Collection of Charms

Day 1

Welcome to Lima, City of Kings and the Larco Museum of Cultures
Arrival to the city of Lima, assistance, and transfer to the hotel.
An exclusive and intense tour of the Historical Center of Lima will take us to know and admire the architectonic relics that are part of the old Lima, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Convent of Santo Domingo is the beginning of this magnificent experience. It was built during the foundation of Lima. The Universidad Mayor de San Marcos (University of San Marcos) was founded on this site, the oldest in America. Inside, the choir with the oldest stalls in the country; and the library, with 25,000 books, some printed in the XV century, has an invaluable historical value. The mortal remains of San Martín de Porres, San Juan Masías and Santa Rosa de Lima lie inside. Crossing the Plaza Mayor, the Government Palace and the Municipality, going into the Cathedral, a jewel in the history of Lima, with artworks that will make us feel closer to colonial Lima. Leaving downtown Lima and heading to the Larco Museum, where we will get a clear vision of the cultures that inhabited ancient Peru. We shall admire the gold pieces, textiles and erotic ceramics that are part of the collection which will introduce us to the cosmovision of the ancient Peru. The warehouse of this museum will be open during our visit to appreciate the expressions of art that were reflected in their ceramics.

Day 2

Nasca, Enigmas of the Pampa
Departure by bus bound for the bay of Paracas. Arrival and assistance to board the modern light aircraft of Aerodiana, Cessna Grand Caravan, at the airport of Pisco. We will fly over the desert sands of Ica before arriving at the great pampa of Nasca, where we will find the mysterious and enigmatic designs and perfect lines that cross this huge expanse of land. The designs can only be appreciated from the air, and this is what originates so many theories and mysteries about its function and for whom they were made. The well-known signs are the monkey, the hummingbird, the spider, the lizard, the astronaut, the dog, the condor, and many lines that look like landing strips. Listen to the theories and draw your own conclusions. Return to Pisco and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the time is free. We suggest undertaking an adventure riding in a dune buggy locally known as arenero through the huge dunes of the nearby desert. Overnight stay in Paracas.

Day 3

Paracas, Reserve of Marine Life
Early in the morning, when the sea is calm and without big waves in the ocean, embark on speedy motorboats to go to the Ballestas Islands, part of the Paracas National Reserve of Marine Life. An ecological system that is protected and regulated to protect the species that have made its habitat in these islands. Along the way, encounter a mysterious drawing best known as El Candelabro (The Candelabra), aligned in the direction of the pampa of Nasca. When we arrive at the islands, explore the great caves, refuge of seals, penguins and diverse marine birds that our expert guide will teach us how to identify. The curiosity of the seals will make them get close to the motorboats to observe us. Return to the hotel. Free time to enjoy the facilities of the hotel. At the scheduled time, departure by bus to return to the city of Lima. Arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Day 4

Arequipa, the White City
Transfer to the airport. Departure to Arequipa. Arrival, assistance and transfer to the hotel.
In the afternoon, the “White City” opens its doors to us in a tour that starts in the beautiful colonial neighborhood of San Lázaro, the place where Arequipa was founded; from here we will walk thru its colorful streets adorned with geraniums and later we will go to the observation point of Carmen Alto, to enjoy a beautiful view of agricultural terraces and from there we will be able to observe the three volcanos towering over the city: Misti, Chachani and Picchu -Picchu. We continue towards the colonial district of Yanahuara, famous for its church built in the Andalusian style and its observation point, erected with a beautiful architecture and surrounded with arches made of ashlar. Later, we visit the Santa Catalina Monastery, impressive religious monument that was closed for nearly 400 years; with narrow streets, squares and gardens that remind us of the old neighborhoods of Sevilla or Granada. Next, we head towards the Plaza de Armas, from there we will be able to watch the Cathedral and the arches surrounding the plaza, and finally visit the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús; established by the Jesuits in the XVII century, note its cloisters and the famous Dome of San Ignacio.

Day 5

Cusco, Capital of the Empire
Arrival to the city of Cusco, assistance, and transfer to the hotel.
In the afternoon, exclusive stroll in the city that starts with a visit to the Plaza de San Cristóbal (San Cristobal Square) to enjoy a panoramic overview of the city. Afterwards, we will visit the San Pedro Market, where we will absorb the local flavors and learn more about the products of the area in this market that has it all and supplies the entire city. Later, the Qorikancha Temple will welcome us with all its splendor and magnificence, with walls that used to be covered in gold. From San Blas, the artisans’ neighborhood, we will walk down the street Hatun Rumiyoc finding in our way the palace Inca Roca, today´s Archbishops Palace, and we will have time to admire the world famous Twelve Angled Stone. We will continue to the Plaza de Armas to visit The Cathedral that houses colonial works of incredible value.

Day 6

Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman
In the morning, we will leave behind the crowds in order to visit Sacsayhuaman, an impressive citadel full of colossal constructions surrounded by beautiful landscape in total communion with the environment. Afterwards, we continue to the Inca adoratory of Q’enqo, with its surprising altar for sacrifices embedded in the internal part of its rocky formation. Finally, we arrive at the Puca Pucará lookout and Tambomachay, a monument of notable architectonic excellence which is considered one of the pillars of the Andean cosmovision. Free afternoon to enjoy the city.

Day 7

Inca Village of Chinchero, Terraces of Moray and the Inca Village of Ollantaytambo
This day we shall visit the most outstanding places in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We will depart towards the Village of Chinchero, the most typical and colorful of the Sacred Valley. This village is famous for its weaving women. Short stop in a textiles center to appreciate the old Inca techniques for the dyeing and spinning using alpaca wool. After visiting the Inca plaza with its beautiful colonial church, we will continue towards Moray, a beautiful Inca archaeological site made up of concentric agricultural terraces that served as a lab to recreate microclimates. Lunch. Later visit to the last living village of the Incas, Ollantaytambo. Also, a visit to the Temple of the ten windows, the bath of the princess, and the Sun Temple. The postcard pictures that we will take from the heights of Ollantaytambo will close this magical day in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Lodging in the area.

Day 8

Machu Picchu, the Lost City
The much-awaited day to visit one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Boarding at the Ollantaytambo station. Departure in the selected train. Arrival at the Machu Picchu station. Assistance, from our staff to board the bus that will ascend up a winding road, with a spectacular view of the Urubamba river which forms a deep canyon. The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, will greet us with its incredible terraces, staircases, ceremonial sites and urban areas. Energy exudes from the whole place. Lunch. At the coordinated time, return by train and transfer to the hotel in Cusco. Lodging.

Day 9

Route to the Andean Altiplano
Departure on a tourist bus to the city of Puno, a beautiful landscape route accompanied by the Vilcanota River and afterwards to the plateau of Collao, the Andean altiplano. Our first stop will be at the Church of the Apostle St. Peter in Andahuaylillas better known as “La Sixtina de América” (The Sistine Chapel of America). The walls and ceiling are full of mural paintings from the 17th century. Continue to Racchi, Temple of the God Wiracocha, where the remains of the columns and walls stand out and give us an idea of the monumental size of this construction during the Inca times. Our path will reach its highest point at La Raya at 4,800 m.a.s.l., a place where there is the division of the waters of the basin of the Titicaca and the rivers that will go to the Amazonas. Lunch. Visit to the Site Museum of Pucara. This location is the cradle of the famous toritos de Pucará (Pucara little bulls). Arrival in Puno and transfer to the hotel.

Day 10

The Titicaca Sacred Lake and its islands
In the morning, board a motorboat to visit the Uros, a town of people that sought refuge inside Lake Titicaca, fleeing the different cultures that arrived to dominate them. This community continues building their islands following the ancient techniques, and welcome us to pass on their knowledge. Its people make a living from its visitors. Continue sailing towards the Island of Taquile. The community of this island has maintained alive its traditions, clothes and way of life. It is one of the few Quechua communities in a region that is essentially Aymara, and they have kept unreachable to modernity and its possible effect on their lives. They will welcome us with their music and dances. Lunch at a community restaurant, a simple meal but very rich in nutrients. Afterwards, take a walk around the surrounding areas to appreciate the beautiful view of the Lake Titicaca. Return to the port of Puno. Transfer to the hotel.

Day 11

Farewell Day
Transfer to the airport. Departure to Lima to connect with your return flight home.