Colca Canyon and Machu Picchu 8 Days

ACTIVITIES: Cultural & History, Family Friendly
DESTINATION: Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu

 This tour package is fully customizable according to your interest and needs. 

Discover the spectacular Colca Canyon and Machu Picchu
Enjoy the magnificent beauty of Arequipa the “White City”, and immerse yourself with enthralling escapade at Cruz del Condor with giant condors overlooking the world’s second deepest gorge known as Colca Canyon. The captivating tour will also take you to Cusco, the magnificent capital of the Inca Civilization, a city full of thick clouds and mesmerizing blue sky. Further, you can journey to the sacred religious site of Sacsayhuaman and the mysterious Inca ruins located in the Sacred Valley. This tour ends at one of the wonders of the world, Machu Picchu mysterious city.

Highlights

• A tour package that covers Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, observe the condors at the Colca Canyon.
• A comprehensive adventure package that covers all of Peru’s main attractions including Lima, Machu Picchu, Cusco and Colca Canyon.
• Explore the ancient and incredible regions of Machu Picchu.
• A complete tour of Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley that is bound to leave you amazed.
• Become part of an adventurous trip to the Inca ruins while indulging in the rich and modern Quechua cultures and the Inca culture.
• View the beautiful skies of Machu Picchu when the sun lights them up.

Day 1 – International Arrival Assistance

• Arrive in Lima at any time.
• Our representative will be waiting for you at Lima airport with a customized sign with your name on it and private transfer to your hotel.
• There are no planned activities, so check into the hotel and rest up.
• Overnight at the Hotel in Lima.
• Meals included: None.

Day 2 – Flight to Arequipa and City Tour & Santa Catalina Monastery

• Breakfast at hotel; transfer to the airport for your flight to Arequipa the white city.
• Upon arrival to Arequipa reception and take you straight to your hotel.
• Hotel pick-up at 14:00PM.
• The tour will begin in Carmen Alto where we can see the Gually and Chili Rivers which are surrounded by naturally beautiful and one of a kind scenery, one of the things that defines Arequipa!
• Our next stop will be the Yanahuara This stunning place is famous for its lovely, narrow streets.
• After, we will continue on to the Main Square of Arequipa. The scenery here is one of the most important aspects of the White City’s history since Arequipa´s foundation.
• Furthermore, we will visit the Cathedral located in the Main Square.
• After that, you will head to the Company of Jesus church that was built in 1654 y 1698. This church is regarded as the symbol that unites Incan art and Plateresco art in Latin America.
• Lastly, we will visit the Santa Catalina Monastery. This monument, with its foundation dating back to 1579, is one of the most marvelous, important, and religiously iconic monuments in Peru. What makes it so special is that it has conserved its traditional characteristics for centuries. Furthermore, its narrow streets and gardens with typical Spanish names bring back memories of the old quarters of Sevilla and Granada.
• Overnight at the Hotel in Arequipa.
• Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 3 – Arequipa to Colca Valley with overnight

• Hotel pick-up at 07:30AM.
• Land departure toward your exciting excursion towards the Colca Valley. En route, we will drive across Pampa Cañahuas at the Aguada Blanca National Reserve. You will be blown away by the magnificent views of the volcanoes named Misti, Chachani and Pichu Pichu.
• Upon arrival to the reserve, you will be able to first-hand experience the wild vicuñas in their natural habitats, which is considered a national symbol.
• We then continue on to Vizcachani, Pampas de Toccra, up to the crater of the volcano Chucura and lastly on to the Mirador de los Andes at Patapampa (4800m) from where the volcanoes that frame Arequipa can be seen.
• Before arriving to Chivay our last stop will be at the Mirador de Chivay, from where gorgeous pre-Columbian terraces that are still being cultivated by native Collaguas can be carefully observed.
• After arrival to Chivay, you may check in at your hotel.
• In the afternoon (optional), you may rest at your hotel or visit the thermal springs at La Calera (Note: the entrance to the hot springs is not included in the tour price.
• Overnight at the Hotel in Chivay.
• Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 4 – Condor Cross and back to Arequipa

• The second day starts at 06:00AM we have breakfast.
• Then, we move on to the Cruz del Cóndor to set eyes upon the Colca Valley (the second deepest canyon in the world, 4km at its deepest point!) Along with this incredible sight, we will also be blown away with amazement as we see the great and majestic condors flying only a few meters away.
• On the way back to Chivay, you will visit the town of Pinchollo along the way as well as the Antahuilque viewpoint to see an amazing terrace built 1500 years ago.
• Later, we will stop at the viewpoints called Choquetico and Tumbas colgantes, meaning ¨hanging tombs.¨
• Our tour will then continue with visits to the towns of Maca and Yanque where you will be able to set eyes upon the valley’s most beautiful church.
• We will return to Arequipa after lunch.
• You can expect to be back in Arequipa city around 5:00PM.
• Overnight at the Hotel in Arequipa.
• Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 5 – Flight to Cusco and City Tour & Archeological ruins

• Breakfast at hotel; pick up from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital of the Incas.
• On arrival in Cusco, assistance at the airport and transport to your hotel, where the rest of the morning is free time to rest in hotel in order to avoid altitude sickness.
• Pick up from the hotel at 13:20PM – Tour begins from Cusco’s Main Square, Plaza de Armas.
• Includes a visit to Cusco’s cathedral in which you will be able to see the intricate woodwork and colonial paintings that contain detailed Incan iconography.
• After, we will head to the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) upon which the Convent of Santo Domingo has been built. Interesting fact: according to a legend, this temple was entirely gold plated which left many conquerors impressed with its magnificence when they came here!
• The tour continues with visits to 4 archeological sites: Sacsayhuaman is an archeological complex, a masterpiece of Incan architecture in which you will see mindboggling huge stone blocks, almost 9 meters in height that are still placed perfectly.
• Qenqo Temple is a temple dedicated to animal worship.
• Puca Pucara is another Incan archeological site located on top of a hill, used as a fort and administrative center. Tambomachay, which is also known as the Inca Baths.
• Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
• Meals Included: Breakfast.

Day 6 – Full day to Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo)

• Breakfast at hotel – pick up from your hotel at 07:45AM.
• We then will then embark on a journey back in time to the Incan´s Sacred Valley beginning in Pisac, 31 km from Cusco. The ancient Incan archeological site and city is located on the top of a mountain. There you will have the chance to firsthand witness the impressive stonemasonry skill of our ancient ancestors.
• Afterwards, you will go down into the quaint little town and wander through its colorful market where you can buy intricate, beautifully crafted locally hand-made products.
• After this, lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
• Then, you will continue to Ollantaytambo, a military, religious, and agricultural center of the Incas located at the top of a mountain. Note: unlike other small towns, this one has maintained its original Incan design including outstanding stone buildings and narrow streets. It was once used as a fortress and administrative and urban center.
• Stop in Ollantaytambo from where we catch the train to Aguas Calientes, upon arrival to Aguas Calientes, reception and transfer to your hotel.
• Overnight at the Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 7 – Sunrise in Machu Picchu & Train back to Cusco

• Breakfast at the hotel; at 05:00AM take first bus to Machu Picchu citadel, you will ride a bus to Machu Picchu archeological site and tour every nook and cranny of this New 7 Wonder of the World and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site: an unforgettable experience.
• Your guide will expertly direct you throughout the astounding ruins and its main streets. You can then wander around the town squares as well as climb the intricately carved stairways made of stone. Machu Picchu is considered as the world’s spiritual center by esoteric wisdom. Once the guided tour is over, you will have some free time to explore the site on your own, to relax, or to meditate.
• You will then have the time and opportunity to indulge in a few of the following activities on your own (not included in the price):
• Climb up Huayna Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there.
• You will be given some time to walk till the Sun Gate or Inti Punku.
• Other optional activities in Aguas Calientes include a visit to the new local museum or to the hot springs.
• Back to Cusco: You will descend to Aguas Calientes and, later on, board the train for the return trip to Cusco. On reaching Cusco train station, reception and transfer to your hotel.
• Overnight at the Hotel in Cusco.
• Meals Included: Breakfast.

Day 8 – Departure from Cusco – International Departure

• Breakfast at hotel; at the scheduled time our representative will meet with you at hotel lobby, transfer and assistance on your departure.
• Meals Included: Breakfast.

PRICES PER PERSON

Extra Optional Services

• Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain US$ 25 per person.
• Lunch at the Aguas Calientes Restaurant US$ 20 per person.
• Lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge Restarant located outside the entrance of Machu Picchu US $ 46 per person.
• Upgrade train to Vistadome return to Cusco US$ 20 per person.

Is there any additional cost for Solo Travelers?
Yes, there is an additional cost for single travelers; make an inquiry about it.

INCLUDED

• Accommodation: 7 night(s) in hotel(s) in Lima, Cusco, Aguas Calientes and Arequipa.
• Excursions: Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu.
• Entrance fees to parks and cultural sights: Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu.
• Transfers: All airport transfers, Hotel pickup and drop-off, all transfers are assisted by English-speaking staff.
• Train ticket: Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Cusco (Expedition Class).
• Transport: bus, minivan, on foot.
• Meals: According mentioned in the itinerary.
• Local top quality English-speaking guides to accompany visits and excursions.
• 24 hour support by our local staff.

NOT INCLUDED

• International airfare, domestic airfare within Peru.
• Airport departure taxes (Approximate cost US$ 31.00 international flights, and US$ 7.40 for each domestic flight)
• Tips on included excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items
• Pre & post tour accommodation
• Spending money – allow approximately US$ 35-50 per day to cover meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain