Nazca -Colca Canyon – Floating Island – Short Inca Trail

DAY 1: LIMA

We will pick you up in private transport, Arrival Lima hours 18.10 KLM from Amsterdam KL07l / you will be transferred to you hotel to rest and relax.       

Hotel Tierra viva (standard rooms): 
Included: Transfers: Apto –Hotel

FULL DAY COOKING CLASS & PACHACAMAC 

You will learn cooking techniques with a local cook, The menú is fixed – we’ll use the ingredients learned on our morning market visit – the class will start with this sculptural potato salad called Causa. Two layers of chilled, smashed yellow potatoes surround a filling — in many cases, vegetables, seafood or chicken. Then we’ll prepare Classic ceviche, made with catch of the day, red onions -hot peppers and served with sweet potato and Andean corn. Also learn the steps behind making Peru’s national drink, the Pisco sour.           This tour can also accommodate vegetarians upon prior notice.After the delicious lunch we continue to the spectacular  centre arqueological Pachcamac, We take the South Pan American Highway, to arrive at Pachacamac, the most important ceremonial center of the coast of Peru in pre-Hispanic times. Here we can appreciate its many buildings made of clay dating from different centuries. Over time, Pachacamac was occupied by different cultures such as Lima Culture, Wari Culture, la Cultura drink, to the Inca Empire (XV century); Nonetheless, always he maintained his prestige as a religious center. Among the buildings that stand visit: Temple of the sun, Old Temple of Pachacamac), Painted or the New Temple, Pyramid with ramp.
Meals: Breakfast. Lunch
Included: guide, entrance fees.
Hotel: Tirra Viva 

DAY 2:  LIMA CITY TOUR 

City Tour We will  pick  up with our expert local guide and  we’ll take you to a fascinating walking tour around our historical center. It’s different as classic and unique, we will show you Palaces and castles our city hides, we are also going to take you to our great Saint Francisco Monastery and the impressive underground Catacombs!For sure we won’t miss the visit to the most important square in the whole country; “The Main Square”, Archbishop’s Palace and the Municipal Palace, and  other great places.Our historical center is considered a World Heritage protected by the Unesco, We are proud to be the only tour company who can take you to visit The Original Spain Mansion Palace and enjoy its great collection of 18th Century paintings, its impressive sculptures, wooden varandas, trendy gilded mirrors and great original terrace.After to the City tour you will be transferred   by private vehicle in time for your bus station CRUZ DEL SUR  to Paracas. Upon arrival you will be collected and taken to your hotel by private vehicle.

Meals:      Breakfast
Included: Bus (Cruz del Sur Cruzero) it´s is the best bus.
Hotel: Hacienda Paracas

DAY 3: PARACAS –ICA

You will be collected to join a group for  your half-day excursion  the Ballestas Islands  on a  two hour  boat trip. The islands, sometimes known as the ‘poor man’s Galapagos’, are teeming with over  150  species of bird life (including penguins, cormorants, boobies  and pelicans).  They are also home to thousands of sea lions and boast some amazing rock formations. Although it is not possible to set foot on the islands, you will experience the magnificent sight and sounds of the vast array of wildlife and maybe even spot seals and dolphins playing around the boat. Our boat trip also takes us past the mysterious Candelabra figure etched on the side of a mountain. Best viewed from the sea, many believe the Candelabra is linked to the Nazca Lines
After to enjoy Paracas we will continue and journey towards Ica  in a private vehicle. On the way, the group will stop at the Huacachina Oasis, deep in the Huacachina Desert. Here you have the chance to get your   adrenaline-pumping with the optional excursions available. Try sand-boarding down the vast dunes or cruise over them in a dune-buggy. After you have explored the desert, continue driving to Nazca.
Meals: Breakfast
Included: transfers, guide, entrance fees.
Hotel: Casa Andina Standar

DAY 4:  NAZCA LINES

Enjoy a thrilling 35 minute flight over the Nazca Lines, offering a spectacular opportunity to see 12 of the most famous  Nazca Lines, including  the hummingbird, dog, hands, astronaut, tree, spider, whale, lizard, shark and more. We’ll pick you up at your hotel in Nazca. You will be transported to Maria Reiche Airport, about 10 minutes away from downtown Nazca. At the airport, we will assist you with the check-in procedure, such as paying your airport tax, going through security, and being weighed. Then you can watch a brief documentary on the discovery of the Nazca Lines. Then we will assist you in getting into your Cessna 206 airplane.After, board a night bus to Arequipa. Meals: BreakfastIncluded: transfers, guide, entrance feesHotel: No (Bus Crus del Sur arrive to Arequipa 5 am)Buss: Crus del Sur to Arequipa

DAY 5:  AREQUIPA –CITY TOUR

Arequipa city tour You can start your city tour at 9am or 2pm visiting El Mirador de Carmen Alto (where you can appreciate the Valley Chilina), Yanahuara neighborhood of San Lazaro, Monastery of Santa Teresa’s guidance, Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral (front only), Church and Cloisters Society of Jesus (Dome of San Ignacio). After the tour you will be transferred to your hotel
Meals: 
Included:  guide, entrance fees
Hotel: Tierra Viva 

DAY 6:  AREQUIPA –TRANSFER TO COLCA CANYON 

Pick you up from your hotel to start the Colca Canyon tour; departure  via Yura, through the Chachani, Pampa de Arrieros, Pampa Cañahuas National Reserve where the slender vicuna is seen, continue along Vizcachani, Pampas Toccra where variety of birds is observed, then border by the crater Chucura to reach Patapampa (4,800 meters) and Mirador de los Andes where you can see the volcanoes surrounding the city of Arequipa. Descent to Chivay for lunch (not included). Accommodation at the hotel. 
Meals: BreakfastIncluded: transfers, entrance fees.
Hotel: Tradition Colca  

DAY 7:  COLCA CANYON TOUR

After breakfast at the hotel, we leave early to Cruz d del Condor (41 km. from Chivay) where observed one of the most spectacular scenery of the canyon, and almost always can see the condors majestic flight. You will return through Pinchollo, Maca, Achoma, and the Viewpoints of Antahuilque and Choquetico. Return to Chivay, after having lunch (not included) depart for the city of Puno by the same route of the first day with a detour in Patahuasi (from here the road is completely paved to the city of Puno) On the way You will observe different Andean landscapes such as stone forests, massive lagoons with variety of birds, villages in the area, the people of Imata, St. Lucia and the city of Juliaca. After six hours of travel we will be arriving to Puno 18PM. Transfer to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Included: transfers, guide, entrance fees.Hotel: Tierra Viva

DAY 8:  LAKE TITICACA TOUR

Early in the morning you will be picked up from your hotel in Puno by our local then transferred to the harbor. We start off our boat excursion of Lake Titicaca by visiting “The Uros Floating Islands”, a small community that has lived on these reed Islands for decades. After strolling around the floating Islands, we continue our journey towards “Taquile Island” (2 hour aprox). When we reach the shores of Taquile Island, we will have to walk up along a narrow path, enjoying on the way impressive views of the Lake Titicaca and also see gorgeous little houses inhabited by the direct decedents of the Inca Culture. At the top of the Island, you will have free time to explore this place on your own and afterwards you will meet the group for lunch at one local restaurant. After lunch, we will descent to the harbor to take our boat back to Puno. We will be back in Puno by 17:00 h. approximately. 17:00 transfer to your hotel.We will be take a bus to  CuscoMeals: breakfast and lunch with local family at Taquile

Included: transfers, boat, guide, entrance fees
Travel Hotel: No, (Bus to Cusco, Turismo Mer)

DAY 9:  CUSCO- CITY TOUR

You will start early or afternoon (depending on the progress of the group with a guided) visit to the impressive Sacsayhuaman fortress ruins, Qenko, Tambomachay, Puka pukara, Cathedral and the Koricancha (Temple of the Sun)is the most representative structure of the finest stone masonry of the Incas, Built in the shadows of the Andes,  was the centrepiece of an empire that revolutionised city planning in South America
Meals: breakfast
Included: guide
Hotel: Casa Andina Private Colecction

DAY 10: TRADICIONAL SACRED VALLEY TOUR 

The Pisac ruins are some of the finest and largest in the entire valley. Despite the excellent condition of many of the structures, little is conclusively known about the site’s actual purpose. It appears to have been part city, part ceremonial center, and part military complex. It might have been a royal estate of the Inca emperor (Pachacútec). It was certainly a religious temple, and although it was reinforced with the ramparts of a massive citadel, the Incas never retreated here to defend their empire against the Spaniards (and Pisac was, unlike Machu Picchu, known to Spanish forces).After visiting the ruins, we will descend to the village of Pisaq, famous for its market, where hundreds of stalls crowd the central square — marked by a small church, San Pedro el Apóstolo, and massive pisonay trees.  We will have lunch in Urubamba before visiting a traditional ceramics factory where we can purchase beautiful earthenware. We then continue on to Ollantaytambo with its impressive Inca fortress that guarded the entry of this part of the valley and protected it from possible invasion from the lower jungles. The fortress consists of a series of superimposed terraces of carved stones accessed by long staircases. The design of Ollantaytambo village and the majority of its foundations date from the Inca era when it was a strategic military, religious, and agricultural centre. We have time to stroll in the picturesque streets after settling in at our quaint lodge in this village.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Befett (Tunupa restaurant) the best restaurant.
Included: guide and entrance fees.Hotel: Aranwa

DAY 11 / 12:  SHORT INCA TRAIL- MACHUPICCHU
Meals: breakfast
Included: guide
Hotel: Tierra Viva

DAY 11: Cusco – Km 104 – Wiñay Wayna – Machu Picchu:

You will be picked up at your hotel around  (depending on train time) and transferred to the Ollantaytambo train station. We travel by train, on a very picturesque route for 2 and a half hours until we reach kilometer 104 – the start of the trail for us. Shortly after crossing the bridge over the Rio Urubamba we visit the site of Chachabamba which is a lovely ruin with its water channels and fountains. (altitude 2050m)From here, we will hike upwards for about 8km (approximately 4 hours). The trail is well established, but there are still many stairs and the hike is mostly upwards! While this is one of hte easiest treks around the Cusco region, you still need to have a reasonable level of fitness to complete it. After our upwards climb, we arrive at the Inca site Wiñay Wayna (‘Forever Young’) (2680m/8792ft) This is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. Many consider this the most impressive site on the whole Inca Trail. We will have our boxed lunch at Wiñay Wayna.We will then continue for about one hour further onto ‘Inti Punku’ (The ‘Sun gate’) (2730m/8792ft) from where you will have your first dramatic and impressive view of Machu Picchu (2400m/7873ft). As you are arriving late in the day you may be lucky enough to enjoy the view by yourself! After getting those classic photos, we will walk down the last part of the trail towards the ancient city itself. Before entering Machu Picchu, we will take a side path off the trail to go down to Aguas Calientes, as we will visit Machu Picchu on day 2. We will take the bus down to Aguas Calientes where you will check into your accommodation, and a celebratory dinner before getting to bed early in preparation for the next day’s early start.Total distance: 13 km (8,08 miles), Estimated walking time 6-7 hours, altitude gain 600m

DAY 12: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

We have breakfast and then take the first bus up to Machu Picchu. A walking tour (approximately 2.5 hours) is given by your guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city by yourselves. We include your bus ticket back down to Aguas Calientes. The train between 16.22pm Aguas Calientes Machpicchu to Poroy 8pm and them transferer to Cusco Hotel.N.b. It is no longer possible to stay a night on the Inca Trail for the 2 day, 1 night trek. All people on this tour spend the night in Aguas Calientes, the town nearest Machu Picchu.

IMPORTANT

 Government regulations will not allow in case  lost of passport of passport or number change this information must be relayed to as soon as possible . Original passport must be carried on trail. All times in your itinerary is noted are approximate.Itinerary notes – Short Inca Trail – 2 day Inca Trail The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change, depending on the progress of the group.  This is now a non camping trip, but still requires a degree of fitness and adventurous spirit.

DAY 13:  TRANSFER OUT

After breakfast you have a free time in the morning them for afternoon will be transferred to Cusco´s airport, Latam flight you are transferred 2 ours before.
Included: Transfers: Hotel-Apto
Hotel: Tierra Viva 

End of the tour

What’s included?

• Pre trek briefing
• Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
• Transport from Sacred Valley (hotel) to the train station
• Train ticket to Km 104 (360 ° INCA RAIL)
• Inca Trail Permit
• English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide
• Meal (Box lunch with optional vegetarian food)
• First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
• Bus up, down and up again from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu
• Train ticket to Aguas Calientes to Poroy
• Private transport from Poroy to Cusco.
• 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes in a ***Tierra Viva  hotels.

What is not included?

• Dinner on the last night.
• Entrance to the thermal springs
• Tips for the guide.
• Celebratory dinner in Aguas Calientes

You should bring:

• A light day pack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek – prepare for a vast range of changes in temperature
• Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho. Plastic ponchos can be bought for about $1 in Cusco .
• Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended.
• Warm clothes, including jacket, fleeces, gloves, scarf and beanie/touk. Thermal clothing is also recommended, especially for sleeping.
• Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
• Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
• Sun block
• After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
• Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – although no malaria risk has been reported
• Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.
• Non-disposable canteen (Nalgene type) and water for the first morning..
• Your own medical kit with any special medications that you might require, paracetamol, second skin for blisters etc.
• Small towel or sarong
• Bathers/swimsuit (if you intend on swimming in hot springs )
• Cash – sufficient for snacks, tips and souvenirs.
• Original passport & (original Student Identity Card) if you have one.
• Walking sticks or poles (we can hire these to you. Please note poles with metal tips cannot be carried into Machu Picchu and should be left at your hotel on the final day)
• Binoculars (if you have them)

Optional extras

We can hire the following to you.

• Porter to carry your things ($30 per day)
• Walking stick lightweight aluminum ($2.00 per day, per stick) two sticks are recommended for tough hikes.

HIRE POLICY:

• When calculating costs for hire of walking stick, sleeping bag, calculate using the length of the tour. Even though you won’t use the equipment on the final day it will still be ‘on the road’ and ‘occupied.’
• If you hire equipment and break it – you are responsible for price of replacement /or repair. (please do the right thing!)