Peru | Classic Peru
 Views to another world |
|
13 days / 12 nights
| Location | Nights |
| Lima | 2 |
| Arequipa | 1 |
| Colca Canyon | 2 |
| Puno | 2 |
| Cusco | 3 |
| Sacred Valley | 1 |
| Machu Picchu | 1 |
Day 01 Arrive Lima
Arrive to a private welcome and transfer to the hotel. An afternoon guided tour of Lima to see the colonial and modern highlights including the Archaeological Museum. A drive through San Isidro and Miraflores showcases these elegant seaside districts and this evening is cocktails at the elegent 16th century Casa Aliaga, a superbly restored colonial home.
Miraflores Park Hotel (Executive Ocean View Suite)
Day 02 Lima – Arequipa (2,380M)
A flight south-east to Arequipa, known as the ‘white city’ for its buildings made of sillar, a white volcanic rock mined locally. As the cultural centre for Peru’s south there is much to see. Begin with a tour including the 16th century Santa Catalina convent, one of the country’s most impressive (B). Casa Andina Private Collection Arequipa (Colonial Room)
Day 03 Arequipa – Colca Canyon
An early start for the scenic drive to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest in the world – 3182m at its deepest point, almost twice as deep as the Grand Canyon. In addition to spectacular scenery of mountains and terraced hillsides, Colca also offers one of the best opportunities to view the Andean Condor in its native environment (B,L,D).
Las Casitas del Colca (Classic Casita)
Day 04 Colca Canyon
A day spent in the surrounds of your cosy lodge with much to do. There are walks and hikes within the canyon, trips to observe the Andean condor, cooking classes, cycling, riding, fishing or farm visits. An opportunity also for volunteer work at the local soup kitchen (B,L,D).
Las Casitas del Colca (Classic Casita)
Day 05 Colca – Puno
A long day today as you travel by road north to Puno and your brand new luxury lodge on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world (B,L).
Titilaka (Dawn Suite)
Day 06 Design Your Day Lake Titicaca
Consult with your personal experience manager to tailor the day’s activities. There is a variety of half, quarter or full day tours to choose from including island visits, mountain biking, 4WD trips, kayaking, highland trekking, birdwatching, horse riding, local village tours or a massage (B,L,D). Titilaka (Dawn Suite)
Day 07 Puno – Cusco (3,310M)
A treat is in store today as you take one of the world's great rail journeys. This is a trip on one of the highest railways from the shores of Lake Titicaca to Cusco. At its highest point, La Raya, the altitude is 4,313m. Stop here en route to admire breathtaking views over the altiplano of snowcapped mountains (B,L).
Hotel Monasterio (Deluxe Oxygenated Room)
Day 08 Design Your Day Cusco
The day is yours to discover what makes this fine colonial city tick. Choose two of the following half day activities: a morning guided walk around this colonial city with its cathedral and the beautiful Plaza de Armas and then on to the nearby Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman; a tour of the studio of Martin Chambi, the first indigenous photographer in the Americas and the first to photograph Machu Picchu; or the opportunity to meet a local artist in the San Blas district (B).
Hotel Monasterio (Deluxe Room)
Day 09 Design Your Day Cusco – Sacred Valley
Today you are driven into the Sacred Valley, heartland of the Incas, a charming area full of archaeological sites, Inca terraces and quaint colonial churches. Choose one of the following activities: a visit to the area’s colourful market towns (Chincheros or Pisac), where you are invited into the home of a local weaver to observe the production of regional handicrafts, visit the 15th century town of Ollantaytambo with its Inca ruins; or venture to the AKP sponsored ‘Children of the Rainbow’ centre for deprived children (B,L).
Hotel Sol y Luna (Standard Room)
Day 10 Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu
Transfer to Urubamba Station where you board the Vistadome train for the scenic journey along a narrow gauge line to Machu Picchu. Accompanied by your guide, explore this ancient site built by the Incas in the 15th century, overlooking the raging Urubamba River. Rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, the site remains well preserved and largely intact so as you walk amongst the ruins of palaces, temples, houses and storerooms it is easy to imagine the city at the height of the Inca Empire. Accommodation is at Orient-Express’ Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, the only property located adjacent to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu (B,L,D).
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge (Room with View)
Day 11 Machu Picchu – Cusco
A morning to further explore the ruins. Late this afternoon board the luxury Hiram Bingham train for the return journey to Cusco. Enjoy dinner and entertainment during the trip (B,D).
Hotel Monasterio (Deluxe Room)
Day 12 Cusco – Lima
Return by air to Lima with an afternoon visiting the famous Gold Museum, Peru’s most popular (B).
Miraflores Park Hotel (Executive Ocean View Suite)
Day 13 Depart Lima
Transfer to the airport for onward flight arrangements (B).
To conclude your adventure, see the Amazon & it's unique flora and fauna from a different angle and try A&K's 'Amazon Portfolio'.
Photographer Martin Chambi
Meet the grandson of Martin Chambi, renowned artist and the first indigenous photographer in the Americas. Enjoy his vast archival collection of some 30,000 negatives and prints. Martin is most famous as the first to professionally take pictures of Machu Picchu soon after its discovery in 1911 by Hiram Bingham.
Luxurious Alpaca III Garments
In Cusco, visit Alpaca III for top quality products made with traditional Andean methods. Look for luxurious knitted garments, coats, capes, shawls, throws, vicuna scarves and sweaters. Peru currently produces 90% of the world’s total alpaca fibre, making it a vital industry in the country’s Andean regions.
