A Cultural Historical Journey Through Peru 1
16 day journey, small groups of 18
January 7, 2011 - January 22, 2010
16 day journey, small groups of 18
Trip cost: $4195
Single supplement: $995
Includes: Lodging, all meals except 3, all sites, all guiding services, all domestic air and land travel, most tips
Does not include: International airfare, international departure tax, optional tips to two local guides, alcoholic or other extra beverages.
Please contact us for further information: send us a note or call 651-430-1848.
Itinerary
| Jan. 7 |
Fly to Lima • Overnight Lima Arrive Lima from the States. Most flights arrive in the evening around midnight. Clear customs and immigration and proceed to the exit waiting area. You will be met by Humberto Valdivia, your trip escort extraordinaire, who will be traveling with you for the entire journey. Humberto is a professional photographer, a chef and a delightful person to be around for 16 days! It’s a 45 minute ride to your garden hotel in Miraflores. Overnight Hotel Senorial (senorial.com) |
| Jan. 8 |
Lima visit and Arequipa • Overnight Arequipa Drive to the weaving workshop of Wilber Quispe, a master weaver (fundacioncomunidad.org-read ‘The Durable Weave’) with whom ArtAndes has been working for over thirteen years. A team of weavers gives you a demonstration on the complicated tapestry weaving technique and the art of natural dye. Wilber will have unique high quality textiles for sale. You have a home-made lunch at Wilber’s, then it’s off to the airport for a late afternoon flight ( 1 1/2 hr) to Arequipa. Peru’s second largest city sits at 8,000 above sea level. During your two day stay in this lovely city, you will slowly acclimate to the higher altitudes ahead. Arequipa is a designated UNESCO world heritage site which dates from the mid 16th -19th century. The architecture of the colonial city is mostly constructed from white volcanic rock. The evening is free to explore the historic center. Your hotel balcony overlooks the beautiful Plaza de Armas. Overnight Sonesta Posada del Inca (sonesta.com/arequipa) |
| Jan. 9 |
Arequipa touring • Overnight Arequipa You take it easy while acclimating today. After breakfast on the balcony, you meet your local guide for a tour of the 400 year old Santa Catalina Convent, a complete miniature walled town of over six acres in the center of the city. (santacatalina.org.pe) About 450 nuns lived here in complete isolation. Part of the convent was recently opened after four centuries of total seclusion. You will visit the Catholic University Museum for an in-depth Inca history presentation with the recent ‘Juanita Mummy’ find as a highlight. The provincial city is the alpaca fiber capital of South America and the best place to buy top quality fashionable alpaca sweaters. Arequipa is a delightful city in which to meander. Being here on a Sunday offers an additional relaxed pace. Overnight Sonesta Posada del Inca |
| Jan. 10 |
Drive to Colca Canyon • Overnight Colca Canyon Afterer an early breakfast you drive through some of the wildest and most diverse areas of Peru to reach the majestic Colca Canyon. This is the land of active volcanoes, thermal springs, high-altitude deserts and the world’s deepest canyons. You drive through a major vicuña & alpaca breeding reserve, during their birthing time. The Colca Canyon area is very traditional with the Cabana and Collagua people, two colorful indigenous groups who lived isolated from the outside world until the mid-seventies. The canyon is covered with pre-Inca terraces that have been used continuously for over 1,500 years. You have three glorious days to hike the canyon rim, explore the small villages, experience the breathtaking views and soak in the private hot springs located in your hotel, the secluded Colca Lodge. Overnight Colca Lodge (colca-lodge.com) |
| Jan. 11 |
Colca Canyon touring • Overnight Colca Canyon With great views of the valley, you have an optional beautiful but easy hour walk to Yanque, the nearest village. For the more energetic there is an uphill hour-round trip hike to the nearby ruins along the way that can be added on. In Yanque you visit Sister Antonia’s soup kitchen project. Antonia, a Mary Knoll nun who has lived in the Colca Valley for 35 years, single-handedly started the kitchen that now serves 850 portions of food a day. The town is charming and offers a small and interesting museum. The bus is always available throughout your stay to allow for different paces and exercise desires. You return to the lodge for a late lunch near the river. The afternoon is free to relax in the private hot springs or further your exploration. Before dinner, an optional guided nature walk along the river is offered. Overnight Colca Lodge |
| Jan. 12 |
Colca Canyon touring • Overnight Colca Canyon You drive further into the deepest part of the canyon for amazing and unforgettable views of the thousands of steep pre-Inca terraces. This is the growing season and a good time to walk in the area and to watch the terraces being worked by the locals. At the deepest part of the canyon you have the option to hike on a well groomed trail along the canyon rim for stunning views and possible Condor sightings. A late lunch will be back at the lodge and the afternoon will be free for your own exploration or more soaking in the hot springs. A cooking class is offered in the evening. Overnight Colca Lodge |
| Jan. 13 |
Drive from Colca Canyon to Puno • Overnight Puno You embark on a scenic six-hour journey through the diverse topography of the alitplano or high Andean plains to the lively city of Puno. Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Puno is the folkloric capital of Peru and there are sure to be colorful celebrations in preparation for Carnival. You stop for a picnic lunch at a lake along the way. Overnight Hotel Qelqatani (qelqatani.com) |
| Jan. 14 |
Sightseeing in Puno and environs • Overnight Puno Today is another very rich day of Andean culture. You visit a few homes of ArtAndes friends, this is a past knitters co-op business connection turned into a humana-tourism experience. There are 40 communities in the co-op and visiting some of their homes is a cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the way of life in the highlands of the Andes. This is a unique opportunity made possible only by the close relationship developed over the years of ArtAndes and Minka artisans co-op working together. You cannot leave untouched by these humble people. Later you visit the Chullpas, or burial towers of Sullistani, that are over 40 feet high and considered more complicated than the Inca masonry that came later. Overnight Hotel Qelqatani |
| Jan. 15 |
Touring on Lake Titicaca • Overnight Puno You have a full day on Lake Titicaca. Visit the floating Uros reed islands and Taquile Island from which you will find fantastic views of the grand lake that has been the source of rich pre-Inca mythology. At Taquile, you will be greeted by groups of friendly locals, who wait for your arrival with great anticipation. This serene agricultural island has no motorized vehicles and it is a great place to explore, hike and take in the peaceful setting at your on pace. Visiting with the island’s friendly residents is a natural happening. This is an opportunity to be in a typical small village setting, on a lesser known part of the island. The humble Taquile people will show you how they use their ancient farming tools, their planting techniques and the dance & costumes of the unique region. This area is also known for its knitting, almost exclusively done by boys and men. You have a flavorful lunch of local grains using the best recipes handed down for generations. Overnight Hotel Qelqatani |
| Jan. 16 |
Drive from Puno to Cusco • Overnight Cusco Today you get an early start on your drive to Cusco, which will prove to be another excellent cultural experience and a vivid glimpse into the way of life in a different region of the Andes. The drive takes a little longer than six hours if you drive straight through without stopping. But you stop! It’s Sunday market day. You visit a very traditional local market along the way-the market is an Indigenous social gathering that serves a purpose for the communities that come from afar on foot, burro or bus. We quietly observe their social customs as we browse the market. Bring your grocery list! You tour the high Inca walls at Raqchi. From there on to the beautiful early 17th century church in the small town of Andahuaylillas. The drive is through a broad scenic valley outlined with snow peaks and dotted with alpaca and llamas. The bus is spacious and comfortable and will allow you to take advantage of the many photo ops. A dinner celebration in the majestic city of the Incas tops off the journey! Overnight Hotel Los Andes (cuscoandes.com) |
| Jan. 17 |
Cusco touring • Overnight Cusco This morning you have an optional horseback ride from the nearby ruins of Sacsayhuaman to the Inca baths of Tambo Machay. This will give you an excellent introduction to the Sacred Valley. For those equestrian-shy folks, hiking the trail is a great option and the bus is always available. After the ride, you are free to explore Cusco on your own. We are certain you will understand why Cusco is considered the archaeological capital of the Americas and has to be the most charming as well! There are no shortage of cobblestone alleys to explore in addition to the hills above the city and the ancient walls that support this historically significant place. A two-hour afternoon walking tour will be offered to Qoricancha-The Temple of the Sun & La Catedral. The finely displayed art collection at the Pre-Colombian Museo de Arte is not to be missed. Lunch and dinner is on your own today. Overnight Hotel Los Andes |
| Jan. 18 |
Cusco to Ollantaytambo • Overnight in Ollantaytambo You drive through the Sacred Valley and explore this lush green landscape on red soil, which is quite different from what we have seen so far. Your first stop will be the village of Chinchero, where you have another unique opportunity to visit a successful indigenous weaving co-operative a•liated with ArtAndes. This very traditional group will share their revived designs. Their spinning and weaving techniques equal those of pre-Columbian cultures. They have received international acclaim for their work, and this is another great opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces from the artists. The visit is much more than weaving, it’s Cultural preservation. You are treated to a great lunch of the local grains and produce. You continue your journey to the salt flats, a walk along the Urubamba River valley and a visit to the extraordinary ruins of Ollantaytambo. The Hotel Pakaritampu is a lovely garden hotel that will make you want an extra day! In the evening explore the narrow cobblestone streets in the pre-Inca town. Overnight Hotel Pakaritampu (pakaritampu.com) |
| Jan. 19 |
Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu • Overnight in Aguas Caliente You board the train for a scenic ride along the mighty Urubamba River to Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu; one of the great highlights of this journey. You have a guided tour of the ancient city followed by a picnic lunch. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. You can walk to the sun gate, hike up Wayna Picchu, meditate on a giant stone or return to your cloud forest hotel. The Machu Picchu Pueblo is an ecological hotel surrounded by lush vegetation, amidst a private 12-acre cloud forest that features several nature walks. A walk through the orchid gardens in the height of the bloom season is spectacular, with 327 species of native orchids. On the bird walk you could possibly see all the 157 species that have been registered. Tonight you have a gourmet dinner at the hotel. Overnight Inka Terra (inkaterra.com) |
| Jan. 20 |
Aguas Caliente to Cusco • Overnight in Cusco You are free to return to Machu Picchu on the 1st bus at 6 am, or experience the tropical grounds of the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Take a nature walk with a qualified naturalist or have a relaxing morning in your room. You have until the late afternoon to experience this diverse cloud forest reserve. At 2:30 p.m you board the train back through the Sacred Valley to Cusco. You arrive just in time for dinner. Overnight Hotel Los Andes |
| Jan. 21 |
Cusco/Pisaq • Overnight in Cusco You head out energized to see the majestic Inca architectural ruins of Pisaq, 45 minutes from Cusco. In many respects, the stone masonry here is more awesome than that of the more famous ruins at Machu Picchu. The expansive view of the river valley from the ruins is breathtaking and unforgettable. You can take two hours to hike down through the ruins. This is a great opportunity to know the ruins and appreciate the setting as you go. You will end your hike at the colorful vibrant Pisaq market. Or you can take the bus back down if you prefer, which means more time in the market! Lunch is on the square at the colorful Ulrikes cafe. Mid-afternoon you are back in Cusco. Dinner tonight is on your own. Overnight Hotel Los Andes |
| Jan. 22 |
Flight from Cusco to LimaLima touring / Peru departure For printable itinerary click here: /files/artandes/ckfinder/files/%2016%20day%20itinerary%20for%20print%20.pdf |
