PERUVIAN HIGHLANDS Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca

ITINERARY:

Day 01 LIMA

Arrive in Lima. Meeting and transfer to the hotel. Guided visit to Colonial and Modern Lima. Drive through the historic center of the city. Admire the beauty of San Martin and Major squares, the Cathedral, the Government Palace and visit the Convent of San Francisco and its catacombs, a religious building from the end of the XVI century. Continue through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores.

Day 02 LIMA - CUSCO

Transfer to the airport in time for the flight to Cusco. Meeting and transfer to the hotel. Balance of the morning at leisure to adjust to the high altitude (11,000 feet). City tour including nearby ruins. Visit Main Square, the Cathedral and its religious Art Museum, the Church of Santo Domingo or Koricancha, This tour includes visits to Sacsayhuaman and Puca Pucara fortresses, the temple and amphitheater of Kenko and the water shrine of Tambomachay.

Day 03 CUSCO - MACHU PICCHU

Transfer to the station for a morning train ride to the unparalleled, Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas". Machu Picchu was associated with the earth cult revolving around the Coca leaf, which was a privilege restricted to the Inca Royal family and priests. Guided visit. Overnight at one of the hotels in the area.

Day 04 MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO

Morning free to explore the ruins on own or visit the hot springs in Aguas Calientes. Lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Cusco by train. Meeting and transfer to your hotel.

Day 05 CUSCO - PUNO

Transfer to the station to take the bus to Puno (approx. 9 hours). Meeting and transfer to your hotel.

Day 06 PUNO

Eexcursion on Lake Titicaca. Visit the floating islands of the Uros Indians. Continue to Taquile (solid ground), where its hospitable inhabitants have preserved their centuries-old way of life. Lunch on the island. You may stay for overnight at one of the islanders homes.

Day 07 PUNO - JULIACA - LIMA

Transfer to Juliaca airport in time to take the flight to Lima. Meeting and transfer to your hotel.Guided shopping tour.

Day 08 LIMA

Transfer to the airport for your international departure flight or continue on the extension of your choice.