Peru - The "High" Highlights of the Andes - 10 Days
CUSCO – LAKE TITICACA, COLCA, AREQUIPA
The private bus journey across the Andes will take in ruins and scenery en route to the highest navigable lake in the world, Lago Titicaca. Then enjoy some hiking and wildlife in the deepest canyon in the world, Colca. Finish up in Arequipa with its colonial Plaza de Armas, with massive Volcano Misti as an impressive backdrop.
Day 1
Overnight flight to Cusco.
Day 2
Welcome to Cusco, capital of the Incas. First off, just breathe and begin adjusting to the 10,500 ft altitude. Leisurely orientation and walking tour of Plaza de Armas, Inca walls, Spanish churches, and markets.
Day 3
Half-day City Bus Tour with Bi-lingual guide, including the temple of Qorikancha, the ceremonial fortress of Saqsaywaman, Q’enko, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay.
Day 4
All day Sacred Valley tour to several high Inca sites overlooking the Urubamba River, including elaborate Pisaq, it’s famed market below, terraced Ollantaytambo, and sacred Chinchero.
Day 5
All day journey to Machu Picchu, the famed lost city of the Incas. It was never discovered by the Spanish, eventually abandoned and forgotten until its 1911 discovery by American Hiram Bingham. Its striking position on a remote precipice adds to its mystical aura. Guided tour of ruins.
Day 6
Visit Lago Titicaca at nearly 13,000 ft elevation, and its uniquely inhabited floating islands. Free time in Puno’s cheap markets. Bus to Colca Canyon.
Day 7
Day trip to Huaraz Mirrador, Lake Queracocha, and the pre-Inca ruin of Chavin with its famous carved heads.
Day 8
Visit Cruz del Condor for an overlook of Colca Canyon and views of the Andean Condor with the largest wing-span in the world. Brief hike into the canyon. Bus to Arequipa.
Day 9
Walking tour of the City, orientation to Plaza de Armas, the colorful cloistered convent of Santa Catalina, and the famous mummy Juanita.
Day 10
Free morning in Arequipa, final shopping. Overnight flight back to U.S.
