Peru - The ancient Inca Kingdom

DAY 1: DEPART SOUTH AFRICA - LIMA

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

Welcome to Peru! Upon arrival in Lima, we will be met by our English-speaking driver-guide and transferred to our hotel, arriving late in the evening.

O/N at the Holiday Inn Miraflores or similar.

DAY 2: LIMA

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel this morning (served until 10h30). You have the rest of the morning to relax and acclimatise after the marathon flight.

This afternoon we depart on a 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 Welcome Dinner together.

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

DAY 4: 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 motorized 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 intensities 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 3: 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 6: 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’s 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. (no Wi-Fi)

DAY 5: 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 surrounds. 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 of 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 8: SACRED VALLEY

Following breakfast, we depart on a day tour of the surrounding region. Our first stop is 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.

From here we head to 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. We visit a cooperative where we learn about the traditional process of manufacturing, sewing, and dyeing used by local master women weavers in all kinds of garments; an inherited cultural heritage that has been preserved over time, passing down from generation to generation.

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

DAY 7: 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, box lunch and dinner.

DAY 9: 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.

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 for a late check-in.

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

DAY 10: 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. Next, we head towards the Main Square, where we will visit the Cathedral and admire its exquisite vestibules and priceless paintings from the Cusco School of the 17th and 18th centuries.

We end the day with an exploration of 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 take our time to visit some workshops and contemplate the artist’s works. Our last stop for the day is the San Blas Church, built in 1563 on top of an Inca Sanctuary. The church is a simple structure, famous for its beautiful pulpit that is carved from one single cedar tree – representing one of the most exquisite works of wood carving in the Spanish churrigueresque style done by indigenous hands.

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 - PUNO

Breakfast and check-out.

Today we will drive to Puno via Andahuaylillas, Pucara and Raqchi. 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.

We will stop in La Raya for lunch. Upon arrival in Puno, we transfer to our hotel for check-in and dinner.

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

DAY 11: CUSCO

Enjoy breakfast this morning. Today 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. A visit to Awanacancha to meet the alpacas and lamas, completes the day.

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 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 until this day.

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

All group members meet in the evening to enjoy dinner together.

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

DAY 13: 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 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 hand-made 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 lunch at a local home.

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

DAY 14: 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 out hotel tonight.

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

DAY 15: LIMA

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 16: 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.

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