Day 1Welcome to Arequipa!
Your guide will meet you at the hotel at 1pm, in time for lunch and a full trip briefing.
In the afternoon we’ll take a tour of the Santa Catalina convent – an amazing, colourful walled city-within-a-city. Or you might want to just wander around Arequipa’s gorgeous colonial centre, or relax in the hotel, as you adjust to Arequipa’s 2350m (7709ft) altitude.
- Accommodation: La Casa de Melgar, Arequipa (L,D)
Day 2Meet local kids and a 500-year-old Mummy!
This morning we’ll take a special ‘reality tour’ to learn a bit about the lives of young, poorer Peruvians. We’ll visit a primary school, a state-sponsored dining room, a local market and a children’s centre, as well as some slightly more traditional attractions. This introduction to daily life in Peru is a great experience for parents and kids alike, as it helps to put your own life into perspective with a different country and culture.
This afternoon we’ll pay our respects to local celebrity Mummy Juanita – sacrificed more than 500 years ago, her mummified body was perfectly preserved on top of a nearby 6310 metre mountain until being discovered in 1995.
- Accommodation: La Casa de Melgar, Arequipa (B,L,D)
Day 3Llamas, volcanoes and hot springs!
Today we’re headed for Chivay, near the Colca Canyon. Along the way we’ll check out spectacular volcano views and get up close and personal with herds of llamas, alpacas and super-cute vicunas. In the afternoon we’ll head for La Calera, a complex of natural hot springs where, if relaxing in healing hot water isn’t your thing, you can choose to ride an adventure zipline instead.
- Accommodation: Basic hostal near Chivay, Colca (B,L,D)
Day 4Condor spotting in Colca Canyon
We’ll be up and out at sunrise, headed for a viewpoint in Colca Canyon where we can watch majestic condors riding the early morning thermals – definitely worth the early start! Then we’ll check out the little towns of Yanque and Maca, and the mysterious water features of Huayrapunko and Quehuisha on our way back to Arequipa.
- Accommodation: La Casa de Melgar, Arequipa (B,L,D)
Day 5To Puno
This morning we’ll catch the bus to Puno, on the shore of Lake Titicaca. In the afternoon we’ll visit the Steamship Yavari, the oldest iron-hulled ship in the world, which has been chugging around on Lake Titicaca since being carried in from the coast in pieces in 1869. Or if you prefer some downtime this afternoon, Puno is great for wandering around, with great cafés and markets for people-watching.
- Accommodation: Cosy hotel, Puno (B,L,D)
Day 6Lake Titicaca
This morning we take to the waters of Lake Titicaca. Our first, brief stop is the very interesting but extremely touristic Uros Islands – the famous floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca. On Amantani Island we’ll head home with our homestay hosts for a lunch including sopa de quinua (quinua and vegetable soup.) In the afternoon we’ll take on local kids in a game of soccer (which we will inevitably lose– the 3800 metre altitude is a powerful leveller!), and hike to the top of the island for what may be the most beautiful sunset you’ll ever see.
- Accommodation: Homestay with local Quechua family, Amantani Island (B,L,D)
Day 7Lake Titicaca
This morning we chug across the lake to Taquile. This is perhaps the most beautiful of the islands of Lake Titicaca, with an inviting Mediterranean climate, steep green hillsides, and stunning views across the lake to the snow-capped peaks of Bolivia to the east. We’ll take our time exploring the pre-Inca ruins and tiny towns along the peaceful pathways of the island, and learning about the colourful, story-telling textiles the island is famous for, before catching a ferry back to Puno.
- Accommodation: Cosy hotel, Puno (B,L,D)
Day 8Pucara and Raqchi
Our first stop this morning is Pucara, a tiny town that was home to one of the oldest civilisations in the world. Its incredibly long history is on display in the town museum, as well as the ruin just outside town.
Our destination for the night is Raqchi. This peaceful little village is best known for its very important Inca ruin. The enormous, alien-looking Templo de Wiracocacha was one of the main temples of the Inca Empire, and one of the most important staging posts in its extensive road network. We’ll explore it this afternoon with a knowledgeable local guide, before settling down to sleep in the guestrooms of our local host families.
- Accommodation: Family homestay, Raqchi (B,L,D)
Day 9Raqchi and Lampa
This morning we’ll explore the pretty countryside around Raqchi, checking out crops, Inca agricultural terracing, breathtaking lookouts, and an extinct volcano.
Much of the pottery you’ll see all over Peru is made here in Raqchi, and this afternoon we’ll try our hands at a potter’s wheel. Worst-case scenario is hilarious, messy fun – and with luck, you’ll end up with a pot you made yourself as a souvenir of your trip!
Today we’ll also have the privilege of attending a ch’alla, or payment to the Earth – a very special ceremony of in honour of Pacha Mama (Mother Earth).
- Accommodation: Family homestay, Raqchi (B,L,D)
Day 10To Cusco
After waving goodbye to our new friends at Raqchi, we’ll head for the belly-button of the world, Cusco. Along the way we’ll stop in the sleepy little village of Andahuaylillas for a quick run around in the Plaza and a visit to its incredibly ornate church.
- Accommodation: Hostal Inkarri, Cusco (B,L,D)
Day 11Free day in Cusco
There are things to do in Cusco to suit every age and personality: churches, museums, and art galleries; adventure activities like rafting and horse riding, and some very nifty and elaborate parks and playgrounds. This is also the perfect day to just wander around, perhaps shop, and enjoy the spectacular mountain views, traditionally dressed locals, excellent cafes and charming architecture that characterise the historic centre of Cusco.
- Accommodation: Hostal Inkarri, Cusco (B)
Day 12The Sacred Valley of the Incas
Today is an action packed day. First stop is an animal sanctuary where we can get close to condors, pumas, macaws, llamas, and alpacas. Next we’ll check out the big souvenir market and maze of cobbled streets of the tiny town of Pisac. In the afternoon we’ll visit Salineras, a still-working Inca salt factory that we think is the most spectacular and surreal sight in the Cusco region.
Our destination for the night is Ollantaytambo, the most perfectly preserved of all Inca towns, with atmospheric cobbled alleyway, sunny plazas, and rugged mountain views, all presided over by a spectacular, llama-shaped ruin.
- Accommodation: Family-run hotel, Ollantaytambo (B,L,D)
Day 13Machu Picchu!
This morning we’ll catch the train to Machu Picchu – this is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and needs no introduction. After a guided tour (a very interesting and engaging one), we’ll have plenty of time to explore this huge site at our own pace. We’ve also got plenty of suggestions for things to do in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes, where we’ll be staying tonight – hot springs, funny statues and a trout farm are some options for afternoon entertainment.
- Accommodation: Comfortable hotel, Aguas Calientes (B,L,D)
Day 14Last day in Cusco
We’ll catch a morning train back to Cusco, where you’ll have the afternoon free for last-minute shopping, wandering, museum visiting, or whatever else takes your fancy – whatever it is, we’re here to help. This evening we’ll have a very special last dinner together.
- Accommodation: Hostal Inkarri, Cusco (B,L,D)
Day 15Departure day
We’ll get you to Cusco airport in time for your flight out. If you’re staying on in Cusco, we’re delighted to help out with suggestions and assistance for the rest of your time here. (B)
