exploring highlights of Peru & Lake Titicaca – 12 days
Day 1 ~ Lima, Peru
International flight arrival to Lima. Personal greeting at the airport by a GL Tours representative who will assist you to the hotel.
For a short stay, GL Tours suggests the Wyndham Costa del Sol, located at the Lima airport.
Day 2 ~ Cusco
Make your way back to the terminal for a domestic flight to Cusco. You will be met upon arrival and transfer with your guide to the Sacred Valley visiting Pisac Market & Ollantaytambo along the way. Lunch is included.
Pisac lies 33 kilometers from the city of Cusco and has an old quarter, an archaeological site considered one of the most important in Cusco, and a modern quarter; dating from the colonial period. It also has an authentic Andean market with special themes on Sundays, which attracts thousands of visitors and people from remote communities, dressed in colorful, traditional attire.
Ollantaytambo-The town is located at the foot of some spectacular Inca ruins which protected the strategic entrance to the lower Urubamba Valley. The temple area is at the top of steep terracing which helped to provide excellent defenses. Stone used for these buildings was brought from a quarry high up on the opposite side of the Urubamba river ‐ an incredible feat involving the efforts of thousands of workers. The complex was still under construction at the time of the conquest and was never completed.
GL Tours works with a number of hotels in this area. Your travel specialist will make recommendations specifically for you.
Day 3 ~ Full Day guided tour to Machu Picchu
Board the Vistadome train at the Ollantaytambo train station, and make your way to Machu Picchu in comfort. Enjoy scenic panoramic views from the train. Snacks and beverages are available on board the train for your enjoyment.
Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes station, you’ll board a small bus and head up to the ruins of the “sacred city”, Machu Picchu. Your private guide will walk with you through the main streets of these amazing ruins. Stroll through town squares of the urban section as well as the agricultural section. After your guided visit you will have a buffet lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge. Descend the mountain and check in to your hotel.
GL Tours works with a number of hotels in this area. Breakfast and Dinner are typically included. Your travel specialist will make recommendations specifically for you.
Day 4 ~ Second entrance to Machu Picchu – Cusco
Explore Machu Picchu on your own, round trip bus tickets are provided. In the afternoon, take the train to Cusco. Personal greeting and transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
GL Tours works with a number of hotels in this area. Your travel specialist will make recommendations specifically for you.
Day 5 ~ Cusco & surrounding ruins
Today, you’ll enjoy a private half-day city tour of Cusco. On this guided visit of the Imperial City of Cusco, you will visit the Main Plaza, which has been the scene of great historical events in Cusco; and the Cathedral, constructed of great slabs of red granite in the renaissance style, and thus contrasting with the baroque style silverwork which decorates the interior. You will then continue on to the Santo Domingo church, built upon the foundations of the Inca temple Koricancha, which was dedicated to Sun worship. Later, you head to the city’s nearby ruins: the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, a magnificent example of Incan military power; Qenqo, a ritualistic site with subterranean galleries that form an underground maze; Puca Pucara, the red fortress; and finally Tambomachay, also known as the Incan Baths.
Day 6 ~ Lake Titicaca
Personal transfer to the airport for domestic flight to Juliaca. Your guide will meet you for the transfer to Puno with a stop at Sillustani on the way.
Day 7 ~ Uros & Taquile Islands
According to Inca mythology Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, children of the Sun, emerged from the depths of Lake Titicaca and gave birth to the Inca Empire, cradle of this civilization. The city of Puno is located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world and source of life for the towns existing on the area. Puno is a festive town with many colorful village celebrations. This tour is comprised of a speed boat shared with other guests and accompanied by your private guide.
Day 8 ~ Lima
Domestic flight from Juliaca to Lima, then personal transfer to your hotel in Lima.
GLTours recommends staying in the Miraflores district. We offer a number of hotels in this area. Discuss the options with your travel specialist.
Day 9 ~ Lima City tour – Paracas
After a private guided city tour, transfer to bus station – tourist bus to Paracas. Transfer assistance to your hotel.
Day 10 ~ Ballestas Islands – Nazca Lines
Transfer assistance to the dock for your morning excursion (This shared tour is approximately 2 hours.)
The Ballestas Islands is a vibrant and colorful wildlife sanctuary that is filled with wild birds and mammals, including sea lions, fur seals, and endangered Humboldt penguins. During this boat tour, you will come face-to-face with these animals in their natural habitation.
In the afternoon, we will transfer you to Pisco Airport for a Nazca Lines flight (shared flight).
Return to the bus station for tourist bus to Lima. Upon arrival in Lima, we will transfer you to your hotel for overnight.
Day 11 ~ Departure
Personal transfer to the Lima airport for your flight departure. (overnight flights – return home on Day 12)