate what the city looked like centuries ago. It was once a flourishing ceremonial and agricultural site, and today it remains a beautiful jewel in a remarkable setting between two peaks of the Andes. Afternoon at leisure.

After further touring of mysterious Machu Picchu, we take the Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo. Overhead windows on the train enhance the views of the journey as we wind our way along the Urubamba Valley. Upon arrival we transfer back to Cusco.

We first visit the Cathedral of Cusco and the Temple of the Sun—the most important temple in the Inca Empire. Later we proceed to the ancient fortress of Saqsayhuaman, and then the picturesque San Blas—known as the “neighbourhood of the artisans”.

We enjoy the scenic drive to Puno through the La Raya Mountain range, enroute visiting the Inca archaeological sites of Andahuaylillas, with its beautiful baroque St. Peter Church, Racqchi and Pukara—a National Cultural Heritage Site.

We embark on a cultural journey as we head out across Lake Titicaca to explore the islands of Uros and Taquile, and learn about the indigenous people and traditions. These man-made floating islands were constructed entirely out of reeds. The friendly locals are happy to welcome you to their islands, and share their history and culture. The islands are untouched by the mainland’s modernity. The local inhabitants wear traditional clothing and are known for their high-quality handicrafts. While the women make yarn and weave, knitting is actually done exclusively by men! Afternoon at leisure.

We proceed to the town of Chivay, located at the midpoint of the Colca Valley. Along the way, see the surrounding volcanoes, a variety of flora, and possibly some of the local wildlife.

We enter the Colca Canyon—twice as deep as the Grand Canyon! We proceed to the Cruz de Condors, a famed viewpoint to watch the condors gliding on the air currents which rise from the canyon—a spectacular scene with the river 1200 metres below! We then continue our scenic drive to Arequipa.

We tour the “White City” of Arequipa, high in the Andes. We’ll see the extraordinary architecture of the Convent of Santa Catalina, the Main Square, the cathedral, and Mundo Alpaca—a cultural experience in which we meet Alpacas and Llamas. Later we fly back to Lima.

Today we explore Barranco—considered to be Lima’s most romantic and bohemian district, being the home and working place of many of Peru’s leading artists, musicians, and designers. There are many colonial era houses, flower-filled parks and streets, and lovely beaches. Included will be a visit to the Museo de Arte Colonial Pedro de Osma—a private museum housed in a historic mansion. This evening we enjoy our Farewell Dinner.

We transfer to the airport for our flight back to Canada, via Bogota.