Greatest Highlights In South Peru

14d/13N

WELCOME TO TOUR

INTRODUCTION

Your Peru trip shall start with travelling along the south of Peru, including a visit to mystical Machu Picchu. If you’re ready for the challenge, explore first Lima cultural highlights and then drive south to Paracas, navigate to the Ballestas islands (our small Galapagos), fly over the astonishing Nazca lines and reach Arequipa, the white city. Explore the Colca canyon and see the condors flying away just meters from where you stay, make a boat excursion to the Uros and Taquile islands in the Titicaca Lake and finally reach the Inca capital, Cusco and the Machu Picchu World Wonder. This route has along it diverse zones of natural beauty and also spectacular cultural and archaeological remains, most of which are of exceptional interest.

Sustanable

Our company is 100% committed to caring for the environment and the fauna of the place and to its conservation on each trip.

AUTHENTIC

excellence in our services who are with you every step of the way. Eat local Peruvian food, trek the original Inca steps and do it all with the people that know!

Luxury

our years of service to the Amazon tourism industry make us an agency with capacity and with the best services

Comfortable

This service is arranged just for you and your party has the advantage of adapting the pace to your physical condition, but also usually means enjoying all the archeological

ITINERARY

Day 1

Lima, transfer to hotel in Miraflores

Arrival in Lima, reception in the airport and transfer to chosen hotel in Miraflores.

Day 2

Lima colonial and modern City Tour

Morning suggested visit to superb Larco Herrera museum. In the afternoon included City tour colonial and modern Lima.

We pick you up in the afternoon for your half day city tour of Lima. Visit the Plaza San Martin, the Plaza Mayor (Lima Main Square), Peru’s Government Palace, City Hall, the Cathedral and the San Francisco church. Continuing our tour, we will visit the residential neighborhoods of San Isidro and Olivar, with olive trees brought from Spain in the XVI century.

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We will also visit the pre-Inca worship center of Huaca Pucllana, as well as Miraflores Parque Central and the Parque del Amor (Park of Love), with a splendid ocean view. Finally we will have time to visit Larco Mar, an entertainment center that is a symbol of Lima’s modernity with gourmet restaurants and bars. Return to your hotel. (BB)

Museo Arqueológico Rafael Larco Herrera: Founded in 1926 on an old mansion built in 1707, this museum harbors the biggest private collection of pre-columbian art that exists in the world. This museum contains an exhibition of archaeological pieces made from ceramic, gold, stone and wood, as well as textiles from pre-Hispanic cultures, especially the Peruvian northern cultures. The most outstanding pieces can be found in the the “Sala de Arte Textil” (Textile Art room), the “Gran Sala de la Cultura” (Great Room of the Culture), and the “Bóveda Sala de Oro” (vault Gold Room). Here you can also find the only collection in the world of ritual “Erotic Huacos” (ceramics).

Day 3

Lima to Paracas peninsula

Private transfer to bus station for regular bus ride to Paracas, or optional private drive with guide, along the south Panamericana highway to Paracas. Transfer to chosen hotel at ocean shore. Free afternoon to enjoy sea side and sunset. (BB)

Day 4

Ballestas islands tour (Peruvian small Galapagos) and transfer to Nazca

Transfer to pier for two hours Ballestas islands tour. These spectacular islands, eroded into many caves and arches, provide shelter for thousands of seabirds and hundreds of sea-lions. Transfer to bus station for bus ride to Nazca, or private drive with guide. Transfer to chosen hotel. (BB)

Although the islands fall just outside the Paracas National Reserve they are protected by separate legislation. The islands are home to over 150 species of marine bird including the Humboldt penguin, cormorants, boobies and pelicans. Even condors have been known to visit. On the shores can be seen large numbers of sea-lions and in the sea it is possible to encounter dolphins and even whales.

Day 5

Astonishing Nazca lines (optional), drive to Arequipa

Optional flight over Nazca lines (not included). There are also several very interesting optional pre-Inca tours in the Nazca area, like the Cahuachi pyramids and the related Antonini museum, the Cantayoc underground aqueducts, the Chauchilla cemetery, etc. Evening transfer for night public bus to Arequipa. (BB)

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More info about Nazca lines

On an arid plain 22 km north of modern day Nazca are the world famous 'Nasca Lines'. Straight lines, abstract designs and outlines of animals are etched on the dark desert surface revealing a lighter colored soil beneath. Images of birds predominate, some measuring up to 60m across, but there are also outlines of a whale, a dog, a monkey, a spider and a flower. The lines were not 'discovered' until spotted from above by aircraft in 1939. They are thought to have been drawn mainly by the Nazca civilization (which reached its peak about 700 AD).- with possible intervention of the Paracas and Wari cultures.

There have been numerous theories about why the lines were drawn. Maria Reiche, a German mathematician who spent most of her life studying the phenomenon, believed they formed part of a giant astronomical calendar. The best way to see the lines is to take to the sky. Flights over the lines leave regularly throughout the day on small planes which take between 3 and 5 passengers. The flight should last from 30-40 minutes.

More info about other rather unknown Nazca highlights

A visit to Nazca should not only include the flight over the Nazca lines and figures. There are other very interesting aspects of the Nazca culture and natural attractions that easily justify a longer stay of 2 or more nights: the impressive Cahuachi pyramids Ceremonial Center, related to the figures and lines, as well as the very didactic Museo Antonini; the fascinating underground Cantayoc aqueducts, the Chauchilla cemetery, and the Museo Maria Reiche. Up in the Andes and easily to reach from Nazca, there is the Pampa Galeras Vicuña Reserve. And for the off the beaten path nature lovers, there is the one day 4×4 desert expedition to Punta San Fernando, a lonely beach and a hidden Fauna paradise.

Day 6

Arequipa City Tour, the wonderful colonial “white” city

Reception in Arequipa bus station, followed by private transfer to chosen hotel, buffet breakfast. Afternoon private city tour and Santa Catalina convent. We pick you up in the morning or afternoon for your half day city tour of Arequipa. You will visit the Main Square, the Cathedral, the districts of Yanahuara and San Lázaro, the superb Santa Catalina Monastery (a surprising large and interesting citadel in the middle of Arequipa city), the San Francisco Church, Carmen Alto panoramic point and the residential zone of Selva Alegre. (BB)

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Arequipa, at 2,300m above sea level, is well-known as the “white city” because the sillar (white clay) is used for the construction of most of the colonial buildings and monuments. The city is splendidly located, in the shadow of three giant volcanoes. Chachani, at 6,075m is the highest, but it is the perfectly conical Misti volcano, a true Arequipa symbol that will draw your attention. A very important optional visit for you in the city could be the Museo Santuarios Andino hosting several mummies, being most famous Mummy Juanita, also known as the Inca Ice Maiden. Her well preserved frozen body was discovered 1995 close to the summit of Ampato volcano (6288 mt – 20624 ft) by high altitude anthropologist Johan Reichert. She was a 11 to 15 years old Inca girl who was killed as an offering to the Inca gods sometime between 1450 and 1480.

Day 7

2 days tour to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world.

Private or seat-in bus for a 2 days tour to Colca Canyon, visiting also the Cruz del Condor panoramic point. The depth of the canyon from the Cruz del Condor to the river is approximately 1,500m, an excellent place to spot the morning flight of giant condors. (BB)

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The Colca Canyon runs for over 100km, and the average distance from the peaks of the mountains to the river below is 3,400m. Until recently, it was thought that it was the deepest canyon in the world, although it is now generally accepted that the Cotahuasi Canyon, also in the department of Arequipa, is deeper. The deepest point of the canyon is beyond Cabanaconde. The canyon valley is covered with thousands of pre-Inca terraces, and the scattered villages boast impressive colonial churches. Also important attractions in Colca are several thermal baths and the pre-Inca Uyo-Uyo ruins

Day 8

Spectacular morning flight of giant condors. Drive from Colca to Puno and Titicaca lake.

Early morning departure to Cruz del Condor, an excellent place to close-up watch the morning flight of giant condors. Afterwards drive along the canyon, visiting some villages and their magnificent churches. Arrival to Chivay. Private or seat-in bus departure drive at noon from Chivay to Puno. Reception in Puno and transfer to chosen hotel in the city or at Titicaca lake shore. (BB)

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More info about Puno

The city of Puno is located in the southeast corner of Peru, on the shores of the magnificent Lake Titicaca and only 126km from the Bolivian border. At 3,827m in altitude, Puno is a rather cold town surrounded by the desolate altiplano (or high plateau). It is not so much a destination in itself but a necessary stop on the way to visit the islands on Lake Titicaca, or when crossing the border to Bolivia.

Day 9

Excursion to Uros floating reed islands and a traditional culture in the panoramic Taquile island.

Transfer to pier, cultural seat-in boat excursion to the Uros floating reed islands and to Taquile island, a cultural visit plenty of contrasts, lunch. Most tours of the Uros & Taquile Islands depart at 8.30am and include transport from your hotel to the pier, transport by

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motor boat stopping at the Uros Islands for 30 minutes before departing to the Taquile island. Visit to the island with superb panoramic view over the Titicaca lake. Enjoy the traditional, unique culture of their inhabitants, where also men and children participate in producing typical textile products. Return to Puno, transfer to hotel. (BB)

More info about Uros and Taquile islands

For centuries the aymara speaking Uros people have built their homes and made their boats from the abundant source of reeds that grow in the shallows of Lake Titicaca. The islands are made from many springy layers of reeds that are continually added to replace the rotting layers below and it is not uncommon for the islands to drift after heavy rains. Fisherman can be seen navigating the water channels in beautifully crafted, sturdy 'canoes', some with reed figureheads forming a creative extension of the prow.

On the contrary, the Taquile island population speaks Quechua, and is surrounded by Aymara speaking communities elsewhere around the lake. The island of Taquile has a genuine traditional lifestyle without electricity (just from solar panels in some areas) or modern infrastructure that gives visitors a glimpse of pre-colonial life in Andean Peru. The inhabitants of the attractive island of Taquile still use age-old weaving techniques and wear colorful traditional clothes, and the steep-sided fertile shores are covered in pre-Inca agricultural terraces that are the basis for the island's self-sufficient economy.

Day 10

Drive to Cusco crossing the Altiplano and the La Raya pass, visiting several highlights

Trf to bus station for tourist bus drive to Cusco. On the way visits to the interesting Pucara museum (the Pucara was the mother culture of pre_Inca Tiahuanaco in Bolivia), then buffet lunch in restaurant in Sillustani town, visit afterwards to the Raqchi Inca ruins (Inca temple dedicated to worship the spiritual Wiracocha God) and to the Andahuaylillas church, the “Sistine chapel in the Andes”. Reception in Cusco, transfer to chosen hotel.

As an alternative, a luxurious train ride with Andean Explorer from Puno to Cusco is an excellent, rather luxurious option. It includes lunch and a pisco sour drink demonstration how to prepare it. (BB, L)

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More info about the Andean Explorer train

Crossing the Andes on the Puno – Cusco route is an unforgettable experience all on its own. But doing it aboard the Andean Explorer train will make this a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The Andean Explorer was created to provide passengers with all the luxuries they could want in a trip, while offering them a chance to forge a mystical connection with nature. The route covered by the Andean Explorer is considered by many travel magazines to be one of the most beautiful in the world, with a trip that lasts ten and a half hours. At the start of the journey, passengers are welcomed at the Puno Station (Cusco), where local musicians will provide background music as you board the train. Once aboard, you can enjoy the two dining cars decorated in the style of the Pullman cars of the 1920s.

During the trip, lunch offers the finest in gourmet food.

The Andean Explorer runs to and from Puno every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from April to October. From November through March, departures are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

Day 11

Cusco city and ruins tour, a magnificent contrast of Inca and colonial buildings.

Morning free in Cusco, afternoon private or seat-in bus city tour and nearby ruins.
We pick you up in the afternoon for your half day city tour of Cusco. Visit the Koricancha Sun Temple ruins below the Santo Domingo monastery, the spectacular Cathedral in the main Plaza, and the Inka ruins out of the city. Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. Return to your hotel. (BB)

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More info about Cusco

A rich historical past, amazing geography and beautiful landscapes makes Cusco a city that every traveler yearns to visit. The city of Cusco, together with nearby Machu Picchu and the Urubamba Sacred Valley, is the most important tourist destination in Peru and one of the most famous in South America. Cusco is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the continent.
Known by the Incas as the “Home of the Gods”, Cusco was the capital of one of the greatest Pre- Hispanic empires: the Tawantinsuyo. Its Quechua name, Qosqo, means “the navel of the world”, because Cusco was the starting point of a vast path network system joining a large portion of South America, from southern Colombia to northern Argentina and Chile.

Cusco is a colonial style city with cultural diversity, splendid temples and residences built on Inka finely carved rock walls and foundations, and surrounded by impressive Inka monumental temples and fortresses.

Day 12

Sacred Valley tour to the favorite and temperate, welcoming resting place for Incas and conquerors.

All day private or seat-in bus Sacred Valley tour with lunch, visiting the Indian Pisac market and its wide supply of handicrafts, and visiting the Ollantaytambo Inca temple and fortress, one of the best preserved Inca monuments Overnight in Ollantaytambo. (BB, L)

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More info about the Inca Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley of the Incas was undoubtedly a key area of settlement to the Incas. Its agreeable climate and fertile plains make a rare and fruitful combination for the high Andes. It was also the route to the jungle and therefore an area with access to the fruits and plants of the tropical lowlands. The Sacred Valley served as a buffer zone, protecting Cusco from incursions of the Antis, the fierce jungle tribes who from time to time raided the highlands. Today the Sacred Valley remains a lush agricultural region supplying the city of Cusco with much of its produce such as maize, fruit and vegetables

Day 13

To the new World Wonder: Machu Picchu day tour

Short 5 minutes walk to train station All day Machu Picchu tour by Expedition, Vistadome or Inca Rail trains. Located 120 km northwest of Cusco, the Inca city of Machu Picchu lay hidden from the world in dense jungle covered mountains until 1911. This ‘Lost City’ is one of the world’s archaeological jewels and is one of South America’s major travel destinations, declared one of the 7 new World Wonders in 2007.

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The well preserved ruins of Machu Picchu seem to almost cling to the steep hillside, surrounded by towering green mountains overlooking the Urubamba River Valley.

When you read about its discovery and the unsolved mystery of its purpose and how it came to become a 'lost to the world' you will realize why so many people make the pilgrimage to visit this fascinating and spiritual site. Return to Cusco, hotel. (BB)

.More info about the Machu Picchu

With the right information, getting to Machu Picchu shouldn't be as much a mystery as the place itself. You'll have to take a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (the nearest town to Machu Picchu) since this is the only form of transport. From Aguas Calientes you take a 20 minute bus ride up to the ruins.

If you visit Machu Picchu as part of a day tour you'll usually have about 4 hours at the ruins themselves; 2 hours of which is taken up by a guide tour. You'll also have to share the ruins with the 2500 or so other tourists who visit the ruins every day.

The ruins open at 6am and close at 5:30 pm.

The mountain overlooking Machu Picchu is called Wayna Picchu and can be climbed to get great views of the whole site. Allow 2½ hours return trip – not recommended for sufferers of vertigo. The narrow trail can be quite dangerous at times after wet weather. The path is open 7am to 1pm but you must return before 3pm. You must register at the hut at the beginning of the trail.

Another similar panoramic option, less vertical but longer then Huayna Picchu is mount Machu Picchu, the climb starts short after leaving the ruins, walking on the Inca Trail towards the Inti Punku (Gate of the Sun). From its summit view is just as spectacular. There is reservation compulsory and an entrance fee to pay for each mountain

Day 14

Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima and back home

Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima (flight not included). Flight connection back home. (BB)

Included

Lodging in double rooms in 3 star hotels or more (or alternatives, following your desires).
13 buffet breakfast meals, 2 lunches.
Transfers described in program, using private or public buses, Expedition or Vistadome or similar trains to Machu Picchu and boats for Ballestas and Titicaca lake excursions
Seat-in bus tours (or on request private services with guide, except if included in program description)
English/ Spanish speaking guides
Entrance fees
Breakfast

Not Included

Other meals as the ones described
Flights
Personal expenses
Personal health and trip insurances
Local and international airport taxes
Optional tours
Expenses due to mishaps
Tips

IMPORTANT

Altitude:
Please check with your medicine doctor if you would need a special medication against high altitude sickness, mainly in Puno and Titicaca lake (3800 m, Colca canyon (3600 m.) and Cusco (3400m). Along the routes, there are also passes of 4300 m and above.

Weather:
Depending on the season, temperatures in summer along the coast can be quite hot, otherwise; In the highlands it is normally hot during midday and gets cold after sunset, during the night and early in the morning. In jungle areas weather is usually hot.

Clothing:
In the highlands take warm clothing for the night, and during the day have also a wind jacket at hand reach, in case it gets cloudy. In Machu Picchu and in the jungle, even if it is hot, use shirts with long sleeves and long trousers to avoid nasty insect stings.

Skin protection:
Use a hat or casket, sun screen creams or lotions and, in Machu Picchu and in the jungle, an insect repellent.

Luggage on trains to Machu Picchu:
All trains to Machu Picchu allow only hand luggage, like a small rucksack, a hand bad or small carry on. Large luggage is not permitted.

OUR REVIEWS

People who stayed in this apartment, have only the best opinions about it.

We toured Peru by car for 2 weeks and were completely enthusiastic about the entire trip. Nora and Mario responded to all our wishes and put together a perfect and individual trip for us: the hotels were great, the excursions were great, the organization was perfect! We didn't have to worry about anything - everything was as described

Migu Tinman

Germany

Andean Origins is a travel agency that is one of the few to offer Fly-and-Drive. We have decided on a two-week Rd trip through southern Peru. Already during the travel planning and preparation we were convinced of the attention and professionalism. We were able to change the suggestions and they were perfectly accepted and integrated. From the arrival at the airport in Lima, to the handing over of the car, to the deposit of entrance tickets in the hotels, everything was thought out and prepared for us. Even during an "incident" on site, Andean Origins was available and took care of us. We were also very enthusiastic about the selected hotels (standard, location, cleanliness,...). Andean Origins remains our contact for the next trip and is highly recommended. In summary: it was wonderful. Thank you for everything.

Wilfried

Germany

We have booked a three-week round trip with a car as a self-driver. All the hotels were excellently chosen the journey very well thought out. We received an exact map (using an app) and were able to navigate very well. Even before a road blockade (strike) we were informed and were able to avoid a traffic jam. The selected guides were exceptionally qualified and quickly responded to all special requests. The excursion to Rainbow Mountain suggested as an alternative was also sensational and very well described. We would book here again and again. Many thanks for everything

Greatest Highlights In South Peru

INTRODUCTION

ITINERARY

Lima, transfer to hotel in Miraflores

Lima colonial and modern City Tour

Lima to Paracas peninsula

Ballestas islands tour (Peruvian small Galapagos) and transfer to Nazca

Astonishing Nazca lines (optional), drive to Arequipa

Arequipa City Tour, the wonderful colonial “white” city

2 days tour to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world.

Spectacular morning flight of giant condors. Drive from Colca to Puno and Titicaca lake.

Excursion to Uros floating reed islands and a traditional culture in the panoramic Taquile island.

Drive to Cusco crossing the Altiplano and the La Raya pass, visiting several highlights

Cusco city and ruins tour, a magnificent contrast of Inca and colonial buildings.

Sacred Valley tour to the favorite and temperate, welcoming resting place for Incas and conquerors.

To the new World Wonder: Machu Picchu day tour