Peru - The ancient Inca Kingdom

DAY 1: DEPART SOUTH AFRICA FOR SAO PAULO

Depart from Johannesburg to Lima with a layover in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

DAY 2: SAO PAULO

Upon arrival in Sao Paulo, we will make our way to our transit hotel, situated within Terminal 3 of the airport.

O/N at the Tryp by Wyndham Transit Hotel or similar.

DAY 3: SAO PAULO – LIMA

Early-morning check-out from the hotel and we make our way to the departure gate for the onward flight to Lima.

Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival in Lima, we will be met by our English-speaking driver-guide and transferred to our hotel. Upon arrival, we will check in and spend the rest of the morning at leisure.

We enjoy a light lunch and then depart on an afternoon city tour focusing on colonial Lima. We start by exploring the Main Square on foot, taking in the exteriors of the Government Palace, the City Hall and the Cathedral of Lima, all examples of Lima's still-present colonial architectural opulence. Walking through the Cathedral’s numerous chapels, we'll travel through the past and discover various architectural styles (from Renaissance to Neo-Classical) and learn about the religious history of Peru. We will also visit Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion that currently holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited private residence in the Southern Hemisphere. Our tour ends with a visit to San Francisco Convent, built in the 17th century and its “Catacombs” – the ancient underground cemetery of Lima.

Tonight, the group enjoys a special Welcome Dinner together.

O/N at the Holiday Inn Miraflores or similar including lunch and welcome dinner.

DAY 4: LIMA

After breakfast, we will be met at our hotel for a Lima Market Tour and Peruvian Cooking class.

Our first stop will be at a local market, where we will learn about the local products that are the basis of Peruvian cuisine and also taste some seasonal fruits. Then, with the help of a chef, we will participate in a cooking class in which we will learn the secrets of how to prepare the most representative dishes of Peru and for which we will be provided with all the ingredients. All this experience of flavours and ingredients will be complemented by a delicious lunch, the perfect closing to our great food adventure.

Later this afternoon, we will be transferred back to our hotel. We spend the rest of the day at leisure.

After our big lunch, dinner is at your leisure. If you are still feeling peckish, there are many options in the area for a light dinner (own account).

O/N at the Holiday Inn Miraflores or similar including breakfast and lunch.

DAY 5: LIMA TO PUERTO MALDONADO

Breakfast, check-out, and transfer to the airport. This morning, we fly from Lima to Puerto Maldonado, the gateway to the southern Amazon jungle.

The bulk of your luggage will stay behind in Puerto Maldonado. Pack the essentials for the next few days in your backpack as there is no space on the boats going to the lodge for bulky suitcases.

Meet and greet upon arrival in Puerto Maldonado, Peru’s Capital City of Biodiversity. We drive through this interesting city before proceeding to Puerto Capitanía to board a motorised riverboat. From here we navigate the Madre de Dios River to our lodge set in the jungle. During the journey, we will immerse into the fascinating natural environment of the Amazon. Upon arrival at the Ecoamazonia Lodge, we enjoy a welcome drink and get settled into our bungalows.

Later, we proceed on a tour led by our specialist tour guide through an interpretive trail conveniently signposted to the Cocha Caiman, a small lake with an abundant presence of black and white caimans.

Enjoy your first spectacular sunset in the Amazon, an experience full of intensity and overwhelming colour ranges. Return to the lodge where a delicious dinner will await you.

O/N at the Ecoamazonia Lodge or similar including breakfast, lunch and dinner.

DAY 6: PUERTO MALDONADO

The morning begins with the sound of beautiful birdsong from the Amazon paradise. A hearty breakfast will provide the energy for a morning full of new experiences.

After breakfast, we hike into the depths of the forest on trails especially prepared with bridges to cross small gorges and rivers. During the journey, we will observe the flooded forest and a variety of flora and wildlife, continuing to the majestic Lake Apu Victor with its crystal-clear waters, surrounded by marshes and giant trees. Later, we will go up to the observation deck, offering panoramic views of the lake and surroundings. We head back to the Lodge to enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, accompanied by our specialist guide, we will visit Monkey Island, a unique place in the heart of Madre de Dios River situated about five minutes’ away from the Lodge. During the walk, we will observe extraordinary landscapes with exuberant flora, sheltering a variety of monkey species in their natural habitat such as spider monkeys, capuchins, lion monkeys, squirrel monkeys, cotos and other animal species like the coati and sloths, and a great variety of bird species.

Finally, we complete our visit to the island enjoying an impressive sunset in the jungle. We return to the lodge and conclude this amazing day with a pleasant dinner.

O/N at the Ecoamazonia Lodge or similar including breakfast, lunch and dinner.

DAY 7: PUERTO MALDONADO

After breakfast, we embark on another adventure through the virgin rainforest. Accompanied by a local guide, we will go on a hike deep into the jungle, making our way to the Lost Lake (Lost Cocha or Cocha Perdida as it is also known). The Lost Lake is a refuge and feeding ecosystem for a tremendous diversity of animals. Here we will have a chance to observe a variety of animals such as otters, caimans, turtles, sachavacas, birds in every colour, and if we are lucky, possibly the majestic jaguar. This area is unique to the Ecoamazonia Ecological Reserve, and as it is protected, it remains intact with large marshes and natural springs. From the observation deck, you will be able to appreciate the immense and magical rainforest. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a pleasant canoe ride around the lake, returning to the lodge for lunch.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy another delicious dinner this evening.

O/N at the Ecoamazonia Lodge or similar including breakfast, lunch and dinner.

DAY 8: PUERTO MALDONADO – CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY

After breakfast and check-out, we take a ride back to Puerto Maldonado by outboard motorized canoe. Later we fly from Puerto Maldonado to Cusco, via Lima. Situated in the Peruvian Andes this city was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Upon arrival we are met and transferred to our hotel situated in the Sacred Valley.

O/N at the Casa Andina Premium Hotel or similar including breakfast and dinner.

DAY 9: SACRED VALLEY

Following breakfast, we depart on a day tour of the surrounding region.

We start with the Salt Pans of Maras. The stark white of the steeply descending salt pans juxtaposed against the green of the surrounding mountain slopes. The sight of this still-operating salt mine, in use since Incan times, is sure to amaze you.

We will have lunch in a local restaurant.

Our last stop of the day is Chinchero village with an altitude of 3,772 metres above sea level. Chinchero was a major administrative and residential centre during the Inca era, built by Tupac Inca Yupanqui. It is renowned for its ancient agricultural terraces, temples, and Inca roads that connect it with other significant sites in the Sacred Valley. Often overlooked, this typical Andean village was known to the Incas as the birthplace of the rainbow. Besides its fascinating ancient Inca ruins, it also boasts an historic colonial church, some wonderful mountain views and a colourful Sunday market. Chinchero is also famous for its textile centres where colourful garments are still made in a traditional way.

O/N at the Casa Andina Premium Hotel or similar including breakfast and lunch.

DAY 10: SACRED VALLEY – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Today, we will visit the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu. An exciting day awaits!

We leave our luggage at the hotel to be transferred ahead. Ensure that you have all your essentials for the day in your backpack.

After breakfast, we transfer to Ollantaytambo. If we leave early enough, we can do a short walking tour through this town. Then we board the comfortable Vistadome train service to Aguas Calientes train station, enjoying spectacular views along the way. Upon arrival, we will board a bus that will take us to the entrance gate of the Machu Picchu citadel.

Rediscovered by Hiram Bingham more than a century ago, Machu Picchu is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Its architectural beauty, spectacular natural landscapes and the energy held in its enigmatic structures will take your breath away. We will follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas as we explore this magical citadel.

At the scheduled time, we return to the Aguas Calientes train station to board the return Vistadome train service. Upon arrival at the station this evening, we are met and transferred to our hotel in Cusco for a late check-in.

O/N at the Costa del Sol by Wyndham or similar including breakfast and lunch.

DAY 11: CUSCO

We start our day with a visit to the nearby Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a colossal structure built with huge carved rocks jointed with absolute accuracy. This citadel on the northern outskirts of the city is an astounding example of Incan military architecture and is, undoubtedly, the greatest architectural work of the Tahuantinsuyo (Incan Empire). It proves the undeniable strength and administrative capacity of the empire and its powerful logistical systems, capable of organising and mobilising such a structure.

We continue our exploration of the Imperial City with a visit to the San Pedro Market, which, being the city’s main street market, will introduce you to the products of Cusco, overwhelming you with the sights, aromas, tastes, and colours of the region.

From here we head to the artistic and bohemian neighbourhood of San Blas, home to many renowned artists. Through narrow, cobblestone streets, we arrive at the main plaza of San Blas, which is surrounded by many well-known artisan workshops, such as Mendívil, Olave, and Mérida, among others. We will visit the Church of the Society of Jesus, which is situated in the Plaza de Armas de Cusco. It is built on an Inca palace. It is one of the best examples of Spanish Baroque architecture in Peru. Finally, will head to Cusco Cathedral to discover its mysteries and admire its lovely atrium and priceless 17th- and 18th-century paintings of the Cusco school.
After a special lunch, we spend the rest of the day at leisure.

O/N at the Costa del Sol by Wyndham or similar including breakfast and lunch.

DAY 12: CUSCO

Enjoy breakfast this morning. A visit to Manos de la Comunidad to meet the alpacas and llamas.

Then we will stop at the silversmith workshop, Callasi Joyeria, just outside of the town and visit his workshop and outlet.

Hereafter, we visit the Pisac Market. Pisac is a beautiful village where Incan and Colonial influences have reached a perfect balance and created the unique way of life of the local inhabitants today. We will get a chance to explore this quaint town, famous for its artisan markets where we find extraordinarily fine jewellery, ceramic and textile craftwork.

We can enjoy some empanadas and chicha morada for a lunch snack at the local market!

We return to Cusco and spend the afternoon at leisure.

Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional full-day excursion to view the Rainbow Mountains.

What are the Rainbow Mountains?
Located in the Peruvian Andes, it is a 3-hour drive away from Cusco. The mountain is famed for its natural, multi-coloured beauty at a staggering 5,200 m above sea level. This rainbow-like appearance is created by the sediment of minerals throughout the area, giving the mountain the turquoise, lavender, gold and other colours. It was only recently discovered due to the snow melting, revealing the hidden gem that’s still considered holy by many to this day.

The cost for this optional excursion is not included. Please enquire for more information.

All group members meet in the evening to enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant, Callie Delmedio or similar.

O/N at the Costa del Sol by Wyndham or similar, including breakfast and dinner.

DAY 13: CUSCO – PUNO

Breakfast and check-out.

Today we will drive to Puno via Andahuaylillas, Raqchi and Pucara. This is a long day on the road passing through spectacular scenery, including a stop at the highest point of the Cusco-Puno route.

A highlight of the day is a visit to the church of San Pedro Apóstol. Perched on a central square in the Andean village of Andahuaylillas, the whitewashed church seems unremarkable at first. But inside is an eye-popping kaleidoscope of colourful murals, a coffered painted ceiling and an ornate gold-leaf altar earning it the moniker of “The Sistine Chapel of the Andes.” The Spanish began constructing the Baroque church in the late 16th century, as they cemented their conquest over the Inca Empire.

In the village of Raqchi, we visit the remains of the Temple of Wiracocha. With its high walls, the archaeological site is one of Peru’s most impressive surviving Inca structures. Located 117 kilometres from Cusco, and with walls rising to 14 meters in height, this monumental building is unique. Close to the temple, houses that once served as homes for the nobility are situated, along with dozens of storage facilities, known as “qolqas”. We will stop en route for lunch.

Upon arrival in Puno early this evening, we transfer to our hotel for check-in and dinner at our hotel.

O/N at the Jose Antonio Puno Hotel or similar including breakfast, lunch and dinner.

DAY 14: PUNO

Another special day awaits! After breakfast, we depart on a full-day standard boat excursion to Uros and Taquile Islands, enjoying an extraordinary journey across the world's highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca. We travel to legendary places where time seems to have stood still. The first stop will be the Uros floating islands. These are a peculiar grouping of around 40 small islands made totally of totora, a natural reed that grows around the lake. The cheerful inhabitants will invite you to get to know their traditional lifestyle and customs.

We continue our extraordinary voyage across the placid waters of the lake towards the picturesque Taquile Island, a peaceful place where old Quechua traditions live in perfect balance with modernity. Discover a landscape distinct from the other islands thanks to the Incan terraces filled with local flowers and crops. The rich colours of the clothing worn by the local inhabitants will amaze you; admire their beautiful handmade fabrics. Most importantly, enjoy the unbelievable hospitality of the islanders, known as Taquileños, who will make your visit to the island a memorable one. Before making our way back to Puno, we will enjoy a traditional lunch.

O/N at the Jose Antonio Puno Hotel or similar including breakfast, lunch and dinner.

DAY 15: PUNO – LIMA

Breakfast and check-out. Mid-morning transfer to the Juliaca Airport for our afternoon flight back to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, we are transferred to our hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

We enjoy our dinner at our hotel tonight.

O/N at the Holiday Inn Miraflores or similar including breakfast and dinner.

DAY 16: LIMA – AT LEISURE

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. You have the day at leisure.

You may choose to join an optional excursion to view the mysterious Nasca Lines.

What are the Nasca Lines?
The Nazca Lines in southern Peru are a group of pre-Columbian geoglyphs etched into desert sands. Covering an area of nearly 1,000 sq. kilometres, these depict about 300 different figures, including animals and plants. Composed of over 10,000 lines, some of which measure 30 meters wide and stretch more than 9 kilometres, the figures are most visible from the air.

The cost for this optional excursion is not included. Please enquire for more information.

We enjoy a special farewell dinner in Lima tonight.

O/N at the Holiday Inn Miraflores or similar, including breakfast and dinner.

DAY 17: DEPARTURE

Sadly, our tour of Peru ends this morning. Enjoy breakfast before transferring to Lima Airport for our overnight flight to Johannesburg, via Sao Paolo.

Meals: Packed Breakfast.

DAY 18: ARRIVAL SOUTH AFRICA

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