Peru Andean Culture Tour with Inca Wonders

Itinerary

• Day 1: Lima, Arrival

  Welcome to Lima, a cosmopolitan oasis that blends Andean traditions with coastal influences and a rich Spanish colonial history. Upon arrival, our staff will assist with check-in, luggage and transfer you to your hotel.

  • Lima

• Day 2: Lima - Puno, Sillustani & Umayo Lagoon

  Your journey leads now to the Andean highlands of southern Peru. Boarding your flight to Juliaca, leave the coast behind and ascend into the thin air of the Altiplano.

  Upon arrival, embark on the overland route to Puno to visit the Sillustani ruins. Arrive at Umayo Lagoon, a shimmering sapphire set amidst the arid Earth. Crossing; the saline waters, you come to the islet and the funerary towers known as chullpas that rise like sleeping giants from the hilltop. Listen for echoes of long forgotten Incan chants as you wander among towering stone tombs rising from a shimmering saline lake like sentinels of a bygone era. Let tales of age-old rituals and burial customs unfold from your guide's lips, vibrant with the colors and passions of Andean souls now dust for centuries.

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  • Puno

• Day 3: Puno - Ccotos, Ccotos Village Visit

  Your journey leads to ancient Lake Titicaca's shores - the cradle of Andean civilization. Arriving at Ccotos village, the Uros people welcome you with warm smiles and show you to your simple reed dwelling. Over lunch with your host family, they present a vivid picture of their unique way of life on the floating islands. Later, your hosts guide you up sacred Ancasayana - Ccotos' guardian Apu - to archeological sites hinting at a time before the Incas. Then, sail to Ticonata Island's museum to visit before aiding your hosts with fishing nets. As the sun sinks behind vast Lake Titicaca, you ponder the enduring resilience of the Uros spirit and their harmonious relationship with nature.

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  • Ccotos

• Day 4: Ccotos - Lake Titicaca, Amantani Island

  As the sun peeks over the horizon, you wake to collect the fishing nets and partake in breakfast, taking in the majestic sunrise from the lake shore. Then, you will partake in farming activities (according to season). Before noon, you board the boat to Amantani Island. Upon arrival, you are welcomed into the humble homes of the islanders who graciously host you.

  After lunch, climb the footpath to mystical Pacha Tata, the island's ceremonial heart. From its heights, the shimmering expanse of Lake Titicaca and snow-capped Andean peaks stretch as far as the eye can see. Watch the sun paint the sky in splendor of gold and crimson as it sets the water aflame, before sitting down to a home-cooked dinner with your generous hosts under the gathering dusk.

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  • Amantani Island

• Day 5: Lake Titicaca - Puno, Uros & Taquile Island

  After breakfast, board the boat for the sail to Taquile Island across Lake Titicaca's azure waters. The journey reveals views of snowcapped Andean peaks rising above the shore. Upon arrival, explore colorful craftwork. Locals demonstrate weaving and knitting skills, delighting you with the marvel of traditions preserved over centuries. Lunch is a feast for the senses with local music accompanying traditional dances as you savor island specialties.

  Then proceed to the Uros floating islands, gliding across the water in totora reed boats. Step into the serene world of an ancient culture as islanders showcase their way of life. Marvel at the ingenious reed structures that dot the water's surface and soak in the pristine natural beauty of the lake.

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  • Puno

• Day 6: Puno - Cusco, Pukara Museum & Chapel of Andahuaylillas

  Make your way to Cusco by touristic bus, pausing for a buffet lunch in historic Sicuani.

  Along the way, the Pukara Museum opens its galleries holding treasures of lithic art dating back three millennia to the pre-Incan dawn. Stop at Raqchi ruins to walk among the sacred ceremonial complex of Wiracocha with its stone rings, ramps, and terraces etched in ageless stone. Next, the chapel of Andahuaylillas will fill your eyes with interiors awash in gold and intricate baroque carvings that speak of ages past.

  Upon arrival in Cusco, the timeworn cobblestone streets and soaring Inca stonework will welcome you, inviting exploration of this city deemed the navel of the world, where history lives on every corner.

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  • Cusco

• Day 7: Cusco, A Day Excursion to Traditional Villages

  Transfer from Cusco to Lamay, and hike to the hamlet of Huayllafara nestled in the hills like an eaglet in its aerie. Take in the sweeping vista of local fields and farms where women and men go about their customary chores - tending livestock, spinning wool and weaving colorful textiles, children playing - a tableau of Andean family life. Retrace your steps to Lamay to savor a hearty country lunch.

  In the afternoon, visit the village of Lamay, untouched by the trappings of tourism, in the sacred valley where the Incas once walked. As you wander the village dirt lanes, glance within traditional abodes and peek into lively workshops - enclosures filled with squealing guinea pigs, the "Pichinku" natural dyes project, the traditional "Chicherias" of corn beer, and more artisanal surprises that Lamay has to offer. Finally, transfer to Cusco.

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  • Cusco

• Day 8: Cusco - Aguas Calientes - Cusco, Machu Picchu

  This morning, transfer to Poroy's station to take the train to Aguas Calientes. The fabled vistas of Machu Picchu beckon you forth! Board a 30-minute shuttle bus ride up to the lost city of the Incas.

  Once inside, marvel at the ingenious Inca engineering tucked into mountain clifftops with panoramic views. Absorb the mystical energy still palpable in these sacred ruins. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Inca priests and imagine life in this mountain citadel.

  After the guided tour, descend by a shuttle bus to the charming Aguas Calientes for your train back to Poroy on your own. Upon arrival, transfer to Cusco.

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  • Cusco

• Day 9: Cusco - Lima, Departure

  As your flight carries you home, warm encounters with generous locals live on in memory - their kindness imprinted on your heart. Cherished recollections of this magical city remain, yours to keep.

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