Day 1 Lima
Make your own way to Lima where you can meet us for the scheduled group transfers to your hotel. Founded in 1535 by the Spanish Conquistador, Francisco Pizarro, much of Spain’s colonial influence can still be seen in Lima. Must-see sights include the cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and the Presidential Palace, which all feature on our included tour. The pre-Inca and Inca artefacts in the city’s many museums are also fascinating and you’ll have a chance to see them too. Get to know your travelling companions over a drink this evening.
Meals included: DDay 2 Cuzco - at leisure
It’s important to allow your body time to acclimatize to the high altitude in Peru, so we’ve left today free for you to do just that.
Meals included: BDay 3 Sacred Valley
The Valley of the Incas is awash with intriguing sites, and if you choose to join today’s optional excursion you’ll visit the town of Chinchero, whose colourful market sells all kinds of unique handicrafts. Next you’ll discover the impressive ruins at Ollantaytambo. Originally a fortress settlement, this is one of the few places where the Spanish colonists were defeated by the Incas
Meals included: BDay 4 Machu Picchu
Perched above a steep valley, swathed in dense jungle and often referred to as the ‘Lost City’, Machu Picchu is a truly incredible site. With a Local Guide, we’ll travel here by narrow gauge railway and take the bus up to mist-shrouded ruins
Meals included: B,LDay 5 Cuzco
Cuzco, the former Inca capital, features a fascinating combination of Inca and colonial architecture in its mansions, churches and cobbled streets. Discover the city and the surrounding Inca sites, including the mighty ruins of the stone Sacsayhuaman Fortress, on a tour today. This afternoon we’re going to visit a community centre in Ccaccaccollo to learn how the Planeterra weaving co-operative has impacted the village. Very few communities benefit from tourism and this centre helps maintain a traditional way of life, helping bring back weaving traditions whilst supporting small local communities. Today, more than 55 women are part of the association, constantly learning new methods, whilst also maintaining traditional ones. Women involved with the project report that all of their children are now able to study at university, and they are the first generation to be completely literate in Spanish. Learn all about weaving and dyeing techniques used to create traditional garments, and afterwards have the opportunity to purchase them.
Day 6 Cuzco - Puno
Today we're going to travel to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca. We'll travel through magnificent scenery and make several stops en route. First we'll visit Andahuayluillas, where a beautiful 17th century church contains an organ decorated with angels and cherubs. Next we'll call at the ruins of Racchi, and after an included lunch we'll see the archaeological site of Puca-Pucara, before arriving in Puno.
Meals included: B,LDay 7 Puno - Lake Titicaca
We’ve an early start today, as we make our way to the Uros Islands. Floating on Lake Titicaca, they are home to descendants of the region’s native population, and we’ll spend time learning about their lives before setting sail for Amantani Island. For a truly unforgettable and authentic Peruvian experience, we’re going to stay overnight in the homes of local families here. Your host family will welcome you on arrival and after showing you around their home, you’ll sit down to lunch with them. Later, you can journey to one of the island’s highest points, an ancient ruin known as the Pachatata ceremonial centre, where we’ll watch the sun set. No matter where you are on the island, this is a beautiful sight. Back at our hosts’ homes, we’ll enjoy dinner and traditional music.
Meals included: B,L,DDay 8 Puno-Lima
After breakfast with our host families, our explorations of Lake Titicaca’s islands continues as we set sail for Taquile Island. Life here hasn’t really changed for more than 1,000 years, and the Taquileños create everything they need themselves, including unique textiles and handicrafts. We’ll return to Puno, and after dinner, we’ll fly back to Lima.
Meals included: B,L,DDay 9 Lima - Departure
Your tour comes to an end today. Scheduled group transfers are available to the airport, please see www.justyou.com/transfers
Meals included: BAdditional Information
Please note: During this tour you will experience altitudes of over 12,000ft where altitude sickness can occur. If you suffer from heart of respiratory conditions, or have any other concerns, please consult your doctor.
JY Cares in partnership with Planeterra
When you book this tour you're supporting Planeterra' 'Ccacccaccollo Women's Weaving Workshop that helps provide local women with income from Peru's toruism industry.