Chan Chan, Sipan, Ballestas Island,Paracas, Nazca, Cusco, Puno, Colca Canyon 16 Days

Chan Chan, Sipan+Huanchaco+Ballestas Island+Paracas+Huacachina+Nazca, Cusco+Puno+Colca Canyon 16 Days

• Day 1:  Lima City Tour.
• Day 2: Lima – Trujillo- Temples of the Sun and the Moon – Huanchaco – Chan Chan.
• Day 3: Trujillo – Chiclayo.
• Day 4: Chiclayo: Huaca Rajada.
• Day 5: chiclayo -Lima -Paracas.
• Day 6: Ballestas Islands – Paracas National Reserve.
• Day 7: Lines of Nazca – Lima.
• Day 8: City Tour.
• Day 9: The Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• Day 10: Machu Picchu.
• Day 11: Sightseeing bus to Puno.
• Day 12: Lake Titicaca Tour.
• Day 13: Puno to chivay Colca Canyon.
• Day 14: Cruz del Condor.
• Day 15: Arequipa city tour.
• Day 16: End of the tour.

Chan Chan, Sipan+Huanchaco+Ballestas Island+Paracas+Huacachina+Nazca, Cusco+Puno+Colca Canyon 16 Days

Day 1: LIMA CITY TOUR.

Upon your arrival in lima you will then start the tour. In the afternoon, guided city tour first the most important places and attractions of Lima: the “City of Kings”. The tour includes Limas Historical Center, visiting San Martin Square, the main square, the GovernmentPalace, City Hall, the Cathedral, the CathedralMuseum, the Church of Santo Domingo with the tombs of Santa Rosa and San Martin de Porras and Lima  Colonial balconies. You will visit the Convent and Church of San Francisco.

From here, we leave Lima downtown towards the district of Pueblo Libre to visit the Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology that comprises the biggest collection of pre-Hispanic objects, in the afternoon you will an exiting dinner dance show with traditional dances from all peru counrtry site.

Day 2: Lima – Trujillo – Temples of the Sun and the Moon – Huanchaco – Chan Chan.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Trujillo by flight, arrival and transfer to the hotel, then visit the giants adobe constructions built by the Mochica culture in the 5th century, called Temple of the Sun, considered the pyramid of Peru’s largest adobe, and the Temple Moon, housing an extensive burial ground and some fine polychrome murals in which their deity is often printed.

It is believed that both were complementary, one administrative and the other religious. Proceed to Huanchaco beach, well frequented by swimmers and surfers, you will have the opportunity to appreciate, during lunch, the local fishermen surfing the waves in their traditional “Totora Horses”, little reed boats used for fishing since pre – inca, by northern Peruvians. In the afternoon, visit the largest archaeological complex of adobe of pre-Hispanic America, Chan Chan, ancient capital of the Chimu Empire (13th century), visiting the Temple del Arco Iris (Rainbow), the museum and the Tshudi Palace.

Day 3: Trujillo – Chiclayo.

Tucume pyramids. Early in the morning, after breakfast, transfer to the bus station to take the bus to Chiclayo (2 hours and 30 minutes approx.). Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. After lunch, 40 minutes from Chiclayo to visit the archaeological complex of Tucume or Valley of the Pyramids, an archaeological complex of the Lambayeque culture (BC 1000/1350 AD), consisting of pyramids from the previous extensive urban site.

Day 4: Chiclayo: Huaca Rajada.

Royal Tombs of Sipan. After a typical breakfast north, begin excursion to the impressive necropolis of Huaca Rajada, a center for funeral Mochica where a large number of tombs have been discovered and where the tombs of the Old Lord of Sipan (3rd Century) and the Lord Sipan (5th Century), famous for its objects in gold and semi-precious stones, were unearthed in the 1980  by Peruvian archaeologists led by Dr. Walter Alva. Transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum.

Day 5: chiclayo – Lima -Paracas.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to the bus station to travel to Paracas. traveling by bus lasts approximately three hours. Arrival in Paracas, reception and transfer to your hotel, free afternoon to enjoy the sea bay.

Day 6: Ballestas Islands – Paracas National Reserve.

Breakfast at the hotel very early. Transfer to local pier to make the trip to the Ballestas Islands, home to sea lions and other marine wildlife species. This tour includes the observation of archaeological sites like the chandelier or stunning works of nature as The Cathedral.

The Chandelier, located northwest of the Bay of Paracas is a petroglyph of more than 120 meters long which isyaviyavi also called Tres Cruces or Trident. Undoubtedly the best way to see it is from the sea.

The Cathedral, located between Supay Yumaque and beaches, is a large rock formation eroded by wind and sea, within walking cats or chingungos marine, endangered species, and some seabirds. Transfer back to Hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to the bus station to take the bus to Nazca. Arrival in Nazca and transfer to your hotel. (Room Nazca) (D).

Day 7: Lines of Nazca – Lima.

In the morning you will be transferred to the local airport to board the plane that will let you watch the wonderful Nazca Lines. The Nazca Lines, so called from its discovery in 1927, are the most amazing vestige left by a culture forged 300 years before the Christian era: the result of their complex designs and layouts, some of almost 300 m in length, only it can be seen from the sky, 1,500 feet high. The Nazca, as is supposed, the flight could not know then how these drawings were designed? What technology did they use? More importantly perhaps for whom they were put there? Afternoon free. In the evening transfer to the bus station to take the bus back to Lima. End of service.

Day 8: City Tour.

Sacsayhuaman and surroundings the twelve angle stone located near the main square in a very narrow street made of green granite a test INKA magnificent building. not exactly known what was the functionality of this stone twelve angles but we can be sure that it was a temple of great importance at the time of INKAS, in this same street is a cougar carved granite stone once again leaves us an impression of wisdom in building their temples and shrines of religious importance.

Cusco Cathedral which is one of the finest Colonial Cathedrals in the Americas. Building started in 1560 and was completed in 1664. Situated on the Plaza de Armas, this impressive building lies at the heart of many traditional festivals. When the Conquistadores arrived, bringing Catholicism with them, local people combined many catholic feast days and customs with their own Andean customs and rituals, leading to some of the most colorful yet devout celebrations in the world. Qoricancha (from the Quechua word Qori Qancha meaning ‘Golden Courtyard’), originally named Inti Qancha (‘Temple of the Sun’). It was the most important temple in the Inka Empire, dedicated primarily to Inti, the Sun God.

The Church of Santo Domingo was built on the site, using the base foundations of the temple that was flattened by the Spanish in the 17th century, and is a fine example of where Inca stonework has been incorporated into the structure of a colonial building. Tambomachay. Situated at 3.700 m of sea level a Quechua word ( Tampu machay ) the place where people can rest a short period of time. it could also be the bath of the Ñusta ( the Inca princess) it is also believed the sanctuary to the cult of water. Puka Pukara Quechua word ( red fortress).

This is an Inca archaeological site it was a military and administrative site it was built to control, provide security and defend the Cusco city, as well as the control of the route to Calca that led to the Antisuyo (Forest County of the Inca). Qenqo- Temple of the Moon – Temple of the Monkey it is believed to be a multifunctional religious site was also a place of Andean worldview where nature converges and the space around us and astrological observatory, commissioned by people specifically in charge of looking the seasons, the wise INKAS this archaeological site is unique, here the carving of many animals can be seen in high relief were considered secondary gods in the time of the Incas, and consists of ruins formed by rocks with stairs in a zigzag, and a main building similar to a circular amphitheatre where 19 window sills are located as a way of seats  Saqsaywaman.

Scene of epic battles between Conquistadores and Inkas, this cannot fail to impress. While the high towers that once dominated the skyline were long since razed to the ground, the sheer scale of the zigzag stone walls is a sight to behold. Its construction took over seven decades and required the work of approximately 20,000 men. The stone was dragged from 20 miles away and still today we are not quite sure how they moved the huge megaliths into place. Some of its external walls exceed 30 feet in height and the largest stone weighs over 350 tonnes. From Sacsayhuaman we will head down to.

Day 9: The Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Pisac Market and Ollantaytambo Today will delve into the warm Sacred Valley of the Incas, so named because of its great value in the development of the Inca culture. Crossed by the Urubamba river, imposing mountains as shelter, Veronica, Chicon and Pitusiray, located above 5,000 meters, you will surely have the pleasure of seeing. On route, make a stop to get a classic view of the Urubamba river snaking Valley and then restart the route to Pisac, one of the warmest villages that adorn the valley route, to explore its colorful market, where you will have free time overnight Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu.

Day 10: Machu Picchu.

“The Lost City of the Inkas” Today we have an early start. The vast majority of services depart from Ollantaytambo. This really is one of the classic train journeys of the world, offering unsurpassed scenic views and potographic opportunities. Aguas Calientes there is a spectacular 20-minute bus journey from the railway station in Aguas Calientes up to the monumental and the unforgettable place in the world.

The name Machu Picchu quechua word ‘Old Mountain’ and Huayna Picchu which means “Young Mountain”. Constructed by the Inka Pachacutec in the 15th Century, it was mysteriously abandoned 100 years later during time of the Spanish conquest. It is generally believed that it was never discovered by the Spanish and simply disappeared into the jungle, hidden from western eyes until it was “discovered” by Hiram Bingham in 1911. He arrived with the help of local people who knew of its existence, and indeed there was actually a family living and farming amongst the ruins.

You will enjoy a tour of Machu Picchu led by a qualified English speaking guide before having some free time to explore the site by yourselves. Your guide will lead you on a full exploration of the archeological site – staircases, terraces, temples, palaces, towers, fountains and the famous sundial. Lovingly restored and fiercely protected Machu Picchu stands today as a testament to the skill and vision of the Inca builders. From simple dwellings through to elaborate astronomically aligned temples, your guide will give you an insight into this remarkable culture that once dominated most of South America land. The site itself is vast and once your guide has shown you the highlights we suggest you take your time to wander and explore the quiet corners of this remarkable wonder of the world.

In the afternoon, you will head back to Machu Picchu train station for the departure of your train. You will be met off the train and returned to your hotel in Cusco.

Day 11: Sightseeing bus to Puno.

Today you will be transferred to the bus station for your full day trip to Puno. During the comfortable 9 hour journey to Puno there will be several interesting guided visits and a buffet lunch. Its not just transport, you will see and learn a lot along the way. You could also choose to upgrade your Peru tour to use the luxury Andean Explorer train to Lake Titicaca. This is a superb 10 hour train journey which takes you across the spectacular Peruvian Altiplano in great comfort. Whichever service you use, upon arrival in Puno we will transfer you to your chosen hotel.

Day 12: Lake Titicaca Tour.

Today you will enjoy a full-day visit to the strange Uros Islands and the large island of Taquile on the highest commercially navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca. This lake is the fabled birthplace of the Inca nation, from where its founders Mama Ocllo and Manco Capac traveled to Cusco to establish the capital of the Empire. You will have a qualified English guide all day and lunch included on Taquile Island. Don’t miss the small details throughout the trip.

Day 13: Puno to Chivay Colca Canyon.

Departure from Puno towards Chivay at approximately 6:15 a.m.. This trip lasts about 6 hours to Chivay (nearest city where the Colca Canyon is located) and is paisajísiticas stops on the route for the trip as placcentero possible. Chivay city has hotels, restaurants of different categories, is also known for its religious celebrations, cultural heritage and traditional festivals.

Visit 3 locations on Route:

• Laguna “Lagunillas”. (approx visiting time: 15 min)
• Pampa Cañahuas. (approx visiting time: 15 min)
• Patapampa Mirador Volcanoes. (approx visiting time: 20 min)

Later in the afertnoon you will have time to spend enjoying the hot springs on the colca canyon.

Day 14: Cruz del Condor.

Condor spoting visit the colca canyon Starting the day starting early to Cruz del Condor, a natural lookout, 60 kilometers from the town of Chivay: ideal for spotting one of the largest birds in the world, the majestic Andean Condor place. In return, you will visit the town of Pincholo, famous for its cheese and altarpieces, and the town of Maca, with its beautiful craft market and colonial church. Finally, continue the journey to arequipa. later in the afternoon you will head back to the arequipa road. Patahuasi next stop a small town in the valley, go through Cañahuas Pampas, the National Reserve of Aguada Blanca and Salinas, culture and history surrounds this unique place surrounded by mountains and cliffs and of course the huge and enigmatic volcans near arequipa city,  night in Arequipa.

Day 15: Arequipa city tour.

Today you leave lima for Arequipa tour, first walk around the city and its famous historic center, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. A few blocks away, will visit the Convent of Santa Catalina, religious major resort, a sort of citadel, dating from the sixteenth century to finish the route in traditional Arequipa districts Cayma and Yanahuara.

Overnight in Arequipa.

Day 16: End of the tour.

Today you will be transferred to the airport and get your plane and say good bye to cuzco for now.

What is included?

• pick up and transfer from airport to hotel
• all pick ups from all ports or hotels
• entrance tickets to machupicchu
• buses up and down
• Pre-departure briefing: You will meet your guide and group in our office for an orientation . The meeting will be at 6:00 PM the evening before your trip begins.
• Transport: pick up from your hotel in the morning and transportation in a private vehicle to the starting point of the trek.
•  English speaking tour guide ,
• Accommodation: based in 3 stars hotel
• Medical kit: Our crew will bring a first-aid kit, including emergency oxygen bottle.
• Train tickets: From Cuzco to Aguas Calientes and viceversa . (subject to availability)
• Transport: Private transport from hotel to  train station and viceversa
• 24-hour guest service: We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication and preparation with the agency leading up to your trek.

Not included:

• Walking Sticks: You can rent a set from our company if you would like.
• Last Day: Lunch and Dinner in Aguas Calientes.
• Personal clothing and gear
• Travel insurance
• Tips for our staff
• Additional costs or delays out of control of the management (landscape, bad weather condition, itinerary modification due to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability/strike, etc.)
• all meals which is not specified
• all entrances to inka sites