Children of sun (Lima / La Paz) 20 days

Day 1: Lima

Arrive in Lima at any time throughout the day. Transportation is included from the airport to the corresponding hotel, and there are no activities planned for this day until our welcome meeting in the late afternoon, most likely in the hotel lobby.

Day 2: Paracas

There is sufficient time this morning to go out and enjoy the city of Lima. Around midday we will catch a local bus to head south. After three hours we will arrive in the coastal fishing town of El Chaco, located directly outside of the Paracas National Reserve. There are no planned activities for this afternoon, but feel free to enjoy a walk on the beach or watch the majestic sun slowly descend over the water. There are plenty of quaint restaurants where you can try some local fresh fish and other sea food.

Meals Included: breakfast (1)

Day 3: Nazca

This morning we will take a tour to the Ballestas Islands, which are two large rock formations shaped by wind, water and time. These natural arch-like structures are home to a variety of sea birds and sea lions that have set up colonies around the islands. It is often possible to observe dolphins and Humboldt penguins in this area. After this excursion, we will head back to the mainland and board our private bus, which will take us to a small family winery where we will have the chance to learn how Pisco (Peru’s national liquor) and wines are made.

After lunch, we will head to Huacachina Oasis. Take some time to relax, or for the more adventurous, climb the highest sand dune and ride back down on a sand board (similar to snowboarding). Around 4PM, start travelling in sand dune buggies for a fun ride across the Ica desert until sunset. We will spend the night in the city of Nazca, located two hours away from the beautiful oasis.

Meals Included: breakfast (1)

Day 4 – Night bus to Arequipa

During the morning take a flight over the Nazca Lines. The price of this flight and its airport taxes are included. Around midday, visit an ancestral Nazca cemetery located in the arid desert to discover how the ancient civilization who resided here persisted against the rough climate of the region. Then, later in the night, we will ride on a comfortable night bus to the city of Arequipa.

Nazca is the name of a system of valleys and deserts on the southern coast of Peru, and is also the name applied to the culture that flourished in this region between 300 B.C. and 800 A.D. These people were responsible for the mysterious Nazca Lines, which were enormous drawings of animals, plants and geometrical lines on the desert that can only be recognized from the air. Some famous figures in these lines are the monkey, the spider, the hummingbird, the condor and the lizard.

Meals Included: breakfast (1)

Day 5: Arequipa

We will arrive in Arequipa early in the morning and check in at the hotel. There are no activities planned for this day.

Three volcanoes surround Arequipa. Misti, the most famous, is known for its perfect cone shape and for the fact that during most of the year it is covered in snow. Arequipa is the second largest city in Peru, with a population of 1.2 million. Arequipa lies at an altitude of 2,380 m/7,800 ft above sea level and its historic centre is also one of the World Heritage sites named by UNESCO, in recognition of its history and colonial architecture. The city is also known for the colour of its interesting walls. These are made up of light, white bricks which are products of the naturally compressed volcanic ash.

Arequipa is also renowned for its culinary attributes. Take a moment to stop by one of the “Picanterias”, the typical local restaurants, and try their rich Peruvian dishes, such as: Rocoto Relleno (stuffed chilli peppers), Cuy Chactao (deep fried guinea pig) and Chicharrón (deep fried pork).

Although there is no pre-determined schedule for today, we can suggest a few optional activities. For example, stop by the Santa Catalina convent, a complex that is considered to be a city within a city due to the extent of its size and was opened to the public in 1970. It was founded in 1580 and at any given time there may have been at least 500 nuns staying there. Another suggested place of interest is the Santuarios Andinos Museum. It contains the exhibition of the famous Juanita, known as the “Princess of the Andes”. She was a young Inca girl that had been frozen for nearly 500 years until she was found on the summit of the Ampato volcano. She was the scientific proof needed to show that the Inca civilization did in fact perform human sacrifices.

Day 6: Colca Canyon

After around five hours of driving through the Andes, we will arrive in Colca Canyon, which is considered the second deepest canyon in the world. Along the way we will spot some of the “camels of South America”: llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. We will cross the highest pass of our trip during the bus ride, at 4,900m above sea level. At this point, we will witness the amazing Andean landscape of volcanoes and snow-capped mountains. We can finally relax in our beautiful lodge upon arrival. At night, we can go for a swim in the natural hot springs of Chivay and enjoy a Pisco Sour in one of the many pools.

The canyon is shaped by hundreds of Inca terraces where mostly potatoes and Andean cereal crops are cultivated. The majority of these terraces are still used by local farmers. Remember: during this day we will reach the highest altitude of our trip, where the weather can reach extremes of sunny days and very cold nights. This is a prime opportunity to purchase an alpaca scarf or sweater for a great price.

Meals Included: breakfast (1)

Day 7: Colca Canyon – Arequipa

Visit the Cruz del Condor, where it is possible to see the majestic condors flying in their natural environment. Then go for a beautiful walk above the canyon. Enjoy the bus ride crossing the Andes and return to Arequipa.

Meals Included: breakfast (1)

Day 8: Cuzco

Cuzco. This famous city is located at 3,316m above sea level, and is the one of the main attractions for travellers in South America.

This ancient city, also known as the “Navel of the World”, has several impressive titles such as “Historical Capital of Peru” and “Archaeological Capital of the Americas” and is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage cities. These titles were earned due to the fact that Cuzco has a unique combination of cobblestone streets, Inca walls bordering most downtown streets, colonial houses with Inca stones bases, centuries old churches and plazas. This cosmopolitan city also has great night life where you can meet people from every corner of the world, including Quechua speaking locals.

Day 9: Cuzco City Tour

Visit of the four ruins nearby; the Sacsayhuaman Fortress overlooking the city of Cuzco, a pre Inca architectural masterpiece; Kenko, a rock sanctuary whose main attraction is the monolithic altar representing a puma, the red Fortress of Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay, a beautiful fountain fed by a spring forming a series of basins continue to the city of Cuzco; the Main Square and the Koricancha or Temple of the Sun.

Meals Included: breakfast (1)

Day 10: Sacred Valley – Ollantaytambo

This morning we will head east to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, stopping at established viewpoints along the way to see both the luscious landscape and typical Andean crops of quinoa, kiwicha and potatoes. We will then have the chance to visit the indigenous Andean community of Ccaccaccollo, which is assisted and supported by our non-profit organization, OYE. Here you will learn about the traditional customs of the people living in this area, and they will teach you the ancient weaving techniques that they have practiced for many centuries and continue to use today to support their community. Later in the morning we will head to Awanacancha, another great place to observe llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos.

Around midday we will visit the Inca citadel of Pisac, which is located directly above the town with the same name. The citadel is well-known for its magnificent agricultural terraces and for the Intihuatana (hitching post of the sun). We will then descend to the colonial town below, which is highly popular for its traditional market and elaborately dressed locals. This is a good place to shop for handicrafts.

After a one hour drive we will arrive in the best preserved Inca town, Ollantaytambo. This town is distinguished by its massive fortress and ceremonial centre, its ruins and its narrow cobblestone streets. When viewed from above, the town has the shape of a corn husk, and the fortress the shape of a llama.

Meals Included: breakfast (1)

Day 11,12,13: Inca Trail.

Depart from Ollantaytambo and drive alongside the Urubamba River until we arrive in the small town of Piscacucho. This is the check point where the world’s most famous trek begins. Our adventure from here will take four days and three nights in total.

This hike is for individuals with at least average physical fitness. The total distance to hike is 43km/27 miles. The trail crosses valleys, mountains and three high passes. On the second day, we will reach very high elevation hiking at 4,200m/13,769 ft above sea level, through Warmiwañusca (Dead Woman Pass). Visit the archaeological site of Runkurakay, a semicircular ruin with a great view of the Paqaymayo valley. The third day the path becomes gentler, heading uphill to cross the last high pass, where we will then start descending to the ruins of Puyupatamarca, the “town above the clouds”. On clear days it is possible to see both the Urubamba valley and the Vilcabamba mountain range, with its beautiful snow covered peaks. Our last camp is close to the ruins of Wiñaywayna (Forever Young), which obtained this name due to the abundant orchid that blooms and grows here year round.

Our staff of professional guides, cooks, and porters will make sure this adventure is worry-free. The camping gear provided is top quality. Our porters carry the majority of the equipment, but please expect to carry a day backpack with your camera, snacks, raincoat and jacket.

Fact: The Inca Empire was originally linked by more than 40,000km/25,000 miles of trails, crossing deserts, mountains and jungles.

Meals Included: breakfast (3), lunch (3), and dinner (3)

Day 14. – Machu Picchu – Cuzco.

We will rise very early in the morning and hike the last 7km/5 miles until we arrive at Intipunku (Sun Gate) where we will have the once in a lifetime experience to watch the beams of the rising sun swim into every crevice of ancient Machupicchu. Words will not be able to describe the beauty of the view ahead, and you will see the worth of all of the hard work put into the trek to get here. Also, during most of the year it is possible to overlook Machupicchu while mist rises off of its regal structures.

Visit Machupicchu in a guided two hour tour of the most important temples and sectors of this great ruin. Then explore on your own the wonders of the Lost City of the Incas. Later this afternoon we will return to Cuzco by train and bus.

Machupicchu was recently honoured to be part of the New 7 Wonders of the World and, as well as many of our other destinations on this journey, is one of the World Heritage sites on UNESCO’s prestigious list. In spite of this, it is not mentioned in any of the chronicles from Spanish colonialism. No one knows its function and even though it has been studied by scientists for decades, many questions remain unanswered. The town was forgotten for centuries and covered by dense vegetation until July 24th, 1911, when an 11 year old native boy led the American historian Hiram Bingham to the site where he made the re-discovery of this phenomenal structure. It was all done by accident as Bingham was actually in search of the lost town of Vilcabamba.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Passengers who are either not interested or not able to hike the Inca Trail can choose to spend 2 days in Cuzco and then travel by train to Aguas Calientes. They may take an early bus the following morning to the entrance of Machupicchu and meet the hikers there. Please advise your travel agent or Footprint Expeditions while booking if you decide not to hike the Inca Trail.

Also note that the Inca trail will be closed for general maintenance during the month of February every year. In addition, inclement weather or other conditions beyond our control may occur and the original itinerary might change.

Meals Included: breakfast (1)

Day 15: Cuzco Free Day

This is a free day to relax or to keep exploring this city. There are several optional excursions available, or you can have a nice massage at one of the local spas; it may be needed after the long trek!

Meals Included: breakfast (1)

Day 16,17,18: Puno.

Enjoy a beautiful bus ride crossing the Andes from Navel of the World to shores of the Great Titicaca Lake.

Early transfer to the port for the boat journey on Lake Titicaca to the floating islands of Uros. Made entirely of reeds and inhabited by the Aymara Uros people, they live in huts built on platforms of reeds, not more than 30-40 cms/1foot thick. Short hike on the islands, then the boat trip continues as far as the to Amantani Island, where a local host family will show you their traditional and simple way of life. Next day we will go to island of Taquile. Members of this self supporting Aymara community receive visitors in their colourful national costume and show them around the island. Taquile is also renowned for its fine, decorative weavings. we will have opportunity for some spectacular views over the haunting beauty of Lake Titicaca. Return to Puno

Meals Included: breakfast (1)

Day 19: La Paz

Travel around the shoreline of Lake Titicaca by local bus and arrive in Yunguyo, a small town we use to change buses and cross the border to Bolivia. Our destination is La Paz, Arrive in the highest capital city in the world

La Paz has unique markets located across the city, like the infamous Witches Market where it’s possible to buy potions for love, money and health, or to protect from evil spirits and bad energies. Also the city has a vivid and traditional culture, with most of its inhabitants descending from the Aymaras and Quechuas.

Meals Included: breakfast (1)

Day 20: Departure day

Meals Included: breakfast (1)