Splendors of Peru

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco
• Lima: 
Lima
• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Arequipa,  Puno

Dates: All Year

Description: Our exclusive Splendors of Peru, covering the Ballestas Island, Nazca Lines, Sacred Valley, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Arequipa, the amazing Colca Valley, and the highest navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca. You can take this as a regular tour departing daily, but for the best experience we highly recommend the private Sun God Tours departing on fixed dates, with no more than 16 clients (and probably less) in a group. Note that you select your preferred hotel category, and you meet your group mainly during day trips so this is really a semi-private tour. Please contact us for next departure dates.

Highlights:
Day 1 - Lima: Upon your arrival into Lima you will be met and transferred to the hotel in exclusive zone of Lima in Miraflores for your overnight.

Day 2 - Paracas: After breakfast, transfer to the Bus terminal for the Royal Class Bus to Paracas, some three hours south of Lima. Transfer to your hotel.

Day 3 - Ballestas Islands: After breakfast, transfer to the port for the boat to the Ballestas islands. These spectacular islands, eroded into many caves and arches, provide shelter for thousands of seabirds and hundreds of sea-lions. Although the islands fall just outside the Paracas National Reserve they are protected by separate legislation. The islands are home to over 150 species of marine bird including the Humboldt penguin, cormorants, boobies and pelicans. Even condors have been known to visit. On the shores can be seen large numbers of sea-lions and in the sea it is possible to encounter dolphins and even whales. After the boat tour, return to the mainland for an excursion to the Paracas National Reserve. Here you will visit several museums showing the natural history of Paracas and also the ancient Paracas culture in addition to the beautiful "cathedral", a natural rock formation. After lunch return to the Hotel. In the afternoon transfer to the bus terminal for the Royal Class Bus to Nazca (about 3 hours) Arrival and transfer to your hotel (Breakfast and Lunch).

Day 4 - Nazca: Flight tour over the enigmatic Nazca Lines; The Nazca lines are geoglyphs and geometric line clearings in the Peruvian desert. They were made by the Nazca people, who flourished between 200 BCE and 600 CE along rivers and streams that flow from the Andes. The desert itself runs for over 1,400 miles along the Pacific Ocean. The area of the Nazca art is called the Pampa Colorada (Red Plain). It is 15 miles wide and runs some 37 miles parallel to the Andes and the sea. Dark red surface stones and soil have been cleared away, exposing the lighter-colored subsoil, creating the "lines". There is no sand in this desert. From the air, the "lines" include not only lines and geometric shapes, but also depictions of animals and plants in stylized forms. Some of the forms, including images of humans, grace the steep hillsides at the edge of the desert. Transfer to the bus station for the Royal Class Bus to Arequipa. Arrival late night transfer from the terminal to the hotel (Breakfast and Lunch).

Day 5 - Arequipa: Free morning. Afternoon city tour visiting the Chilina valley and the old San Lazaro district. General view of the city from the Yanahuara Belvedere, the Plaza de Armas and its Cathedral, the cloisters of La Compania Church, the Church and Square of San Francisco and the extraordinary Santa Catalina convent which is built from volcanic lava and dates from the 16th century. Return to the Hotel (Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 6 - Colca Canyon: Departure from Arequipa, passing near the thermal baths of Yura and climbing up towards the National Reserve of Pampa de Canahuas which is situated at 3,800m. The colors and scenery are spectacular as we pass endangered grazing Vicunas and ponds with Andean Geese. We can see many snow peaks and volcanoes from here. Winding down into the Colca, we stay at the comfortable Colca Lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 7 - Arequipa: After breakfast, early departure to reach the Cruz Del Condor viewpoint, a few kilometers before Cabanaconde, where the Colca Canyon starts. Here Andean Condors and other Birds of Prey, roost on inaccessible ledges and once hot air thermals have developed, produced by the burning Andean Sun, they circle out gaining height and provide stunning photographic opportunities. The Condors are big and one cannot help but be amazed by these creatures. Here you will see a fine view of the flight of the condors as well as of the depth of the mighty canyon. In the afternoon, return to Arequipa and transfer to your hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 8 - Puno: After breakfast, transfer to the Bus terminal for the Royal Class Bus to Puno. Arrival and transfer to your Hotel on the shores of Lake Titicaca. (Breakfast)

Day 9 - Lake Titicaca: After breakfast, a tour by boat to the islands of Uros and Taquile on Lake Titicaca. Our first stop are the floating reed islands of the Uros indigenous group who maintain houses and evens schools on these floating reed islands continuing to Taquile, where members of this self-supporting island will welcome you and offer a glimpse into their ancient traditions and customs. Lunch on the island and an opportunity for some spectacular views over the haunting beauty of Lake Titicaca. Night at one of the Amantani Islander's homes (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).

Day 10 - Lake Titicaca: Early wake up to enjoy a spectacular sunrise over Lake Titicaca before heading back to Puno by boat. In the afternoon excursion to the Silluastani towers. These ancient funereal towers dating back to pre-inca times are examples of the most ancient cultures found on the altiplano. Accommodation at the hotel (Breakfast, Lunch).

Day 11 - Cusco: Early breakfast and transfer to the Bus Station to take the Tourist Bus to Cusco (Luxury Orient Express Train available), a long the way you will have stops and guided tours to the Incas sites of Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, and Pikillaqta. We have lunch at the restaurant in Sicuani. After your arrival to Cusco our staff will meet and transfer you to the hotel. (Breakfast and Lunch).

Day 12 - Cusco: Morning free. In the afternoon City tour of Cusco, and include: The Cathedral, Qoricancha (Temple of the Sun, the most important of Inca ceremonial sites). Later you will continue to the most important site of Sacsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Qenqo and Puca Pucara. We return to the hotel (Breakfast).

Day 13 - Sacred Valley: After breakfast we leave Cusco in the rear view mirror, we travel by bus over a low pass then down into the famous Sacred Valley of the Incas. The scenery is unsurpassable, close and distant snow peaks glistening in the Sun. Visit the Ancient Pisaq market, where many of the local Indians sell their hand made textiles. Lunch at the local hacienda restaurant and continue to Ollantaytambo the major Inca temple / fortress. Probably built by the great Inca ruler, Pachacuti in the 1460s, it was the site of Hernando Pizzaro's defeat by Manco Inca in 1536. Return to the hotel on the way we stop at the small Quechua village Chincheros and to the Hotel (Breakfast and Lunch).

Day 14: Machu Picchu: Early in the morning after breakfast we pick you up at your hotel and take you to the railway station for the tourist class train to Machu Pichu. The 3 hour train journey passes through picturesque Andean scenery, passing traditional villages, Inca ruins and rushing rivers. We'll descend 1300 meters through the Sacred Valley of the Incas and follow the Urubamba river until the final stop at Aguas Calientes. Afterward we'll take the 20 minute bus ride up to Machu Picchu. Our guide will explain you the history and the myths that surround this archeological wonder Machu Picchu! The famous lost city of the Inca is one of the most magical and mysterious places on Earth! Stand 2,430m above sea-level in the middle of a tropical mountain forest. In an extraordinarily beautiful setting, it was probably most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height, its giant walls, terraces and ramps seen as, if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The natural setting on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of flora and fauna, the site is frequently shrouded in misty clouds pierced by the powerful equatorial Sun. Afterwards we take the bus for your return to the Aguas Calientes for lunch. We take the train back to Cusco. Reception and transfer to the Hotel (Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 15: Cusco: Leisurely day with plenty of opportunity for shopping. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Day 16: Lima: After breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight to Lima and for your international flight.

Cost in US$: $1960 Per Person in Double Room

It does not include: Airfare from your home to Lima and return, airport departure taxes, alcoholic beverages, special gratuities, phone calls, laundry, or items of a personal nature. The single supplement for this tour is $650. You will be charged a single supplement if you desire single accommodations.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Peru Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 16

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Year Founded: 1995