Andes Overland – 29 days – Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Lima
For those traveling from NZ , depart late afternoon across the Pacific to Santiago with a connection to Lima . On arrival transfer to our hotel.
Day 2: Lima
City of Kings and capital of Peru. This was the principal city of Spanish South America from its founding in 1535 until the independence of the South American republics in early 19th century. It never rains in Lima and only for 2 months of the year are the skies blue – January and February.
Optional visit to the world famous Gold Museum where you can browse through the unique ceramics gold and weavings. There is also one of the world’s largest collections of armoury and a very extensive display of Pre-Columbian textiles. A city tour of the Greater Colonial Lima allows you to appreciate the wonderful colonial buildings in downtown Lima.
Day 3: Lima –Paracas
Continue south by bus along the Panamericano Highway through desert countryside alongside the Pacific Ocean.
This afternoon we have included an excursion into the Paracas Nature Reserve , a marine sanctuary located at the shore of the Pacific Ocean
Day 4: Paracas – Nasca
This morning visit Ballestas Islands, known as Peru’s mini Galapagos. An opportunity to watch resident and migratory birds, including flamingos, red-legged cormorants, Inca terns, bobbies, as well as playful sea lions, amusing Humboldt penguins and, we are lucky, we might see marine otters.
This afternoon travel by bus to Nasca.
This small oasis town is famous for the mysterious lines etched in the desert pampas. Are they messages to travellers from outer space that landed here thousands of years ago or the works of an ancient culture depicting a planting calendar- Cut into the stony desert, like a giant sketching pad, these many lines include geometrical figures, giant animals and birds. Enjoy a flight over these amazing lines – the only way to appreciate this archaeological mystery. Come away with your own theories and questions.
Day 5: Flight over Nazca Lines – then to Arequipa.
This morning it is your turn to become airborne and theorise on these mysterious lines etched in the desert. Wow - up you go to witness this gigantic sketching pad in the desert pampa. Who drew them- Why- Draw your own conclusions or come away with as many questions as answers!
This afternoon visit the Chauchilla cemetery where the hot dry weather has preserved the mummies and clothing they were wrapped in hundreds of years ago.
Rest of the afternoon free to relax and explore before the super comfy late night bus departs for Arequipa.
Day 6: Arequipa
Arrive early morning to the beautiful city of Arequipa sitting at 2300 metres above sea level and gateway to the Colca Canyon. Lying at 2880 metres above sea level at the foot of El Misti Volcano (5882m) is the ‘Ciudad Blanca’ – the white city, boasting a delightful climate, plenty of fascinating colonial buildings and gateway to the famous Colca Canyon, home of the condors, one of the world’s deepest canyons.
Must sees here are a visit to the peaceful Santa Catalina Convent, one of the most fascinating religious colonial buildings in Peru. The convent, opened to visitors in 1970, is surrounded by imposing walls and the 450 nuns who lived here led a completely secluded life. Also here is “Juanita” the mummy of a young girl found in 1995 by an American mountain climber on Mt Ambato. She is encased in a freezing chamber inside the Museum and open for viewing.
Day 7: 2 Day Colca Canyon Adventure
Drive through the awesome Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons it is only accessible by a dirt road over the Altiplano before dropping to the village of Chivay at 3600 metres above sea level. The landscape is remarkable for its Inca and pre-Inca terracing which goes on for many kilometres and is the most extensive in Peru. Life here has changed very little through the centuries where the campesinos still farm the remarkable Inca terracing as their ancestors did before them.
Stay overnight in the small village of Chivay where you can relax in the hot thermal springs and delight in the haunting melodies of the panpipes.
Day 8: Colca Canyon
You will get an early morning wakeup call today
After breakfast we continue deep into the Canyon to the Cruz de las Condors. This is truly a highlight – you can watch the impressive condors rising with the thermals – your chance to get great photos of these wonderful birds.
Return to Arequipa after a 2-day journey of discovery and exploration in the hinterland of the Andes.
Day 9 Arequipa - Cusco
An early start today , transfer to the airport for a short flight to Cuzco .
Cusco, heart of the Inca Empire, known by the local Quechua Indians as 'Navel of the Universe'.
Cusco is an amazing experience. Lying in an exceptionally beautiful countryside 3300 metres above sea level, here you will encounter a fine blend of Spanish and Inca cultures, colourful Quechua Indian markets, Inca temples and massive stone walls which form the foundations of Colonial Cusco, originally part of the impressive monument of Sacsayhuaman, situated above the town. Morning at leisure.
This afternoon enjoy a comprehensive walking tour of this delightful city, including the Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, Temple of the Sun.
Day 10 Cusco
Visit Sacsayhuaman -this magnificent Inca fortress, which overlooks the city of Cusco. Sacsayhuaman can be variously translated as 'speckled falcon' or 'speckled head'. The last interpretation refers to the belief that the city of Cusco was set out in the form of a puma whose head was the hill of Sacsayhuaman. The origins are uncertain but the fortress is generally attributed to the period of Inca Pachacuti, the man who essentially founded the Inca empire.
We also visit the ruins of Qenko, an area of well - preserved archaeological ruins and the Red Fortress of Puca Pucara.
Afternoon at leisure
For the June departure ,this is the day of the Inti Raymi - The Quechua name for the Festival of the Sun. It was a time of offerings, sacrifices, dancing and celebration. In the old capital city of the Incas, this festival continues with all its ancient royal pomp and energy.
Dances and ceremonies are played out at the worship center of Sacsayhuaman above Cusco.
Day 11 Cusco - Sacred Valley Trekkers in group depart for Inca Trail Day 1
Leaving Cusco. Continue into the beautiful Sacred valley of the Incas.
A visit will be made to Latin Link-s aid project run by Peru Challenge
Next is Pisaq where you will enjoy a panoramic walk along the original Inca pathways and terracing to the ancient town below. Visit the markets then continue through this lush valley where the towering fortress of Ollantaytambo dominates the surrounding area. Stay overnight in an old monastery (completely restored of course!).
Day 12 Sacred Valley Day 2 - Inca Trail-
Drive through stunning scenery to Chinchero, the most colourful and authentic market in Peru. Continue on to Maras Salt Pans. Another fabulous walk today. Discover these amazing salt pans still mined as they were hundreds of years ago, then a beautiful walk back down to the Sacred Valley.
In the afternoon relax and enjoy the countryside and visit the Semanario Pottery - it-s hard to resist.
Day 13 Train to Aguas Calientes or Day 3 - Inca Trail
After breakfast you have an early morning transfer to Ollantaytambo to catch the train to Aguas Calientes, a small railroad town with tons of character - enjoy a soak in the hot pools under the Andean sky or explore the town
Day 14 Bus to Machu Picchu- Cuzco or Day 4 - Inca Trail
It-s an early start today. This is the best time to enjoy the peace and tranquillity not to mention the magic of Machu Picchu is before the trainload-s of visitors arrive. Machu Picchu, known also as -Lost City of the Incas-. It is undoubtedly the best known and most spectacular archaeological site on the continent and is considered a must for all visitors to Peru. You will travel by bus up the zig-zag, the Hiram Bingham highway, to the ruins where your first views will take your breath away. Enjoy a fully guided tour of the ruins, some time to explore on your own, before returning down the mountainside. Time for a snack and then board the train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to our hotel in Cusco.
Day 15 Cusco
Free day to explore this delightful city - everyone-s favourite. The day is yours to enjoy, all the convents, churches, museums, alpaca and jewellery bargains.
Day 16 Cusco - Puno
Bus ride to Puno through the dramatic landscapes of the highland plateau, with occasional views of tiny Andean villages and herds of llamas and vicunas. We will stop at Andahuaylillas, where there is a beautiful baroque church built at the beginning of the XVIIth century. It is very well known thanks to its beautiful mural paintings. We will make a second stop at Raqchi, where there is an Inca temple built to worship Wiracocha, one of the most important Inca gods. Finally, we will stop at the archaeological museum of Pukara (200BC-AD300) then we will lunch at a restaurant en route.
Arrive in Puno late afternoon.
Day 17 Visit Floating Reed Islands Lake Titicaca - into Bolivia
What an experience! By boat visit the curious floating reed islands and the Uros Indians who live there. Everything is made of these reeds, houses, schools, boats, churches etc. Once you reach the reed islands, you can experience gliding across Lake Titicaca in an authentic reed boat - you can't beat it! Return to Puno.
This afternoon continue through lovely scenery, which follows this mighty lake to the Bolivian border.
After border formalities continue to the sleepy town of Copacabana.
Day 18 Isla del Sol - La Paz
Up early for a boat trip out on the lake to tranquil Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun) where legend has it that the first Inca King rose out of the lake.
On this legendary island, visit the Pilkokaina Inca Palace and enjoy a short walk to the Gardens, Sacred Stairs and Fountain of the Inca. As we ascend to Yumani village, we have a magnificent view of the lake set to the backdrop of Mount Illampu.
Return to Copacabana and continue through even more stunning scenery, with snow-capped peaks and the blue lake, to La Paz, capital of Bolivia and highest capital in the world.
Known as City of Contrasts, here ancient traditions meet the new millennium of chaotic traffic and towering buildings.
Day 19 City tour and shopping
A morning tour takes you down to where the air is thicker and the elite live. Visit the witches markets, Calle Jaen with its museums, San Francisco Church, Plaza Murillo, National Congress, Cathedral, Presidential Palace, continuing to the very unusual eroded formations of the Moon Valley.
The afternoon is free to enjoy the uniqueness of this colourful bustling city and shop for bargains and gifts.
Day 20 Explore La Paz
Optional tour to Tiwanaku (Pre-Columbian) ruins outside the city or a Mountain Bike down the world-s most spectacular road or spend the day with a little more shopping and people watching. A great city to do that!
Day 21 La Paz - Buenos Aires
An early start as we say -adios- to the Andes and transfer to the airport for our flight to Buenos Aires
You will be transferred to our hotel
Day 22 Buenos Aires
A leisurely start today with a walk to a few of your guide-s favourite areas of the city close to the hotel.
This afternoon our tour will allow us to discover the city of Buenos Aires. We will visit its Civic Centre, the impressive National Congress and May Square (Plaza de Mayo) surrounded by Government House (Casa Rosada), the Metropolitan Cathedral and City Hall from colonial days (Cabildo). We will visit the Colon Theatre (Teatro Colón), one of the world-s best known opera houses and the cultural pride of the -Porteños- (Buenos Aires natives). Next, we will tour the traditional barrio of San Telmo where the magical atmosphere of the district will take you back in time. We will then stop at La Boca, home of the first Italian immigrants and you will observe its picturesque and colourful architecture. We will then continue to the residential neighborhood of Palermo and many parks. Finally, we will go to Recoleta, the city-s most exclusive district, with its famous cemetery where Evita Peron is buried, elegant boutiques, gourmet restaurants and side walk cafés under ficus trees (gomeros).
Day 23 Buenos Aires
Day at leisure. There is still time to explore the city further or perhaps enjoy an optional trip across to Colonia in Uruguay.
Tonight get into the Argentine mood with a juicy steak and Tango show.
Day 24 Buenos Aires -Iguacu
Transfer to the airport for our morning flight to Iguazu
Travel to the Argentine side of the falls, these falls defy description! Enjoy the majesty of the world's most spectacular waterfalls. Set in pristine rainforest with countless birds and butterflies, situated on the borders of Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil, they plunge in a series of gigantic waterfalls over 3kms long and more than 80 metres high. The thunderous roar of crashing water and the multicoloured mist is natural beauty at its best. It is undoubtedly one of the world's most impressive sights. Later see the mighty Devils Throat Cataract. We then transfer across the border to the Brazil town of Foz do Iguacu .
Day 25 Iguacu Falls
Morning tour to the Brazilian side of the falls followed by a visit to the Bird Park , an opportunity to enter the huge 8-meter high forest aviaries to study and photograph birds in their natural habitat without the restrictions of netting and cages. There are over 160 species, both indigenous and from other continents
Day 26 Iguacu - Rio
Transfer to the airport for your am Depart Iguacu on TAM Brazil Airlines flight to Rio
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro --River of January- - is a beautiful city full of vibrant people. Brazilians say -God made the world in 6 days - the 7th day he devoted to Rio-.
Transfer to your hotel in Copacabana
This afternoon starts with a panoramic tour of downtown Rio where you'll pass by the infamous Sambadrome, the exhibition area for the renowned Samba schools in Rio. A brief stop is made at the Metropolitan Cathedral, made famous for its unusual pyramid shape. Admire its beauty and rareness from both the outside and the inside! Your panoramic city tour continues with a visit to the traditional Cinelandia Square where you'll tour the various historic buildings such as the Municipal Theatre, the National Library and the National Museum of Fine Arts. Head towards the Urca neighborhood, where one of Rio's most iconic symbols is located, Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Travelling up Sugar Loaf mountain in a cable car, you will make a brief stop at a vantage point approximately 700 feet (215 meters) above sea level. Capture unparalleled panoramic views of the city, Guanabara Bay, the Rio-Niteroi Bridge and Corcovado Mountain. You'll then ascend to the peak of Sugar Loaf for breathtaking views of Copacabana Beach, the Santa Cruz Fortress and the beaches of Niteroi.
Day 27 Rio de Janeiro
This morning travel to the Cosme Velho Train Cog Station at the bottom of the Corcovado Mountain, you will stop by Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. Once at the mountain, you will take the ride up to the top, through the dense Tijuca rain forest to the 38m tall Christ the Redeemer Statue. From the top, you will enjoy the spectacular views of Rio and the surrounding countryside.
Afternoon at leisure Options available to explore Petropolis or the quaint Santa Teresa district.
Day 28 Depart Rio
You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight
