Locals Guide to Cusco

After some time to get settled and comfortable into your hotel, will be introduced to this beautiful city with an orientation tour of the highlights and hidden treasures. This short walking tour is a great way to get your bearings and will also help you to adjust to the altitude. The impressively historic city center was declared a World Heritage Site in 1983 with Inca and colonial architecture evident every where you look. Later in the day today, your guide will give you a full briefing for your journey ahead, so get excited! (This service is on a group basis.)

Cusco

Cusco is a beautiful city with well preserved colonial architecture, evidence of a rich and complex history. The city itself represents the center of indigenous Quechua culture in the Andes, and by merely walking the streets one sees the layers of history. Spanish colonial buildings erected directly atop Inca walls line the square, while the modern tourist nightlife flourishes in their midst. The city is surrounded by a number of ruins, the most impressive being Sacsayhuaman, the site of the 1536 battle in which dozens of Pizarro's men charged uphill to battle the forces of the Inca. Nowadays, Cusco is known for its indigenous population--often seen on the streets in traditional clothing--and its substantial tourist-fueled night life.

Half Day City Tour & Nearby Ruins

Today, you will be taken on a half day group guided tour of the city, including some of the nearby Inca ruin sites. Cusco is a city with a wealth of history and splendor. As you wander through the streets, you will be guided through centuries of traditional culture and unique architecture. There is something to be admired in every direction you look, and a story to be told at every street corner. During your exploration, you will have the opportunity to discover the many highlights and hidden gems of Cusco. Although the modern travelers and vibrant night life can now be recognized in the city, Cusco is still known for its indigenous population--often seen on the streets in traditional clothing, maintaining it's colonial charm.

Your tour will then head out of Cusco, to visit the main Inca ruins in the Cusco valley, visiting Tambo Machay, Puca Pucara, Kenko, Sacsayhuaman, as well as some lesser known ruins. These impressive sites serve as a great introduction to Inca history, and by walking around them, you will continue to acclimate to the high altitude. (This service is on a group basis.)

Full Day Scared Valley Tour

A great day to enjoy the amazing ruins, markets and scenery of Peru is with our one-day Sacred Valley tour. This trip leaves early in the morning and is suitably flexible to your needs.

Our first stop is the picturesque Andean village of Pisac. The village is famous for its local market and superb artisan stalls throughout the week. Time can be spent shopping or, for the more energetic, visiting the extensive Inca ruins at the top of the hill. Old Pisac ruins have much to explore with a circular hike along a well-defined Inca trail through royal buildings, look-outs, terraces, tunnels and irrigation channels before returning on another good trail to the bus. We may also visit a traditional bakery to try freshly baked bread and learn about the guinea pigs of Peru.

Afterwards we take a short journey along the river which brings us to Urubamba for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the Inca fortress town of Ollantaytambo: this was the site of the last big battle between the Incas and Spanish before the remaining Inca rebels fled into the jungles of Vilcabamba. In this lovely, well-preserved village and ruins you can still feel the true magic of the Incas. The hill-top, Inca sun temple displays some of the finest stonework in the area. The site was unfinished and some magnificent stones still lie un-erected, providing important clues to the building methods.

Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Today is the day you reach Machu Picchu. Built over 500 years ago this is one of new seven wonders of the world. And rightly so. Words do not do it justice.

You take an early train to start your hike along the Inca Trail. A few hours climbing brings you to the beautiful Inca terraces of Wiñay Wayna where you enjoy a box lunch lovingly prepared for you by our cook. A further gentle two hours, a final set of steps, you pass through the old Incan gateway, turn to your left and there it is. Machu Picchu unfolds before your eyes.

Tonight you spend the night in the town below, perhaps enjoy the medicinal waters of the hot springs, but above all dream about tomorrow and your chance to explore fully the ruins of Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu, Stones, Sacrifices and Spectacled Bears

A 20 minute bus ride brings you back to Machu Picchu. Arriving before the crowds your guide will show you around and explain just how the Incas managed to build with such precision and such beauty, on such a remote hilltop.

From altars used for human sacrifices, temples carved in the shape of condors through to stones used to tie the sun, this is a history lesson everyone will enjoy. If you are really lucky you may even see Paddington Bear.

After a fantastic day, in a fantastic place, you board the train to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery on your journey to Cusco.

Today we transfer you from your hotel to the Wanchaq train station in time for you to board the train to Puno and Lake Titicaca. Board the luxury all-day train from Cusco across the high plains to Puno. This is one of the “Great Train journeys of the World”. The waiter service and entertainment is everything you would expect of the ‘Orient Express’ service. On arrival in Puno, a private vehicle will pick you up from the train station and transfer you to your hotel for your stay on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

Lake Titicaca & Puno

Puno is a sprawling city of humble buildings, known best as the primary transit point en route to Lake Titicaca. Rich in history, tradition, craft and skill, there is no where else in the world like Lake Titicaca. The infinite skies are mirrored in the deep blue shades of the lake, and the horizon seems to bend, as if it’s the edge of the Earth. The lovely local people descend from ancient Andean ethnic groups, the Aymara and Quechua. The floating islands of the Uros Indians feature one of the area's most fascinating treasures, built by layers of tortora reeds, a prolific plant that grows in the shallows of the lake. Mysterious Inca burial tombs that circle the lake also entice travelers, as well as the impressive variety of high altitude bird species that can be identified in the National Reserve.

Uros Island & Amantani Homestay

This morning you will be met at your hotel in Puno and transferred to the pier where you'll embark on a motor boat ride to Amantani Island. Along the way you'll have the opportunity to experience the culture and unique landscapes of Lake Titicaca.

After 3 hours cruising you will arrive at Uros Island. Your guide fully explains the local history, traditions and agricultural methods as you visit the amazing floating reed islands of Uros. You will have the opportunity to explore the area in a traditional reed raft (optional). You'll then continue the journey onward to Amantani Island. Amantani Island, located facing the Capachica peninsula 37km (23 miles) from the city of Puno. Amantani offers a wide variety of artisan produce such as ceramics, carved stone work and beautiful stone floorings created by the locals themselves. Archeological ruins include the temples of the Pachamama and Pachatata, built for earth payment ceremonies that date from pre-Inca times. These ceremonies are still performed today and along with the other ancient customs of the island make Amantaní an enigmatic place, distinct and different from the rest of the world.

Upon arrival on Amantani Island you will be assigned to a native family for your traditional homestay. After enjoying a local style lunch prepared by your host family, you'll set off a 2 hour afternoon hike which will take you to one of two peaks on the island (4,120m) for a spectacular view of the lake and surrounding area. You'll also have the opportunity to visit either the Pacha Mama or Pacha Tata temples. Enjoy your time exploring these ancient ritual sites, and learn more about the cryptic messages they hold. After enjoying an amazing sunset over the lake you'll enjoy dinner with your host family. While the accommodation is fairly basic, the experience of staying with a family is truly amazing and a great chance for a unique cultural exchange. Enjoy the evening at a homestay on the island. (This service is on a group basis.)

Amantani Departure & Taquile

After breakfast say farewell to your host family and depart Amantani by motor boat making your way back to Puno. After navigating the lake for approximately 1 hour you'll make a stop at the neighboring island of Taquile. Taquile, whose Quechua name is Intika, was part of the Inca Empire and has a number of Inca ruins. The island was one of the last locations in Peru to capitulate to Spanish domination during the Spanish conquest of Peru. It was captured for Carlos V and eventually passed to Count Rodrigo of Taquila, who inspired the island's current name. The Spanish forbade traditional dress and the islanders adopted the Spanish peasant dress that they are known for still using today. On arrival you'll set off on a 1 hour hike leading you to the main square. Explore the surroundings, visit the handicraft cooperatives, and enjoy lunch at local restaurant.

At 1:00 PM you'll make the final boat journey back to Puno. Arriving back at the pier around 4:00 PM, you'll be met and driven to your Puno accommodations. (This service is on a group basis.)

Today, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight. (This service is on a private basis.)