Peru & Bolivia Highlights (7 days / 6 nts)

Day 1:  Lima - Cuzco
Today clients fly from Lima to Cuzco. Upon arrival in Cusco, assistance at the airport and transfer to the hotel.  Then later this afternoon explore the magical capital of the incas in a tour that includes the Santo Domingo monastery, which was built over the Koricancha temple, one of the most important temples dedicated to the worship of the sun.

According to the chronicles, it was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Stop at San Cristobal for a magnificent view of the city of Cusco, before proceeding to the nearby remarkable Inca ruins in the area: the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the temple and amphitheatre of Kenko, and the archeological site of Tambomachay, where the god "water" was worshipped. Return to Cusco and stop briefly at Plaza Regocijo and Plaza de Armas, to continue with the visit of the Cathedral, the most important temple of the city which houses the headquarters of the Diocese.

Finally the tour will take you to visit Tambomachy, It consists of a series of aqueducts, canals and waterfalls that run through the terraced rocks. The function of the site is uncertain: it may have served as a military outpost guarding the approaches to Cusco, as a spa resort for the Incan political elite,
or both. At the end of the tour, transfer to the hotel.

(Included meals : N / A)

Day 2:  Cuzco - Machu Picchu - Cuzco
Transfer to Ollanta station to board the train to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes you will take a 25-minute motorcoach ride to "The Lost City of the Incas", which was discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. Located on the left bank of the Vilcanota river lies the wonderful old city of Machu Picchu, which in quechua means "Old Mountain". According to research, Machu Picchu would have been one of the vacation residences of Pachacutec, the first Inca emperor between 1438 and 1470.

However, some of its finest buildings and the evident ceremonial purpose of the main access road to the village, prove that it was used as a religious shrine. Machu Picchu is considered both a masterpiece of architecture and engineering because of its unique architectural and landscaping features. Prominent constructions among its buildings are the Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Circular Towers, the Sacred Sun Dial and the Burial Grounds, among others of singular architecture and importance.Your guide will narrate and explain all about this splendid citadel, which is a truly amazing experience.

After the guided tour you will have free time to stroll around the archaeological site. Lunch at café Inkaterra. In the afternoon return by train to Ollantaytambo train station and then transfer by van or car to the Hotel in Cuzco.

(Included meals : Breakfast, Lunch).

Day 3:  Cuzco - Puno
Transfer from the hotel to the bus station. Assistance on departure. Bus ride to Puno along the dramatic landscapes of the highland plateau, with occasional views of tiny Andean villages and herds of llamas and vicunas.

We will stop at Andahuaylillas, where there is a beautiful baroque church built at the beginning of the XVIIth century.It is very well known thanks to its beautiful mural paintings.We will make a second stop at Raqchi, where there is an Inca temple built to worship Wiracocha, one of the most important Inca gods. Finally, we will stop at the archaeological site of Pukara (200BC-AD300). We will lunch at a restaurant en route. Upon arrival in Puno, assistance at the bus station and transfer to the hotel.

(Included meals : Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 4:  Puno - Copacabana - Sun Island (Catamaran Tour)
Early morning, overland transportation to the Bolivian port of Copacabana, passing by the peruvians villages of Ilave, Juli and Pomata. Upon arrival visit the sanctuary of the "Dark Virgin" and, after lunch, board the Catamaran for a cruise on lake Titicaca to Huatajata, passing by the Suriqui island and the strait of Tiquina. Overnight on board

(Included meals : Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 5:  Arrive in La Paz
Early morning, proceed by bus to La Paz and the hotel. Overnight in Hotel.

(Included meals : Breakfast)




 

Day 6:  City tour - Moon Valley 
City tour visiting San Francisco church and the witch market. Proceed to the moon valley, strange geological formations of clay caused by erosion. Leisure afternoon.

(Included meals : Breakfast)

Day 7:  Fly out from La Paz 
Transfer from the hotel to the airport. Assistance on departure flight

(Included meals : Breakfast)