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Peru & Bolivia Detailed Itinerary
DOWNLOAD THIS ITINERARY (pdf) (2008 Sample Itinerary)
Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary to take advantage of weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these should the need arise.
DAY 1
Arrival to Cusco; afternoon city tour; Tambomachay, Q’enko and Sacsayhuaman
Walk – easy to moderate, 2-3 hours.
After checking into our hotel in Cusco, we gather for lunch before touring this enchanting city, situated at more than 11,000 feet elevation in the foothills of the Andes. The ancient capital of the sun-worshipping Inca empire, Cusco’s name is derived from the Quechua word for “naval” or “center.” Here, dramatic Spanish Colonial architecture blends with innovative Inca masonry, belying the region’s tumultuous history. The Spanish built impressive cathedrals right over top of Inca temples, and the juxtaposition of pagan and Christian art and architecture is fascinating. On a walk through the surrounding countryside, explore the ruins of Tambomachay, or El Baño del Inca, composed of a set of finely carved stone structures, aqueducts, and waterfalls originating from nearby springs and thermal sources.
Time permitting, we may continue hiking through bucolic farmland to the culturally significant archeological sites of Pukapukara—a former hostel of sorts for traveling Inca—and Q’enko, featuring a temple and amphitheater with numerous stone carvings. Farther along at Sacsayhuaman we have our first encounter with Incan ingenuity, evidenced by the boulders perfectly carved to fit together in continuous chains that form the many walls of this ancient fortress. Master stonemasons, the Incas painstakingly ground each boulder to fit snuggly without mortar. Many of the walls have remained intact for more than 500 years despite the numerous local tremors that strike regularly.
Later, we return to our hotel to freshen up before enjoying a welcome dinner at a great local restaurant.
Hotel Novotel, Cusco
DAY 2
Pisac Ruins and Market Day
Hike – easy to moderate, 2-4 hours on trails.
This morning, we leave Cusco and drive to the charming village of Pisac, in the Urubamba (“Sacred”) Valley. Though its bustling marketplace does draw tourists, Pisac remains a quintessential Andean village, where locals gather to barter their goods and sell produce. From town, we will hike up to the well-preserved ruins for excellent views and to learn more about the spiritual life of the Incas. Here we discover excellent examples of terraces, water ducts, and steps cut out of solid rock. The significance of Pisac’s Temple of the Sun is on par with those at Machu Picchu. The angles at its base indicates that it may once have had some astronomical function. Above the temple lie still more ruins, mostly unexcavated, and among the higher crevices and rocky overhangs, several ancient burial sites are hidden. Incas believed that their ancestors would be able to watch over and protect the living from their vantage point on the hillside. Later, we return to Pisac to further explore the market, full of colorful pottery and woven textiles.
After checking into our hotel, a charming country lodge on the site of a restored, 350-year-old monastery, there is time to relax in front of the fireplace before gathering for dinner in the restaurant.
Posada del Inca, Yucay
DAY 3
Moray to Moras and exploration of Ollantaytambo
Hike – easy to moderate, 3-5 hours on hiking trails and country roads; approximate elevation loss of 1,500’.
Set on a high plain above the Sacred Valley, Moray was an important experimental agriculture site for the Incas, who carved several unusual circular depressions into terraces to study the effects of varying climatic conditions on crops. The deepest pit plunges about 100 feet, creating a temperature gradient that varies by as much as 60° F between the top and bottom. The site also has a sophisticated irrigation system. We’ll begin our hike among the wheat fields, a beautiful golden color during the harvest season. Soak up the magnificent views of the Andes along the way, as we pass the Maras salt mines, which have provided salt for the southern highlands since Inca times. Skirting the white salt pools, we descend to the Urubamba River on the valley floor.
We enjoy a picnic lunch along the way, surrounded by the impressive landscape formed by the Andes. This afternoon, we drive to Ollantaytambo, a charming town of cobblestone streets, ingenious aqueducts, and colorful market stalls at the base of an impressive terraced ruin. How the Incas moved the pink granite blocks from their quarry miles away remains a mystery, but it was here that they fled after the Spanish conquered Cusco. At this narrow end of the valley, the Incas managed to stave off Spanish attack by flooding the valley floor using their elaborate system of canals. As we explore the complex―part temple, part citadel― notice how the giant stones fit together, like expertly carved puzzle pieces that have stood for centuries unshifted. From the ruins, take in the wonderful views of the stark surrounding mountains and the green valley below. After ample time to explore, we’ll return to the Posada Yucay. Tonight, we’ll tuck into a sumptuous dinner at a local hacienda, sampling traditional Peruvian dishes.
Posada del Inca, Yucay
DAY 4
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Hike – moderately strenuous, 5-6 hours.
Begin the day with a scenic one hour train ride to kilometer 104, where we disembark for the start of our day-long hike along the last six miles of the Inca Trail into Machu Picchu. Aboard the train, panoramic picture windows allow for amazing views of the Andes rising precipitously above. During our hike, the elevation gain is gradual but consistent, with a few short steeper pitches along the way. As we begin our journey to Machu Picchu, we’ll soon come upon Chachabamba, a small Inca village in ruins. The architecture suggests that this was an important religious site and may have been a guardpost of sorts to check travelers on their way to Machu Picchu. From Chachabamba, the Inca Trail climbs gradually, entering a wooded area, crossing a stream, and eventually arriving at open grassland. The views are spectacular, and we may begin to recognize some of the steep, forested mountains that surround Machu Picchu, although the lost citadel remains out of sight. Soon, we’ll happen upon a waterfall then round a bend to see the picture-perfect ruins of Wiñya Wayna (“Forever Young”). Here, we’ll stop for lunch and have some time to admire the ingenuity of this village built in the most unlikely of places.
Continuing on, we’ll follow the last stretch of trail across a steep mountainside and through a lush cloud-forest of giant ferns and broad-leaf vegetation. The trail here evokes the ancient history of the people who once occupied the region, with its carved stone steps, pavements, and complex retaining walls now half-covered in flora. Finally, we cross the stone threshold of the Sun Gate—Intipunku—and get our first glimpse of the legendary and unforgettable Machu Picchu below. We’ll have a few hours to explore the lost city on our own or with our guide. You might also want to simply find a quiet spot from which to soak in the splendor. Tomorrow we’ll have more time to discover the riches of this 15th-century masterpiece of Inca civilization.
Later this afternoon, board a bus for a short ride to our hotel in the festive town of Machu Picchu, where we enjoy a hearty meal in celebration of our hike.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu
PLEASE NOTE: It is important to sign up early, as the Peruvian government has a permit system in place which strictly limits the number of hikers on the trail at any given time. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. If you dream of hiking into Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail, now is the time to reserve. There are alternative hiking options if permits are not available at the time when you reserve. This will not affect our visit to Machu Picchu, just the hike to the ruins.
DAY 5
Sunrise at Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
Touring Machu Picchu – easy 2-5 hours; optional strenuous hike, 2-3 hours.
If you wish, rise early this morning for the privilege of viewing Machu Picchu before most other visitors arrive. Sitting in silence, we’ll watch the sun rise over the mountains, illuminating the stone in shafts of orange and gold light. On a guided tour, we’ll continue our explorations of the citadel, constructed in 1450 at the height of the Inca empire. All of the construction here is classic Inca, with its polished drystone walls, cut to fit without mortar. Machu Picchu consists of 140 buildings, including temples, sanctuaries, green areas, and residences with thatched roofs. The urban sector of Machu Picchu was divided into three districts: the Sacred District, the Popular District, and the District of the Priests and the Nobility. Many archaeologists once believed that the citadel was built as a defensive retreat; however, recent theories propose that Machu Picchu may have been an estate of the Inca emperor Pachacuti. Whatever its purpose, there is no doubt that this mystical place, rediscovered in 1911 after nearly 400 years of abandonment, will leave you entranced.
Early this afternoon, we’ll take a bus back to the town of Machu Picchu for lunch before boarding the Vistadome train back to Cusco. After checking back into the Novotel, we gather for supper at another wonderful Peruvian restaurant.
Hotel Novotel, Cusco
DAY 6
Day at Leisure in Cusco
Today is free to explore Cusco on your own. You may want to wander through the marketplace or tour a few museums. The Museo de Arte Precolombino, housed in the former mansion of the conqueror Alonso Díaz, is an extraordinary historic monument of Cusco that features the only collection in Peru dedicated solely to the arts of ancient Peruvian cultures. In the Inca Museum of the National University San Antonio Abad you’ll find pre-Hispanic objects, funeral metallurgy, stonework, textiles, pottery, and paintings from colonial Cusco. You might also head down to the Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square, or stroll through one of the many cathedrals.
Cusco has numerous restaurants to choose from, and you may want to ask your guide or the hotel staff about Cicciolina, MAP Café (at the Museo de Arte Pre-Columbino), Retama, Inka Grill, Tunupa, El Truco, or any new favorites they have discovered.
Hotel Novotel, Cusco
DAY 7
Journey to Lake Titicaca
First-class rail travel from Cusco to Puno.
This morning, we continue our Inca journey and board a first-class train headed for Puno, located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake at 12,421 feet above sea level. Views out of the train windows are spectacular. As we climb gently toward our destination, the magnificent Andes in the background tower over the deep valleys of the meandering Huatanay River. Later, the train emerges onto the rolling Andean plains, where we might see vicuna and alpaca grazing, both cousins of the llama. Move to the observation car, whose glass walls provide breathtaking views of the passing scenery. Enjoy a three-course lunch, followed by coffee served in the observation car. En route, we’ll stop briefly at La Raya, the highest point along the way, where we may be able to browse the makeshift market for local handicrafts. Upon arrival in Puno late this afternoon, we check into our hotel with fabulous views of Lake Titicaca.
Casa Andina Private Collection, Puno
DAY 8
Taquile and the Floating Islands of Uros
Sea kayaking – easy to moderate, about 5 hours.
After breakfast, we set out on a full-day excursion on Lake Titicaca, beginning with a scenic drive to Llachon. Aboard kayaks, we paddle through the crystal-clear waters of the lake, first along the shore then out to the small island of Taquile. Here we venture ashore to visit the main village, whose inhabitants speak southern Quechua. The island, one of the last to fall to the Spanish, was once part of the Inca empire and has several ruins. Taquileño society is based on community collectivism, following the code “Do not steal, do not lie, do not be lazy.” In addition to farming and fishing, their economy is also supported by tourism. The people are known for their high quality handwoven textiles and clothing, and the men do most of the wool spinning and weaving. After time to explore, we move along to the floating islands of Uros, a unique system of man-made islands constructed of reeds that prolifically grow here. We have time to visit with the islanders, learn about their lifestyle, and explore the small village. Later this afternoon, we board a boat bound for Puno. This evening, we enjoy dinner at our lakeside hotel.
Casa Andina Private Collection, Puno
DAY 9
Island of the Sun
Hike – easy to moderate, about 3 hours.
This morning, we’ll take a three-hour drive from Puno around Lake Titicaca to the Bolivian town of Copacabana. A far cry from the glitzy Brazilian beach with which it shares a name, this small city on the lake is one of Bolivia’s most charming. Just outside of town, at La Gruta, we begin our hike to Sampaya. Along the way to our first stop, the Andes range dominates the skyline with Lake Titicaca shimmering below. We take a break for lunch at a mountain pass and enjoy birdseye views across the vast landscape. Arrive at Sampaya, an old Indian village made of stone and thatched straw roofs. Continuing for another hour or so, we hike down to the bay on the peninsula then board a boat for a half-hour trip out to the Island of the Sun, once a most sacred place for the Incas. We come ashore near the Pilkokaina ruins and hike a final hour to our accommodations, the Ecolodge La Estancia, which was built in local adobe style. Tonight before dinner, relax in your comfortable cabin or take a stroll around the grounds, soaking up the astounding views of the lake and mountains.
Ecolodge La Estancia, Isla del Sol
DAY 10
Islands of the Sun and Moon
Hike – easy to moderate, about 3 hours.
Rise before the sun this morning to capture its brilliance as it ascends over the Andes. Then, our day is full as we explore both the Island of the Sun and Island of the Moon. We begin by boarding a boat to the Island of the Moon, where we make a brief stop to discover the ruins of Iñac Uyu or Temple of the Ñustas, and learn about the importance of this island to the worship of women.
We then continue by boat to the northern shores of the Island of the Sun. Here, at the mythical birthplace of the Inca people, we visit La Chincana, the “Labyrinth,” one of the island’s best preserved ruins. Multiple enclosed passageways of stone lead to numerous rooms and deadends. Though its purpose is unknown, it could have been the administration center for the Sacred Rock, a ceremonial site and possible accommodations for priests. The Sacred Rock is also the world’s navel, from which the Sun first rose in Inca mythology. You can see the Sun’s “footprints” nearby. After sufficient time to explore, we hike across the island to our lodge for a huatia, a traditional lunch cooked below ground. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore further on your own. Even if you witnessed the sun rise this morning, you won’t want to miss it set. Climb to the top of the hill at the lodge and watch as it dips behind the mountains.
Ecolodge La Estancia, Isla del Sol
DAY 11
Copacabana
Hike – easy to moderate, 1-2 hours, and easy village walking.
After breakfast, we’ll stroll through Yumani, a steep island village, in the Garden of the Incas. Here we view the Spring of Eternal Youth, where the Incas were baptized. Next, we board a boat and motor across Lake Titicaca to Copacabana, where we visit the city’s well-known landmark, the 16th century Spanish Colonial shrine built to honor the Virgin of Copacabana, Bolivia’s patron saint. The church houses a four-foot statue of the Virgin Mary, made by Francisco Tito Yupanqui, a descendant of the Inca Huayna Capac. We’ll have the chance to stroll through town, then after lunch, we’ll drive to La Paz.
Tonight you are free to explore La Paz for dinner. Our hotel is centrally located, just off the main square. From here, you may take a short cab ride to explore Calle Linares, a cobblestone street in an old quarter of La Paz known for generations as the Mercado de las Brujas, or Witches’ Market. Here witches, medicine women, folk doctors, astrologers, fortune-tellers, and sorcerers live and work, selling herbs, charms, and amulets to cure any ill.
Hotel Europa, La Paz
DAY 12
Tiahuanaco
Walking exploration – easy, 2-3 hours.
Following breakfast, we’ll spend a full day at Tiahuanaco, one of the most important pre-Columbian archaeological sites in Bolivia and a precursor to the Inca empire. This UNESCO World Heritage site served as an administrative capital for 500 years. Founded around 200 BC, Tiahuanaco was originally a farming village where an unusual technique known as raised-field agriculture was practiced. The system was comprised of a series of canals, small lakes, and terraced fields, which became so productive, that the village grew to support as many as 40,000 inhabitants during its peak. However, recent studies have shown that it could have supported up to one million people. The ruins are characterized by the incorporation of giant stone blocks, transported many miles then cut and fitted into place without mortar in what later became traditional Inca style. Many of the monoliths have carved reliefs, such as the Gateway of the Sun. Explore the ruins to learn more about the people who built this incredible ancient city. Later this afternoon we return La Paz and our hotel before celebrating our Inca journey at a farewell dinner this evening.
Hotel Europa, La Paz
DAY 13
Departure from La Paz
After breakfast, our guides provide transfers to the La Paz airport in time for flights home.