Peru: Canyon Deep, Titicaca High

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img00008After exploring ‘Machu Picchu’ and returning back to Cusco we leave next day for a unique experience and start with ‘Lake Titicaca’which is the highest navigable lake on earth at 12,580 feet altitude. Straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, the Andean peoples refer to the lake as “The Sacred Lake”It sprawls over 3,500 square miles, fed by waters from the melting snows of the Andes.

At the time of the Spanish Conquest, one of the most important religious sites of the Inca Empire was located on the Island of the Sun. Titicaca was perceived by its ancient cultures to be an inland sea connected to the ocean, mother of all waters.

Later we fly in to Arequipa — known as ‘The White City’ as it is mostly built out of sillar (white volcanic stone) and sits 2325 Mts. high in the Desert Mountains of the Andes. With its one million inhabitants, Arequipa is the second biggest city of Peru.

The streets and walls of ‘sillar’ combined with interesting people make it a destination in itself. The main square, the Plaza de Armas is the most beautiful of the country. The magnificent “Cathedral” and the shopping malls are in colonial style. It is the city with the eternal spring. In the Historic Center, the architecture of the purest ‘arequipeño’ style of the 17th century, beginning with the superimposition of the Italian baroque, the Spanish silver-plating and Andean creativeness is worth a look.

img00009While in Arequipa we take the most spectacular excursion to the Colca Canyon — reportedly the deepest in the world, thought to be twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the USA. There is something magic about discovering this Lost Valley high up in the Andes, miles from nowhere and surrounded by inhospitable peaks. It is much like stumbling upon a lush oasis in the middle of the Sahara, or the Gobi.

Colca Valley has been known by different names: The Lost Valley of the Incas, The Valley of Wonders, The Valley of Fire and The Territory of the Condor. It has even been called one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

What brings increasingly more visitors each year, in addition to the awesome sights, are the Andean condors. The condor population of South America is unfortunately dwindling, but here in Colca Canyon, visitors can see them at fairly close range as they float on the rising thermals and scan for carrion far below them.

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Detailed Itinerary

(Sun)

After an early breakfast, transfer to the station to take the Tourism Bus to Puno with an English-speaking guide and lunch. En route visit attractions like Piquillacta and Racchi ruins with other interesting places like Andahuaylillas and Pucara. We will travel along the Vilcanota river valley — one of the principal tributaries of the Amazon and also see part of the Cordillera Vilcanota before arriving La Raya. The bus travels through the high-plateau (Altiplano), where colorful valleys and towns enhance the enjoyment of our trip. Reception and transfer to our hotel in Puno. Dinner at your expense. (AB, L)

1

(Mon)

Early morning pick-up at the hotel and transfer to the Boat Dock where we will catch the local ferry for the 3 1/2 hour journey across the lake to Taquile island. We will visit the floating islands of the Uros people. The islands are made from piles of totora reeds. There we will visit one of the communities still living under the old Andean laws. Here will have the unique opportunity of staying with a local family, enjoying their beautiful knitting — the finest of the region — and learn about the traditions of these Quechua speaking people. (AB, L, D)

2

(Tues)

We will greet the morning with a beautiful sunrise. After a typical breakfast we will shop at the local market. Later hike around the town observing the agricultural settlements, and visit the school before returning to Puno at noon. Afterwards we will take the bus and drive along the shores of Lake Titicaca towards Juliaca airport for our flight to Arequipa. En route we will visit Sillustani Burial Towers — these are an enigmatic grouping of round mausoleums, or chullpas, overlooking Lake Umayo in which were found the tombs of ancient peoples. They are probably from Tiahuanacan culture although the style and architecture bears some resemblance to Inca works. Arrive Arequipa in the afternoon Transfer to the hotel. (AB)

3

(Wed)

At 08:00 am leave Arequipa towards Yura, a small valley with thermal springs and the Chachani snow capped mountains in the back-drop. See wild vicunas in Pampa Canahuas, Tocra (Small lakes with some birds like Andean gooze, Kara kara, flamingoes, Ibis, etc. ), the ‘Colca Window’ (frosm this point see the begging of the valley), pre-historic caves at Mollepunco and cave paintings, Sibayo — the most beautiful preserved town in the valley, and Chivay — Capital of the valley. Afternoon visit to the thermal springs & pools. (Entrance fees not included) (AB)

4

(Thurs)

Early morning leave for a full day excursion in the left shore. View beautiful typical towns, churches, people with traditional dresses and amazing amounts of pre Inca terraces still in use with Andean growing. Later see the Deep Canyon & flight of the Condors. After Lunch return to Arequipa, through the highest point of 4,700 Mts. and take a glimpse of the ‘vicunas’ & ‘alpacas’ with volcanoes like Misti, Chachani, Pichu Pichu, Ampato, Sabancaya etc. Arrive at 6 PM. in Arequipa and transfer to the hotel. Dinner at your expense. (AB)

5

(Fri)

Morning at leisure. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon we tour the city which will include typical district of Yanahuara, church and watch tower, district of Carmen Alto, watch tower of volcano Misti; Chachani and Pichu Pichu, typical Pre-Inca platform, Cathedral and Santa Catalina convent — built of sillar which is the most important architectural attraction of Arequipa. Overnight in Hotel. Dinner on your own. (AB).

6

(Sat)

Pick up at the hotel and transfer to the airport for flight to Lima. Reception on arrival in Lima and later go on a private City Tour with ‘Gold Museum’ Later transfer to the hotel (day use only) and at leisure. Evening transfer to the airport for your flight back home from Lima (AB)

7

 

Synopsis

Trip Grading:

Length: 7-day extension

Begins/Ends in Cusco/Lima

Land Cost: $1250 per person twin sharing. (Minimum 4 persons)

7-day extension to Inca Trail dates

Cost includes: All accommodation transport and meals ( AB = American Breakfast. L = Lunch. D = Dinner) as mentioned. Airfare from Juliaca – Arequipa – Lima.

NOTE: People taking this extension will only pay one way fare from Lima to Cusco (Approx. US$ 185) for the Inca trail trip

IMPORTANT: CANADIAN HIMALAYAN EXPEDITIONS reserves the right to modify or change any program itinerary to ensure client safety. The company does not accept any responsibility for maltreatment (damage) of equipment, loss, accident, unforeseen costs, unavoidable delays, services provide by intermediaries, nor direct or indirect acts which are out the company’s control.

You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.

Synopsis

Trip Grading:

Length: 7-day extension

Begins/Ends in Cusco/Lima

Land Cost: $1250 per person twin sharing. (Minimum 4 persons)

7-day extension to Inca Trail dates

Cost includes: All accommodation transport and meals ( AB = American Breakfast. L = Lunch. D = Dinner) as mentioned. Airfare from Juliaca – Arequipa – Lima.

NOTE: People taking this extension will only pay one way fare from Lima to Cusco (Approx. US$ 185) for the Inca trail trip

IMPORTANT: CANADIAN HIMALAYAN EXPEDITIONS reserves the right to modify or change any program itinerary to ensure client safety. The company does not accept any responsibility for maltreatment (damage) of equipment, loss, accident, unforeseen costs, unavoidable delays, services provide by intermediaries, nor direct or indirect acts which are out the company’s control.

You can also contact Canadian Himalayan Expeditions directly for more information.