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TREKS TO MACHU PICCHUWe are a specialist trekking tour operator who guarantee you small groups. We offer the "classic" Inca trail to Machupicchu as well as several other alternative routes |
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LIMA – NAZCA LINES – MARINE RESERVE OF PARACAS – HUACACHINA – SANDBOARDING – COLCA CANYON – PUNO – TITICACA LAKE – INCA TRAIL – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO – PUERTO MALDONADO – JUNGLE. (21 DAYS / 20 NIGHTS) DAY 1: WELCOME TO LIMA Upon your arrival you will be met by our representative at the international airport of Lima and then will be transferred to your hotel located at the residential zone of Miraflores. overnight in Lima DAY 2: CITY TOUR IN LIMA – BUS RIDE TO THE BAY OF PARACAS 8:00 am. City tour of Lima. This tour offers the best combination of the different attractions that Lima offers. In Lima standout three historical periods: pre-Columbian, colonial and modern. DAY 3: BALLESTAS ISLANDS – PARACAS RESERVE – ICA AND HUACACHINA LAGOON – NAZCA Early in the morning, around 7:30 am, our local guide will collect you from your hotel, and then you will be transferred to the Paracas harbor, which is located nearby. Upon arrival you will board a speed-boat to go to the Ballestas Islands a natural reserve that shelters an array of marine birds, such as Peruvian Bobbies, Pelicans, Inca Terns, Humboldt Penguins, vultures and hundreds of sea lions, which are usually seen swimming around the Islands. (It is windy on the boat, so we suggest to bring along a fleece or a warm jacket). Along the way, we will stop our speed boat to see the famous figure known as The Candelabro, an enigmatic design etched on the desert floor hundreds of years ago. The Candelabra is overlooking the Ocean, so here you will have the chance to take pictures, as well as to learn about the most popular theories. DAY 4: FLIGHT OVER THE NAZCA LINES – CHAUCHILLA – OVERNIGHT BUS TO AREQUIPA Soon after breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport, where you will take a small plane to fly over the mysterious Nazca Lines. Our aircraft will fly over a bizarre desert, where hundreds of years ago ancient Peruvians drew huge designs, which can be seen only from the air. Among the figures you will see an enormous representation of a monkey, a hummingbird, a condor, and a strange creature known as the Spaceman. Afterwards, we will visit a pre-Inca graveyard known as Chauchilla. For many years this pre Inca cemetery was looted by treasure hunters, who destroyed the place completely, taking away all the treasures the mummies kept in their tombs for centuries. Grave robbers just left behind the corpses, which can be seen today all over the ground. In addition to skulls and bones, you also will see several tombs centuries’ old, as well as long human hairs, ceramic fragments and others remains scattered on the desert surface. Afternoon free. Overnight bus to the White City of Arequipa DAY 5: WELCOME TO THE WHITE CITY – FREE DAY IN AREQUIPA Upon arrival in Arequipa, you will be collected from the bus station by a representative of Mystery Peru, and then transferred to the hotel. This day is free for you to explore this beautiful Andean city. Arequipa is a delightful Colonial City, situated at the foot of El Misti Volcano, a snow-capped perfect cone of 5,822 metres. Known as the White City, Arequipa is teemed with fine Spanish buildings and wonderful natural landscape. At the heart of the City, you may visit the magnificent Santa Catalina Monastery, the most remarkable sight in Arequipa, with numerous passageways and intricate architecture dating back to the XVI century. At the Museum of Santuarios Andinos you may meet Juanita "The Ice Girl", a well preserve Inca mummy, found high into the Andean glaciers some years ago. Its Plaza de Armas is one of the most beautiful of Peru, beautifully laid-out with palm trees and gardens, surrounded by arcaded buildings in colonial style, including the gorgeous Cathedral. Overnight at the hostel La Casa de Melgar *** or similar DAY 6: COLCA CANYON – HOT SPRINGS IN CHIVAY At around 8:00 am you will be picked up from your hotel by our local guide/representative. Afterwards we will drive northwest following a paved road towards the "Colca Canyon". Before leaving Arequipa, we will stop first at a small shop where our clients can buy some chocolates, candies and coca leaves, this will help to keep your sugar level high, and also help to ward off altitude sickness. Later on we will continue till Pampas Cañahuas (3500 masl ), a National Reserve where visitors may spot some Vicuñas & Alpacas. Unlike the Alpacas, Vicuñas are wild animals, and still can be seen running freely on these high plateaus. We will stop at this national park and our local guide will provide information about these shy Andean camels. DAY 7: CRUZ DEL CONDOR – RETURN TO AREQUIPA In order to see the mighty Condor, you will be woken up at 5:00 am, breakfast will be served at 5:30 am, and by 6:00 am we get on the bus to head towards the "Cruz del Condor", a natural lookout point where you can see the flight of the Condors (we won't return to the hotel, which means you must bring all your staff along with you on the bus). On the road we will have the best view of the Colca Valley, as we drive along the edge of the Canyon, seeing on route ancient terraces still in use by the local farmers, who grow mainly varieties of corn and potato. we will make some stops for photos, and our local guide will give us a good insight into the Colca Canyon history. Here you will stumble upon a great rock, where ancient architectures carved the terraces, testing (perhaps) which parts of the Canyon were suitable for cultivation. This is a good place also to see the "Colca River" and hanging pre-Inca tombs. Eventually we will reach Cruz del Condor, where we will spend an hour or so, observing the beautiful flight of the Condors as well as the depth of the Canyon. (be careful and only walk on signed trails if you intent to go for a walk on your own). DAY 8: BUS RIDE TO PUNO After breakfast transfer to the bus station to take the local bus to the "City of Puno". The bus ride to Puno offers a great natural scenery. Along this paved road we will drive throughout small towns, as well as a beautiful lagoon called Lagunillas, where trout farms can be seen, and if you are lucky you might also see Andean Flamingoes and many others Andean birds.Puno is one of Peru's most tourist destinations and one of the most interesting spots in South America, due to their religious feasts and wonderful history. This Andean city lies at the shore of the Lake Titicaca (3,855 m), the world's highest navigable lake. According to legend, from its waters emerged Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, the mythical founders of the Inca Culture. Puno is a major folklore center and a great place to buy handicrafts, particularly those amazingly fine Alpaca jumpers, hats and gloves. It also boast a rich tradition of music and dance and it is a good place to enjoy a number of Andean festivals, some wild, some solemn. Upon arrival in Puno, transfer to the hotel. Afternoon free for you to explore Puno. Overnight at the hostel Pukara ** or similar DAY 9: LAKE TITICACA – HOMESTAY ON AMANTANI ISLAND Early in the morning you will be picked up from your hotel by our local guide and then transfered to the harbor. We start our boat excursion of Lake Titicaca by visiting "The Uros Floating Islands", a small community that has lived on these reed Islands for decades. Centuries ago the small indigenous Uros tribe conceived of the islands as a way to isolate and protect themselves from rival tribes, the Collas and the Incas. The Uros people harvested the reeds in the shallows of the lake, bundled them together tightly and built floating island platforms complete with reed houses and canoes, creating in this way their own little world. After strolling around the floating Islands, we continue our journey towards "Amantani Island", where we will spend the rest of the day and the night. Upon arrival, a group of native families will welcomed you at the harbor, and afterwards the guide will introduce you the family that will provide you lodging in their house. The group is split in couples, so each couple goes with one family. DAY 10: TAQUILE ISLAND – RETURN TO PUNO After breakfast, we will have to say goodbye to our local family and go down to the harbor to meet the rest of the group. Afterwards we will sail towards "Taquile Island" (1 hour aprox.), a traditional Quechua speaking community, full of ancient agricultural terraces and some ruins dating back to the pre-Inca times. The Taquile population was relatively isolated from the mainland until 1950, and the notion of the community and family is still very strong among them. The weaving tradition of the Taquile Island goes back to early civilizations, thus keeps elements from pre-Inca Andean cultures alive in the present. All weaving is done on pre-Inca fixed and pedal looms. The most characteristic garments are the so-called "Chullo", a knitted hat with an earflap, and "The Calendar Waistband", depicting the annual cycles connected to ritual and agricultural activities. When visitors reach the island, they will have to walk up along a narrow path, enjoying on the way impressive views of the Lake Titicaca and also see gorgeous little houses inhabited by the direct decedents of the Inca Culture. At the top, you will have free time to explore the Island on your own and afterwards you will have to meet the group for lunch at one local restaurant. After lunch, we will descent to the harbor to take our boat back to Puno. We will be getting there by 5:00 pm approximately. Overnight at the hostel Pukara or similar DAY 11: BUS RIDE TO CUSCO WITH TOUR ATRACTION ON ROUTE After breakfast, transfer to the bus station to take the local bus to the City of Cusco. On this occasion Mystery Peru offers you a pleasant journey to Cusco, instead of taking the local bus and travel for 7 hours, without a chance of stretching our legs and enjoy this part of Peru, We offer our customers a especial bus service that stops along the way, showing you the highlights of this road with a English speaking guide on board. We will stop first at the Community of Pukara, where you will visit with a local guide the Pukara Museum, an interesting place that houses ancient monolith and human remains from the Pukara culture. Afterwards we will continue our journey throughout the Andean plateau till we reach the highest point on this route, a freezing place called "La Raya" , surrounded by huge snow-capped mountains at 4335 meters high. At this point we will get off the bus for pictures and also, if you wish, to purchase some hand-made products of Alpaca or Vicuña wool, in one of the little shops nearby. Afterwards we will descend towards the picturesque "village of Sicuani", where we will enjoy a nice Buffet, which is served with native products of this region. Here you for sure will enjoy a real Andean lunch. (buffet included).Later on, we will continue our tour at the famous "Inca Temple of Racchi", here our local guide will show us the most important sectors of Racchi and will explain about the Inca Empire. Racchi is the only Inca place where visitors can see circular constructions, and walls of mud bricks, something you won't see anywhere else on your trip. Our trip continues in the traditional town of "Andahuaylillas", where we will visit a impressive Cathedral built on the colonial era. Eventually we will arrive in Cusco and at the bus station we will be picked up by a representative of Mystery Peru. Rest of the afternoon free. Overnight at the hostel Tikawasi ** or similar DAY 12: CUSCO CITY TOUR The morning is free for you to explore the great Inca Capital of "Cusco". This gorgeous city lies at the head of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, at the heart of the Andes. In Inca times Cusco was a Holy City, a place of pilgrimage, a sacred place the Incas themselves believed was "The Navel of World", thus its real name "Qosqo". Nowadays Cusco is a fascinating mix of Inca and Colonial Spanish architecture; colonial churches, monasteries, convents and Inca remains are found at every corner, many streets are lined with perfect Inca stonework's, which served as foundation for most Spanish constructions. DAY 13: THE SACRED VALLEY OF THE INCAS Today we will visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with the traditional "Andean Market of Pisac", as well as the "Inca ruins of Pisac" and "Ollantaytambo". Our tour starts early in the morning. Customers are picked up from their hotels around 8:30 am. Afterwards we will take a road that winds over the mountains north of Cusco. On the way we will stop at a point known as El Mirador, from where you will be able to make out the whole Sacred Valley and receive a good insight of the Inca history.The Sacred Valley was undoubtedly a key area of settlement to the Incas; its combination of agreeable climate and fertile plains bestow an unusual abundance for the high Andes. Here the Incas sculpted the mountain flanks with vast contour terracing and irrigation works. Our driver and guide will suggest you the best points for pictures. Later on, we will drive towards the ruins of Pisac. At the ruins you will see and learn about different aspects of Inca culture. You can see a great fine art of stone works and impressive agricultural terraces all over the place. After touring around we will get back to the car and will drive back to the modern town of Pisac, where there is a peculiar market that deserve to be visited. At the market you will have free time to walk around and do some shopping. Afterwards we will meet for lunch in a nice local restaurant to enjoy good Andean food. After lunch we will continue our tour at the zone of Ollantaytambo. Once we get there we will visit the ruins of Ollantaytambo. This is an extraordinary Inca place where besides the ruins you may also see an amazing rock formation representing the Inca god Wiracocha. After touring around Ollantaytambo we will go to our hotel. Overnight at the hostel Las Orquideas at the little village of Ollantaytambo DAY 14: INCA TRAIL – WALLYABAMBA CAMPSITE 7:00 am, you will be picked up from your hotel and afterwards we will take a dirt road till Piskacuchu (2700 m) a community located on the kilometer 82 of the Cusco -Machu Picchu railroad. From here, we will start our trek. DAY 15: INCA TRAIL – DEAD WOMAN PASS (4200M) – PACAYMAYO We will be woken up by our humble friends (the porters) at around 6:00 am, and after breakfast we start to climb up along a narrow valley full of vegetation and beautiful streams. On this section visitors will experience a hard path, full of steps, so we advise you to take it easy and stop to rest along the way at any time you wish. Later on we will reach Lluluchapampa Village, a spot frequently used by some other hikers to camp. At this point we will be starting the climbing to the highest and most famous mountain pass, the Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman's Pass 4200 m.). It will take about 2 hours to get to the top, so my recommendation is just to do it slowly, without pushing yourself too much. Usually our tour guide will be with us till the end, so even if you got delayed, don't worry, the group usually waits for you at the top of the Pass. It is a great idea to carry on this day some chocolates, candies and coca leaves on your day backpack, this will help to keep your sugar level high, and also help to ward off altitude sickness. After you have conquered the highest pass, we will descend an endless winding pass of steps that cross a narrow valley, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds, like hummingbirds and sparrows and the Andean bear, which is also called the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctus Ornatus). We will have lunch along the way, and afterwards continue till our campsite at Pacaymayo Valley (3600), where we will take a deep rest after such a hard day. This is also an official campsite, so here you for sure will be able to find good showers (very cold) and proper flash toilettes. DAY 16: INCA TRAIL – WIÑAYWAYNA CAMP SITE For many visitors, this day is the longest but also the most impressive and the most interesting day, due to the number of archaeological sites that hikers can see along the way. We get up at 6:00 am, again, and after breakfast, start off following a steep path that will lead us to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970 masl). Half way up, we will stop to visit the archaeological complex of Runkurakay. This site, located at 3800 masl, consists of a small oval structure (Runkurakay means in quechua language "egg" hence it name)it is very likely that this Inca building served as a watchtower. Some meters before the Runkurakay Pass, we will pass a small billabong, where sometimes Andean dears can be seen drinking water. After going over the pass, we descend to Yanacocha (Black Lagoon) and arrive at Sayacmarca (erected building 3624 masl). This is an interesting Inca building in which you can find semicircular constructions, water fountains, as well as irrigation channels. After visiting this ruins, we enter the cloud-forest, walking up and down, and then comes the last climb, that will lead us to the third pass, the Abra de Phuyupatamarca (3700 masl). From now on, the rest of the trail is mostly downhill. We will descend some steps, then will stumble upon one of the best Inca ruins on the Inca Trail Phuyupatamarca. (Phuyupatamarca, means ¨town over the clouds¨). From above, trekkers can observe a sophisticated complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River. DAY 17: WELCOME TO THE LOST CITY OF THE INCAS “MACHUPICCHU” – TRAIN BACK TO CUSCO On this fourth and last day we get up at 4.00 am, have breakfast at 4:30 am, and by 5:00 am, we must be on the trail towards Inti Punko (Sun Gate). This will take about an hour of hiking along a narrow trail of cloud forest. At the Sun Gate visitors will be able to see the Sunrise over the Sacred Machupicchu Mountain. After having shot some photos we will descend to "Machu Picchu" . Machu Picchu was long thought to be legendary. Then in 1911, the explorer Hiram Bingham stumbled upon it remains. But while the walls and chambers have been extensively studied in the years since, the purpose of this ancient site remains unclear. DAY 18: FREE DAY IN CUSCO After days of full activities, a free day in Cusco is the best gift the Gods of the Andes may grant you. So, on this day you may go out just to relax, drink a cold beer somewhere and have lunch in one cozy restaurant around the main square. There are plenty of video bars and discos in which to relax too. The day is yours. Overnight at the hostel Tikawasi ** or similar DAY 19: FLIGHT TO THE JUNGLE, CITY TOUR IN PUERTO MALDONADO – TOUR MONKEY ISLAND Flight to Puerto Maldonado. After a reception at the airport, you will ride to the City center by bus. You will depart from the port and travel down the Madre de Dios River. During the trip you will see caimans, turtles, heron and other species of animals along the riverbanks. DAY 20: TOUR IN THE LOST COCHA BY NATIVES GUIDES After breakfast you begin your guide adventure through the virgin rainforest on foot to the Lost Cocha. The Lost Cocha is a protected ecosystem sustaining an immense variety of animals such as giant otters, caimans, turtles, Brazilian tapirs (sachavacas), colorful birds, the majestic jaguar, and diverse fish species. DAY 21: DEPARTURE DAY fter breakfast. Transfer to the airport for flight to Lima. End of our service. |
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