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Day 1: Lima
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Arrival in Lima. Pick up and transfer to your lodge, the Hotel or similar, located in downtown central Lima. This is a beautiful colonial home in the colonial heart of Lima and a great base to explore the museums and historical sites of the capital (depending on your time of arrival).
Day 2: Lima – Huaraz (B & D)
After breakfast, a free morning before we take you to the bus terminal for the 1PM bus trip to Huaraz, in the Aherart of the northern Andes. The comfortable bus trip starts long the Panamericana Highway before heading east and through the awesome mountain passes of the Andes. The 7/8 hour journey to Huaraz, set amongst the gia
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nt snow peaks will have you arriving at night. As Huaraz is at an altitude of 3100m (10,000 feet) we recommend something light on your first day at high altitude).
We will pick you up from the bus terminal and take you to your comfortable family lodge, the Casa Sucre for three nights. A light but traditional Huaracina dinner will be served by the owner of the home.
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Day 3. Huaraz - Chavin (B)
After breakfast, a day trip with an English speaking guide to Chavin de Huantar, site of the oldest pan-andean civilisation dating back to 2000BC. Located on the outskirts of the village of the same name, the site has many galleries and subterranean tunnels. The most incredible piece of carving is "El Lanzon", a granite carving 4.5 metres in height. Return to Huaraz where the journey takes you over the continental divide at the high Kawish pass. Free evening to visit the town and dine at a variety of local restaurants.
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Day 4: Huaraz – Llanganuco (B)
Today, a visit to the remains of Yungay, the town which was completely destroyed by the 1970 landslide from Mount Huascaran, the highest peak in Peru. We continue our trip to the beautiful, glacial lake of Llanganuco, situated at 3850m. There are awesome views of the Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical mountain range in the world. Return to Huaraz. Free evening before transfer to the bus terminal for the night sleeper bus to Lima.
Day 5: Huaraz – Lima – Cuzco (B)
Arrival in the morning to Lima, transfer to the airport for the flight to Cuzco. After the 1 hour flight, you will land in heady Cusco (3400m or 11,000 feet). We will pick you up and transfer you to your lodge, the Amaru Hostel or similar, located in the centre of Cuzco. This lovely lodge for example is located in the San Blas region of Cuzco and is the ideal starting point for your visit to the ancient capital of the Incas. Lunch on your own.
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| In the early afternoon, you will start a fully guided visit with an English speaking guide to the four ruins outside of Cusco, the Sacsayhuaman Fortress; Kenko, Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay. Also included in the tour will be the Main Square, the Cathedral and the Koricancha Sun Temple. Free evening to enjoy Cusco, its bars and restaurants and its bustling nightlife. |
Day 6: Sacred Valley (B & L)
A healthy breakfast before pick up for your full-day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The tour is best on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays (because the markets are busier) although this tour runs every day of the week. Our first visit will be to Pisac, founded during Colonial times. Free time to shop or simply watch the locals going by their everyday lives. After the visit, we will have a great buffet lunch with emphasis on locally grown organic produce in the Urubamba. After lunch, a visit to Ollantaytambo, the ancient Inca town with impressive ruins built into the mountain side. Return to Cusco. Tonight we recommend an early night to prepare ourselves for the coming days of adventure.
Day 7: Cusco - Machu Picchu – Cusco (B)
An early start today as we take the train to Aguas Calientes for our unforgettable trip to Machu Picchu. This 3 ½ hours train rides takes us to the bustling market town of Aguas Calientes from where we catch the bus up to the awesome Machu Picchu ruins. Recently declared one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, this will be a day to remember. A tour with an English speaking guide of this fabulous lost city of the Incas rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. With houses and temples surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side, this is truly an awe inspiring site. Return in the afternoon by train to Cusco. Pick up at the train station and transfer to your hotel.
Day 8: Cusco – Lima (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight to Lima. Arrival to Lima airport for your connecting flight home or if you have several hours spare, we can arrange a transfer into Lima for you (enquire about this when booking).
End of services.
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