Itinerary - Exclusive Peru: Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain and Lake Titicaca

Round trip flights are not included in the package, so you can choose from where and when you want to fly. This is to give you maximum freedom of choice!

Upon arrival at the hotel in Lima, a warm welcome awaits you, followed by a check-in process. In the afternoon, we'll embark on an exploration of Peru's vibrant modern capital—a city steeped in culture and serving as the nation's bustling economic center. Beyond the UNESCO-designated historic centre, discover delightful residential districts boasting Pacific vistas, serene beaches, and verdant parks. Let's seize this opportunity to delve into the surroundings, setting the perfect tone for our adventure ahead!

Wake up early to take an internal flight from Lima and we arrive in Arequipa , the famous white city, a UNESCO heritage site , which stands at the foot of the imposing El Misti volcano, 5,822 meters high. After our flight, we leave our luggage at the hotel and are immediately ready to explore the white city.

Let's seize the afternoon to immerse ourselves in the historic heart of the city and acclimate to the altitude. Among the standout attractions is the Santa Catalina Monastery, a historical gem tracing back to 1580, sprawling across an impressive 20,000 square meters. This expansive complex, resembling a neighbourhood in itself, proudly holds the distinction of being Peru's largest religious edifice!

As the sun paints the sky with its evening hues, we will capture breathtaking panoramic vistas of the city, preserving these moments through numerous snapshots to cherish later. Subsequently, we'll hunt for a delightful dinner spot. For the adventurous souls among us, there's the opportunity to savor cuy, a traditional Peruvian delicacy featuring guinea pig. While it might not align with everyone's taste, experiencing this local dish adds a unique touch to our journey here, wouldn't you agree?

We'll commence our journey from Arequipa around 4 am, heading towards Chivay—the gateway to the magnificent Colca Canyon, towering impressively at 3,635 meters above sea level. The scenic drive spanning approximately 5 hours will wind us through the breathtaking Salinas y Aguada Bianca National Reserve. Expect several stops en route, offering ample opportunities to capture stunning landscapes and perhaps catch glimpses of llamas, alpacas, and magnificent volcanoes in the backdrop.

Following a brief pause for breakfast, we'll embark on our initial high-altitude trek—a 40-minute ascent to reach the peak above the Cruz del Condor. Aptly named, if our timing aligns and weather permits, we may witness the breathtaking sight of condors majestically gliding overhead!

As we ascend to altitudes nearing 5,000 meters, it's crucial to note that individuals may react differently to such heights. To ensure your comfort, we recommend acquiring suitable medication for altitude sickness, which we can assist in arranging before our departure from Arequipa. Upon our arrival in Chivay during the afternoon, we'll allocate time for acclimatization, allowing us to explore the historic centre and its delightful local market.

We'll kickstart our day bright and early, embarking on our journey to the captivating Lake Titicaca, boasting the title of the largest freshwater basin in South America. Our travels will span approximately 5 hours, including an essential pit stop at the Mirador de Los Volcanes, where we'll capture a group photo to commemorate the moment!

Upon our arrival in Puno, our focus turns to the charming local houses where we'll spend the night, graciously hosted by the locals. This exceptional experience encompasses a traditional dinner shared with our hosts. It presents an ideal opportunity to delve into their culture, engage with the community, and delve into their captivating customs and traditions that may diverge significantly from our own. This immersive encounter promises to forge a deeper connection with this ancient culture, leaving an indelible impression on our journey.

We'll awaken in this captivating setting, surrounded by an aura of tranquility and serenity, gearing up for an exciting day ahead. Our itinerary today includes a visit to the remarkable man-made floating islands of Uros, followed by an exploration of Taquile—an island nestled at a lofty altitude of 4,000 meters, home to just over 2,000 inhabitants deeply entrenched in their rich cultural legacy.

While on Taquile, we'll delve into various local customs and traditions. One intriguing aspect we'll observe is the distinctive hats worn by men, each hat symbolising their marital status—where married individuals don hats of unique colours. It's just one captivating facet of this exceptional culture that we'll have the privilege of firsthand experience.

Later in the afternoon, we'll embark once more on the tranquil waters of Lake Titicaca. For those seeking an adventurous thrill, taking a dip in the lake is an absolute must! Considering this is the highest navigable lake globally, where else could we take a refreshing swim if not here? Following our lakeside exploration, we'll return to Puno, swiftly resuming our journey toward our next destination: the awe-inspiring Rainbow Mountain!

For avid trekking enthusiasts, this day promises to be among the most stunning and challenging. Our visit to the Rainbow Mountains is an experience that's simply breathtaking in every sense. The trek, though not excessively demanding, presents distinct conditions at this altitude. While it may require some exertion, the reward will be a mesmerising view of this natural wonder.

These distinctive mountains, resembling a vibrant rainbow, reside not far from Cuzco, towering at an impressive altitude of 5,200 meters, standing as a genuine marvel of nature. Discovered just a few years ago due to the melting of ice, these characteristic formations offer a truly remarkable spectacle.

Following the demanding hike, we'll return to the base to rejuvenate and take a well-deserved breather. Despite the challenges, the awe-inspiring view makes every effort worthwhile. Subsequently, we'll commence a three-hour journey towards what many regard as the most stunning city in Peru: Cuzco. A moment of relaxation is undeniably warranted after such an eventful day!

After the exhilarating trek yesterday, today's pace is more relaxed. We're dedicating the day to exploring the historic districts of Cuzco, delving into its ancient colonial cathedral, wandering through narrow alleys that retain urban designs from the Inca era, and exploring the vibrant San Pedro market. In essence, today is all about embracing the local culture, and we're eagerly anticipating this immersive experience. Plus, we'll have ample time to savour some local delicacies—an added treat that we're all looking forward to!

Today marks the beginning of our exploration into the awe-inspiring Sacred Valley of the Incas—a realm steeped in the rich tapestry of Inca history, folklore, and archaeological significance.

Our first destination is Chinchero, a remarkable town showcasing Inca craftsmanship, its structures entirely composed of meticulously assembled large stone blocks. As we wander amidst these walls, we'll be captivated by the picturesque scenery—vibrant green meadows, grazing animals, lush eucalyptus forests, and the silhouette of distant glaciers.

Along the outer roads, we'll encounter a vibrant market teeming with activity. Here, we'll have the chance to relish local delicacies and sample an array of delightful, mildly intoxicating beverages, adding another layer of enjoyment to our journey.

Next on our itinerary is a visit to the delightful village of Maras, nestled at an altitude of 3,400 meters within a cultivated valley. However, the true gem lies along our descent from Maras—the breathtaking salineras. Here, 3,000 small pools arranged in terraces await, each filled with saltwater. As the water slowly evaporates, it leaves behind a precious deposit of salt, meticulously harvested by local communities.

Our journey through the Sacred Valley continues as we venture to Moray, a fascinating archaeological site employed by the Incas for experimental crop research. It showcases two immense natural depressions with circular formations, plunging about 150 meters deep. The Incas ingeniously utilised these formations to acclimate cereal and potato seeds to the high altitudes of the Andes, a testament to their advanced agricultural techniques.

Ollantaytambo stands as a mountain fortress boasting remarkable structures crafted from remarkably large stone blocks. Here, we'll marvel at six colossal granite blocks meticulously aligned, the awe-inspiring Wall of the Living Rock, the intriguing Temple of the Condor, and the imposing military stronghold. This site also witnessed the harrowing final battle between the Conquistadors' army and the Inca loyalists, etching a somber historical significance into its walls.

After a day filled with exploration, we'll journey onward toward Aguas Calientes, our anticipation soaring as we draw closer to our ultimate destination: Machu Picchu!

We're geared up for an incredible adventure in Peru! With the break of dawn, we eagerly board the shuttle that navigates the winding road, leading us to the entrance of Machu Picchu—undoubtedly one of the modern wonders of the world. Words fail to capture the sheer magnificence of what awaits us: this city, lost for centuries, now unfolds before our eyes, nestled amidst the majestic Andean mountains. It's an indescribable marvel, and we're humbled by the privilege of experiencing this otherworldly place, seemingly existing beyond the confines of time itself.

After immersing ourselves in every nook and cranny of Machu Picchu, we return to the lively city of Cuzco. The Plaza de Armas stands as the vibrant heart of the city, enveloped by a multitude of clubs, bars, cafes, and restaurants, catering to an array of preferences for an exciting night out. Whether craving a sandwich, a karaoke session, or dancing into the night, the options are plentiful here. Many of these establishments remain open until the wee hours, ensuring an energetic and enjoyable evening spent in excellent company.

With a bit of time remaining, a venture into the desert areas surrounding Lima offers an exciting opportunity. Here, we can partake in sandboarding, embracing a different kind of exhilaration amidst the sandy landscapes.

As our incredible journey draws to a close, reflections on the indelible memories flood our thoughts. Peru has undeniably captured our hearts, leaving an enduring imprint in our lives. Let's raise a toast to this incredible country and to the unforgettable adventure we've shared together—a toast celebrating the beauty and wonder of our collective experiences in Peru!

Time to say goodbye: see you on the next WeRoad adventure!