ITINERARY

Day 1 DEPART LONDON

Depart London for Lima

Day 2 LIMA (L, D)

On arrival, we will be picked up and transferred to the restaurant for lunch. After lunch, we proceed to our check-in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free for dinner. Dinner is at a local restaurant.

Day 3 LIMA (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we begin our city tour of colonial Lima for a glimpse of its majestic past. We will visit the Cathedral, which is located in the Main Square. After the earthquake in 1746, the cathedral was rebuilt on the same site under the direction of Jesuit priest Juan Rehr. Both its facade and interior are austere with its remarkable wooden choir stalls, altars and the tomb of Francisco Pizarro, who died in 1541. We will later visit the Church of San Francisco, its convent, a museum of colonial art, cloisters and catacombs. Afterwards, we will have a panoramic view of the Main Square with the Government Palace, the Municipal Hall, the “Desamparados” train station, and finally, we will drive through the old streets, where we will have a spectacular view of traditional mansions and Moorish style balconies. We will then continue through the most traditional residential and commercial areas of contemporary Lima, passing by sites of pre-Columbian civilizations, dating back to the beginning of the Christian era. Then, we will enjoy an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean. After lunch, the rest of the afternoon is free. Dinner is at a local restaurant.

Day 4 LIMA – AREQUIPA (B, L, D)

After our breakfast, we will be transferred to the local airport of Lima to take our flight to Arequipa, a beautiful Spanish colonial city nestled beneath the magnificent and majestic volcano called Misti. On arrival, we will be met by our local guide and transferred to a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch, we will begin our city tour, visiting the magical Convent of Santa Catalina, which is the most important convent in Peru. It is a walled fortress, which for four centuries served as the only physical world for several generations of secluded nuns.
During the city tour, we will visit the Church Cloisters of the Company, a tremendous collection of domes, arches, which can all be found in its galleries and alters.
Visit the Main Square, the Complex of San Francisco, which consists of a public square, two temples (the Church of San Francisco and the Temple of the Third Order), a convent and the Fierro Foundation where there are a museum and a handicraft market. The cathedral, located in the main square and which was destroyed by fire in 1844 and restored in 1868 by Arequipa-native Lucas Poblete in neo-renaissance style with French influence, is considered to be one of the biggest in South America.
Finally, we will visit the Spanish colonial district of Yanahuara, 2 km 7 1.2 miles from the city’s centre, consisting of narrow cobblestone streets and old white volcanic stone houses. From the viewpoint, there is a magnificent view of the city with its three volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. End of the afternoon, we will be transferred to our hotel. Dinner is at a local restaurant.

DAY 5 AREQUIPA – COLA (B, L, D)

Departure by private vehicle to Chivay, a journey into the Colca Valley crossing an astonishing landscape. We will take the way to Chivay the track goes up to the Pampa Cañahua where on the way; we see alpacas and lamas (a species of camels). With some luck we can see herds of vicuñas; we can also admire the volcanoes of Misti, Chachani among others. In the ponds of the area the migratory bird's rest, those birds return to the mountains to remain there during the dry season. Arrival in Chivay. visit Coporaque (Ocolle, Chichineas, and Colcas). Lunch at a local restaurant.
Accommodation at the EL REFUGIO *** Then departure toward the hot springs at La Calera to benefit from the thermal baths. At the end of the afternoon, return to the hotel. Dinner at the Hotel.

Day 6 COLA VALLEY – AREQUIPA (B, L, D)

Early breakfast and departure to the “Cruz Del Condor (Cross of the Condor) viewpoint”, the most strategic area to see the Colca Valley and the flight of the Condors’. Later we will continue on our way observing the pre-Inca tombs and stop in the villages of Pinchollo, Maca, Yanque, Cabanaconde, Coporaque and the amphitheatre of Ocolle, Chichinea, and Colcas. Lunch in a local restaurant.
Return to Arequipa, passing by the Andean viewpoint and the highway of Chucura. Transfer to Hotel Liberator Arequipa. Dinner is at a local restaurant.

Day 7 AREQUIPA – CUSCO (B, L, D)

In the morning after breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Cusco. On arrival in Cusco whose name in Quechua means “ the navel of the world” we will be met by our local guide and transferred to the hotel. Transfer to a local restaurant for Lunch afternoon free for you to acclimatize to the higher altitude. Dinner is at a local restaurant.

Day 8 CUSCO (B, L, D)

In the Morning, we will visit Cusco’s historical Inca and Spanish colonial monuments, such as the main square, known in Inca times as Huacaypata or the Warrior’s Square. It used to be the scene for many key events in Cusco’s history. We will visit the cathedral, which was originally built on the site of the old temple of Suntur Wasi (House of God), and continue to the church and convent of Santo Domingo, which is a Spanish construction belonging to the Dominican order and was built upon the foundations of the Inca temple of Koricancha or Temple of the Sun. Koricancha (in Quechua, site of gold) was the main religious building of the Incas, dedicated to the worship of the Sun and whose walls, according to the chronicles, were plated with sheets of gold. Magnificent blocks of finely carved stone were used in its construction. Afterwards, we will visit the surrounding ruins of the city of Cusco, such as Sacsayhuaman. This huge Inca fortress was built on three overlapping platforms, each of them over 360 m / 1,181 ft. long. We will continue onto Tambomachay, which is known as the Inca baths. It was apparently a site dedicated to the worship of water and a resting place for the Inca monarch. Subsequently, we will visit the Kenko ruins, which is said to have been a worship site. There is a huge 5, 9 m / 19 ft. high stone block that looks like a puma, passages, canals, and stairways with stone engravings representing animals. As the last stop of today, we will visit Puca Pucará, which was an administrative and military centre formed by terraces, stairways, passages, turrets and vaulted niches. The afternoon is free. Lunch and Dinner are at a local restaurant.

Day 9 CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY (B, L, D)

Full day visit to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a pre-Hispanic agriculture centre. On the way, we will visit the old Inca community of Pisac, located at the entrance to the Sacred Valley, 32 Km from Cusco. Over the centuries, its traditional colourful local market has attracted the local traders and remote communities from all over the valley to come and sell their wares. Dressed in their traditional and colourful costumes, now attract many visitors. Afterwards, we will visit the Inca temple of Ollantaytambo, with its Inca Streets, traditional squares, and dwellings, which have been built on the ancient foundations of the Incas. After a late lunch we transfer to our hotel for our overnight stay in the Sacred Valley, Dinner is in the Hotel.

Day 10 SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (B, L, D)

Early in the morning after an early breakfast, we will be transferred to the train station to take the Vista Dome train from Ollantaytambo to visit the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. On this train journey, we will have an amazing view of Cusco’s landscape while crossing valleys, mountains, and typical communities. The altitude will descend from 3,500 to 1,500 meters above sea level. / 11,484 to 4,922 ft., as we will cross two different regions from the Sierra to the rainforests. Snow peaks, eucalyptus, deep canyons, and orchids are also part of this beautiful scenery.
Machu Picchu is located 2 hours from the Sacred Valley and was discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. The citadel was built on a very special spot covered by vegetation, between two mountains: the Machu Picchu (old mountain) and Huayna Picchu (young mountain), at the foot the Urubamba or Vilcanota River. When we arrive, we will begin our tour of the sanctuary. Following this fascinating tour of Machu Picchu and lunch in a local restaurant we will return to Cusco by train and coach. On arrival, we will be transferred to our hotel where we will spend the night. Dinner is at a local restaurant.

Day 11 CUSCO – PUNO (B, L, D)

The morning after early breakfast, we will be transferred to the train station to take the train towards Puno. While the journey through the boxed alleys of the Andes towards the deserted Altiplano, we will see unforgettable scenery punctuated by many villages of craftsmen /potters and weavers). The highest pass of our trip is La Raya (altitude: 4500 m), which is also the apex between the Andean mountains and the Altiplano. Lunch will be served on the train.
Arrival to Puno at night, located on the shore of the Titicaca Lake at 3800 m above sea level. Dinner is in a restaurant in Puno. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12 PUNO (B, L, D)

In the morning, we will begin our visit to the floating island, known as “Uros” in Lake Titicaca. Located 4 km (2.5 miles) from Puno, the original inhabitants of these floating islands are said to descend from one of the most ancient peoples of the Americas, and still to this day practicing their ancient traditions. Their dwellings are made of totara reed and are built on the surface of Lake Titicaca. Afterwards, we will make our way to the unique Island of Taquile, where time appears to have stopped. The Mediterranean atmosphere of this place is striking, with its steps of stone and its houses centred around the square. It's an indigenous community that lives there have around 350 families that are descendants of the Incas and well known for their textile activities, such as their beautifully woven chumpis (belts), chullos (caps), and ojotas (sandals). According to the custom, black or brown caps distinguish officials. Taquile also offers a magnificent lake landscape from where the impressive snowfalls of the Cordillera Real (Real mountain chain) can be seen. We will have our lunch on Taquile in a local restaurant. In the afternoon we will return to the hotel, where you will spend the night.

Day 13 PUNO – COPACABANA – SUN ISLAND (B, L, D)

After an early breakfast at the hotel in Puno. We depart by car for our journey to Copacabana, the most important religious sanctuary of Bolivia. On the way, we will have the unique experience of doing the border crossing between Peru and Bolivia with its 100m meter walk across no man’s land. The main square in Copacabana is usually jammed with vehicles covered with flowers and coloured strips of paper taken to be blessed by the native Virgin. After the visit to the local cathedral, we board the Hydrofoil in direction of the Sun Island. The Sun Island was the legendary birthplace of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival, we have a nice leisurely climb to our hotel which sits on the top of the island. Lunch is at the hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 14 SUN ISLAND – MOON ISLAND- HUATAJATA- LA PAZ (B, L, D)

After breakfast morning at leisure. Visit of the Inca steps visiting Yumani Gardens and the Sacred Fountain. Lunch at Uma Kollu Restaurant on Sun Island. A trip from Hydrofoil to Moon Island and the visit of “Iñak Uyu” temple of Inca virgins, passing by Challa or Challapamapa, north part of Sun Island. Continue to Huatajata. There we visit of the Eco – Pueblo “Raices Andinas”, The Altiplano museum, the artisanal exposition, mud igloos, Urus Chipayas tombs and Andean fauna as vicunas, llamas, alpacas and Andean ostrich. After that, we will have the opportunity to meet the limachi family, builders of the vessels RA II and Tigris, which made the epics expeditions through the Atlantic Ocean. Audio-visual experience of “Mundo Místico de Los Kallawayas” ancestral Bolivian healers. Next, we continue to La Paz city. Dinner with a local folk show in a local restaurant in LA PAZ. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15 LA PAZ (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the hotel. City tour of La Paz and its Prado walk surrounded by skyscrapers which shelter government and private offices. You will visit San Francisco Church, jewel of the barroque with its incredible altar worked entirely in gold foil. You will then continue to Plaza Murillo, La Paz's main square where you can also admire the Cathedral and Government Palace. Find yourself in the middle of the historical center with its colonial streets and museums. You will finally discover the Sagárnaga street and the witches market offering many ingredients used for local medicine.
Continue your day with the visit of La Paz's famous Moon Valley. You will cross over from the west and get a better picture of the unique geography of this one of a kind city. Arriving, a sense of disorientation will invade you just by seeing this clay valley formed through centuries.Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 16 LA PAZ – BUENOS AIRES (B, L, D)

In the morning boxed breakfast, we transfer to airport for our flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival, we transfer from the airport to hotel in the heart of Buenos Aires. Known as the “Paris of South America”, Buenos Aires is a fascinating capital full of interesting corners and grand boulevards and outdoor cafés. Lunch and dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 17 BUENOS AIRES (B, L, D)

The morning after breakfast, we begin our tour to discover the city’s most traditional neighbourhoods. Visit May Square, the historical scenery of the main political events before driving to San Telmo, which still preserves its colonial buildings and cobbled streets. Continue to La Boca, the birthplace of the Tango dance. End the tour at Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting ground for some of the country’s most influential people including Eva Peron. After lunch, we have some free time. In the evening, dinner and Tango Show at Los Angelitos Café.

Day 18 BUENOS AIRES – IGUASSU (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we transfer to airport for our flight to Iguassu Falls. On arrival, we will be met and transferred to start our tour of the Argentinean Falls. Once at the Iguassu National Park, we will go to the visitor’s centre and on to the falls by train (using green fuel). The tour inside the park is divided into three parts:
- Upper Circuit: A 1200 meters (3937 feet) footbridge above the falls which provides a panoramic view of the waterfalls from above.
- Lower Circuit: A 1700 meters (5577 feet) that allow you to observe the falls from another perspective.
- The Devil's Throat View Point: Located on the upper Iguassu River.
After the tour, we cross the border to Brazil and transfer to our hotel in Foz do Iguassu. Dinner is at the hotel.

DAY 19 IGUASSU (B, L, D)

This morning we will visit the Brazilian side of the Iguassu Falls. The falls are located 24 kilometres away from downtown Foz do Iguaçu. On arrival, we will enter the Visitors Centre of the falls, where one can find exhibits of Iguassu Falls photographs, a souvenir shop, and any necessary facilities. After passing through the Centre, we will continue into towards the falls. On arrival, we will begin the walking tour along the Iguassu Catwalk. This catwalk is one kilometre long and will take you directly over the fall ending at “the Devils’ Throat” and the main falls. The tour ends at the upper part of Iguassu Falls accessed through a panoramic elevator. Next, we shall travel to Espaço Porto Canoas (The Canoe Port)), where there is a viewpoint from which we can see the extension of the upper Iguassu River. Next, we will join the Macuco Safari expedition to take a closer look at the local fauna and flora. The expedition starts at Macuco trail, with a 3-km journey inside the forest in open coaches pulled by electric cars. This is followed by a 600-meter (1969 feet) walk to reach the Macuco Fall. Finally, we shall take the boat safari upstream and along the Iguassu River. In the afternoon, we will visit the world's largest power plant in operation, the Itaipu Dam. The dam was built 17 years ago, and during the peak of its construction, there were more than 40,000 working at the site. Itaipu has an extension of 7,600 meters and capacity of generating 12.600 MK. The Itaipu artificial lake has a size of 1,350 Km2 and volume of 29 billion cubic meters. It is considered one of the largest artificial lakes in the world. The American Society of Civil Engineers named the Itaipu Dam one of the Seven Engineering Wonders of the Modern World in 1994. Lunch in a local restaurant and dinner is at the hotel.

Day 20 IGUASSU – RIO DE JANEIRO (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we transfer to visit Iguassu’s, Bird Park. The Park is one of the most important tourist attractions of Foz do Iguaçu. It is a protected area that combines the ecotourism and preservation. The trip goes through a trail into Iguassu’s native forests, where the visitor can observe more than 900 tropical birds of 150 species. Among other attractions, there is a butterfly cage, hummingbird aviaries, and a reptile sector. The trip takes around 1 hour. We return to the hotel for an early lunch then transfer to local airport to board our flight to Rio de Janeiro. On arrival, we will be met by our local guide and transferred to our hotel on Copacabana Beach. Some time to unwind before dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 21 RIO DE JANEIRO (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast, we begin our half day tour. The tour begins at the Corcovado hill. From any place of the city, the visitor can see the most beautiful postcard of Rio de Janeiro: Christ the Redeemer statue in the mountain of Corcovado located at 710 meters above the sea level and inaugurated in 1931. From Cosme Velho's neighbourhood, the cog train starts a trip through the Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world, up to the statue. Once there, a panoramic and extraordinary view of Rio will be seen including the Sugar Loaf, the Guanabara Bay, the beaches of Southern Zone and the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon. After lunch, the afternoon is free and in the evening, Rio by Night Dinner & Samba Show. Music and joy are key ingredients to a good night out in Rio. Enjoy a delicious dinner in a typical Barbecue House and then move on to Plataforma where a show of Samba music with native “mulatas” will be presented in which you will feel the energy so many times shown in Brazil’s Carnival. Lunch and dinner in the restaurant.

Day 22 RIO DE JANEIRO (B, L, D)

Today after breakfast, it's a full-day City tour including Sugar Loaf. This tour takes us to bustling downtown Rio, where modern office towers stand next to relics of the Portuguese colonial past, it includes visits to several of these important monuments. To visit Sugar Loaf, ascend by cable car to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain, a granite rock, and well-known Rio landmark. 395 meters high. Here we can enjoy spectacular vistas of the city and its many beaches. Ride by aerial cable car from which you’ll have one the most wonderful views of the whole city and a breath-taking a view of Guanabara Bay. Down by cable car. Return to the hotel. Lunch and dinner are at a local restaurant.

Day 23 RIO DE JANEIRO (B)

Free day after check out of Hotel at 12.00 PM then free afternoon and evening transfer to airport for flight to London via Sao Paulo) on arrival proceed downstairs and then after security go through immigration and board flight to London.

Day 24 LONDON

Arrival at London Heathrow and say goodbye to our new friends.

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

- Return International and Internal flights (10 sectors) inclusive of taxes
- 4* accommodation as stated
- All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles
- Tour manager from the UK and local ENGLISH speaking guides
- All entrance fees as per program
- Mineral water
- Meals (B/L/D) (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) as indicated in the program (Local food, Set Menu):
- Train Rides Vista Dome Ollantaytambo- Machu Picchu- Ollantaytambo,
- Lake Titicaca cruise
- All Tips

TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:

- Meals (other than mentioned in the program)
- Drinks
- Early check-in or late checkout
- Insurances
- Optional excursions and activities
- Additional transfer required due to an emergency situation
- Items of a personal nature (Phone calls, laundry, beverages…)
- All not mentioned above
- Excess baggage charges