Encounter Peru Day-by-Day Itinerary, Sample:
(Plans subject to change/revision)
Arequipa, in the southern sierra
Oct. 3: Flights from U.S. arrive in Lima; overnight at airport hotel.
October 4: Breakfast at our Lima hotel, then transfer back to the Lima airport. We'll fly from Lima to the "White City" of Arequipa, watched over by the 19,100-foot "El Misti" volcano. We'll check in to our beautiful accommodations at La Casa de Melgar, and take a few moments to relax, or to explore the colonial building and grounds. Then we'll stroll five blocks down to the beautiful Plaza de Armas (central plaza) to admire the cathedral, the only one in Peru that takes up one entire side of a plaza. After enjoying a snack while admiring the plaza (where the "people-watching" is as fascinating as the architecture), we'll pay a visit to the fascinating, 400-year-old Convent of Santa Catalina. After a bit of free time to relax or wander, we'll enjoy a richly satisfying dinner at ZigZag.
October 4: Breakfast at our Lima hotel, then transfer back to the Lima airport. We'll fly from Lima to the "White City" of Arequipa, watched over by the 19,100-foot "El Misti" volcano. We'll check in to our beautiful accommodations at La Casa de Melgar, and take a few moments to relax, or to explore the colonial building and grounds. Then we'll stroll five blocks down to the beautiful Plaza de Armas (central plaza) to admire the cathedral, the only one in Peru that takes up one entire side of a plaza. After enjoying a snack while admiring the plaza (where the "people-watching" is as fascinating as the architecture), we'll pay a visit to the fascinating, 400-year-old Convent of Santa Catalina. After a bit of free time to relax or wander, we'll enjoy a richly satisfying dinner at ZigZag.
Colca Canyon highlight: La Cruz del Condor
Oct. 5: After enjoying breakfast at our hotel, we'll visit the museum that is home to "Juanita," the Inca "princess" found at the summit of Ampato, a volcano overlooking the Colca valley. We'll see not only her mummified, frozen remains (hmmm...), but also a stunning display of items that were found alongside her, providing a unique glimpse into Inca culture of 600 years ago. We'll then enjoy a typical Peruvian feast, and stroll to a marvellous overlook. That will leave a leisurely afternoon on your own to experience Arequipa's attractions, from markets to plazas to its cathedral and numerous colonial churches. We'll enjoy a tasty dinner, before retiring for the evening at La Casa de Melgar.
Oct. 6: After breakfast at the hotel, we'll board our private transport for the trip from Arequipa to Chivay, in the Colca valley. The trip takes about 4 hours, climbing up to a high pampa where vicuña graze under dramatic volcanoes, stopping enroute for tea and refreshments (and a bathroom break!). We'll continue to the “Mirador de los Volcanes” at 15,800’, then down to the Hotel Colca Llaqta in Chivay. After a light lunch, we'll conduct a "pago a la Pachamama" ceremony (reverence for Mother Earth), making an offering to Pachamama in exchange for her blessing on our passage through this remarkable region. It's a serious introduction to the belief systems of Andean communities. After some free time to relax or wander through Chivay's markets and plaza, we'll have dinner in a local restaurant featuring a folkloric show with music and dance; then settle in for a restful night in Chivay, at 12,000' elevation.
Oct. 7: We'll have an early breakfast at our hotel, then our private van will transport us to Cruz del Cóndor, passing some of the most heavily-terraced landscapes on the planet, much of it dating to pre-Inca times. At Cruz del Condor, we'll have breathtaking views of condors soaring past us at eye level, banking off the morning updrafts before dispersing in search of food. Then, we'll mount up to ride (on paved roads) to Cabanaconde, a terrific 14km run that's predominantly downhill (with one medium climb, about 1 km.), pausing for scenic views across the deepest canyon on Earth! We'll enjoy a group lunch in Cabanaconde, then our private van will return us to Chivay. That afternoon, we'll visit an artisan co-op, where we'll see demonstrations of how local knitters, weavers, and embroiderers have mastered their crafts. You'll have the opportunity to buy directly from the artisans, and to have your own clothes embroidered for a unique souvenir, should you so desire. Dinner at another local restaurant, before retiring for another night at our comfortable hotel.
Oct. 8: After breakfast in our hotel, our van will take us and our bikes back up to the Mirador de los Volcanes to start our highest-altitude, two-wheel adventure, downhill mountain biking from Patapampa (15,800’) to Chivay. From the Mirador de los Volcanes--with stunning views of snowcapped volcanoes rising to more than 20,000 feet--we'll bike the 19 miles back to Chivay, possibly viewing vicuna (the wild cousins of the domestic alpaca), vizcacha (related to chinchilla) and yareta, an odd plant that grows only in such extreme environments. One option will stay entirely on pavement, beginning with a half-mile of level cycling with one very brief, short hill, then it's downhill all the way to Chivay, on a highway with very little traffic. Or, if the trail is in good condition, we offer more intrepid cyclists an unpaved option, also about 95% downhill, an moderate challenge for intermediate-level cyclists, that rejoins the pavement about halfway down. From the outskirts of Chivay, there's one low hill (half a mile) to pedal before we reluctantly park our bikes. We'll enjoy a lunch buffet in Chivay, featuring a wide assortment of traditional Peruvian foods, then spend a free afternoon to shop, wander, go for a hike, or just catch up your journal! Then, to cap the day, we'll head to the La Calera hot springs, where you can sit in the relaxing and reputedly medicinal hot waters -- while sipping a drink brought to you poolside! Dinner on your own in Chivay.
Oct. 6: After breakfast at the hotel, we'll board our private transport for the trip from Arequipa to Chivay, in the Colca valley. The trip takes about 4 hours, climbing up to a high pampa where vicuña graze under dramatic volcanoes, stopping enroute for tea and refreshments (and a bathroom break!). We'll continue to the “Mirador de los Volcanes” at 15,800’, then down to the Hotel Colca Llaqta in Chivay. After a light lunch, we'll conduct a "pago a la Pachamama" ceremony (reverence for Mother Earth), making an offering to Pachamama in exchange for her blessing on our passage through this remarkable region. It's a serious introduction to the belief systems of Andean communities. After some free time to relax or wander through Chivay's markets and plaza, we'll have dinner in a local restaurant featuring a folkloric show with music and dance; then settle in for a restful night in Chivay, at 12,000' elevation.
Oct. 7: We'll have an early breakfast at our hotel, then our private van will transport us to Cruz del Cóndor, passing some of the most heavily-terraced landscapes on the planet, much of it dating to pre-Inca times. At Cruz del Condor, we'll have breathtaking views of condors soaring past us at eye level, banking off the morning updrafts before dispersing in search of food. Then, we'll mount up to ride (on paved roads) to Cabanaconde, a terrific 14km run that's predominantly downhill (with one medium climb, about 1 km.), pausing for scenic views across the deepest canyon on Earth! We'll enjoy a group lunch in Cabanaconde, then our private van will return us to Chivay. That afternoon, we'll visit an artisan co-op, where we'll see demonstrations of how local knitters, weavers, and embroiderers have mastered their crafts. You'll have the opportunity to buy directly from the artisans, and to have your own clothes embroidered for a unique souvenir, should you so desire. Dinner at another local restaurant, before retiring for another night at our comfortable hotel.
Oct. 8: After breakfast in our hotel, our van will take us and our bikes back up to the Mirador de los Volcanes to start our highest-altitude, two-wheel adventure, downhill mountain biking from Patapampa (15,800’) to Chivay. From the Mirador de los Volcanes--with stunning views of snowcapped volcanoes rising to more than 20,000 feet--we'll bike the 19 miles back to Chivay, possibly viewing vicuna (the wild cousins of the domestic alpaca), vizcacha (related to chinchilla) and yareta, an odd plant that grows only in such extreme environments. One option will stay entirely on pavement, beginning with a half-mile of level cycling with one very brief, short hill, then it's downhill all the way to Chivay, on a highway with very little traffic. Or, if the trail is in good condition, we offer more intrepid cyclists an unpaved option, also about 95% downhill, an moderate challenge for intermediate-level cyclists, that rejoins the pavement about halfway down. From the outskirts of Chivay, there's one low hill (half a mile) to pedal before we reluctantly park our bikes. We'll enjoy a lunch buffet in Chivay, featuring a wide assortment of traditional Peruvian foods, then spend a free afternoon to shop, wander, go for a hike, or just catch up your journal! Then, to cap the day, we'll head to the La Calera hot springs, where you can sit in the relaxing and reputedly medicinal hot waters -- while sipping a drink brought to you poolside! Dinner on your own in Chivay.
"Turismo Vivencial" homestay in the Colca valley
Oct. 9: Breakfast in our hotel; transport in private van to Tuti, where we’ll mount up to ride to Yanque. We start out on paved highway with a breathtaking descent on a paved road to Sacsayhuamán (just outside of Chivay). There begins a short stretch of good gravel road, then we enjoy more pavement to the village of Coporaque, passing extensive, ancient terracing en route. There's a lung-testing 3/4-mile climb to the plaza in Coporaque, with pavement and cobblestones, easily walked (or a lift in the support van, if you prefer!). We'll stop briefly in Coporaque--the Inca-era "capital" of the Colca--to admire the colonial church, the oldest in the valley, and the recently-remodeled plaza. Then we'll ride downhill past the terraced amphitheater of Oqolle. From there we bicycle on to Yanque, our destination for the day, via the scenic Puente Sifon, from where we can view the "Qolqas," amazing cliffside grain storage structures that are practically inaccessible. (It is the presence of many such qolqas that gave the Colca valley its name). In Yanque, we'll have lunch together, and then the afternoon free to hike to nearby ruins, visit a nearby orphanage recently built with funds from North American alpaca breeders, or just kick back. Our accommodations will be a rustic but comfortable homestay (or "Turismo Vivencial," as it's called). Our time will permit an optional visit to nearby hot springs, before enjoying dinner with our host families. Total biking distance approx. 16 miles, a net elevation loss of 800 feet, with a bit of (optional) climbing; mix of pavement and improved gravel roads.
Downhill from the Mirador de los Volcanes
Oct. 10: Breakfast with host family; Then we depart the Colca in our private van, returning to Arequipa for a tasty group lunch. Then, a free afternoon and evening in Arequipa, with museums, markets, scenic plazas, and a bustling market to explore.
Oct. 11: An early departure for our flight to from Areqipa to Cuzco, imperial capital of the Inca, known by them as "the navel of the world" and recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Site. Check into our accommodations, Hotel Los Portales. We'll lunch buffet-style at an Indian restaurant, then enjoy a ½-day tour in the afternoon, featuring the impressive Cathedral, the Qoricancha, a fascinating Inca religious site on which the Spanish built a church; and Sacsayhuamán, the massive fortress that sits above Cuzco. Both of the latter are stunning examples of stonework, one on a small scale, the other overwhelmingly large. We'll have a little time to enjoy just walking around the historic center of this fascinating city, before dinner together.
Oct. 11: An early departure for our flight to from Areqipa to Cuzco, imperial capital of the Inca, known by them as "the navel of the world" and recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Site. Check into our accommodations, Hotel Los Portales. We'll lunch buffet-style at an Indian restaurant, then enjoy a ½-day tour in the afternoon, featuring the impressive Cathedral, the Qoricancha, a fascinating Inca religious site on which the Spanish built a church; and Sacsayhuamán, the massive fortress that sits above Cuzco. Both of the latter are stunning examples of stonework, one on a small scale, the other overwhelmingly large. We'll have a little time to enjoy just walking around the historic center of this fascinating city, before dinner together.
Bike from Cusco to the Sacred Valley with Moray Archeological Site
Encounter Peru riders pedaling down to the Sacred Valley beneath the glacier-capped Andes!
Oct. 12: Breakfast at our hotel. Our van will take us from Cuzco to near Chinchero, where we’ll mount up for the ride on gravel roads and dirt trails to the Moray archeological site (Inca terraces). This ride is predominantly downhill, but includes level to rolling terrain, with several short--but noticeable--climbs. The terrain is mostly unpaved roads, and altitude is in the 11,000' range, but we'll be well-acclimatized by now!
The Moray terraces served, in essence, as an agricultural experiment station for the Inca, each level having its own micro-climate. Entry fee included.
After arriving at the Urubamba River valley, we'll celebrate our ride over lunch, then proceed in our van to Ollantaytambo, an ancient village that still retains its traditional Inca-era look. The town is watched over by impressive Inca terraces and stonework, which we'll explore. Dinner, included, overnight stay at Hotel Tikawasi.
The Moray terraces served, in essence, as an agricultural experiment station for the Inca, each level having its own micro-climate. Entry fee included.
After arriving at the Urubamba River valley, we'll celebrate our ride over lunch, then proceed in our van to Ollantaytambo, an ancient village that still retains its traditional Inca-era look. The town is watched over by impressive Inca terraces and stonework, which we'll explore. Dinner, included, overnight stay at Hotel Tikawasi.
Machu Picchu--Incomparable World Heritage Site
Oct. 13: Breakfast in our hotel, then we take the train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu pueblo. We’ll drop our gear at the Hotel Santuario , then take the bus up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the site. Lunch (included) at Machu Picchu, with time to wander on your own. I won't even try to describe this amazing place. Just know that a visit to Machu Picchu is one of the wonders of a lifetime.
Return to Machu Picchu Pueblo for dinner at Indio Feliz (included).
Oct. 14: Breakfast in our hotel, then optional return (recommended!) to Machu Picchu, optional climb of Machu Picchu mountain. Lunch on your own. Then, regretfully, we take the bus back to Machu Picchu Pueblo, to catch the train back to Cuzco, where you'll have dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel Los Portales.
Oct. 15: Breakfast at our hotel; most of the day to wander at your leisure; afternoon transfer to Cuzco airport; flight to Lima. Return flights to U.S. arrive the following day.
Oct. 16: Flights from Lima depart early a.m., arrive home in U.S.
Return to Machu Picchu Pueblo for dinner at Indio Feliz (included).
Oct. 14: Breakfast in our hotel, then optional return (recommended!) to Machu Picchu, optional climb of Machu Picchu mountain. Lunch on your own. Then, regretfully, we take the bus back to Machu Picchu Pueblo, to catch the train back to Cuzco, where you'll have dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel Los Portales.
Oct. 15: Breakfast at our hotel; most of the day to wander at your leisure; afternoon transfer to Cuzco airport; flight to Lima. Return flights to U.S. arrive the following day.
Oct. 16: Flights from Lima depart early a.m., arrive home in U.S.
