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Andean Explorer With Arequipa and Colca Canyon
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Andean Explorer With Arequipa and Colca Canyon

Tour Code: ISNF
15 days $3059*
taxes & fees included

Departs from: N/A

Buffet breakfast daily (B), 5 lunches (L), and 1 three-course dinners (D); Local Host service in each city; sightseeing with a Local Guide and transportation as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary (except intra-vacation flights, which are additional; inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE).

To book, call 1866 552 7256 or  
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Day 1

Arrive Lima, Peru. Arrive in Lima, Peru, where you will be met by your Local Host.

Day 2

Lima. Your included city TOUR focuses on Lima’s rich colonial history as well as the modern city. Lima was the bastion of Spanish South America from its founding in 1535 until the independence of the South American republics in the early 19th century. See the Cathedral, where the remains of Francisco Pizarro are sealed in a wooden coffin and San Francisco MONASTERY with its eerie burial crypts. (B)

Day 3

Lima–Pisco–Nazca Lines–Paracas. Enjoy a scenic drive south along the Pan-American Highway to Pisco, the wine capital of Peru. Have your camera handy today as you board your aircraft for a FLIGHT over the Nazca plains, which can only be appreciated by air. Your pilot will point out the mysterious markings known as the Nazca Lines, a series of drawings of animals and geometric figures etched into the parched soil—some up to 1,000 feet long! Theories vary, but the most accepted belongs to German mathematician Maria Reiche, who dubbed the land the “astronomical calendar” of the ancient Peruvians. (B)

Day 4

Paracas–Ballestas Islands–Lima. Head north to the Bay of Paracas. CRUISE out to the Ballestas Islands, which are inhabited by a wide variety of sea mammals and exotic birds, including boobies, sea lions, and Humboldt penguins. The huge Candelabro, an unexplained candelabra-shaped etching on the Paracas cliffside, can also be seen as you cruise back to shore. Later, return to Lima. (B)

Day 5

Lima–Cusco. Fly to Cusco high in the Andes. Take a short drive into the Urubamba Valley, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, to AWANAKANCHA, where you will learn about the importance of the alpaca (llama) for Inca cultures as well as the ancient weaving techniques still in use today. Continue to the market town of PISAC. Handmade rugs, alpaca sweaters, and jewelry can be bought here at bargain prices. At the other end of the valley visit OLLANTAYTAMBO. Here, some of the finest examples of Inca masonry can be seen. Tonight, try out the area cuisine at one of Cusco’s numerous restaurants recommended by your Local Host. (B,L)

Day 6

Cusco–Machu Picchu. Board a TRAIN bound for MACHU PICCHU and cut a path through the Sacred Valley to this “Lost City of the Incas,” discovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. On a guided TOUR, explore this intact fortress with its temple remains, holy houses, and mile-long aqueduct. For hikers, a brisk one-hour walk leads to the Sun Gate, the ancient entrance used by the Incas. (B,L,D)

Day 7

Machu Picchu–Cusco. A morning at leisure in MACHU PICCHU allows you to wake up early to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Return to Cusco, where your Local Host will recommend options for your free time. Perhaps visit the Inca Museum or wander through the artisan district of San Blas. (B)

Day 8

Cusco–Juliaca–Puno. Your guided TOUR of Cusco visits the Plaza de Armas and its CATHEDRAL and the Santo Domingo MONASTERY, previously the Koricancha Temple, one of the most important temples devoted to worship of the sun. It is said it was covered in gold leaf and filled with golden representations of nature. Later, fly to Juliaca, where you will be transferred to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. (B)

Day 9

Puno. Lake Titicaca. Today, enjoy a full-day sailing on LAKE TITICACA and take a motorboat to some of the lake’s more unique islands. Start with TAQUILE, once part of the Inca Empire and one of the last areas of Peru to be conquered by Spain in the 16th century. The Spanish banned traditional dress on the island, which is why the Spanish peasant dress can still be found today. Next, travel to the fascinating UROS ISLANDS, home to the Uros Indians who were forced to live on the lake as the Incas pushed farther into their territory. These islands are completely made from reeds, which are continually added to as they disintegrate to the bottom of the lake. (B,L)

Day 10

Puno–Sillustani–Juliaca–Arequipa. Depart for Juliaca this morning, visiting the ruins of SILLUSTANI en route. At this pre-Incan burial ground, see where the ancient Aymaras buried their high priests in chullpas, above-ground cylinder-shaped tombs dating back to the 1400s. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Arequipa, located in the Chili River Valley and flanked by three snowcapped volcanoes: Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu. Known as the “white city,” Arequipa definitely does justice to its nickname, as its buildings are made of sillar, a white volcanic rock found throughout the area. The stone embellishes the facades of the city’s homes and churches. Upon arrival, a city TOUR of Arequipa shows off the Plaza de Armas and the Cathedral before visiting the Jesuit CHURCH, considered the best example of the mestizo baroque style. Continue to the residential districts of Yanahuara and Chilina, where you enjoy a magnificent view of Arequipa’s countryside and the Mount Misti volcano. (B)

Day 11

Arequipa–Colca Canyon. Depart for Colca Valley. Drive across Pampa Cañahuas within the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, the habitat of vicuñas and a variety of birds. Admire beautiful pre-Columbian terraces still being cultivated by native Collaguas. Stop for lunch in the town of Chivay. This afternoon, relax at LA CALERA hot springs. (B,L)

Day 12

Colca Canyon. Today is free for independent exploration. Colca Canyon is an impressive geological formation carved out by the river as it descended between the mountains (made of largely volcanic materials) over millions of years. 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 Collagua and Cabana ethnic groups between the 9th and 14th centuries. (B)

Day 13

Colca Canyon–Arequipa. Proceed to CONDORS’ CROSS, an observation point where you have the possibility of observing the flight of the condor in its native habitat. From here, also enjoy the impressive Colca Canyon panorama. Next, visit the towns of Yanque, Maca, Achoma, and Pinchollo. In the afternoon, return to Arequipa. (B,L)

Day 14

Arequipa–Lima. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Lima. (B)

Day 15

Lima. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Duration - 15 days

Prices are updated frequently and are subject to change. Please call 1866 552 7256 for most up to date pricing.
Tour Departure DatesPricing
Wed May 15 2013 to Wed May 29 2013 $2969** per Adult
Wed May 15 2013 to Wed May 29 2013 $2969** per Adult
Wed May 15 2013 to Wed May 29 2013 $2969** per Adult
Wed May 15 2013 to Wed May 29 2013 $2969** per Adult
Wed May 15 2013 to Wed May 29 2013 $2969** per Adult
Wed May 15 2013 to Wed May 29 2013 $2969** per Adult
Wed May 15 2013 to Wed May 29 2013 $2969** per Adult
Wed May 15 2013 to Wed May 29 2013 $2969** per Adult
Wed May 15 2013 to Wed May 29 2013 $2969** per Adult
Wed May 15 2013 to Wed May 29 2013 $2969** per Adult
Wed May 15 2013 to Wed May 29 2013 $2969** per Adult
Wed May 15 2013 to Wed May 29 2013 $2969** per Adult
Thu May 16 2013 to Thu May 30 2013 $2969** per Adult
Thu May 16 2013 to Thu May 30 2013 $2969** per Adult
Thu May 16 2013 to Thu May 30 2013 $2969** per Adult
Thu May 16 2013 to Thu May 30 2013 $2969** per Adult
Thu May 16 2013 to Thu May 30 2013 $2969** per Adult
Thu May 16 2013 to Thu May 30 2013 $2969** per Adult
Thu May 16 2013 to Thu May 30 2013 $2969** per Adult
Thu May 16 2013 to Thu May 30 2013 $2969** per Adult
** Taxes included. Airfare not included.

To book, call 1866 552 7256 or  
Add to My Enquiry
Enquire Online
Contact us
Important Notice: This information has been obtained from the relevant suppliers and should be considered an indicative guide only as to the prices that may be available for these products. Flight Centre cannot guarantee that any particular product will still be available at the following prices, or for your exact dates of travel. At time of making your booking, prices may differ to that price displayed on this website. Please contact a Flight Centre agent to obtain the latest up to date information regarding applicable prices, fees and charges, availability and other terms and conditions which may apply.



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