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Head Office Cusco - Perú : |
INTERNATIONAL FIXED DEPARTURES
20 days / 19 nights
This trip is especially designed for those travellers looking for an authentic experience in the Andean region. We cross fascinating landscapes travelling by bus, train, 4x4, and even on foot. Here you will see breathtaking views of the monumental chain of high snow-capped mountains, volcanoes, salt plains, lagoons, valleys, pristine deserts and towns, Inca and pre-Inca sites and the essence of different cultures in four Andean countries. Inca traditions and diverse gastronomy make this trip an unique experience in the Andean world.
Kallpa, or "The force of Mother Earth" in Quechua, is worshiped everywhere in the Andes, especially in Peru, Bolivia and the north of Chile and Argentina.The concept of Kallpa Andina is therefore present in this trip along the Andean mountain range.
Day 1 (Sunday) - BUENOS AIRES
Arrival at Ezeiza International airport. Transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon walking tour through the center of this beautiful metropolis, the most European city in South America. (B)
Day 2 (Monday) - BUENOS AIRES – SALTA
Morning drive to the local airport. Flight to Salta. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel. Afternoon city tour to explore this beautiful colonial city set on the foothills of the Andes and known as "Salta the Beautiful". (B)
Day 3 (Tuesday) - CALCHAQUIES VALLEYS
Ascent to the spectacular and panoramic Cumbres del Obispo pass (3,400 m). From there we will enter the Calchaquies Valleys and arrive at the beautiful Indian town of Cachi. After checking in at the hotel we start a short trek in the Cachi Adentro valley with a box lunch. Dinner and overnight in Cachi. (B, BL, D)
Day 4 (Wednesday) CALCHAQUIES VALLEYS – SALTA
The way back to Salta takes us through the marvellous scenery of the Quebrada de las Flechas and Quebrada de las Conchas with its fascinating rock formations. We visit a winery in Cafayate. This region is known for its excellent "torrontes" wine. After wine tasting and lunch we continue our trip towards Salta. Arrival in the evening. (B,L)
Day 5 (Thursday) SALTA - SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
Transfer to the bus station to take the local bus to San Pedro de Atacama. We cross the spectacular Jama pass (4,600m) with colorful volcanoes and high altitude lakes. Arrival at 7 P.M. in San Pedro de Atacama and transfer to the hotel. (B)
Day 6 (Friday) MOON VALLEY
orning free. In the afternoon, we will visit the Valle de la Luna, where the sand formations remember moon craters. We'll enjoy the beautiful sunset in one of the driest deserts in the world from a dune. (B)
Day 7 (Saturday) SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA –VILLAMAR
In the morning we drive towards the Bolivian border (2 hours). We will enter the Eduardo Abaroa National Reserve and visit the emerald green and red lagoons with hundreds of flamingoes. We will see the Sol de Mañana (morning sun) water springs and the Dali desert. We leave the reserve towards the altiplano (high plateau) to reach the town of Villamar and spend the night there. (B, L, D)
Day 8 (Sunday) VILLAMAR – TAHUA
Morning drive to Alota passing through the village of San Agustin. Later we enter the immense snow-white Uyuni Salt Plain. We visit the Incahuasi Island and see its impressive giant cacti. We continue north to the town of Tahua dominated by the Tunupa Volcano (San Juan). Accommodation in Tahua. (B, L, D)
Day 9 (Monday) TAHUA – UYUNI
Today we drive through the Uyuni Salt Plain towards Coquesa village to visit its pre-Inca mummies. Afterwards we continue east to Colchani see the water springs "Ojos de Agua" and how local people produce salt using traditional methods. We finally head to the town of Uyuni to visit its train cemetery. Day use in a local hotel and midnight train. (B, L)
Day 10 (Tuesday) UYUNI -ORURO-LA PAZ
Right after midnight we board the night train to Oruro (00:05 - 7:00). Here we take a bus through the plateau to La Paz (3 hours). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon we will have a city tour of La Paz, including the street markets which boast plenty of handicrafts, weavings and traditional witchcraft objects. The tour passes through the colonial part of the city, the church of San Francisco and Murillo Square . Later visit to the modern part of the city and to the Valley of the Moon to enjoy all of its natural geological formations. (B)
Day 11 (Wednesday) LA PAZ - COPACABANA - SUN ISLAND
Early depart for your drive from La Paz to Lake Titicaca and the small town of Copacabana (3 hours). Here we board the boat to Island of the Sun where we disambark near the Inca site of Pilkokaina. A typical local lunch or "aptapi" will be served here. After the visit to Inca site we have a short trek to the Eco-Lodge La Estancia. (B, L)
Day 12 (Thursday) ISLAND OF THE SUN- COPACABANA – PUNO
After the awesome sunrise over the lake we take a boat north to Chincana Inca site. The next stop is the Island of the Moon to visit the Iñak Uyu Virgin Temple. Finally we return to Copacabana. We visit the church of the Dark Virgin and have time after lunch to stroll through town. Transfer to Puno and the hotel. (B, L)
Day 13 (Friday) PUNO-CUSCO
Today we leave Puno to Cusco by bus (390 km/ approx. 8 hours) and will cross the Altiplano again. On the way we observe small towns and make a stop to take pictures at the highest point between Cusco and Puno, La Raya pass (14.234 ft /4.338 m). Our next stop is Raqchi, an Inca archaeological complex featuring stone pillars topped with adobe. Finally we reach Andahuaylillas to visit its famous church (17th century). Known as the "Sistine Chapel of America" because of its many marvellous murals, this church is considered a jewel of the Mestizo baroque architecture that was developed in Cusco. Upon arrival in Cusco transfer to the hotel. (B, L)
Day 14 (Saturday) CUSCO
Day at leisure to explore the city on your own. (B)
Day 15 (Sunday) CUSCO - SACRED VALLEY
This morning we drive to the Urubamba River Valley, more commonly known as the Sacred Valley of the Inca. We then proceed to Pisaq where hundreds of visitors and people from remote communities dressed in their traditional and colourful attires meet to sell and trade their products. Today the market also has a tourist element, so there is an opportunity to buy souvenirs. Lunch will be served in a typical “hacienda”. On Sunday the indigenous elders come to mass in their typical costumes carrying the "Vayaroc", a silver covered staff as the symbol of their authority. Afterwards, we drive along the valley to Ollantaytambo, where the Temple of the Sun (formed of six gigantic monoliths, whose total weight exceeds 50 tons) and the Terrace of the Ten Niches stand out. Ollantaytambo was the site of the only successful Inca battle against the Spanish conquerors and the only town in the area to still retain its original Inca layout. Afternoon ride back to Cusco. (B,L)
Day 16 (Monday) CUSCO
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon our guide will show you to the historical and sites of Cusco and the archaeological sites of Qenko, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara and Sacsayhuaman. (B)
Day 17 (Tuesday) CUSCO - MACHU PICCHU
Today we set of for Machu Picchu. After a 3-hour train ride we arrive at the small town of Aguas Calientes. On arrival a small coach take us up the steep roads to the entrance of the citadel. It's hard to understand how such a magnificent site could not have been discovered by the Spanish. Our guide will explain the significance and fascinating history of this impressive Inca site. (B,L)
Day 18 (Wednesday) MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Day at leisure to explore the citadel. We return on the afternoon train to Cusco where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (B)
Day 19 (Thursday) CUSCO
Day at leisure. Our local guide will give you some tips according to your special interests. We suggest a full day tour to the amazing Maras salt mine and Inca agricultural terraces of Moray. (B)
Day 20 (Friday) CUSCO - LIMA
Morning transfer to the airport. Upon arrival in Lima you have plenty of time to explore the "City of the Kings" on your own. In the late afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your international flight home. (B)
Includes:
19 nights accommodation in tourist hotels and basic lodges in remote areas, transfers, mentioned excursions in SIC basis with local English speaking guide, entrance fees, mentioned meals (B: breakfast, L: lunch, BL: box lunch, D: dinner)
Not included:
International and domestic airfares (approx. USD $255: Buenos Aires /Salta and Cusco/ Lima), airport taxes in Peru USD $28.24 for international flights and USD $5.04 for domestic flights and airport taxes in Argentina USD $30 for international flights and USD $18 for domestic flights