The Condor Perspective Tour

13 Days
From $ 1,749

About this SAAT Travel tour: The Condor Perspective

Soaring high above the Peruvian desert in a light aircraft, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the mysterious Nazca Lines from a condor’s perspective. Recently featured in the latest Indiana Jones movie, and created millennia ago, these drawings on the desert floor are a fascinating phenomena. The tour also takes in the austere beauty of Paracas and the tranquility of Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, before heading inland to Cusco, Machu Picchu and the heart of the Inca Empire. We offer amazing trips at the best possible prices, so if you’re intent on experiencing the ultimate that Southern Peru and the Inca heartland have to offer, travel to Paracas, Ica, Nazca, Arequipa, Cusco, and Machu Picchu with South America Adventure Travel. All tours can be tailor-made to suit your individual travel aspirations.

Travel to Nazca, Arequipa and the Inca heartland for less with South America Adventure Travel

  • Day 1

    Ballestas: Wildlife Haven


    Lima to Paracas

  • Seals
  • This tour begins as you are collected in Lima and transferred to the Bus Station for a first class trip to Paracas, a comfortable four-hour journey through some interesting landscapes. Upon reaching Paracas you'll be taken on a boat tour around the Ballestas Islands where you'll be able to get a good look at the diverse wildlife of the area. It is common to spot a wide range of birds, such as penguins, boobies and pelicans, as well as sea-lions and maybe even some dolphins and whales. After the boat tour you'll head into the dunes where you will see the amazing Candelabro geoglyph etched into the side of a giant sand dune - to this day it is not known who drew it or what it symbolizes. Following the tour you will be delivered to your hotel where the rest of the day is set aside for you to enjoy at your leisure.
  • Day 2

    Adrenaline and the Dunes


    Hucachina

  • Dune Buggy
  • Following a good breakfast you'll proceed inland from Paracas to Ica, an agricultural region covered in sand dunes and vineyards with a warm, dry climate year-round. Your final destination will be Huacachin, a charismatic palm tree oasis where you'll be spending the evening. First you'll have to buckle up and brace yourself for a high-performance dune buggy dragster tour of the surrounding dunes. The buggies drive fast, make a lot of noise, and you could well be airborne from time to time! Rest assured, we have selected only the safest buggies and guides available to ensure your well-being on this adrenalin fueled leg of the tour. Then, if you're any great shakes at skiing or snowboarding, or just keen to try something new, you'll be invited to partake in a little dune boarding - speed, adrenaline and airtime abound. In the evening you can kick back, relax and enjoy the tranquility and dining options on offer around the central lagoon of Huacachina. (Meals - B, L)
  • Day 3

    The Mystery of the Geoglyphs


    The Nazca Lines

  • Nazca Bird
  • Following a satisfying breakfast in your hotel in Huacachina you'll be collected and transferred by first class bus to the city of Nazca, just a couple of hours away. After being given some time to settle into your hotel you may choose to take a light aircraft flight over the incredible Nazca Lines, a series of lines, patterns and huge images etched into the desert floor. These giant geoglyphs are something of a mystery, as the reasons behind their creation have never really been understood. Some claim they were designed to follow star patterns or were created to appease the gods, and there are others that claim humans didn't create them at all! Whatever the truth may be, they are a stunning sight to behold, and the only way to really view them is from a few thousand feet up. In the evening you'll be taken to the planetarium for further astrological insights into some of the theories behind their creation. (Meals - B, L) *** Please Note: For security purposes SAAT no longer sells Nazca Lines Over flights. Those willing to assume the risk will be able to book with local agencies in Nazca or Ica.
  • Day 4

    Antonini Museum and on to Arequipa


    Nazca to Arequipa

  • Cathedral
  • After a leisurely breakfast you'll visit the Antonini Museum for a guided tour around the complex. With over 300 ancient Nazca artifacts documenting the Nazca culture, including a perfectly preserved Nazca aqueduct located behind the complex, the museum provides a fascinating insight into this unique bygone civilization. After the museum tour you'll be invited for lunch at your hotel where you can enjoy a day use of the facilities, including the swimming pool. Later in the evening you'll be delivered to the bus station by a SAAT representative for your overnight bus trip to Arequipa. The bus seats in first class recline fully and are extremely comfortable, so getting a restful night's sleep is no problem. (Meals - B, L)
  • Day 5

    The Beauty of the White City


    Colca Canyon

  • Santa Catalina
  • 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 chat to your travel specialist about where to find the best bars and restaurants to check out while you unwind.
  • Day 6

    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 also 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 7

    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 in a traditional Andean village along the way. The evening is set aside for you to enjoy at your leisure. (Meals - B, L)
  • Day 8

    To The Ancient Andean Capital


    Arequipa to Cusco

  • Cusco Fountain
  • After breakfast you'll be transferred to the airport and assisted with your flight to Cusco. After arrival 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.(Meals - B)
  • Day 9

    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 10

    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 an easygoing evening. If you wish to return to Cusco for the night you will also visit the village of Chinchero. (Meals - B, L)
  • Day 11

    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 may choose to enjoy 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 12

    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 best 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 13

    Return to Lima and End of Tour


    Lima and home

  • Marinera
  • Fuel up on a hearty breakfast in preparation for your trip to Lima and from there, either back home, or onwards to another one of South America Adventure Travel's extraordinary Latin American travel destinations. You'll be transferred to the airport in Cusco, 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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