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Machu Picchu & Colca Canyon, Tour Peru's Top Natural and Manmade Wonders

Duration: 10 days
4+ Travelers: $2,795/Person
2-3 Travelers: $3,225/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 regarding details and private departure costs.

Machu Picchu & Colca Canyon Itinerary

• Day 1 (Sat) LIMA View Lima accommodations picture gallery 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.
  View Optional Pre-Itinerary Tour Extensions
• Day 2 (Sun) LIMA - AREQUIPA View Arequipa accommodations picture gallery 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
• Day 3 (Mon) AREQUIPA - CHIVAY View Chivay accommodations picture gallery 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)
• Day 4 (Tue) COLCA CANYON - HIKING CRUZ DEL CONDOR - AREQUIPA View Arequipa accommodations picture gallery 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)
• Day 5 (Wed) AREQUIPA - CUSCO View Cusco accommodations picture gallery 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)
• Day 6 (Thu) CUSCO View Cusco accommodations picture gallery 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)
• Day 7 (Fri) CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY View Sacred Valley accommodations picture gallery 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)
• Day 8 (Sat) SACRED VALLEY - OLLANTAYTAMBO - MACHU PICCHU View Machu Picchu accommodations picture gallery This morning enjoy a walking tour of the Ollantaytambo ruins after breakfast. Take the mid-morning train from Ollantaytambo along the trek to Machu Picchu. 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 (7,875 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)
• Day 9 (Sun) MACHU PICCHU - CHINCHEROS TEXTILE MARKET - CUSCO View Cusco accommodations picture gallery Today is the experience you've been anticipating since you booked your Peru tour: Machu Picchu at sunrise, before the day-trippers arrive. The morning 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 early afternoon train returns you to the Sacred Valley, where your private driver will be waiting to take you to the Chincheros market. Enjoy a hands-on explanation to the traditional weaving methods of these artisans and time for some last minute shopping. This community is known to produce some of the best textiles in all of Peru. In the late afternoon, return to Cusco and your hotel. (B)
• 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) View Optional Post-Itinerary Tour Extensions
• Key: (B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner

KEY TO MAP

Itinerary Map

PERU EXTENSIONS

SOUTHERN EXPLORATIONS
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CONTACT US

CALL
1.877.784.5400
TOLL FREE
OUTSIDE
THE U.S.A. CALL
1.206.784.8111

2010 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES

Saturday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum

Aug 07-16
Sep 04-13
Oct 09-18
Nov 06-14
Dec 04-13

Private Departures can be arranged. Please regarding private departure costs.

2011 SCHEDULED TRIP DATES

Saturday Departures
2 person minimum / 8 maximum

Jan 15-24
Feb 05-14
Mar 05-14
Apr 09-18
May 07-16
Jun 11-20
Jul 09-18
Aug 06-15
Sep 03-12
Oct 08-17
Nov 05-13
Dec 03-12

Private Departures can be arranged. Please regarding private departure costs.

INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS

Included in tour cost

Meals as indicated

All hotel accommodations (twin shared basis)

All airport/hotel transfers

Entrance fees for all scheduled tours and archaeological sites

English speaking certified guides

Southern Explorations pre departure services

Excluded in tour cost

International round - trip airfare to and from Peru

Airfare $425 (Lima / Arequipa / Cusco / Lima) Subject to change

Airport taxes international (around $30) and local (around $5)

Tips and gratuities

Travel insurance

Continental breakfasts are included at all hotels. All other meals are not included unless specified in the itinerary.

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

PERU ACCOMMODATION

Machu Picchu & Colca Canyon Accommodation:

9 nights hotels

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

Additional $595

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