10 Days Colca Canyon and Machu Picchu

Short tour summary

A tour that takes you to South America's most beautiful canyon - The Colca Canyon, two times deeper than the Grand Canyon (USA). Experience the majestic giant condors soaring overhead at Cruz del Condor, before travelling on to Cusco, the capital of the Inca civilization. Discover the magical Inca ruins in and around the colonial city of Cusco before traveling to the new wonder of the world Machu Picchu. A Tour that includes: Arequipa, The Colca Canyon, Cusco with surrounding areas and an overnight stay in Machu Picchu. Classic and luxury options are available.

 

Day 1

Today you will arrive in Lima from your international flights. We will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. If you have an early arrival time, should you wish we can arrange a short tour of the colonial sites of Lima.

In the evening you may want to eat in some of the fantastic restaurants that Lima has to offer, or perhaps relax around the entertainment complex of Larcomar.

In the evening you may want to try some of the fantastic restaurants that Lima has to offer, or perhaps relax around the entertainment complex of Larcomar, in the up-market Miraflores district

 

Day 2

In the morning we will collect you from your hotel for your afternoon flights to the colonial city of Arequipa. Located in the south of Peru, it is considered to be the most beautiful city in all of Peru. Founded in 1540, and constructed mostly of sillar, a porus white volcanic rock, the city also became known locally as 'la ciudad blanca' or the white city.

On arrival in Arequipa, we will collect you from the airport, and take you to your hotel for the afternoon. You will have the rest of the day as free time. Arequipa is also known for its famous gastronomy, offering possibly some of the best regional food.

 

Day 3

Today we will take you on a half day city tour of the UNESCO world heritage city of Arequipa. The tour includes a visit to Plaza de Armas and its Cathedral, the cloisters of La Compania Church, the market of San Camilo and the extraordinary Santa Catalina convent, built from volcanic lava and dates to the 16th century.

Should you wish we can also arrange a visit to the best preserved mummy in the whole of the Americas, Juanita, housed at the university.

 

Day 4

This morning you will have an early rise as we collect you for your two day tour into the Colca Canyon, also known as 'The Valley of Wonders'. The journey will take you east from Arequipa, gently climbing through the National Reserve of Salinas, where wild llamas and vicunas grace and onto El Mirador de los Andes, the highest point on the journey at 4,800m (15,500ft). You will stop at many points of interest along the way for photo wildlife and opportunities, before you start to descend down to the village of Chivay, and onto your accommodation for the evening.

There is a choice of hotels in the valley, and we recommend a night in the fabulous Colca Lodge. Built completely of stone, mud bricks and thatched roofs, Colca Lodge is located in the heart of the Valley, next to the Colca River. The lodge has its own thermal pools where you can relax in the healing waters while admiring the stunning scenery.

 

Day 5

We have an early morning start to visit the Cruz Del Condor, the best place to see these magnificent birds of prey. With wingspans up to 15 feet they are the largest birds of prey in the world, a truly spectacular site as they soar above you and into the distance along the canyon.

In the afternoon you will travel back to Arequipa and onto your hotel for the evening.

 

Day 6

The Inca region of Peru awaits you today! After breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel and fly you to the Inca Capital - Cusco. On arrival we will meet you and take you by transport to your hotel, arriving early afternoon.

You will have free time in the afternoon to explore this fabulous colonial city, which was founded by the Incas over 5 decades ago. The Inca Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the Inca sanctuary of Tambomachay and Koricancha - the Inca temple of the sun, are just a few of the many attractions that must be seen.

 

Day 7

Today after breakfast, we will collect you for a full day tour to the Sacred Valley. First you will travel to the attractive village of Ollantaytambo, located at the western end of the Valley. The town is located at the foot of some spectacular Inca ruins, strategically built to defend the entrance to the Urubamba Valley. After your guided tour of the ruins, you will travel the short distance to the market town of Pisac; where you will rest for lunch (included). In Pisac you will have time to explore the famous bustling artisan market in the main plaza, set below the sprawling Inca ruins in the mountains above. 

In the evening you may want eat in one of the many excellent restaurants located around Plaza de Armas. Perhaps try the local delicacy of Cuy (Guinea-pig)!!!

 

Day 8

Today you will have an early start for your trip to the imperial Inca city of Machu Picchu. Should you take The Vistadome Train or The Hiram Bingham Train, you will be struck by the constantly changing and beautiful scenery of The Urubamba Valley as you make your way towards Machu Picchu.

You will be met at the train station and transferred by shuttle bus to Machu Picchu. Your private guide will give you a two hour guided tour of the citadel, including The Temple of the Sun, The Royal Tomb, The Temple of Three Windows and much more! For lunch we will take you to The Sanctuary Lodge Hotel, conveniently located next to the citadel for a relaxing buffet lunch.

In the afternoon you will have free time to explore Machu Picchu, before heading down to the small town of Aguas Calientes and onto your hotel for the evening.

 

Day 9

Today you will have a free day to re-visit Machu Picchu. This is your opportunity to explore some of the sights that are not included on the standard tour. You may wish to hike the small mountain of Huayna Picchu (Young Mountain) to see the amazing views that are offered from this vantage point. Or, perhaps a visit to the amazing Inca Bridge, built as a secret access route to the Citadel.

After lunch you will return to Aguas Calientes, where you can catch your early evening train back to Cusco. We will collect your from Poroy train station and transfer you to your hotel one stop before Cusco, saving you an hour on the train.

 

Day 10

After a relaxing breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel and take you to Cusco airport for your mid-morning flights to Lima. In Lima airport you can wait to connect to your onward flight, or alternatively we can arrange transport to take you in to Lima for some last minute shopping, or perhaps a spot of Lunch.

 

What´s included

All tours with qualified English speaking guides
Airport transfers
9 nights accommodation in our recommended hotels, including breakfasts. (Colca Lodge available on request.)
The Vistadome Train to Machu Picchu
Buffet lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge hotel
Flights Lima: Arequipa / Arequipa - Cusco / Cusco - Lima

Luxury option includes: Private tour of The Colca Canyon, The Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu, Private tour of The Sacred Valley and luxury class hotels.

 

What´s not included

International airfares
Local departure airport taxes
Other meals unless specified in the itinerary
Insurance against theft, loss, illness and/or accident

 

Prices

Classic tour from US$ 1,965 / GBP₤ 1,310 / EUR€ 1,400
Luxury tour from US$ 3,435 / GBP₤ 2,290 / EUR€ 2,455