Tourism in the South of Peru
(9 Days / 8 Nights)

Descrition

Activities	Cultural
Duration	9 days / 8 nights
Departure	Every day
Minimum number of poeple	1
Operation	All year round
Places to Visit	Lima, Arequipa, Cusco
Tour Type	Cultural
Type of service	Shared - Private

In the south of Peru you will enjoy a wonderful, exotic vacation where the most travelled tourist will marvel at the culture that exists here. From the highest tropical peaks to jade-coloured crystalline lakes, breathtaking views and unforgettable encounters with nature and its local people, you will be left short of breath! Southern Peru is home to some of the highest peaks in the Andes and the best trekking routes in the world. This spectacular scenery blended with wonderful architecture, both Incan and Colonial, will wet the appetites of hiking enthusiasts and travellers ready to delve into one of the richest cultures on earth.
Arequipa also known as the ‘The Ciudad Blanca’ (White City) lies in the south and is renowned for its beauty. The city has many colonial-era Spanish buildings built of sillar, a pearly white volcanic rock, hence the nickname "The White City". It also possesses an excellent climate with almost 300 days of sun a year, with transparent blue sky.
Arequipa also offers exquisite cuisine, beautiful landscapes, majestic volcanoes and the Colca Valley, where Condors frequent. The natural challenges and the adventure abundant in the region combined with the warmth of the locals will leave a lasting impression of your visit to Arequipa.
Cusco is the historic capital of the Inca Empire and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 by UNESCO. It is a major tourist destination and receives almost a million visitors a year. It is designated as the Historical Capital of Peru by the Constitution of Peru. The original Inca city, said to have been founded in the 11th century, was partly destroyed by the Spanish in 1535. Many fine examples of Incan construction still remain however, some of which are the Palace of the Incas, the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Virgins of the Sun. There are still many Inca buildings that remain and even more foundations throughout the city, which in some cases have proven to be stronger than the foundations, built in present-day Peru. Among the most noteworthy buildings of the city is the cathedral of Santo Domingo.
Over the last several decades the indigenous culture has surged forward and become an integral part of any Peruvian experience. Dominating the landscape in every way the cultural history and its ancient people can find no better example of its great accomplishments than the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu itself. This glorious region will hold you spellbound as you journey deep within its mountainous grip!
Southern Peru is an example of ornamented architecture and represents a masterpiece of the creative coalition of European and native characteristics. A colonial region challenged by the conditions of nature, the indigenous influences, the conquest process and evangelism as well as for its spectacular natural scenario.

Itinerary

Day 1: Lima

south of peru After breakfast we leave on a City Tour (Lima Colonial) where we will visit the Cathedral, the Church of Santo Domingo and the tombs of Santa Rosa and San Martin de Porres. After that we will visit the Convent and Church of San Francisco. We break for lunch.
In the evening we visit some museums of your choosing. Transfer to your hotel. Dinner is in a very popular tourist restaurant.

Day 2: Lima - Arequipa

south of peru Fly to Arequipa. Transfer from the airport to the hotel. You have the rest of the morning free to relax. In the afternoon we will visit the ‘White City’ and the places of most interest, the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral, the Church and Colonial Cloisters of the Compañía de Jesús, the Monastery of Santa Catherine de Siena, Complex of San Francisco where the Artisan Fair is located. We will also visit the town of Yanahuara and the Carmen lookout. You are free in the afternoon for personal activities.

Day 3: Colca canyon

south of peru After breakfast we begin a magical journey through rugged landscape dominated by volcanoes and seemingly only home to LIama, Vicuna and the majestic Condor, it is simply paradise.. The Colca River starts high in the Andes at Condorama Crucero Alto and changes its name to Majes, and then to Camana before reaching the Pacific Ocean. Where it runs between the tiny mountain villages of Chivay and Cabanaconde, is reportedly the deepest canyon in the world, Colca Canyon.
More than twice the depth of the Grand Canyon in the USA, Colca Canyon is alive and thriving, habited by communities of Indigenous Indians which still cultivate and maintain pre-Colombian terraced fields supporting a vast array of agriculture and human life. The people living in this area of southern Peru have endured centuries of isolation and provide us a true glimpse into an ancient way of life.
Our first stop on the way is the National Cañahuaz Pampas Reserve where Vicunas, Flamencos and Alpacas will be observed in their natural habitat. We will also visit the Bosque de Piedras (Stone Forest), el Mirador de los Andes (The Andean Lookout), which has an extraordinary view of the mountains and landscapes in the area. We will then stop at the Crater of Chucura, the Mirador de Chivay, where beautiful pre-Columbian terraces are still being cultivated by native Collaguas, prior to arriving at the town of Chivay, where lunch awaits us. You have the afternoon free to relax in the thermal baths of Chivay, or as you choose. The night is spent in Chivay.

Day 4: Colca canyon

south of peru

We depart early after breakfast for the Cruz del Condor. The Colca Canyon is the natural habitat of the majestic Condor, the sacred Andean bird, and it is at the Cruz del Condor we will have the best opportunity to witness its majestic flight. The condor population of South America is unfortunately dwindling, but here visitors can see them at fairly close range as these giant birds use the rising thermals to soar high into the sky whilst scanning for carrion far below before gliding towards the coast.
Rising directly by the point of La Cruz del Condor, visitors are rewarded with magnificent displays from this vantage point. These huge vultures have a wing span of up to 3.2 metres and are known for their elegant and spectacular flight.
La Cruz del Condor is a spectacular spot in itself, with a drop of over a kilometre to the river below. A popular tourist spot, many locals trade their colourful Andean fare.
On the way back we stop and visit the town of Chivay, the Mirador of Chinina and the famous Hanging Tombs of Choquetica, named so because the locals would hang from the cliff tops to construct tombs and bury their dead. We will also stop at the Hanging Bridge of Sifón that joins the Town of Yanque with Coporaque.
In the town of Yanque we’ll visit the beautiful, baroque styled church and wander through its characteristic cobbled stone streets. We are afforded further views of Colca Valley via the spectacular observation points of Choquetipo and Artahuilque as we continue our journey. Our last stop is the Town of Maca. We spend the night back in the city of Arequipa.

Day 5: Arequipa - Cusco

Transfers from your hotel in Arequipa to the airport. On your arrival in Cusco we transfer you to your hotel. You have the rest of the day free to explore and relax.

Day 6: Sacred Valley and alternative route to Machupicchu

south of peru Today we embark on the alternative route to Machu Picchu Sanctuary. The vast majority of the journey is undertaken by car or bus, unlike the traditional train journey from Cusco. This new route brings you closer to the valley cultures and rugged mountains ranges that protect the hidden treasure of Machu Picchu. If you choose, only the last 20 min of your trip is aboard the train, otherwise a walk via the narrow, densely forested valley floor, shielded by enormous Andean peaks, will deliver you to the town of Aguas Calientes.
This new route leaves from Ollantaytambo, crosses the districts of Santa Maria and Santa Teresa; taking approximately eight hours, before arriving at the Hydroelectric Station. From this point, it’s the train or a 2 hour walk to your final destination.
Only recently popular due to the rising costs of the train this alternative route allows you to keep within budget.
If the train section is taken for the final leg of the journey a visit to the hot thermal spring late afternoon is possible prior to dinner. We spend the night in Aguas Calientes.

Day 7: Machupicchu

south of peru We have breakfast early to fuel your body for the day ahead. In order to arrive at Machu Picchu we offer two options; a 20 min bus ride or a 2 hour walk. Keep in mind we have a guided tour of the site beginning at 6:00 a.m. that lasts for approximately 2 1/2 hours. You will be free until 11:30 am to explore the ruins at which time it is recommended we return to the town of Aguas Calientes to board the 12:35 pm train. This will drop us off at the Hydroelectric Plant where we transfer to Santa Teresa. We have another hour of free time for lunch, prior to returning to CUSCO by the same route that we arrived. We estimate getting back to Cusco approximately 9:30 p.m.

Day 8: Horseback City Tour of Cusco

south of peru We collect you from your hotel and continue to the Sacsayhuaman Ranch where will select our horses and begin our tour. We will visit several archeological zones throughout the day including, Sacsayhuaman – thought to be of great religious significance during the time of the Incas. Q’enko – with its wonderful amphitheater and maze that leads to some underground galleries. Pucapucara – which means ‘Red Fortress’ and derives its name due to its semi-circular construction and the colour of the land. Tambomachay - where two aqueducts, still functioning today, have clean water flowing all year round.
We will return to the city of Cusco for dinner and also spend the night.