Altiplano to the Andes

Altiplano

Altiplano to the Andes

Duration :   10 Days 9 Nights
The Price :   $1,595.00
10 days / 9 nights Weekly Departures Year Round Adult $ 1795.00 / $1595.00

Please ‘contact us’ to book this tour

Trip Overview
See the best of the Andes Mountains on this 10-day blitz from Adventures to Peru! Fly from the bustling capital of Lima to the majestic Lake Titicaca, the highest tropical lake in the world, including an eye opening Quechua family home stay. Explore the architectural jewel that is the Inca capital of Cusco, the archaeological wonders of the Sacred Valley, and the finale, Peru’s premier attraction, Machu Picchu. The combination of natural beauty, living culture and archaeology will appease any appetite for adventure.

*As on all Adventures to Peru tours, you’re taken care of from beginning to end: airport transfers are included!

Details

Prices
Prices are per person based on double occupancy, unless otherwise noted. Prices are subject to change. Prices based on 3.5% cash discount. Prices based on a group minimum of 2 adult travelers. Deposit is 50% of total. Remaining balance becomes due 60 days prior to tour departure.

See Booking Terms and Conditions

Accommodation
3 star hotels (8 nts), home-stay (1 nt)

Group Size
Minimum 2, Maximum 12

Meals Included
All breakfasts are included, (B,L,D) while on home stay
Key: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner

Transport
Private bus, public bus, Machu Picchu shuttle, train, domestic flight, tricycle taxi, motorboat

Day 1 Lima
Days 2-4 Fly Puno / Lake Titicaca Home Stay / Puno
Day 5 Cusco
Day 6 Valley / Ollantaytambo
Day 7 Aguas Calientes / Machu Picchu
Day 8 Machu Picchu / Cusco
Day 9 Cusco Free Day
Day 10 Lima Departure Day

Day 1 Lima
Arrive in Lima at any time. A representative from Adventures to Peru will greet you at the airport and private transfer to your hotel. There are no planned activities today so check-in and enjoy the city. This afternoon you are free to explore colonial and modern Lima, with visits to the Government Palace, cathedral, Plaza de Armas and the Archaeological Museum. Or, hang around the bustling commercial districts of and Miraflores and Barranco.

Day 2 Puno / Lake Titicaca (B)
A morning flight takes us up to Puno on the shores of spectacular Lake Titicaca. The afternoon is free to explore the plazas, churches and markets of this lakeside town.

Puno, a city of 150,00 inhabitants, is considered by local populations to be a linguistic, cultural and political border. To the south toward Bolivia the Aymara people and language are dominant. To the north, the better-known Quechua is the dominant tongue. Fortunately, you will see both.

Day 3 Quechua
Home Stay Amantani Island Lake Titicaca (B,L,D) After breakfast, our local guide will take us to the floating reed island’s of the Uros (Aymara roots) and then on to Amantani (Qechua roots) by motor boat. The Uros people are a specific cultural group apart from the Incas. They are more sensitive and protective. We ask that visitors always proceed with respect. Please ask before snapping pictures, as some of the older generations will object

The locals are very friendly and produce souvenirs representing life on the Lake. You can support them by buying a souvenir if you choose.

After the Uros, we will take a step back in time as we arrive to Amantani. The island culture offers a glimpse into their ancient traditions and customs. A rural home stay will open your eyes to the true beauty of this place and the people that have inhabited the lake for thousands of years. All local food and beverages included.

Focus: Andean views of life, death and marriage; Origins of The Sacred Lake

Day 4 Puno (B)
We’ll start with an early wake up call to enjoy a spectacular sunrise over Lake Titicaca before visiting the neighboring island of Taquile. Famous for textiles and weavings, Taquile is a cultural treasure chest. We’ll spend an hour hiking to the summit of Taquile Island before enjoying lunch overlooking the Lake Titicaca. Our lunch will include local favorites, trout or kingfish, before heading back to Puno.

Day 5 Cusco (B)
After breakfast our overland journey continues through the high plateau. Our full day overland journey through the majestic Andes will astound you. We’ll cover close to 400km, go over mountain passes at 4,334m (14,222ft) above sea level, visit some of our favorite local indigenous villages and sample some of the best local roast lamb available. Approximate arrival in Cusco 3:00pm.

Day 6 Ollantaytambo (B)
One of the most spectacular days of the tour takes us through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Once an important source of food for the Inca, the Sacred Valley is a lush agricultural region that continues to supply the city of Cusco with much of its produce. As it is 600m lower than Cusco, temperatures are on average 5 degrees Cº higher in the Sacred Valley.

Our travels will bring us through the major archaeological sites of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. At Pisac, an optional two hour or 5km hike will allow us to fully appreciate the Incan city nestled high in the Andean range. Later, the colorful artesian market at Pisac will no doubt be a highlight for those in search of unique souvenirs.

The day trip finishes in the picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, location of another large Inca site. This major ruin is known as the best surviving example of Inca urban planning and engineering. But more than that, Ollantaytambo is a living breathing Inca City. Here we catch our breath and prepare for our train voyage to Machu Picchu.

Day 7 Aguas Calientes (B)
The morning will be spent visiting Maras and Moray. Maras, a quaint highland village is found in route to the archeological site of Moray. These mysterious circular experimental farming terraces are a must see in the Cusco region. Then visit to salt terraces of Urubamba in time to get back to Ollantaytambo for our late train to Aguas Calientes. Evening free to soak in the hot thermal pools or spend your time souvenir shopping at the plethora of local markets.

Day 8 Machu PIcchu / Cusco (B)
A pre-dawn start from takes us by local shuttle to Machu Picchu. Enjoy the ruins in virtual solitude for the first hour until sunrise. Make the hour-long hike up to the ‘Intipunku’ or Sun Gate. See Machu Picchu in all its glory and discover Machu Picchu on an expert 2-hour private guided tour. Then, free time at site to explore, rest, meditate or simply chill out in the ruins.

Climb Wayna Picchu (Young Peak 2 hrs, not included), hike to the Moon Temple (2 1/2 hrs), or venture to the Inca Draw Bridge! There is no shortage of things so see and do in Machu Picchu. Generally we’ll have lunch in Aguas Calientes although it is your choice, afternoon train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

Day 9 Cusco (B)
Today is a free day in the Incan Imperial Capital.

We recommend a stop by the Incan Archaeological Museum located just around the corner from your hotel. Then, time permitting, visit the recently opened ‘Casa Concha’, which houses hundreds of pieces removed from Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham in 1912 and recently returned in 2011 (Centennial Anniversary of Machu Picchu’s scientific discovery) to Peru by Yale University in the United States.

Also worth a visit is the colorful local market at San Pedro and the bohemian neighborhood of San Blas, full of artists, craftsmen and street vendors, both only minutes from the hotel.

Day 10 Lima Departure Day (B)
Finish up last minute shopping at the Indian market before a direct flight to Lima for the final stop on our journey. Adios amigos! Adventures to Peru services end today in the Lima airport. If necessary, we can arrange a later flight out of Cusco or additional post tour accommodation in Lima or Cusco upon client request. Contact Us if additional planning is necessary.

Adventures to Peru local destination hosts
Lake Titicaca indigenous Quechua family home stay
Visit to Taquile and floating Uros Islands
Full day excursion of the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Guided tour of Machu Picchu

Airport arrival AND departure transfers
All accommodations, family home stay
All land transport along the route
2 domestic flights
Domestic airport taxes
Guide service throughout as per dossier
Entrance fees for included excursions
All breakfasts, Meals on Lake Titicaca home stay
Reconfirmation of ongoing flights out of Peru

International Flights
Visa and passport fees
Insurance
All meals (see above)
Alcohol, Drinks
Tips
Optional activities/day-tours/excursions
International departure taxes and excess baggage fees

Got A Question ?

Do not hesitate to Contact Us

Reviews

Shopping Cart

Toll Free from USA & Canada :
1-800-490-7495

International Direct :
+1 (720) 313-6370

Or use this form to initiate a contact from one of our trip specialists.
info@adventurestoperu.com