25 Days/24 Nights April - September Moderate
Peru is the country that can completely satisfy all human tastes, preferences and energy! The people there are extremely earthy, humble and kind - a mentality too close to the senses of much of humanity. It is unique to Peru - Nature, mysticism and unparalleled world cultural and historical heritage!
Lima is the capital: of Peru located on the arid Pacific coast of the country. Although its colonial center is preserved, it is an overflowing metropolis and one of the largest cities in South America. The Larco Museum houses a collection of pre-Columbian art and the Museum of the Nation traces the history of the ancient civilizations of Peru. The Plaza de Armas and the 16th century cathedral are the core of the old center of Lima.
On the legendary Inca trails
Peru, Bolivia, Chile In the Andean highlands we walk in the footsteps of the legendary Inca empire and discover the archaeological sites of Machu Picchu and Cuzco. The story of the first Inca king, Manco Capac, leads us to Lake Titicaca, which according to legend is the origin of this unique high culture. We spend the night on the legendary Amantani Island and enjoy the view of the snow-capped mountains, over 6,000 meters high. We hike through desert landscapes and huge sand dunes to forgotten mummy tombs of millennia-old cultures.What a contrast to the steaming geysers, bizarrely shaped rocks and dazzling lagoons of the Salar de Uyuni when we travel from Bolivia's most famous salt lake to Chile into the fascinating Atacama desert to travel!
Highlights
Day 1: Flight from Europe, USA, Canada, etc - Country of origin to Peru
Day 2: Drive on the Panamericana to the desert oasis Huacachina
Day 3: Pisco tasting, drink in Ica and witch village Cachiche
Day 4: Mysterious Nazca Lines, Chauchilla mummy cemetery and the “white city” Arequipa
Day 5: San Camillo market, cathedral, "Santuarios Andinos" museum with the mummy Juanita, Santa Catalina monastery, language & salsa dance course
Day 6: Visit to a farming family in Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world
Day 7: Watch condors in Colca Canyon and drive to Lake Titicaca
Day 8: Living with the Colla Inca on an island in the middle of Lake Titicaca
Day 9: On the island of the knitting men
Day 10: Journey through the Altiplano to the Inca capital Cusco
Day 11: Cusco - Drive to Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu visit - the best day - Back to Cusco
Day 12: Ride on the Tranvía donkey cart and tour of Cusco
Day 13: Cusco - Day hike to the rainbow mountain Vinicunca
Day 14: Flight to La Paz / Bolivia, city tour with witch market and Coca Museum
Day 15: Free day in La Paz or optional activities - e.g. Bike tour on the "Road of Death"!
Day 16: Silver mine town of Potosí
Day 17: Uyuni, cactus islands and ghost station
Day 18: Siloli desert, Árbol de Piedra, Laguna Colorada, fumaroles and flamingos
Day 19: Geyser fields, hot springs, Salvador-Dalí desert, San Pedro de Atacama, stargazing
Day 20: Salar de Atacama and bathing in the Cejar lagoon
Day 21: Onward journey to Santiago de Chile
Day 22: Santiago de Chile - End of the trip - Flight back to Home
Day 25: Return flight - Arrival home
Day 1: Flight from Europe, USA, Canada, etc - Country of origin to Peru
Flight from Europe or the country of origin (USA or Canada), etc. Arrival in Lima - Transfer Hotel the large city in South America; population approximately 11 million. Arrival in Lima. Iberia flight travel starts in the morning. Transfer to Hotel in Lima.
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (-/-/-)
Day 2: Drive on the Panamericana to the desert oasis Huacachina
Along the wild Pacific coast, we drive our coach to the romantic desert oasis Huacachina, which lies in the seemingly endless dune sea. This lagoon, surrounded by sand dunes up to 100 meters high, offers a welcome cooling and is one of the most popular excursion destinations in the region. There are numerous legends surrounding the creation of the oasis. The best known is without a doubt the story of the beautiful princess who looked at herself in the mirror here in the desert. But suddenly she saw a pursuer in the mirror behind her and let the mirror drop to the floor, where it broke into a thousand pieces. These shards turned into a lake and devoured the princess, who, according to legend, still lives as a mermaid in the lagoon. However, the reality is that the lagoon is fed by an underground river that carries extremely mineral-rich water - in the past, many visitors came here to cure physical ailments such as rheumatism or arthritis. Optional: All-wheel drive buggy tour through the high sand dunes. Overnight at the Huacachina lagoon in the Hosteria Suiza *** or similar in an equivalent hotel.
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 3: Pisco tasting, drink in Ica and witch village Cachiche
Tasting in a typical Peruvian bodega, where the grappa-like grape schnapps Pisco is made. City tour through Ica and visit to the famous chocolate factory Helena, where we will experience the manufacturing process up close. Continue to the witch village of Cachiche to the pyramid of energy and the statue of the witch of Cachiche. Here everyone can read out of hand or have the cards laid. In the afternoon continue to Nazca. Overnight in Nazca in the Hotel Oro Viejo ***, Hotel Casa Andina Standard *** or similar an equivalent hotel.
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 4: Mysterious Nazca Lines, Chauchilla mummy cemetery and the “white city” Arequipa
If you want to get an even better overview of the enigmatic Nazca lines that extend over several square kilometers, you have the opportunity to do so on an optional sightseeing flight this morning. Immediately afterwards we drive deep into the desert to the Chauchilla mummy cemetery, where we can get an impressive picture of the funeral rituals of the Nazca culture. Afterwards there is a visit to a ceramic workshop and a small gold workshop where the miners explain more about the extraction process of this mineral. Late in the evening the colonial town of Arequipa is reached at 2,335m. Overnight in Arequipa in the Casa Andina Standard *** or similar an equivalent hotel.
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 5: San Camillo market, cathedral, "Santuarios Andinos" museum with the mummy Juanita, Santa Catalina monastery, language & salsa dance course
In the morning we visit the San Camillo market, the cathedral, the "Santuarios Andinos" museum in which the almost perfectly preserved mummy Juanita is located, and the famous Santa Catalina monastery. A visit to the Santa Catalina Monastery, built in the second half of the 16th century, is one of the most impressive experiences that the Arequipa region has to offer. The monastery, which has only been open to the public since 1970, is an independent city in miniature size, in which up to 400 nuns once lived. In the period of the Viceroyalty, the architecturally impressive monastery functioned almost independently of the outside world. During this tour, a language teacher gives us some important insights into the Inca language Quechua and Spanish.
After lunch (not included in the price) we visit a social project where children in need are offered a home. Depending on the age group, we can help the residents with their homework or play with the little ones. In the evening, a one-hour salsa dance course awaits us, followed by a "practical test" in a small dance bar. Overnight in Arequipa in the Casa Andina Standard *** or similar an equivalent hotel.
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 6: Visit to a farming family in Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world
Precisely because they were only connected to the outside world in the 1970s, traditional costumes and traditional life have been preserved in the villages of the picturesque Colca Valley. This applies even more to agriculture, which is practically unchanged on 1,000-year-old cultivated terraces. We arrive in Chivay at noon and drive straight to a local indigenous farming family in Coporaque, where we eat together and also spend the night very simply. We may also have the opportunity to try the old Inca beer: Chicha - a fermented corn drink.
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/L/D)
Day 7: Watch condors in Colca Canyon and drive to Lake Titicaca
After an early breakfast, we drive to the more than 100 km long Colca Canyon, which measures 3,400 m at its lowest point and is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the USA, to the Cruz del Condor viewpoint. With a bit of luck, we will observe the majestic condors gliding over the depths of the canyon. The majestic condor is one of the most important beings in the Inca and Vorinka mythology and is still very important to the indigenous population. Then we continue to Puno. Overnight in Puno in the Hotel Intiqa *** or similar an equivalent hotel.
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/L/D)
Day 8: Living with the Colla Inca on an island in the middle of Lake Titicaca
Today you will cross the deep blue Lake Titicaca to the floating reed islands, which are made from the native Totora reeds. The inhabitants of the islands fled to the lake because of a conflict with the Colla Indians. They have lived on the 50 to 70 islands for centuries. On the idyllic Isla Amantani, we integrate ourselves into the village community, always dividing ourselves into indigenous families. We speak with hands and feet, because the family only speaks Quechua and Spanish. In the afternoon we hike together to one of the two mountains on the island - Pachamama or Pachatata - where a wonderful view of the sunset over Lake Titicaca awaits us from the temple. Afterwards it is time to immerse yourself in this unique culture while having dinner and playing music together. Overnight in simple accommodation with the indigenous people on the island of Amantani.
Overnight Lodge. Overnight Lodge (B/L/D)
Day 9: On the island of the knitting men
In the morning we say goodbye to our friendly hosts and enter the boat again. With this we drive to the island of Taquile, which is known for its knitting men who make special hats that let the initiate know at a glance whether the wearer is still single, at a bridal show or already married. The taquileños are organized in a cooperative that deliberately refers to the Inca-era commandments "Ama suwa, ama llulla, ama qilla" (do not steal, do not lie, do not be lazy). That is why the locals do not have a police force on the island. Overnight in Puno in the Hotel Intiqa *** or similar an equivalent hotel.
Overnight Lodge. Overnight Lodge (B/L/-)
Day 10: Journey through the Altiplano to the Inca capital Cusco
Today we continue, together with other travelers, with the tourist bus on the high plateau of the Andes - the Altiplano, to Cusco. This journey takes you past mountain ridges and alpaca herds, through an authentic and picturesque landscape. On the way we visit the ruins of Pucara and the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes" in the city of Andahuaylillas. The Raqchi archaeological complex, dedicated to the Inca god Wiracocha, is also on the program. Overnight in Cusco in the Casa Andina Standard Koricancha ***, Hotel Abittare *** or similar an equivalent hotel.
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Day 11: Cusco - Drive to Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu visit - the best day - Back to Cusco
We take the bus to the Ollantaytambo train station early in the morning. From there, take the train to Aguas Calientes. We complete the serpentine road up to Machu Picchu with the shuttle bus. And then the time has come - at an altitude of 2,400 m, the mystical place is right in front of our eyes! For over 100 years, science has puzzled how the Incas came up with the idea of building a city on the Machu Picchu summit plateau. Even more puzzling is the question of why - barely finished - Machu Picchu left nature completely again. Before the place was discovered in 1911, Machu Picchu was a haven that was known to only a select few. Fortunately, it remained hidden from the Spaniards, so that you can still walk through the well-preserved ruins today. On a detailed sightseeing tour we learn the historical background of this impressive citadel and much more information about the world wonder of South America. Afterwards it goes back to Cusco by bus and train. Overnight in Cusco in the Casa Andina Standard Koricancha ***, Hotel Abittare *** or similar an equivalent hotel.
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 12: Ride on the Tranvía donkey cart and tour of Cusco
In the early morning we head to the lively and colorful San Pedro market. We notice the many colors and smells that mix in this special place. From tropical fruits from the vast jungle area of the Amazon to dozens of different types of corn and potatoes to quinoa and coca leaves: Here we get an intensive insight into the culinary diversity of Peru. Our tour of exploring the ancient Inca sites continues in an original way today. We take the Tranvía, a wagon modeled on the historic donkey-drawn street cars, to Sacsayhuamán. This Inca fortress is particularly impressive due to its huge, precisely cut stone blocks that are joined without mortar. After an extensive tour, we hike back to Cuzco (approx. 2 hours, medium difficulty) and enjoy unique panoramas of the surrounding Andean chain. After lunch, there is a tour of the historic old town, in the artists' quarter of San Blas, to the enigmatic stone of the twelve corners or the perfectly seamless masonry at the Coricancha sun temple. It remains to be seen how the Inca managed to move the heavy stones without knowing the wheel. After dinner we visit the Museo del Pisco, where we mix our own Pisco Sour and taste this national drink from Peru! Overnight in Cuzco in the Casa Andina Standard Koricancha ***, Hotel Abittare *** or similar an equivalent hotel.
Overnight Hostal. Overnight Hostal (B/-/-)
Day 13: Cusco - Day hike to the rainbow mountain Vinicunca
On our four-hour path up to the Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, we experience the simple, high Andean life up close, because we hike through some very original Inca villages and admire the great views of the surrounding mountains. We see llamas and alpacas and, with a little luck, even vicuñas along the way. From the viewpoint at 4,900 meters, we enjoy the breathtaking view of the "Rainbow Mountain". Then it goes down to the parking lot at 3,950 meters, where we are expected by a driver and driven to Cusco. Overnight in Cusco in the Casa Andina Standard Koricancha ***, Hotel Abittare *** or similar an equivalent hotel.
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/L/-)
Day 14: Flight to La Paz / Bolivia, city tour with witch market and Coca Museum
Today we fly over the majestic Andes and Lake Titicaca to the next superlative of our trip: La Paz, at 4,050 meters one of the highest cities in the world! During a guided tour, we will step back into the history of the city and learn the sights such as the Plaza Murillo with its presidential palace, the San Francisco Cathedral and the famous witch market, where all sorts of utensils, herbs and crazy good luck charms (e.g. dried llama embryos) be sold, know. In the Museo de la Coca in La Paz we learn everything about the history, the production and the medical application of coca. The use of coca in past rituals is also discussed. Overnight stay in La Paz in the *** Hotel Rosario or similar an equivalent hotel.
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 15: Free day in La Paz or optional activities - e.g. Bike tour on the "Road of Death"!
We have a day off for today. Those who do not want to explore the city further on their own have the option of various optional activities:
Bike tour on Death Road
A new day of adventure awaits us! A minibus brings us and our modern mountain bikes to a height of approx.4,300m. Here it says: Saddle up! After crossing the Cumbre Pass (4,700m) you descend on one of the most spectacular streets in South America to the tropical Yungas. While our mountain bike winds down 3,500 vertical meters on many mountain slopes, we enjoy breathtaking views. The vegetation becomes more abundant with every meter of altitude. Tiwanaku archeology site
For the history enthusiasts of the group: If you want to immerse yourself in the pre-Inca period and search for traces of the cultures of the Titicaca region, you can learn a lot of insightful things on this tour! Early in the morning we go to Tiwanaku in a minibus with a mixed group. This culture started around 1,400 BC. It reached its peak between AD 600 and 900. Above all, it is exciting to see and imagine how the artisans could process such massive stones with such unbelievable perfection without the technology and machine power of today Paz in *** Hotel Rosario or similar an equivalent hotel.
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 16: Silver mine town of Potosí
Today we fly to the famous silver mining town of Potosí. In the afternoon we slip into mine worker clothes (overalls, helmets) and follow the mountain guide on dusty and partly dark paths, which takes us to different sections of the mines. We meet mine workers from whom we learn about the impressive, terrifying and oppressive conditions in the mines of the Cerro Rico silver mountain. As we dig deeper inside the mine, we repeatedly come across one of the many statues of El Tío ("the uncle"), which is believed to be the lord of the underworld. People here respect him very much and offer him various offerings such as cigarettes, alcohol and coca leaves to ask for his protection. It is believed that El Tío becomes angry if he is not properly fed, and assumes a destructive nature. Overnight in Potosí at Tukos La Casa Real *** or similar an equivalent hotel.
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 17: Uyuni, cactus islands and ghost station
In the morning we reach Uyuni with a minibus and start our next adventure. The expedition through the unique landscape of the Salar de Uyuni begins with a short stop at the train cemetery. The collection of old steam locomotives conveys a ghostly atmosphere and gets us into the surreal scenery of the next few days. With four-wheel drive vehicles we cross the gigantic salt lake and drive over the glistening white surface to Isla Incahuasi and Isla Pia Pia. On short hikes on both islands (1 hour each, easy to medium difficulty) we pass meter-high cacti and petrified coral reefs before we reach San Juan in the late afternoon, where we stay spartan but unforgettable in simple accommodation made of salt, the first salt hotel in the world World, stay overnight.
Overnight stay Lodge. Overnight Hotel (B/L/D)
Day 18: Siloli desert, Árbol de Piedra, Laguna Colorada, fumaroles and flamingos
With our four-wheel drive vehicles, we can now reach the lagoons of Cañapa, Hedionda, Chiarkhota, Honda and Ramaditas and can no longer escape our amazement: swarms of pink flamingos poke through the flat shore, rust-brown mountain giants rise up in the background, and bubbling geysers and smoking fumaroles prevail the ground. We continue our journey through the Siloli Desert, pass bizarre rock formations like the Árbol de Piedra (stone tree) and reach the Laguna Colorada. During our walk along the shore, we admire the intensely reddish shimmering water surface of what is probably the most beautiful lake in the region. A unique natural spectacle! Overnight in simple accommodation in the Eduardo Avaroa National Park.
Overnight stay Lodge. Overnight Hotel (B/L/D)
Day 19: Geyser fields, hot springs, Salvador-Dalí desert, San Pedro de Atacama, stargazing
We are once again fascinated by the wonders of volcanism: in the geyser field 'Sol de Mañana' we walk along the steaming holes and can take a relaxing bath in the hot springs of Polquis. Then we cross the Salvador Dalí desert, reach the Laguna Blanca and the Laguna Verde, which shimmer in a rich turquoise due to the mineral-containing water. We cross the Chilean border and reach San Pedro de Atacama in the early afternoon. We explore the small village on a short tour. In the evening we go on a guided astronomical tour to observe the extremely clear starry sky. We also get an introduction to topics such as star life, Andean astronomy, classic constellations and images of other civilizations, star navigation as well as myths and legends. Overnight in Atacama in *** Hotel Don Raul, *** Hotel Takha Takha or similar an equivalent hotel.
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 20: Salar de Atacama and bathing in the Cejar lagoon
Sleep in and shape the morning as you wish. Be sure to check out the Church of San Pedro! The cactus wood roof is impressive. In the afternoon we first visit the valley of death. Wind and rain have created the most amazing figures and shapes from salt, plaster and clay. Then it goes to the Salar de Atacama to the Cejar lagoon. The salt water of the lagoon has a great swimming effect, which makes the bath a relaxing and entertaining experience. This natural spa is complemented by the beautiful landscape with turquoise water, volcanoes and the magnificence of the salar. Overnight in Atacama in *** Hotel Don Raul, *** Hotel Takha Takha or similar an equivalent hotel.
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 21: Onward journey to Santiago de Chile
After an hour and a half transfer we fly from Calama to Santiago de Chile in the morning, the last stop of our trip. In the afternoon, the vibrant life of the Chilean capital awaits us: on our city tour we learn why the presidential palace is called La Moneda, admire the magnificent Plaza de Armas and not only enjoy breathtaking views of the city while driving up Mount San Cristóbal also enjoy a delicious "Mote con Huesillo". Overnight in Santiago de Chile in the *** Hotel Galerias or similar an equivalent hotel.
Overnight stay Hotel. Overnight Hotel (B/-/-)
Day 22: Santiago de Chile - End of the trip - Flight back to Home
Morning city tour of the historic center with cathedral, La última mañana es libre. Quizás quieras ver el barrio Barrio Italia. Los elementos históricos y arquitectónicos hacen de este distrito una joya cultural, como un contrapunto al ajetreo de la gran ciudad. Por la tarde comenzamos el viaje de regreso desde Santiago de Chile. In the evening transfer from the hotel to the airport. Return. Departure return flight to Switzerland, USA, Canada, Europa, etc. Overnight flight (B/-/-)
Day 25: Return flight - Arrival home
Go back home - end tour in Peru / South America. Overnight fligh (-/-/-)
Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner
Season: April - September
Difficulty: Moderate
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