ANDEAN EXPLORATION 9D 8N

Day 1: Arrival in Lima

• Welcome! We will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel.

Day 2: City Tour in Lima

• Our half-day tour begins in the morning at the iconic Parque del Amor in Miraflores (panoramic view), where we will enjoy the most beautiful view of the sea and the Green Coast beach circuit. We will continue our visit to Huaca Pucllana (panoramic view), a ceremonial temple of the Lima culture. From there, we will head to El Olivar park, in the heart of the traditional district of San Isidro.

• At the end, we will go to the Historic Center of Lima, where we will walk through streets and squares that still preserve their colonial charm. We will also see important museums such as the San Francisco de Asís Convent, home to the Catacombs, a cemetery from colonial times that holds about 25,000 people. We will visit the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and the Lima Cathedral.

Day 3: Paracas and Huacachina

• Our full-day tour starts early in Lima, from where we will head to Paracas, home to the Ballestas Islands, where we can observe different species of birds, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins. After this fascinating excursion, we will visit the vineyards where we will learn about the pisco-making process and its different varieties.
• Then, we will have time for lunch, and in the afternoon, we will go to the Huacachina Oasis, where we can enjoy adventure sports such as sandboarding and buggies.
• Finally, we will have time to shop for handicrafts and regional sweets like chocotejas. We will then return to Lima.

Day 4: Arrival in Cusco + City Tour

• Welcome! We will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel.
• Our first half-day tour begins in the afternoon with a visit to the Cusco Cathedral, the city’s main temple, which houses countless paintings from the Cusco School. Then, we will continue with a guided visit to the Qoricancha Temple, also known as the Temple of the Sun, where we will admire the fine stone walls, showcasing the highest level of Inca engineering.
• Next, we will take our tourist transport to the Saqsayhuaman archaeological complex, an enigmatic site with sacred constructions such as residential buildings, watchtowers, shrines, storerooms, roads, and aqueducts. This is also the site of the Inti Raymi or Festival of the Sun. Afterward, we will visit the Qenqo archaeological complex, a ceremonial center with underground tunnels where the Incas performed mummifications. Next, we will see Pucapucara, an ancient Inca checkpoint for entry and exit from the city of Cusco, featuring large walls, terraces, and staircases.
• Finally, we will visit the Tambomachay archaeological complex, a worship center dedicated to water, with stone-carved channels that end in two fountains flowing with crystal-clear water year-round.

Day 5: Classic Sacred Valley

• Our full-day tour departs from Cusco in the morning, heading first to the Taray viewpoint, where we will take in the breathtaking view of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will continue to the Pisaq archaeological site, our first stop, known for its impressive ruins, enormous terraces, sacred enclosures, and finely finished stone temples.
• Around midday, we will stop in Urubamba for a buffet lunch, where you can enjoy exquisite Andean cuisine. Afterward, we will visit Ollantaytambo, a strategic military, religious, and agricultural center that still impresses with its stone terraces and imposing constructions over four meters high.
• Finally, we will visit Chinchero, where we will learn about the process of making Andean textiles, handcrafted using ancient techniques passed down through generations. We will also explore its archaeological complex before returning to Cusco.

Day 6: Visit to Machu Picchu

• Our full-day tour begins very early as we head to the train station in Ollantaytambo to board the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). Upon arrival, we will take the bus to the Llaqta of Machu Picchu, where we will have a guided tour to admire its impressive architecture, learn about its history, mysteries, and significance, and capture amazing photos while absorbing the powerful energy of Machu Picchu.
• After an unforgettable visit, you will have time to rest before returning to Aguas Calientes, where we will board the return train to Ollantaytambo, where our transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco.

IMPORTANT: Train schedules and entrance to Machu Picchu are subject to availability.

Day 7: Moray and the Maras Salt Mines

• Our half-day tour starts in the morning, heading to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Our first stop will be Moray, an Inca agricultural research center where various crop experiments were conducted using its impressive circular terraces.
• Next, we will visit the Maras Salt Mines, which feature over 3,000 salt pools of different sizes, fed by saltwater that emerges from the mountain’s underground streams. Today, this salt is used in gourmet cuisine. Finally, we will return to Cusco.

Day 8: Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain

• Our full-day tour starts very early, heading to the village of Cusipata, where we will enjoy a delicious breakfast. We will then continue with a 40-minute drive to the starting point of our hike. We will walk for approximately an hour and a half until we reach Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, which stands at over 5,000 meters above sea level.
• Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a breathtaking view of the Andes, where nature has displayed its vibrant colors. We will have time to rest, take photographs, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Our guide will share the fascinating history of the mountain and its geological secrets.
• Afterwards, we will return along the same path to our transport, and finally continue to Cusipata, where we will enjoy a buffet lunch to recharge before returning to Cusco.

Day 9: Free Day + Transfer to the Airport

• After an unforgettable experience in Peru, it’s time to return home. You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your return flight.