Roots of the Inca Empire

Day 1

Welcome to La Paz, Bolivia
Arrival to the city of Lima, assistance, and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2

Tiahuanaco, cradle of the Inca Empire and La Paz
In the morning, visit to the pre-Inca Civilization Tiahuanaco, cradle of the Inca empire, that dominated the Collao plateau between Perú and Bolivia, and it expanded to the northern part of Argentina and Chile. We will appreciate the remains of the Kalasasaya temple, the monoliths and the Sun Gate. All these buildings are made of finely carved stone with reliefs and figures that let us see their magnificent splendor. Return to La Paz.
In the afternoon, we start our tour of the city with a view of the authentic local culture in the typical witch doctor´s market. We pass in front of the colonial church of San Francisco. Continue towards the Plaza Murillo, there we find the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Government Palace and the Parliament. Then, we walk around the famous Calle Jaén, which is home to the most important museums of La Paz. Our visit will continue through the residential areas of Obrajes, Calacoto and La Florida ending in the spectacular Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), which is a nearby geological formation that has always attracted the visitor’s interest in this city.

Day 3

Crossing Lake Titicaca and the Sun Island
Departure by bus to the Chua jetty. Excursion in catamaran through the Incas Sacred Lake "El Titicaca". We will sail through the strait of Tiquina and will continue towards the Sun Island. Lunch aboard. Arriving at the island, we visit the cultural complex of Inti Wata, there we see the cultivation of plants native to the high plateau and the Andes in the still preserved Inca agricultural terraces. In this place we have the opportunity to watch the Andean camelids such as the llamas, alpacas and guanacos. The complex has a site museum with remains of the cultures in the area. We will receive the blessing according to an ancient kallawaya tradition. Will continue to the northern part of the island to visit the town of Challapampa, the DINAAR Archeological Museum and the Chincana pre-inca temple. We take a short walk through an old path. Night aboard the catamaran. Diner and typical dance demonstration of the local villagers.

Day 4

Crossing of the Titicaca lake, Copacabana and Puno
After breakfast aboard the catamaran, we continue navigating towards the city of Copacabana. Arrival and visit to the Sanctuary of the Virgen Morena (Dark Virgin), place of worship and pilgrimage of the Aymara people. Departure by bus going to the city of Puno. Along the road we will encounter beautiful landscapes and Andean towns. Arrival to the hotel and rest.

Day 5

Titicaca Sacred Lake and Sillustani Tombs
In the morning, we will 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 ancient techniques and welcome us to pass on their knowledge. Its people make a living from its visitors. We will have time to navigate in the totora reed vessel they build. Return to the port of Puno.
In the afternoon, the burial site of Sillustani, on the shores of lake Umayo. The tombs called chullpas, are tower-like burials for the ancient Qollas that inhabited the Andean plateau. We will be surprised by its inverted semi-conic construction. Return to your hotel in Puno.

Day 6

Andean Train, from the Titicaca to the Capital of the Empire
Transfer to the train station to board the train Peru Rail Titicaca going to the city of Cusco. This train crosses the Andean plateau, and it is the world´s second highest, reaching the highest point at 4,319 m.a.s.l. in La Raya. In this place we will make a stop to buy local handicrafts and to contemplate the snow-covered peaks of the Chimboya mountain range. This mountain range has the dividing point for the waters that go to the Lake Titicaca and the Vilcanota river that would later flow into the Ucayali River and then the Amazonas. From the train we have a unique view of the spots that are high in the Andes and the small towns. Enjoy the panoramic train car and the typical dances. Lunch aboard. Arrival, reception and transfer to the hotel.

Day 7

Cusco, Capital of the Inca Empire and 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.
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 8

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 9

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 10

Cusco at your Pace
Free day. Cusco offers many cultural, archaeological and adventure-oriented activities. Reserve the activities with anticipation. We recommend:
Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain. Located at 5000 m.a.s.l. in the heights of the Valley of the Vilcanota River in the mountain range of the Ausangate snowcapped mountain, this beautiful mountain has become one of the main attractions and great wonders of Cusco.
Kayak in the Huaypo Lake. One day of contact with our inner being, paddling in a kayak on the Huaypo Lake with the snowcapped mountains as the backdrop. A moment to relax and let the silence invade and renew our energy. Lunch on the lake banks.

Day 11

Welcome to Lima, City of Kings and the Larco Museum of Cultures
Transfer to the airport. Departure to Lima. 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 12

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