Adventure in the Altiplano Tour

11 Days
From $ 1,349

About this SAAT Travel tour: Adventure in the Altiplano

This great deal takes in a whole host of incredible sights and experiences right across Southern Peru. As well as discovering the incredible history of the Inca Empire as you explore the ancient ruins of the Sacred Valley and Cusco, you’ll get to experience the diverse natural wonders of the region. A combination of volcanoes, snow-capped peaks, dramatic canyons, high plains and vast blue lakes combine for some truly breathtaking scenery. With many years of experience in the region, South America Adventure Travel will ensure that you get the ultimate experience at the best possible price. So, if you’re intent on exploring the many wonders of Southern Peru take this once in a lifetime adventure and travel to Arequipa, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu, Lima, the Sacred Valley and Puno with South America Adventure Travel. All tours can be tailor-made to suit your individual travel aspirations.

Travel to Machu Picchu, Arequipa and Lake Titicaca for less with South America Adventure Travel

  • Day 1

    The Beauty of the White City


    Lima to Arequipa

  • Misti
  • You will be met at the airport and assisted with your domestic flight from Lima to Arequipa. Upon arrival in the 'White City', as it is known in Peru, you'll be met by a SAAT representative and transferred to your hotel where you'll have some time to relax before being collected for a tour. Arequipa has a quaint and quiet charm to it, and the beautiful Misti Volcano towering in the city's background makes for some dramatic views. Part of the tour includes a privately guided walk around the Santa Catalina Monastery. Almost like a secret area within the city the monastery was closed to the outside world for over 300 years, and in many ways still remains separate from other sections of the city. The brightly colored colonial architecture set amidst a network of cobbled streets has a unique atmosphere and Santa Catalina's serenity amidst the hustle and bustle of Arequipa's streets is worth savoring. The evening will be spent at your leisure, so make sure you ask your travel specialist where to find the best bars and restaurants to check out while you unwind.
  • Day 2

    Through Salinas into Colca


    Colca Canyon

  • Vicunas
  • After a relaxed breakfast you'll head out for your adventure to the Colca Canyon. A SAAT representative will collect you at your hotel and transport you to the Canyon, stopping at the Mirador de los Andes along the way. The landscapes in this area are some of the most spectacular in all of Peru. The canyon is home to the Andean condor and it is sometimes possible to get some quality snaps of these amazing birds in flight. You may also spot some wild vicuna as you pass through the 'Salinas and Aguada Blanca National Reserve'. In the afternoon you'll continue on to Chivay where you'll be invited for lunch at the renowned Casa de Mamayachi before beginning a light trek around the area visiting the Medicinal Baths and Thermal Springs. In the evening you'll be transferred to your comfortable Canyon lodge for an evening of relaxation. (Meals - B, L)
  • Day 3

    The Condor's Canyon


    Colca Canyon

  • Condor
  • After enjoying a delicious breakfast in your lodge you'll be collected for another day at the Colca Canyon. The first stop on the day's tour will be the Cruz de Condor which offers the most impressive views over the Canyon. A number of giant Andean condors frequent thermal currents in the area and it is a perfect spot for taking photographs, so don't forget the camera! You'll then continue back to your hotel enjoying a stop and some lunch in a traditional Andean village along the way. The evening is set aside for you to enjoy at your leisure. (Meals - B, L)
  • Day 4

    To The Ancient Andean Capital


    Lima to Cusco

  • Cusco Fountain
  • As you arrive at the airport in Lima we'll be waiting to assist you with your flight to Cusco. The flight takes about an hour, and as soon as you arrive our guide in the ancient Andean capital will be waiting to meet you and let you know what to expect during your tour. You'll then be transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in, acclimatize, and spend the rest of the day unwinding and exploring the area around the city centre. Cusco is a great place to let your hair down in the evening, enjoy a few cold beverages, and the festive company of fellow travelers and locals - be sure to ask your travel specialist for a list of good restaurants and bars in the area.
  • Day 5

    Historical Highlights of Cusco


    Cusco

  • Sacsawayman
  • After a hearty breakfast you'll be collected for a guided tour of Cusco and the surrounding area. A city unlike any other, Cusco is both an historical tour de force and a cultural hot-spot - in no other place is the clash of historical civilizations more evident. On the tour you'll witness the many interesting icons that define the city, such as the colonial cathedral, the Temple of the Sun, Sacsayhuaman and the Korikancha. The essence of the tour is to give you an idea of the depth of the city's awe-inspiring history, while at the same time letting you take in some breathtaking sights. The tour moves through the city's different cultural epochs and gives a fascinating insight into the staggering clashes of cultural history for which Cusco is renowned. Following the tour you'll be free to relax and enjoy the city and its nightlife at your leisure. (Meals - B)
  • Day 6

    Vilcanota and the Sacred Valley


    Sacred Valley

  • Scenic Sacred Valley
  • After enjoying a good breakfast in your hotel you'll be met by a South America Adventure Travel guide for your tour and transfer to the Sacred Valley (T/Th/Su). An hour and a half away from Cusco, this leg of the tour is a little more relaxed as it takes in the breathtaking landscapes of the Urubamba Valley and the dominating ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The first stop is Pisac and its local market, where you will be able to mingle with the local residents and browse the colorful handicrafts on offer. Following this you will be led to the Sonesta Posada to enjoy a delicious lunch amidst the impressive landscape. After lunch your guide will lead you to the imposing ruins of Ollantaytambo before taking you to your cozy hotel in the valley where you'll be able to enjoy a relaxing evening. If you wish to return to Cusco for the night you will also visit the village of Chinchero. (Meals - B, L)
  • Day 7

    Citadel in the Clouds


    Machu Picchu

  • Mapi
  • Following a relaxed breakfast your South America Adventure Travel guide will deliver you to the train station where you'll take a morning departure bound for Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. Once there our guides will meet you; and while one takes you directly up to the majestic ruins, our other representatives will ensure your luggage arrives safely at your hotel. Machu Picchu is probably best described as being indescribable. The setting alone is unique and leans quite seriously towards the spiritual. It's not easy getting one's head around just how the Inca managed it all; stones the size of houses are beautifully carved and fitted jigsaw-like together with amazing craftsmanship. The Inca hadn't even invented the wheel, and yet somehow they built Machu Picchu. This is all discussed on your tour around the area following which you'll have some time to explore the ruins on your own. In the afternoon transportation is provided back to Aguas Calientes where you can choose to spend the evening in the relaxing hot springs located at the end of town. (Meals - B) *** Note: Ask your travel specialist about our promotional upgrade to Vistadome Train and Private Guided Machu Picchu Tour!
  • Day 8

    Aguas Calientes and Train to Cusco


    Machu Picchu to Cusco

  • Backpacker
  • If you didn't get enough of Machu Picchu the day before, you can return again today for another look. It's a good idea to try and catch the sunrise, and buses leave for the Inca ruins at daybreak (second entrance and bus ticket required). You may want to consider a hike to Wayna Picchu for a unique adventure and to enjoy panoramic views of the ruins and surrounding valleys. The train heading back to Cusco departs in the afternoon and arrives back in the Inca capital after sunset. Once back in Cusco you'll be met by a South America Adventure Travel representative and delivered to your hotel where you can relax or enjoy a night out on the town. (Meals - B)
  • Day 9

    The Valley between Cusco and Titicaca


    Cusco to Puno

  • Railroad
  • It's an early start this morning, and following breakfast in your hotel you'll be collected and driven to the bus terminal in Cusco where you'll be helped onto a first class bus to Puno and Lake Titicaca. You?ll stop at several sites along the way and be given tours of Rachi, Andahuayillas, and la Raya. These places offer a fascinating insight into Andean communities and the legacy of the Inca culture, and also allow you to acclimatize gradually to the changing altitude. As you arrive in Puno you will be transferred to your hotel where you can spend the evening at your leisure. (Meals - B, L)
  • Day 10

    The Islands of Lake Titicaca


    Lake Titicaca

  • Amantani
  • Lake Titicaca is a breathtaking experience in more ways than one! This vast high-altitude lake is intensely blue and has an other-worldly quality to it - it's hardly any wonder that the Incas believed the lake to be the birthplace of all humankind. Your tour around the lake begins on a fast boat which will take you out to the floating Islands of Uros. A string of man-made islands crafted from tortora reeds that bob about the lake like ice cubes. The islands have small settlements built on them, which you'll have the opportunity to visit before setting out for the larger, natural Island of Taquile - a fascinating place, home to around 1700 inhabitants. You'll be invited to enjoy lunch on the island and then in the evening you'll return to your hotel in Puno and spend the rest of the evening at your leisure. (Meals - B, L)
  • Day 11

    Return to Lima and End of Tour


    Puno to Lima

  • Marinera
  • Fuel up on a hearty breakfast for your trip back to Lima, or onwards to another one of South America Adventure Travel's extraordinary Latin American travel destinations. You'll be transferred to the airport in Juliaca, taking with you incredible memories of the experiences shared with us in Peru. The team at SAAT would like to thank you for the opportunity to organize your Peruvian Vacation. (Meals - B)
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