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Luxury Peruvian Adventure

Highlights

  • See the magnificent Condors flying over the Colca Canyon
  • Discover the Uros floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca
  • Enjoy one of the World's top ten rail journeys, the Andean Express.
  • Soak up the history of Cusco and the the Sacred Valley of the Incas
  • Take the Deluxe Hiram Bingham train to see the wonders of Machu Picchu
£5846 per person
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What you'll do

Overview

Experience the real side of Peru in a 12 Day adventure. Start in Arequipa before encountering Condors at Colca Canyon, visiting local communities on Lake Titicaca, take one of the worlds top ten train rides to Cusco and explore the Sacred Valley, with the ultimate Belmond Hiram Bingham Train to iconic Machu Picchu.

Day 1 & 2    Arequipa

Day 3 & 4   Colca Canyon

Day 5 & 6   Lake Titicaca

Day 8          Cusco

Day 9          The Sacred Valley

Day 10        Machu Picchu

Day 11 – 12 Cusco

Day 13        Depart from Cusco

 

This once in a lifetime trip will tick off so many natural wonders from your bucket list all in on one go, as well as taking you off the tourist trail to meet local people and to discover hidden gems known by your local guides, that most people miss.

Your adventure starts in Arequipa where you will take an orientation walk with your guide to see the highlights of the city and learn how to shop like a local in the vast central market. You’ll taste the local food in authentic family run eateries and get of the beaten path. You’ll go on walks with your local guide to the best vantage points for amazing views over lush green mountains and endless skies, and see the wonderful bird and animal life. On the drive to Colca Canyon you’ll take in the awe inspiring views of three volcanoes, where llamas and alpacas graze.  You’ll set off early in the morning to take in the majestic condors, flying high above one of the deepest canyons in the world and visit the vast expanse that is Lake Titicaca with its fascinating indigenous people of the floating Uros islands.  You’ll travel on one of the top ten train rides in the world – the Andean Explorer – across the highlands to Cusco, hike with llamas in the Sacred Valley and cook a traditional lunch with the indigenous people of Viacha. Your guide will take you off the tourist trail to see the spectacular Inca ruins of Pisac from a different view point, and then you will take the luxury Hiram Bingham train to travel to Machu Picchu. You will end your adventure in Cusco, the ancient Inca capital of Peru, where you will soak up the history and tradition of centuries and explore the present day bustling city, before your flight home from Cusco.

Note:

To coincide with the train departure days this tour starts in Lima on Saturdays

International flights arriving in Arequipa and departing from Cusco are not included

 

 

 

 

 

Fly to Arequipa and local walking city tour

Welcome to Arequipa, Peru.

Upon arrival in Arequipa our local guide  will meet you and take you to your hotel in the city centre. You’ll have time to refresh and settle in before you head off for your tour around the city.

Surrounded by three volcanoes, Arequipa is one of the most stunning cities in Southern Peru. First, we’ll walk to San Camilo, the principal market in Arequipa founded back in 1881. It’s here where most Arequipeños buy groceries, flowers, clothes, shoes, and other quality items at a low cost. We will take you to a local restaurant to enjoy lunch at a traditional “picanteria” to try the best of the Arequipeñan cuisine. We will then explore the beautiful surroundings of the main square and stunning façade of Arequipa’s cathedral. After this delightful visit, your guide will leave you at the Santa Catalina Convent, so you can explore this fascinating colonial and religious building.

The rest of the day is free to enjoy the White city at your own pace.

 

Accommodation

Cirqa at Arequipa – Aposento room

Located in the historic centre of Arequipa, a UNESCO site, this former monastery dates back to 1540 when the city was founded. The building has been restored maintaining the original stone work and the captivating decor adds a modern touch, creating a unique balance between the past and present. There are 11 beautifully presented guest rooms with soaring vaulted ceilings and elegant furnishings, the hotel serves excellent traditional Andrean cuisine with a modern twist, guests can enjoy their food inside the stylish salón or in the sunshine on the terrazza. There is also a stylish rooftop bar.

Meals

Breakfast

Arequipa to Colca Canyon

This morning, we leave Arequipa and head to  Colca Canyon, the views on this  journey of 160km are awe-inspiring, the road winds upwards amid grazing llamas and alpacas and vicunas, as you travel towards the high plateau at around 5000m.

On route, you will enjoy beautiful views Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu, the three volcanoes surrounding the city of Arequipa. As you travel, you will enter the Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve which in some ways, represents the diversity of the whole of Peru within its border. From imposing high volcanoes, to dry desert-like landscapes, expansive grasslands with herds of indigenous animals, to lush wetlands full of birds.

You will make a short stop to enjoy a warm Inca tea made with local herbs (not included), a popular beverage used to help altitude acclimatisation in the Andes.

When you reach El Mirador de Los Andes, the highest point, there are no trees, the air is still and quiet and you will have amazing views of the mountains with snow capped peaks all around. Then you will begin your descent into the Colca Valley arriving at your hotel in the Colca valley at lunchtime.

In the afternoon, you can go for some further exploration in the area or just relax at the natural hot springs by the river located in the grounds of your hotel, the Colca Lodge.

Located on  the banks of the Colca river,  the Colca Lodge is a charming eco- lodge built of mud bricks and thatch with its own thermal hot springs in the grounds. All the rooms are traditionally decorated in bright colours and have wooden floors and a have a terrace with breathtaking views. Robes are provided for your walk to the thermal bath, which is located next to the bar. The restaurant serves freshly sourced local produce.

 

Accommodation

Colca Lodge Spa and Hot Springs

Meals  Breakfast, Lunch

 

Andean Condors at the Colca Canyon

Our second day exploring the Colca Canyon starts with an early breakfast and departure towards The Condor’s Cross viewpoint, a perfect spot to observe the majestic flight of the Condors and the depth of the canyon.

The Andean Condor is the largest flying bird in the world, with a wigs span of up to 3 metres and weighing up to 15 kg it needs help to launch into the air and so prefers warm and windy habitats where it can glide on the warm currents ( thermals)  without much effort. From base to summit Colca Canyon is 4200m, making it the second deepest canyon in the world and twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. This is the perfect place for Condor to fly and to see them gliding up close. On warm sunny days you may see up to 20 Condors flying just above you, their flight is weather dependent and on wet days they may not appear.

The fissure of Colca canyon is 100km long with dark jagged tops and lush green hillsides down to the valley floor. You’ll take a leisurely walk around the ridge and see the amazing winding terraces cut into the hillsides in pre – inca times and on the way back to the hotel you will stop at a small town for some local refreshments.

This afternoon, we will continue exploring the Colca Valley with a 4-hour hike to Uyo Uyo, the ancient capital of the Colca Valley. You will be able to explore the ruins, walk along the ancient streets and see houses, shops and meeting places dating back to 1200. The journey to get to Uyo Uyo is no less fascinating with many ancient archaeological sites along the way,  walking through scrubland, with many indigenous plants and bushes and beautiful views over the town of of Yanque.

Accommodation

Colca Lodge Spa and Hot Springs

Meals

Breakfast

Lake Titicaca

This morning, after breakfast, you will leave Colca Canyon and start our journey towards one of Latin Americas most iconic sites, the mythical Lake Titicaca.  During the scenic 6-hour drive you’ll enjoy amazing views of huge lagoons, beautiful stone forests and small Andean farmhouses.

Once in Puno, we’ll check into the luxurious Titilaka Lodge, a 5* Relais & Chateaux Boutique hotel, overlooking lake Titicaca with breathtaking landscapes. The stunning lodge is a responsible and sustainable hotel built in a contemporary style with floor to ceiling windows and wrap around terraces. There are 18 suites, each elegantly decorated using a colour palette to reflect the natural environment, and the indigenous culture, with spectacular lake views from the large picture windows, underfloor heating, huge bath tubs,  showers and luxury bed linen. There is an on site restaurant with panoramic views over the water serving locally sourced contemporary Peruvian specialities, and a lake front bar open til late.

After you settle in, you can have lunch and plan your next day’s activities. At Titilaka there are a selection of great experiences on offer, included with your stay, which the concierge can arrange for you. From cultural visits at local communities to scenic cruises to the islands.  You can go down to the boat house for a canoeing session or take bikes for a ride along the shoreline, you have plenty of options to choose from while staying at Titilaka Lodge.

We recommend you take the full day lake tour to the Uros floating reed islands on your second day to really get a sense of the place that is the highest Lake in the world, meet local communities and gain an insight into their way of life.

Accommodation

Andean Explorer - Travel by train across the highlands to Cusco

It’s time to continue your journey in the Peruvian Andes towards Cusco. This morning, you will be taken  to Puno’s train station and board the luxury Andean Explorer. One of the top ten rail journeys in the world, this stylish train resembles the famous Pullman trains of the twenties and includes classy dining cars and a car-bar outdoor observatory. Passing through spectacular scenery with snow capped peaks, verdant hillsides with grazing llamas and alpacas, and even through the centre of towns and markets, it’s the most unique way of travelling this route. As you would expect this classic train journey is pure luxury; comfortable and elegant, with impeccable service, there is traditional live music on board and even an alpaca fashion show after lunch. There is a delicious afternoon tea around 5pm and before long you will be arriving in the wonderful city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the empire of the Incas.

Upon arriving in Cusco, your guide will greet you and take you to your deluxe boutique hotel in the artisan area of the city, right in the city centre.

The Antigua Casona Hotel is located in the Son Blas neighbourhood which is the oldest continuously inhabited area of the city, with narrow cobbled streets, artisan galleries, quaint coffee shops and great restaurants.

The Casona dates back to around 1750 and has been lovingly restored to its former glory, elegant  rooms are simply furnished in a colonial style with beautiful wooden floors and engraved wooden shutters. There is a lovely courtyard area, restaurant and bar.

 

Note: Andean Explorer departs from Puno on Thursdays.

Accommodation:

Antigua Casona San Blas

Meals

Breakfast and lunch

 

Hike with llamas in the Sacred Valley

This morning, you will check out of your hotel in Cusco and  start your journey towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

We will arrive at the boutique hotel Andenia, set one and a half acres of gardens with stunning views over the sacred valley where fruit and vegetables are grown. Honey and marmalades are also produced and served in the restaurant, where the focus is on locally produced ingredients and Peruvian classics as well as international dishes. The nine bedrooms are super elegant with natural wood furnishings and muted colours, and are set across two small casitas each with two floors. They have stylish bathrooms and some have a balcony or terrace.

Check in and then this morning, enjoy a leisurely walk in the picturesque surroundings of Urubamba with the beautiful llamas, as part of the Llama Pack Project.

Llamas have been an integral part of country life in Peru for centuries, being used as a pack animal for carrying goods between towns  in the high Andes. The Llama Pack Project aims to help the present day communities of the High Andes to build skills and facilitate the inclusion of these communities in the tourist industry of the area, to develop a sustainable future.  You will lead the Llamas out to their grazing spot on the hillside with your local llama farmer, walking whilst you learn all about this noble native animal and about life in the local community. After a 40-minute walk uphill at a slow pace, you will reach the perfect place to have some local snacks while enjoying the stunning panoramic views and fresh air.

The llama walk activity does not operate between 15 December and 15 March due to weather conditions.

The trek is a distance of 1.5 km and is at a slow pace taking around 1.5 hours at an altitude of 2700m – 2900m

Accommodation:

Andenia

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Viacha community and easy hike to Pisaq

Today you will go off the beaten track and  see the Sacred Valley from a different perspective. We’ll head to the Viacha community on the higher slopes of the Pisaq Archaeological Park. Here, Julian and his family will welcome you and invite you to spend the morning with them. They will show you around their community and share more about their culture and daily activities. You will learn about their traditional farming techniques and how they prepare and weave the alpaca, llama and vicuna wool.

You’ll then join your hosts for lunch and enjoy a delicious Pachamanca lunch organized by the community. Pachamanca is a traditional cooking technique using hot stones  in a shallow oven under the earth known as a huatia. In this way they bake all kinds of meat and potatoes marinated with herbs and spices.

After lunch you will begin your afternoon downhill hike from Viacha to Pisaq Archaeological site. This hike takes approximately 1 hour and offers wonderful panoramic views over  of the entire valley. But the best bit is the unique view we get of the Archaeological site from above. Depending on the time and your energy, after visiting Pisaq Inca site, you can continue walking to Pisaq, a charming village with a colourful market. Alternatively, you can simply take our private transport when ready to return to the hotel.

Accommodation:

Andenia

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Journey to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, here we come! After Breakfast, we’ll take you to the train station to board the exclusive Hiram Bingham Luxury train to Aguas Calientes.

Turning  a magical journey into an unforgettable experience, the Hiram Bingham pullman train provides personalised service that takes care of every last detail on your trip. Enjoy the elegant dining car, the bar car, and the observatory, where you can take in the unmatched scenery in the open air while sipping on a traditional Peruvian cocktail and listening to live local music. Start your experience off with a welcome cocktail and once on board, the maître will invite you to a gourmet lunch.

Through the carriage windows or the Observatory you’ll be able to appreciate the changing landscape  as you travel along side the meandering Urubamba River to the beat of the Peruvian cajón and tambourines, live traditional Peruvian and international music will set the tone for an unforgettable trip to the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu.

On arrival at Aguas Calientes a 30 minute bus ride takes up to Machu Picchu, and its mystical mountain setting. Once here, accompanied by your guide, you’ll start exploring every corner of the lost Inca citadel. The Spanish invaders never found the Inca Citadel of Macchu Piccu and so it is remarkably well preserved. Wandering between the houses, palaces and temples in this other – worldly setting, and the views of the lush green mountains fading in and out of the mist, with the roaring river below, are an unforgettable experience.

Your guide will set the scene and tell you the stories, anecdotes and historical facts about this magical ancient city as you walk along the paths and up and down the steps through the city, and then you will make your way back down the mountain to  board your luxury Hiram Bingham train back to Cusco. A three course gourmet dinner will be served during your three hour return journey accompanied by fine wines and traditional live music.

On arrival at the train station, you will be met by your private guide for your transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Accommodation:

Antigua Casona San Blas

Meals: Breakfast

Guided walking tour of Cusco including San Fransisco Church

After your amazing once in a lifetime visit to Machu Picchu yesterday, today we will be taking a leisurely stroll around Cusco, the Inca capital of Peru. This charming city of cobbled stone streets, and low rise red roofed buildings, colonial architecture, bustling plazas, local markets and archaeological remains, is full of hidden treasures.

Your walking tour will take you not only through the top landmarks in Cusco, such as the Main Square, and the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun, but you will also walk into its lively neighbourhoods and local markets where you’ll discover the true magic of this city. This is the perfect way to get a more authentic feel of this fantastic place and its people. A spot we like to visit, where few others go, is San Francisco Church. It has impressive colonial architecture, catacombs, and wonderful rooftop views of the city.

Accommodation:

Antigua Casona San Blas

Meals: Breakfast

Soft Hike in the Outskirts of Cusco and the Antisuyo Trail

Today get ready to see Inca sites and countryside trails in the outskirts of Cusco.

You will start our journey by making a short stop to see all the different camelids of the Peruvian Andes at the Manos de la Comunidad workshop on the outskirts of Cusco: Llamas, Alpacas, Vicunas. After that, we’ll drive towards Saqsayhuaman, an imposing Inca citadel overlooking the city of Cusco built in the 15th century. From here, we make our way to Puca Pucara, meaning Red Fortress, thought to be a guard post  protecting access to Cusco. From here  you will start hiking back to Cusco along a less-travelled trail. Along the way, you’ll see plenty of remains of old terraces and Inca walls spread throughout the countryside. This trail used to connect with the old Antisuyo Inca road  leading to the cloud forest.

Before arriving back in Cusco, we’ll visit a large complex called Intikilltambo. It has been recently restored; however, only a few people know about it, and it is rarely visited.

Accommodation:

Antigua Casona San Blas

Meals: Breakfast

Departure Day

 

Today, you have free time to explore the area at your leisure. Maybe take a last walk around Cusco’s shops and markets, depending on your flight time. Then you’ll be taken to Cusco’s airport to board your flight to Lima and connecting flight home.

You will be returning home with lots of amazing photos, new friends, and great memories of your time with us!

What's included

Included

  • 11 Nights accommodation at premium boutique hotels
  • 1 night Cirqa ( Aposento Room) Arequipa BB
  • 2 nights Colca Lodge ( Adobe Junior Suite) Colca Canyon BB
  • 2 nights Titilaka Lodge ( Dawn or Dusk) Lake Titicaca FB
  • 2 nights Andenia ( Deluxe) Sacred Valley BB
  • 4 nights Antigua Casona Son Blas ( suite) Cusco BB
  • All private internal transfers
  • Walking tour around the city of Arequipa
  • Guided walk to see the condors at the Colca Canyon
  • All activities at Titilaka Lodge
  • Andean Explorer train from Titicaca to Cusco( lunch included)
  • Guide hike in Cusco and the Sacred Valley
  • Guided Hike to Uyo Uyo
  • Llama trek in the Sacred Valley including lunch
  • Viacha Community hike to Pisac including lunch
  • Hiram Bingham Luxury Pullman train to and from Machu Picchu ( Lunch and Dinner included)
  • Guided tour of Machu Picchu
  • Manos de la Communidad easy hike on the outskirts of Cusco and Antisuyo Trail
  • Guided walk around historic Cusco
Your local host

Diego

We are a young and fresh bespoke travel company that offers authentic journeys beyond the most popular sites, including real off-the-beaten-track destinations, and outstanding service. We take price in our team which is all made of avid travelers that love Peru. Being able to be everywhere and do everything, has given us first-hand knowledge about our country, allowing us to craft any kind of itinerary from scratch for our travelers from all over the world.

It all started back in 2009, when we, a pair of young travelers, were amazed by Peru’s beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and fantastic people while traveling along the Andes of Lima. We thought that we needed to share the incredible places, knowledge, and friends with much ... Read All

We are a young and fresh bespoke travel company that offers authentic journeys beyond the most popular sites, including real off-the-beaten-track destinations, and outstanding service. We take price in our team which is all made of avid travelers that love Peru. Being able to be everywhere and do everything, has given us first-hand knowledge about our country, allowing us to craft any kind of itinerary from scratch for our travelers from all over the world.

It all started back in 2009, when we, a pair of young travelers, were amazed by Peru’s beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and fantastic people while traveling along the Andes of Lima. We thought that we needed to share the incredible places, knowledge, and friends with much more people. Travelers out there were missing out on what the real Peru is about. That’s when we started running tours and we haven’t stopped sharing the best of our country in the most authentic manner since then.

Diego image
Sustainability Efforts

What Sustainability Efforts are we Taking?

At Not in the Guidebooks we’re committed to empowering the local communities in Costa Rica. We work closely with the local people and their businesses to make sure that they receive a fair percentage of the money you spend on your holiday there. By partnering with local guides and suppliers, we’re able to create meaningful, authentic experiences that directly benefit the people who call this incredible country home.

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Location

You start this tour in Arequipa on Saturdays to coincide with the train schedules.

Departure is from Cusco on Day 12

1.Arequipa

2.Colca Canyon

3.Lake Titicaca

4.Cusco

5.Sacred Valley

6.Macchu Pichu

 

 

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