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!