Machu Picchu & Colca Canyon, Tour Peru's Top Natural and Manmade Wonders
Duration: 10 days
Cost: $2965/Person
On this exciting Peru tour, journey to one of the most impressive canyons of the world and continue on to the Inca heartland where South America's most remarkable ruins are found. This fascinating tour includes five top destinations: the fascinating "White City" of Arequipa, the famed Colca Canyon that is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and home to the elusive Andean condor, the Inca capital of Cusco, the archeological wonders of the Sacred Valley, and the finale, Peru's premier attraction, Machu Picchu. The mix of sights and terrains combine some of Peru's top natural and manmade wonders into one fascinating adventure vacation.
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding details and private departure costs.
ITINERARY
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Day 1 (Sat) LIMA
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On day one, arrive in Peru's capital and be met by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel. If you arrive early and want to sightsee, we can arrange optional tours to explore the city, including museums, and other sites of interest.
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Day 2 (Sun) LIMA - AREQUIPA
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The morning of your Peru tour begins with a flight south to Arequipa, known for its architectural signature, the many white colonial buildings of white volcanic rock. Relax or explore Arequipa before the start of an afternoon city tour with stops at Yanahuara for its views of the skyline, the Jesuit complex of La Compania and the Convent of Santa Catalina, famous for its labyrinth of secluded quarters. (B)
Picture Gallery, Convent of Santa Catalina
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Day 3 (Mon) AREQUIPA - CHIVAY
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Out of the city, your Peru tour continues as you slowly ascend to the highland savannah or puna, affording an amazing view of Mt. El Misti and other volcanic peaks. This high-altitude desert provides habitat to herds of llamas, alpacas and the endangered vicuña that you'll see roaming in the altiplano landscape. Descend into the upper Colca Canyon at Chivay and stay overnight at the charming Colca Lodge. (B, L, D)
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Day 4 (Tue) COLCA CANYON – HIKING CRUZ DEL CONDOR - AREQUIPA
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Today's destination is Cruz del Condor, a viewpoint over the deepest part of the famed canyon, the best place to view condors. Here this magnificent endangered species may be found in the early mornings as the birds leave their rocky perch to slowly ascend over the horizon. This regal sight will surely be a highlight of your Peru travels. In the late afternoon, return to your Arequipa hotel for the evening. (B)
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Day 5 (Wed) AREQUIPA - CUSCO
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Our Peru tour continues as you return to the Arequipa airport for your short flight to Cusco , ancient center of the Inca Empire. Southern Explorations' guides pick you up at the Cusco airport and tour you through the beautiful Plaza de Armas on the way to the hotel, where you may unwind and be free the rest of the day to explore and get used to the elevation (10,856 ft). (B)
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Day 6 (Thu) CUSCO
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This pleasant day of our Peru tour begins with a guided walking tour through the colorful markets of Cusco as well as the city's other important sights. You'll visit the colonial cathedral and Koricancha, the impressive Temple of the Sun. After a Peruvian lunch, you depart for an afternoon tour of Inca temples and several other prominent sights, including: the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, with its megalithic stone terraces; Kenko, with its carved stone surfaces and subterranean altars; the small strategically-located fortress of Puka Pukara and the water temple, Tambo Machay. In the late afternoon, relax at your hotel or venture out on your own to further explore the interesting culture of Cusco. (B)
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Day 7 (Fri) CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY
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Today's adventure on our Peru ecotour includes a guided excursion of panoramic mountain views, reaching the Incas' legendary Sacred Valley. Along the way, you'll notice Inca terracing on the steep valley walls before arriving at the temple ruins of Pisac and the nearby town, famed for its textile market. After taking time out for lunch, you'll travel to the small town of Ollantaytambo (9,185 ft), to see its impressive Inca fortress and spend the night at a local hotel. (B)
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Day 8 (Sat) SACRED VALLEY - MACHU PICCHU
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It is a short walk from the hotel to board the morning train in Ollantaytambo for today's Machu Picchu trek. On the journey, you'll enjoy some of the highlights of our Peru ecotour along the Urubamba River and through a magnificent cloud forest to reach Aguas Calientes where a bus will take you the rest of the way to Machu Picchu (7,800 ft). Take the entire day to explore the famous ruins of this magnificent mountain citadel and then return in the late afternoon to nearby Aguas Calientes to soak in hot springs and enjoy a delicious dinner of regional cuisine. Spend a restful night at a hotel in town. (B)
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Day 9 (Sun) MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
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Today is the experience you've been anticipating since you booked your Peru tour: Machu Picchu at sunrise, before the day-trippers arrive. The day holds various opportunities for exploration, including a climb to the Huayna Picchu sacred peak or a forest walk to the Temple of the Moon. The afternoon train returns you to the modern world, where you will be transferred to your Cusco hotel. (B)
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Day 10 (Mon) CUSCO - LIMA
On the final day of your Peru tour, you'll be transferred to the airport in the morning for the return flight to Lima and your connecting international flight, marking the end of Southern Explorations services. If you'd like to remain in Cusco or Lima or travel elsewhere in Peru, we offer a wide range of trip extensions. (B)
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Key:
(B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
Itinerary Map
ARTICLES & INFORMATION ABOUT PERU
TOURS AND TRAVEL
CONTACT A BOOKING AGENT
CALL
1.877.784.5400
TOLL FREE
OUTSIDE
THE U.S.A. CALL
1.206.784.8111
2008 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES
Saturday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum
May
17-26
June
14-23
July
12-21
August
9-18
September
6-15
October
4-13
November
15-24
December
6-15
Private Departures can be arranged. Please contact us regarding private departure costs.
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
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Included in tour cost
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- Meals as indicated
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- All hotel accommodations (twin shared basis)
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- All airport/hotel transfers
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- Entrance fees for all scheduled tours and archaeological sites
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- English speaking certified guides
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- Southern Explorations pre departure services
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Excluded in tour cost
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- International round - trip airfare to and from Peru
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- Airfare $395 (Lima/Arequipa/Cusco/Lima)
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- Airport taxes international (around $30) and local (around $5)
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- Tips and gratuities
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- Travel insurance
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- Continental breakfasts are included at all hotels. All other meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary.
PHYSICAL RATING
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Moderate
PERU ACCOMMODATION
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Machu Picchu & Colca Canyon Accommodation:
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9 nights hotels
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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Additional $475
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- Single Supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy. We will match you with another same gender traveler unless you request single accommodations.
Prices based on 3% cash discount
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Duration: 10 days)
Our Peru tour continues as you return to the Arequipa airport for your short flight to Cusco , ancient center of the Inca Empire. Southern Explorations' guides pick you up at the Cusco airport and tour you through the beautiful Plaza de Armas on the way to the hotel, where you may unwind and be free the rest of the day to explore and get used to the elevation (10,856 ft). (B)
