Peru Splendors with Arequipa & Colca Canyon ( SOE3)

11 days from Lima to Lima

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Love a good mystery? This 11-day vacation to Peru is the perfect escape to delve into the world’s most intriguing lost and found story. Featuring not one, but two days behind the misty gates of Machu Picchu, this below-the-equator tour takes you high into the Andes and deeper inside the Lost City of the Incas to unearth its centuries-old secrets. Navigating the cryptic maze of trails, temples, and terraces in the world’s most famous forgotten city is one for the memory books. Other great finds on this tantalizing tour of Peru? Up-close encounters with llamas, alpacas, and other Sacred Valley locals; vibrant, handwoven textiles in the former Inca Empire capital of Cusco; bold, multicultural cuisine in the foodie capital of Lima; and a warm welcome inside a traditional family home for an authentic taste of Peruvian hospitality. Craving a deeper Peruvian experience? Add the Colca Canyon and Arequipa to your Peru vacation. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon is the second deepest canyon in the world. Enjoy the spectacular views below while the giant condor soars above. A visit to the “White City” of Arequipa, built from white volcanic rock, promises more dramatic views.

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Notes:

Maximum enjoyment of this vacation requires walking on cobblestone streets, uneven pathways, and climbing stairs. Elevations exceeding 10,000 feet can make even modest exertion a challenge. Maximum elevation on this tour is approx.16,000 ft.

People should be in relatively good shape to visit Arequipa and Colca Canyon due to high altitudes. Arequipa is approx. 7,808 feet and the road to Colca Valley has mountain passes which are approx. 16,000 ft. In Colca, where guests will overnight, the altitude is approx. 11,800 ft.

 Meals & Itinerary

 Meals

Breakfast daily, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

 Itinerary

Day 1

ARRIVE IN LIMA, PERU Welcome to the modern city of Lima!
Upon arrival, you will be met by your Globus representative.

Day 2

LIMA Legendary Lima
This afternoon, your Local Guide focuses on the city’s colonial heritage during a walking tour. Start at the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and the cathedral. From here, stroll to the venerable San Francisco Monastery with its splendid 17th-century cloister murals. For a special treat, LF stop at a local food market to get a real taste of life for the local people. This evening, enjoy dinner at one of Lima’s Peruvian restaurants with your fellow travel companions.
Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Stop for a real taste of Peru at a local market. Sample some of the local fruits and vegetable that aren’t found in other parts of the world. You can also find spices, meats, seafood, and even a souvenir or two. And you’ll definitely want to take some photos of the beautiful, brightly hued displays.

Day 3

LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEY Empire of the Andes
Fly to Cusco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Head into the Sacred Valley of the Incas and visit the semi-circular Kenko Amphitheater with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages and see the ancient site of Puca Pucara. Also, in the Sacred Valley, experience an LF El Pago a la Tierra, or Mother Earth Ceremony, performed by a local shaman. Meet local families who preserve the ancient technique of Pre-Columbian weaving using South American camelid fleece. This is your chance to get up close to the various camelids, including alpaca, llama, guanaco, and vicuña, indigenous to the region. Continue to Pisaq, an old mountain village, where you will have free time to shop for local wares, such as alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewelry, or hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases at its famous market. Stay in the Sacred Valley tonight, with dinner at the hotel.
Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch Dinner Dinner

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Feel the earth, smell the coca leaves, and taste the chicha today as you make payment to Mother Earth. Participate in an LF El Pago a la Tierra, an ancient ceremony led by a shaman thanking Mother Earth and asking for good health, wealth, and safe travels. These mystical ceremonies have been practiced in Peru since before the arrival of the Incas.

Day 4

SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHU Mystery on the Mountain
This morning, visit the Inca Fortress of Ollantaytambo, followed by LF a visit to a local home, meet some of the area’s families, and experience their way of life in the Sacred Valley. Then, board the Vistadome train for a scenic journey through the lush Urubamba Valley. Upon arrival, ascend the mountainside to legendary Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” Your Local Guide will introduce this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct, and will bring you closer to the mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures. Tonight, you may wish to try a Pisco Sour (a traditional Peruvian cocktail) or an Inka Kola, before the included dinner.
Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner

LOCAL FAVORITE
TIMELESS TRADITIONS Today, you are invited into a local family’s home in the Sacred Valley. Learn about their traditions like weaving that has been passed down for centuries from ancestors. See how they cook, live, sleep, work, and maybe ask about the cuy (Guinea pigs) they keep in their house.

Day 5

MACHU PICCHU–CUSCO Here Comes the Sun
A morning at leisure in Machu Picchu allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu with your second included entrance to the ruins. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the Sacred Valley by train and continue to Cusco.
Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & MYSTERY Staying overnight in Machu Picchu allows you to get up early and experience the ruins at their most pristine before the crowds arrive. Watch as the mist slowly burns off and the sun rays illuminate the ruins. While you are there, you may even want to try and get a selfie with one of the local llamas or alpacas!

Day 6

CUSCO Sun Worship & Spanish Conquests
On your guided sightseeing tour of Cusco today, learn more about the Inca and Spanish influence. Begin at the heart of Cusco in the Plaza de Armas (main square), with a visit to the imposing Cathedral, where construction began in 1550 and was finally completed 100 years later. Join a traditional LF Pasacalle through the streets of Cusco before continuing to Koricancha and the Santo Domingo Monastery and see how the two sites have become one. The Temple of the Sun at Koricancha was once the most important Inca site, dedicated to the worship of the Sun. The walls, altars, and decorations were all said to be covered in gold—until the Spaniards looted the temple and then built the contrasting Baroque Santo Domingo Monastery on top of the temple’s foundations. Also visit the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco. It remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons—was built. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast Breakfast Dinner Dinner

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION A special treat is in store for you when you are greeted by a group of Andean musicians dressed in vibrant Inca textiles. They will escort you on a Pasacalle (Andean Parade) through Cusco while playing traditional music and performing ancient dances—an experience you won’t soon forget!

Day 7

CUSCO–AREQUIPA Lava Love in Peru
Fly to Arequipa, known as the “White City,” as its buildings are made of sillar, a white volcanic rock found throughout the area. Upon arrival, a guided city tour of Arequipa shows off the Plaza de Armas, the cathedral, and the Jesuit Church, considered the best example of the mestizo baroque style.
Breakfast Breakfast

Please note: the Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided service is as outlined in the day by day itinerary.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS Surrounded by three volcanos, Arequipa is Peru’s second largest city behind Lima. The city is built from volcanic material and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage city. Beyond the architecture, Arequipa is known for its authentic cuisine. Visit a local picanteria in the city and taste some of Peru’s best food.

Day 8

AREQUIPA–COLCA CANYON Terrace Views
Take a guided drive across Pampa Cañahuas within Aguada Blanca National Reserve, the habitat of vicuñas and a variety of birds. Admire beautiful Pre-Columbian terraces still being cultivated by native Collaguas. After lunch, arrive in Colca Canyon, an impressive geological formation carved out by the river. More than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon is one of the deepest in the world. Observe the spectacular terracing, considered among the most extensive in southern Peru. These terraces, which allow cultivation and meticulously controlled irrigation of the steep slopes of the canyon, were built by natives between the 9th and 14th centuries.
Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Colca Lodge is nestled on the banks of the Colca River, surrounded by hundreds of pre-Inca platforms. Each room features stunning views of the Colca valley, gardens, and an occasional llama or alpaca. The hotel also is lucky enough to boast its own natural thermal pools - a perfect way to relax at the end of the day.

Day 9

COLCA CANYON On Condors’ Wings
This morning, enjoy a guided visit to the observation point of Condors’ Cross, for the chance to see Andean condors soaring in this native habitat. From here, also see the impressive Colca Canyon panorama. Next, visit the town of Yanque before returning to your hotel.
Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
WONDERS OF NATURE The Colca Canyon is home to the largest flying bird in the world, the condor. With wingspans of up to 11 feet, these massive vultures glide on the thermal updrafts along the canyon walls above the stunning landscapes of Arequipa. Don’t miss the chance to come eye to eye with these magnificent aerialists.

Day 10

COLCA CANYON–AREQUIPA–LIMA Homeward Bound Return to Arequipa and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Lima. Free time this evening.
Breakfast Breakfast Lunch Lunch

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LOCAL TASTES Enjoy a last chance to enjoy the fantastic food of Peru with a last night in Lima. Toast the trip with a Pisco Sour, sip a spoonful of ceviche, or catch the fish of the day with a dish of fresh seafood.

Day 11

LIMA Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast Breakfast

 Tour Director

With Globus, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. Averaging over a decade... we’d like you to meet a Tour Director, who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

MAURICIO YONFA-ESTUARDO

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

" Born in Venezuela and raised in Ecuador, I'm an architect by profession, but a Tour Director by heart. I have worked as a South America lecturer for cruise lines, a guide in Ecuador and the Galápagos, and a Tour Director in South America. My goals are to transform each guest into a Peruvian expert and to encourage them to try and appreciate authentic Incan food. So, let's discover together the mysterious land of the Incas and maybe even sample roasted guinea pig!"

Tour Director -  MAURICIO YONFA-ESTUARDO

 Accommodations

LIMA

CASA ANDINA SELECT MIRAFLORES

Hotel as shown or similar
Moderate First-Class
  Free Wifi

This hotel welcomes you to Lima in comfort and style. It is located in the center of Lima's bustling district of Miraflores, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, bars, and other Lima attractions. The excellent Casa Andina Select Miraflores exudes sophistication and comfort, focusing on personalized service and great amenities.

SACRED VALLEY

SONESTA POSADAS DEL INCA - SACRED VALLEY - YUCAY

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class
  Free Wifi

MACHU PICCHU

EL MAPI BY INKATERRA

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class
  Free Wifi

CUSCO

SONESTA HOTEL CUSCO

Hotel as shown or similar
Superior First-Class
  Free Wifi

The Sonesta Hotel Cusco, which was built in 1986 and completely renovated in 2010, now features a modern contemporary décor and a fine dining restaurant serving classic Peruvian cuisine. It is within blocks of a handcraft market, Plaza de Armas, shops and restaurants. Amenities include a retsaurant, room service, business center, and bar.

AREQUIPA

CASA ANDINA PREMIUM AREQUIPA

Hotel as shown or similar
Deluxe
  Free Wifi

COLCA CANYON

COLCA LODGE

Hotel as shown or similar
First-Class
  Free Wifi

The Colca Canyon Lodge affords you the opportunity to enjoy a marvelous natural environment which includes thermal water springs. Built completely of stone, mud bricks, and thatch roofs, the hotel is situated in the heart of the valley, next to the Colca River and in the midst of ancestral farming terraces. Amenities include a living room with fireplace, bar, game room, spa, jacuzzi, and thermal hot springs.

 Optional Excursions

Contact your Travel Consultant for more information.
Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)



* The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Globus).
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