Peru. Inca's masterpieces, cities and wild nature

Arrival in Lima, the capital of Peru. Checking into a hotel. We will visit the most prominent places from Miraflores to Plaza de Armas, walk along the ocean and streets of Barranco. Master class on salsa, the most popular Latin-American dance.

Morning flight from Lima to Cusco, the capital of ancient Incas (altitude 3,300 m above sea level). On a rented vehicle, we’ll go 50 km to the Incas agricultural terraces of Moray, from where we’ll take a walk to the salt mines of Maras. Return back to Cusco for the night.

Bus trip to Aguas Calientes (about 6 hours) through the holy valley of the Incas and an easy walk (2 hours) through the jungle with views to the Andes heights. Checking into a guesthouse, visiting the city, possible bathing in thermal springs.

Visit to Machu Picchu, the secret city of the Incas of the XV century (2,450 m above sea level). After a tour to the ruins of the city, we’ll go back, this time by a comfortable train (up to 2 hours travel). The final train station is Ollantaytambo. Checking into a hotel.

A tour around archaeological sites near Ollantaytambo, trip to Cusco in taxi "colectivo" (about 1 hour). Walking around the city, visiting the local market and souvenir shops. Free time before departure to Puno.

We arrive in Puno, a small town near Lake Titicaca at an altitude of 3812 meters above sea level. This is the highest mountain lake in the world, used by ships! We leave for the island of Takil, where less than 2 thousand people live in tiny villages. There are no roads and motor vehicles are prohibited. The locals wear unusual costumes with white shirts, and the local men are known not only as first-class fishermen, but also skilled weavers. The fabrics and clothing that are made here are valued throughout the country. On boats we head to another part of the lake, where the unique floating islands of the Uros tribe are located. These small, mobile islands were made of reeds that grow on the shores of Titicaca. Legend has it that the Uros fled from the mainland from the persecution of the Incan king and were forced to build their homes on the water. Usually on an island measuring 15 by 15 meters there are several simple huts in which one family lives. We will see an unusual way of life and find out how these people of the lake get food. In the evening we return to Puno, and spend the night in the hotel.

Morning bus trip to Chivay (about 5.5 hours). We’ll stop at the Patapampa observation deck at an altitude of 4,910 m, as well as near the lagoon, where lots of mountain birds gather. From Chiva, we’ll move by public transport to Cabanaconde (2 hours), the village with the best views over the Colca Canyon. Checking into a guesthouse.

Hiking along the canyon of Colca (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the USA) to the Oasis Sangalle (about 4 hours). Staying for the night in lodge with basic amenities, possibly, without electricity. Next day - return to Cabanaconde, bus to Arequipa (about 7 hours). Night in the guesthouse.

Study of the colonial architecture of Arequipa, surrounded by volcanoes Misti, Chachani, Pichu-Pichu. Night in guesthouse.

Rafting on the river Chili (II-III grade of difficulty, up to 3 hours). After the raft - transfer by a comfortable bus to the ocean coast (about 8 hours). Late check-ing into a guesthouse in Nazca city.

We will see unique images of the ancient Nazca culture and take a bus to Huacachina (3 hours), an oasis on the edge of the Atacama desert. Sandboarding and buggy riding in the dunes. After sunset, we’ll go to Paracas to stay for the night (1 hour). Night in the guesthouse.

A motor boat trip to the Ballestas Islands (2 hours), where we will see seals and sea lions, pelicans, Humboldt penguins and many other birds. Those interested can go for a bike ride around Paracas National Park.

Morning bus to Lima (4 hours on the way). Flight back home.