Itinerary

In due time transfer to the airport to take the flight to Arequipa.

Arrive in Arequipa and transfer to Libertador hotel

Morning at leisure to adapt to altitude

In the afternoon we will take A 3 hour escorted tour of the city whose restored colonial architecture and gilded churches vividly illustrates Peru in the age of the Virreyes. Followed by a visit through the Convent of Santa Catalina to see the architecture, religious art, and furnishings of a world that seems to have stood still since 1579. Possibly the most fascinating colonial religious complex in the country, the Santa Catalina Convent is a miniature walled town in the middle of Arequipa. Opened to the public in 1970 after centuries of mystery, the convent housed about 450 nuns who lived there in total seclusion except for their female servants.

After that we visit the Ice Maiden from the Andes, also known as Mummy Juanita, the first female frozen mummy to be found anywhere in the Andes. The body was found frozen rather than freeze-dried or desiccated. Therefore, biological tests can be run on lung, liver, and muscle tissue revealing new insights on Inca health and nutrition. Genetic testing is determining who her present descendent relatives are. Finally, return to hotel.

Hotel Libertador

Breakfast served at Hotel.

Early morning pick up at the Hotel. Start the tour through the towns of Yura, known for its thermal springs, Pampa de Arrieros and the National Reserve of Aguada Blanca, in the back of the Misti Volcano (5,822mts) and the Chachani (6,057mts) called Canahuas. Box lunch included. From there we continue to Vizcachani, going through Torja where there are natural lagoons, where the alpacas go for water and also you can see different birds. From here continue via Patahuasy to Chucura, the highest point (4,800mts), and from there down to Patapampa where you will be able to see all the volcanoes and part of the "Cordillera del Chira". Still going down, you will be able to appreciate the town of Chivay.

Hotel Colca Lodge (B, L)

After an early breakfast, start to the "Cruz del Condor", where some of the   world's largest condors may be seen circling overhead. After approximately 1 hour, we will start our return trip via Pinchollo, Maca, Yanque, and Arriving in Chivay for lunch, and then transfer to Hotel.

Libertador Hotel (B, L)

At proper time transfer to the airport to take the flight to Juliaca

Arrive in Juliaca and transfer to Libertador hotel by Lake

Libertador Hotel (B).

Breakfast served at Hotel.

Early morning pick up at the Hotel. Start the two-hour motorboat excursion on the waters of Lake Titicaca to the unique Floating "Islands" of the Uros. These ancient inhabitants of the lake, known as the Water Tribe, have built their own "islands" by periodically adding new layers of a type of reed unique to the area called "Totora". Their homes and boats are also made from this material. We continue our motorboat trip to Taquile Island, inhabited by Quechua-speaking natives who have developed efficient and unique social systems, as well as fine hand weaving techniques, down through the generations. It is necessary to go up a stairway of more than 567 steps - streaks of stone that wind their way among greenery platforms - to arrive at the Town of Taquile where we will have a break to eat. After lunch at a local Taquile inn, we take a walk through the various hills and archaeological sites of this 6km long island. In the afternoon, you return to Puno for Libertador hotel. 

Libertador Hotel (B, L).

Breakfast served at Hotel.

At proper time Transfer to the airport in route visit the famous Chullpas of Sillustani, 12 m/40ft high stone cylinder burial chambers, used by the Aymaras to bury their important leaders. Lake Umayo, located in front of the Chullpas, adds further beauty to the place. Here you also have the opportunity to observe wild guinea pigs, birds and other local wildlife.

(B)