Itinerary Details
Peru Splendors With Arequipa & Colca Canyon
Day 1 ARRIVE IN LIMA, PERUWelcome to the modern city of Lima!
Upon arrival, you will be met by your Globus representative.
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Day 2 LIMALegendary Lima
This afternoon, your Local Guide focuses on the city’s colonial heritage during a walking tour. Start at the Plaza de Armas to see the Government Palace and the cathedral. From here, stroll to the venerable San Francisco Monastery with its splendid 17th-century cloister murals. For a special treat, [LF] stop at a local food market to get a real taste of life for the local people. This evening, enjoy dinner at one of Lima’s Peruvian restaurants with your fellow travel companions. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Stop for a real taste of Peru at a local market. Sample some of the local fruits and vegetable that aren’t found in other parts of the world. You can also find spices, meats, seafood, and even a souvenir or two. And you’ll definitely want to take some photos of the beautiful, brightly hued displays.
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Day 3 LIMA–CUSCO–SACRED VALLEYEmpire of the Andes
Fly to Cusco, the impressive Andean city that was once the capital of the Inca Empire. Head into the Sacred Valley of the Incas and visit the semi-circular Kenko Amphitheater with its stone altars and labyrinth of passages and see the ancient site of Puca Pucara. Also, in the Sacred Valley, experience an [LF] El Pago a la Tierra, or Mother Earth Ceremony, performed by a local shaman. Meet local families who preserve the ancient technique of Pre-Columbian weaving using South American camelid fleece. This is your chance to get up close to the various camelids, including alpaca, llama, guanaco, and vicuña, indigenous to the region. Continue to Pisaq, an old mountain village, where you will have free time to shop for local wares, such as alpaca sweaters and blankets, jewelry, or hand-painted ornamental dishes and vases at its famous market. Stay in the Sacred Valley tonight, with dinner at the hotel. (B,L,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Feel the earth, smell the coca leaves, and taste the chicha today as you make payment to Mother Earth. Participate in an [LF] El Pago a la Tierra, an ancient ceremony led by a shaman thanking Mother Earth and asking for good health, wealth, and safe travels. These mystical ceremonies have been practiced in Peru since before the arrival of the Incas.
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Day 4 SACRED VALLEY–MACHU PICCHUMystery on the Mountain
This morning, visit the Inca Fortress of Ollantaytambo, followed by [LF] a visit to a local home, meet some of the area’s families, and experience their way of life in the Sacred Valley. Then, board the Vistadome train for a scenic journey through the lush Urubamba Valley. Upon arrival, ascend the mountainside to legendary Machu Picchu, the “Lost City of the Incas.” Your Local Guide will introduce this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct, and will bring you closer to the mysteries still hidden in these amazing structures. Tonight, you may wish to try a Pisco Sour (a traditional Peruvian cocktail) or an Inka Kola, before the included dinner. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
TIMELESS TRADITIONS Today, you are invited into a local family’s home in the Sacred Valley. Learn about their traditions like weaving that has been passed down for centuries from ancestors. See how they cook, live, sleep, work, and maybe ask about the cuy (Guinea pigs) they keep in their house.
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Day 5 MACHU PICCHU–CUSCOHere Comes the Sun
A morning at leisure in Machu Picchu allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu with your second included entrance to the ruins. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the Sacred Valley by train and continue to Cusco. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & MYSTERY Staying overnight in Machu Picchu allows you to get up early and experience the ruins at their most pristine before the crowds arrive. Watch as the mist slowly burns off and the sun rays illuminate the ruins. While you are there, you may even want to try and get a selfie with one of the local llamas or alpacas!
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Day 6 CUSCOSun Worship & Spanish Conquests
On your guided sightseeing tour of Cusco today, learn more about the Inca and Spanish influence. Begin at the heart of Cusco in the Plaza de Armas (main square), with a visit to the imposing Cathedral, where construction began in 1550 and was finally completed 100 years later. Join a traditional [LF] Pasacalle through the streets of Cusco before continuing to Koricancha and the Santo Domingo Monastery and see how the two sites have become one. The Temple of the Sun at Koricancha was once the most important Inca site, dedicated to the worship of the Sun. The walls, altars, and decorations were all said to be covered in gold—until the Spaniards looted the temple and then built the contrasting Baroque Santo Domingo Monastery on top of the temple’s foundations. Also visit the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, perched on a hillside overlooking Cusco. It remains unfathomable how and when this fortress of gigantic stones—with some blocks weighing more than 350 tons—was built. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION A special treat is in store for you when you are greeted by a group of Andean musicians dressed in vibrant Inca textiles. They will escort you on a Pasacalle (Andean Parade) through Cusco while playing traditional music and performing ancient dances—an experience you won’t soon forget!
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Day 7 CUSCO–AREQUIPALava Love in Peru
Fly to Arequipa, known as the “White City,” as its buildings are made of sillar, a white volcanic rock found throughout the area. Upon arrival, a guided city tour of Arequipa shows off the Plaza de Armas, the cathedral, and the Jesuit Church, considered the best example of the mestizo baroque style. (B)
Please note: the Tour Director does not accompany guests on extensions. Guided service is as outlined in the day by day itinerary.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS Surrounded by three volcanos, Arequipa is Peru’s second largest city behind Lima. The city is built from volcanic material and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage city. Beyond the architecture, Arequipa is known for its authentic cuisine. Visit a local picanteria in the city and taste some of Peru’s best food.
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Day 8 AREQUIPA–COLCA CANYONTerrace Views
Take a guided drive across Pampa Cañahuas within Aguada Blanca National Reserve, the habitat of vicuñas and a variety of birds. Admire beautiful Pre-Columbian terraces still being cultivated by native Collaguas. After lunch, arrive in Colca Canyon, an impressive geological formation carved out by the river. More than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon is one of the deepest in the world. Observe the spectacular terracing, considered among the most extensive in southern Peru. These terraces, which allow cultivation and meticulously controlled irrigation of the steep slopes of the canyon, were built by natives between the 9th and 14th centuries. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Colca Lodge is nestled on the banks of the Colca River, surrounded by hundreds of pre-Inca platforms. Each room features stunning views of the Colca valley, gardens, and an occasional llama or alpaca. The hotel also is lucky enough to boast its own natural thermal pools - a perfect way to relax at the end of the day.
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Day 9 COLCA CANYONOn Condors’ Wings
This morning, enjoy a guided visit to the observation point of Condors’ Cross, for the chance to see Andean condors soaring in this native habitat. From here, also see the impressive Colca Canyon panorama. Next, visit the town of Yanque before returning to your hotel. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
WONDERS OF NATURE The Colca Canyon is home to the largest flying bird in the world, the condor. With wingspans of up to 11 feet, these massive vultures glide on the thermal updrafts along the canyon walls above the stunning landscapes of Arequipa. Don’t miss the chance to come eye to eye with these magnificent aerialists.
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Day 10 COLCA CANYON–AREQUIPA–LIMA Homeward Bound Return to Arequipa and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Lima. Free time this evening. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LOCAL TASTES Enjoy a last chance to enjoy the fantastic food of Peru with a last night in Lima. Toast the trip with a Pisco Sour, sip a spoonful of ceviche, or catch the fish of the day with a dish of fresh seafood.
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Day 11 LIMASafe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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