This morning, you will fly to Lima.
Flight to Cuzco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. Explore this fascinating city perched at 3,400 meters above sea level, visit the imposing cathedral, its 400 paintings from the Cusqueña classical school, and the surrounding ruins. Visit the Koricancha Temple, dedicated to the sun, with its stone walls considered the finest works of Inca art. Discover the spectacular fortress of Sacsayhuaman, with its 300-meter-long walls, the amphitheater of Kenko, a religious temple with mysterious underground chambers, the Puka Pukara fortress, a military Inca construction, and finally Tambomachay with its impressive aqueduct network.
Depart for the Sacred Valley, starting with a visit to Chinchero, a picturesque Indian village at over 3,700 meters above sea level. Discover a spectacular mosaic of landscapes, from the snowy peaks of the Cordillera in the Urubamba and Vilcabamba valleys to the lush Sacred Valley and its village of Ollantaytambo, a royal domain of Emperor Pachacutec, which served as a fortress for Manco Inca Yupanqui, the leader of the Inca resistance. The area features Inca-origin houses, natural water canals, and "andenes," ancient agricultural terraces used by the Incas.
Depart for Poroy station, where you will travel to Machu Picchu in the most luxurious way possible: aboard the prestigious Hiram Bingham train. The Hiram Bingham will leave you with an unforgettable memory of this journey through valleys dotted with Indian villages nestled in the mountains. You will be enchanted by one of the most beautiful archaeological wonders in the world: Machu Picchu. Enjoy a private visit to discover this citadel, made up of stone constructions spread over a narrow hill. You will experience the mysterious atmosphere that archaeologists have yet to unravel. Enjoy an “English tea” before an unforgettable night at Machu Picchu.
Free morning to explore the wonders of Machu Picchu at your own pace. This afternoon, board the bus to Aguas Calientes, where you will board the Hiram Bingham train back to Cuzco, enjoying a delicious meal served by the onboard staff.
Board the Andean Explorer, your luxury train. Enjoy the outdoor observation platform and a meal served in the panoramic car, unique in South America. Along the way, admire a variety of landscapes, from mountains to rolling plains. Prepare for a significant temperature change as Lake Titicaca is much higher than Cuzco, and it is cooler here.
Sail on the famous Lake Titicaca, a center of Peruvian folklore and world-renowned. Situated on the Altiplano at over 3,800 meters above sea level and covering 8,000 km², Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. It consists of 41 islands, with the most important being Taquile, which you will visit today. Discover the floating Uros islands, built with aquatic plants called "Totora" by the Uros people, descendants of the first inhabitants of the lake. They have maintained the same lifestyle and preserved these traditions, evident in their diverse crafts and costumes.
Depart for Colca Canyon, which at 3,400 meters deep offers landscapes far more impressive than the famous Grand Canyon. Along the way, you will pass through the Canahuas plain, one of the rare places in the world where you can see vicuñas roaming freely. This vast reserve is also home to numerous herds of llamas and alpacas. The ponds along the road serve as stopping points for migratory birds.
During your stay, participate in various activities. Observe many bird species, including eagles and giant hummingbirds, and especially the majestic flight of the condors, revered by the Incas as messengers of the gods. You will see them soaring above you, an unforgettable spectacle. Cooking classes will be offered to uncover the secrets of typical Andean cuisine. Beautiful horseback and bike rides will be available around the hotel and, if you wish, all the way to the village of Yanque, where you can relax in natural thermal waters. Colca Valley is known for its unique embroidery style. You will visit the region's villages, discover this craftsmanship, and meet the women who continue the ancestral tradition of wearing embroidered skirts with unique patterns.
Visit Arequipa, the white city, a true witness to the colonial era, dominated by the perfect cone of the Misti volcano. Recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city boasts one of the most beautiful main squares in Peru, Spanish noble residences, a beautiful cathedral, and charming little streets lined with ochre, blue, and white houses, fountains, and squares. Visit the main square, the Company of Jesus, the Carmen Alto neighborhood, and Yanahura. Fly back to Lima in the evening.
Guided tour of Lima's colonial city center, where you will see Plaza San Martin, Plaza Mayor, Casa de Aliaga, Lima Cathedral, Government Palace, and Municipal Palace, as well as various Moorish-style houses. Continue to the San Francisco Convent, where you will discover a fantastic collection of Latin American colonial art, and explore its mysterious catacombs. Then, head to the airport for your return flight to Paris via Amsterdam.
LIMA: Miraflores Park Hotel 5*
CUZCO: Monasterio Hotel 5*
MACHU PICCHU: Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge 5*
PUNO: Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel 4*
COLCA: Casitas del Colca Hotel 5*
