Andes Mysteries: Lima, Cusco and Puno in one package

Overview:

The “Andes Mysteries” package takes you on a fascinating journey through three of Peru’s most captivating destinations. Start in Lima, the vibrant capital city, and explore its rich history and culture. Next, travel to Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, where you’ll visit awe-inspiring archaeological sites such as Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley or nature marvels like Rainbow Mountain or Humantay. Finally, head to Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca, to discover the fascinating traditions of the local communities and enjoy the stunning scenery of Titicaca lake. This package is perfect for those who want to experience the best of Peru’s culture, history, and natural beauty in one unforgettable trip.

Highlights:

• Explore Lima, its culture, ancient sites and colonial buildings.
• Immerse yourself in an adventure along the Paracas coastline and take part in sunboarding and buggy activities in Huacachina.
• Discover the ancient Andean culture and get up close and personal with the secrets of the great Inca civilisation, Machu Picchu and a wide range of Inca sites.
• Cross the mythical Andean altiplano route and discover Lake Titicaca with your own eyes.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to Perú! Explore the “City of the Kings” 

(City Tour) (Archaeological sites) (Pisco Sour)

Welcome to Lima! Ready to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of these charming cities? Let’s begin this exciting tour with an unforgettable experience that starts from the moment you arrive at the airport.

We will greet you with a warm welcome and take you directly to your hotel so you can relax and get ready for the exciting City Tour that we will have during the afternoon of this day (For this reason it is strictly necessary that you arrive in the city in the morning hours).

We will go out to discover the most emblematic places of Lima. First, we will visit the beautiful “Parque del Amor”, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and the famous statue “El Beso”. Then, we will pass by the iconic “Larcomar” shopping mall to see the most exclusive stores in Lima.

Afterwards, we will head to the impressive Huaca Pucllana, an archaeological site belonging to the “Lima Culture”. Here, you will learn about the fascinating history of this ancient civilization and explore its ancient ruins.

We will also have the opportunity to visit the beautiful park “El Olivar”, with its more than 1500 olive trees dating back to the 16th century. In addition, we will explore the historic center of Lima, with its cobblestone streets and colonial buildings.

But that’s not all: you will also have the opportunity to taste the famous “Pisco Sour”, Peru’s flagship drink, while enjoying a demonstration on how it is prepared.

Finally, we will visit the Convent of San Francisco de Asis and its mysterious catacombs, an experience you will not soon forget. At the end of the tour, we will drop you back at your hotel so you can rest and reflect on all you have seen and experienced on this exciting adventure.

Day 2: Discover the Stunning Natural Beauty and Thrilling Adventures in Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina

(Nature)(Extreme sports)

We will pick you up early from your hotel and take you on an exciting trip to the Ica desert. Once there, we will head by motorboat to the famous Ballestas Islands, where you will see the impressive Candelabra carved into the coastline, playful sea lions in their natural habitat, and adorable Humboldt penguins!

Then, we’ll head into the province of Ica, where you’ll enjoy a delicious typical lunch and learn more about the rich culture and gastronomy of the region.

But the adventure is not over yet, as after lunch we will head to Huacachina, where you will have the opportunity to get on some tubulars and feel the pure adrenaline as you cross the sand dunes. And if that’s not enough, you can also go sandboarding through the dunes!

Finally, we will say goodbye to the south of Peru and return to Lima in our private transportation, while you admire the breathtaking scenery that will take your breath away. A unique and unforgettable experience!”

DAY 3: Welcome to the magical city of Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire! (city tour)

On this day, we will be waiting for your arrival at the airport to give you a warm welcome and transport you to your hotel, where you will stay during your stay in the city. The vibrant atmosphere, spiritual energy and stunning architecture combine to create a truly unique experience.

In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to explore the charms of this city full of history and culture through a city tour. You will discover its wonderful squares, colonial churches and Inca ruins, such as the famous fortress of Sacsayhuaman, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains or the most important temple of the Incas, the Qoricancha.

It will be a fascinating experience to familiarize yourself with the city, acclimatize to the altitude and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the region. Prepare to fall in love with the beauty and charm of Cusco and prepare your body for the emotions that await you in the coming days!

DAY 4: The Sacred Valley of the Incas (Pisac & Ollantaytambo)

Our adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel. As we embark on our journey, we’ll head towards the warm and charismatic town of Pisac, where you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions.

Pisac is home to archaeological remains that are situated on the mountain that bears the same name. Among them are its impressive terraces, aqueducts, roads associated with walls, gateways, and the structure of its cemetery. As we explore the ruins of Pisac, you’ll have plenty of time to appreciate each detail at your own pace.

Afterward, we’ll treat ourselves to a splendid lunch before heading to the unique and stunning Pisac Market. This market is well-known throughout the Sacred Valley for its beautiful textiles made from alpaca wool and dyed in vivid colors, often handcrafted by local artisans. You can also find beautiful jewelry made from silver, unique decoration accessories, and traditional Peruvian toys.

Continuing our journey, we’ll visit Ollantaytambo, another monumental work of Inca architecture, which served as a multifunctional center for military, religious, administrative, and agricultural purposes. Ollantaytambo is also known as the only Inca city that remains almost intact, and where you can see the houses where the descendants of the Inca nobility still live.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to the train station in Ollantaytambo, located in the heart of the town, to take the train to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo, where we’ll spend the night before visiting the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu, the next day. Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic and mystery of the Inca Trail and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime!

5: The wonder of the world: MACHU PICCHU!

Get ready for a day filled with wonder and awe as we embark on a journey to visit one of the most impressive sites in the world: Machu Picchu. We will start our day by taking a comfortable bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we will register with our entrance tickets and passports before being greeted by our knowledgeable tour guide.

For the next 2 hours, our guide will take us on an unforgettable journey through the ancient citadel, sharing fascinating stories and insights into the Inca culture and history. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture stunning photos of the incredible scenery and ruins along the way.

For those feeling adventurous, you can opt to add an extra entrance ticket to climb either Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain after the tour.

After our tour, we’ll head back to Aguas Calientes for a delicious lunch (not included), where you can savor the flavors of local cuisine. After a satisfying lunch, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon all to yourself. You can take a leisurely stroll around the charming town, taking in the local sights and sounds. Alternatively, you can choose to indulge in a rejuvenating soak at the nearby hot springs, which are known for their refreshing properties.

This will undoubtedly be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your lifetime, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

6: Inca Trilogy: Chinchero, Maras and Moray

Embark on an unforgettable adventure as we begin our day with a scenic train ride to Ollantaytambo, from where we will continue our journey to the charming town of Chinchero. Marvel at the impressive Inca wall constructions and the town’s small Colonial Church, which holds a rich history.

Take part in an immersive experience at a textile interpretation center where you’ll witness the local artisans from Chinchero showcase their ancestral art of Andean textile production. You’ll be fascinated by the intricate designs and vivid colors of their traditional textiles.

Our journey continues to the awe-inspiring giant circular cultivation terraces in Moray. These terraces are believed to have been used as an agricultural laboratory by the Incas to study the effects of different crops at various altitudes.

As we make our way down the valley, we will visit the salt mines of Maras, an ancient site with over 3,000 salt wells used for human consumption since pre-Columbian times. Immerse yourself in the history and traditions of the Andean people as you witness the unique salt mining process.

As the day draws to a close, we will make our way back to the city of Cusco, filled with unforgettable memories of our Andean adventure.

7: Discover the beauty of Humantay lake

As the sun starts to rise, we will pick you up from your hotel between 4:00 to 5:00 am, ready for a day of adventure. We’ll take you on a scenic two-hour drive to the charming town of Mollepata where we will have a hearty breakfast that will set you up for the day ahead.

From here, we’ll continue to Soraypampa, the starting point of our trek. The air will be crisp and refreshing, as we take in the beautiful landscapes around us. We’ll begin our ascent in Soraypampa, surrounded by diverse flora and fauna that call this area home. You’ll have the chance to spot some native birds and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains like Salkantay.

After about two hours of hiking, we’ll reach the stunning Humantay Lake, known for its striking turquoise waters. Take a moment to catch your breath and enjoy a well-deserved rest. Admire the beauty of the landscape and let it sink in. You’ll have plenty of time to take some stunning photographs that will remind you of this moment forever.

As we make our way back, we’ll retrace our steps along the same route, descending from the lake and making our way back to the restaurant where we will enjoy a delicious lunch to fuel us up for the rest of the day.

In the afternoon, after a short rest, we’ll return to the city of Cusco. The memories of the day will stay with you forever, as you reflect on the beauty of the Humantay and the magic of the journey we took together.

8: Queswachaca, the last Inca suspension bridge

We will start our day early by picking you up directly from your hotel to embark on an exciting adventure towards Qeswachaka.

But before reaching our main destination, we will make a stop in the province of Acomayo, where you will have the opportunity to visit the impressive Pomacanchi, Asnaqocha, and Pampamarca or Tungasuca lagoons. Here, you can experience field activities such as fishing, totora hut camping, and pedal boats, all while enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

But that’s just the beginning. Soon, we will head towards the province of Canas and finally reach our main destination: the Qeswachaka Inca Bridge. This incredible 33-meter long and 1.20-meter wide bridge is hand-renewed every year by local people using ichu. Before starting the activity, a payment ceremony to the Pachamama is carried out to obtain help and protection during the bridge’s elaboration.

Once we arrive, you will have the opportunity to cross the hanging Inca Bridge round trip, obtaining impressive photographs of the authentic panorama of the Andes. It’s an experience you will never forget!

Finally, after exploring and experiencing all that Qeswachaka has to offer, we will head back to Cusco.

9: The magical and colorful Rainbow Mountain

Get ready to be picked up from your hotel before the sun rises, between 4:00 to 4:30 am. Our comfortable transport will take you to the southern region of Cusco, crossing mesmerizing fields, rivers, mountains, and charming villages.

After about two hours of travel, we will stop at the lovely town of Cusipata to indulge in a delicious breakfast, energizing you for the adventurous day ahead. As we continue our journey for another 45 minutes, we will be blessed with breathtaking views of canyons, glaciers, and herds of cute llamas and alpacas.

Finally, we’ll reach the starting point of our trek. For approximately two hours, we will hike and appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty of the Andes Mountains. Witness the herders in their traditional, colorful costumes, while they tend to their South American camelids.

As we approach our destination, the Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca, be prepared to have your breath taken away! The striking mountain range displays vivid colors, ranging from deep reds to stunning oranges, from bright yellows to electric greens. And of course, don’t miss the opportunity to gaze at the highest snow in Cusco, the Ausangate mountain.

Take your time to capture every moment and make your friends envious with your stunning pictures. Afterward, we will begin our journey back along the same path, appreciating the unforgettable scenery all over again.

We will take you back to Cusipata for a mouthwatering buffet lunch that will satisfy your taste buds. After lunch, our transport will take you back to the city of Cusco.

10: Route of the Sun, Cusco & Puno

Embark on a thrilling journey from Cusco to Puno, with unforgettable stops along the way. Our first destination, just a 40-minute drive away, is the Andahuaylillas Church, also known as the “Sistine Chapel of America,” with origins dating back to the 17th century.

Next, after approximately 1.5 hours, we’ll arrive at the Raqchi Archaeological Complex. Then, in Sicuani, we’ll indulge in a buffet lunch at the renowned “La Pascana” restaurant, known for its delectable cuisine and skilled chefs.

We’ll then head towards the Paso de la Raya (14,220 feet above sea level), marking the boundary between the cities of Cusco and Puno. Along the way, we’ll stop at the Pukara Lithic Museum (12,795 feet above sea level), where we’ll see the famous “Hatunñaqaq” sculpture, known as the “Supreme Decapitator” in modern times.

Finally, we’ll arrive in Puno at around 5:00 pm, culminating a day filled with adventure and cultural exploration. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to discover the treasures of Peru between Cusco and Puno!

11: Discover the Wonders of Titicaca Lake on a Speedboat Adventure

Picture yourself cruising along the crystal-clear waters of the highest navigable lake in the world, the majestic Lake Titicaca. Our adventure starts with a boat tour around the lake, where we will explore the ancient Uros culture and their floating islands. These man-made surfaces are constructed entirely of totora reeds and have been a way of life for the Uros people for centuries.

Afterward, we will continue our journey for two hours until we reach the captivating Taquile Island. Here, we will be surrounded by stunning landscapes, and we’ll have the chance to experience the traditional textile practices of the local people, who are known for their expertise in weaving. We’ll indulge in a delicious lunch on the island and visit a textile center, where we’ll witness the amazing skills of the Taquile community, passed down from generation to generation.

As the sun starts to set, we’ll reluctantly leave this magical place and make our way back to your accommodation, arriving around 4:00 pm. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure on the highest navigable lake in the world will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

In the afternoon, we will arrange for your transfer to the Juliaca airport so you can catch your flight home. Alternatively, if you would like to extend your stay, we can assist you in arranging an extra night of lodging. This marks the end of the tour package.