Lima and Southern Peru

Upon arrival this morning (flight not included), your local Almaz Journeys representative will meet you after you exit Customs for a private arrival transfer to your boutique hotel on a quiet block in Miraflores.

Almost all trips to Peru begin and end in Lima, the sprawling capital city of more than 9 million inhabitants. Although the area was inhabited long before the arrival of the Spanish, conquistador Francisco Pizarro chose the area for the capital of the lands he conquered under the name City of the Kings in 1535. The name Lima quickly became the city’s name of choice, and is believed to be the Spanish version of Limaq, by which they area was known by visitors due to the Rimaq river that flows through Lima.

Lima is a thriving, modern city that has received an interesting mix of immigrants since the 19th century, including the largest Chinese community in Latin America and a Japanese community that has exerted strong influence on Peruvian cuisine seen most notably in the tiradito take on the classic ceviche dish.

Head out this afternoon with your guide and driver to explore Lima’s past and present, as you visit famous landmarks like Plaza de Armas, Government Palace, Cathedral of Lima, Plaza San Martín, Barrio Chinese, and more. Along the way, indulge in the local cuisine by tasting 14 popular dishes and beverages. You’ll also experience the bustling energy of Lima’s central market and absorb the city’s unique atmosphere. This is a tour full of history and Peruvian flavors (duration 4-5 hours.)

Evening at leisure in Lima, though for sure you’ll want to dine out in one this city’s world-class restaurants.

Lima has some world-class museums and galleries. This morning, you’ll visit the Larco Museum located in a unique 18th century mansion and housing Peru’s largest collection of pre-Colombian art. Although the Incas are its most well-known indigenous civilization, Peru’s human history extends back many centuries before the Incas and here you will see fine examples of pottery, textiles, and gold and silver objects from various preceding civilizations.

Afterward, your guide will take you to explore the Barranco district. Once a summer retreat outside the city limits, it’s now a hip neighborhood home to many of the city’s contemporary artists and their galleries including the Mario Testino Museum (Mate), and of course some great restaurants.

Transfer back to your hotel and afternoon at leisure. Or, you may wish to have lunch in Barranco and return on your own to Atemporal.

After checkout, private transfer to the Lima airport for your flight (not included) to Arequipa.

Upon arrival at Arequipa airport (flight not included), you’ll be met by your driver and guide holding an Almaz Journeys sign with your name on it.

At a mild elevation of only 7,600ft and offering over 300 days of sunshine every year, Peru’s second largest city, Arequipa, is one of the most enjoyable urban destinations that Peru offers. Founded in 1540, Arequipa is a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the “white city” due to the ubiquitous use of a white volcanic rock for building called “sillar”, quarried form nearby volcanoes that ring the city, which dazzles white under the ever present sunshine. The city boasts a strong culinary scene, interesting museums, a manageable size and is a great place to acclimate before continuing on to the higher-altitude locations like Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca.

Your driver will take you directly to your accommodations at the beautiful Relais & Chateaux property of Cirqa. This gorgeous boutique hotel resides within a restored former monastery and prides itself on its hospitality and fine cuisine. Your stay at Cirqa includes a welcome drink and daily afternoon cocktail; a la carte breakfast as well as your choice of lunch or dinner; afternoon tea; and complimentary in-room snacks and drinks.

After you drop your bags off at the hotel, head out with your guide for a gastronomic journey where you’ll savor over 17 authentic Peruvian dishes and beverages from the Arequipa region. During the tour, you’ll have the chance to interact with locals, learn about the fascinating guinea pig and alpaca, and discover how to prepare the traditional ocopa sauce using a traditional milling technique. You’ll get historical and cultural insights behind each dish and beverage.

After breakfast this morning you’ll meet with your guide for a walking tour including the Plaza de Armas and the impressive Santa Catalina Monastery, which was built in the16th century and is renowned as a masterpiece of Spanish colonial architecture.

For lunch, we highly recommend a stop (cost not included) at a picanteria, which is a local restaurant that serves typical dishes from the city and region.

This afternoon, get breathtaking views of the Arequipeño valley as you visit the Mirador de Carmen Alto. You’ll then explore the charming 18th-century church in the traditional Yanahuara neighborhood, followed by a drive outside the city to visit the mansion of Arequipa’s founder with it’s impressive art collection. To cap off the afternoon, check out captivating history of the Molino de Sabandia, a monumental achievement of stone mill engineering from 1785.

This morning you’ll head out with your driver and guide for your transfer to Colca Canyon, with excursions of small towns and natural reserves throughout your drive including Salina y Aguada Blanca National Reserve. Home to over 300 species of plants and mammals such as llamas, alpacas, and pumas, this reserve is protected by the government in order to protect the diversity of the species within it.

Upon arrival in Colca, you’ll be brought to Belmond Las Casitas – a stone’s throw away from one of the deepest canyons in the world, nestled amid unique flora and fauna. Check-in and evening at leisure to settle in and acclimate to the higher altitude.

Your stay in one of Belmond’s 20 stand-alone casitas includes breakfast daily, complimentary minibar, bottled water, fresh fruit and tea on arrival, alpaca feeing – and of course, stargazing!

This morning, head out with your driver and guide for your journey to la Cruz del Cóndor. This picturesque viewpoint is a must-see for any adventurer in Colca. Translated to Condor’s Cross, keep an eye out for the majestic condors flying overhead as you take in the breathtaking view of the canyon.

Today you’ll also make a stop at the town of Chivay. Here you’ll have free time to explore the town and its markets before heading back to your accommodations in Colca.

Afternoon and evening at leisure to enjoy Belmond Las Casitas.

Meet your driver and guide this morning for your private transfer to Lake Titicaca.

En route, you’ll make several stops with your guide, including a stop for lunch. You’ll stop at Lake Lagunillas which hosts several species of fish and birds and boasts picturesque scenery. Later along the ride, stop at Pampa Cañahuas, a reserve that protects animals such as llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas. Finally, stop at ‘mirador de Patapampa’, one of the highest points between Arequipa and Chivay for a stunning panoramic view of the area and nearby volcanoes.

Total driving time today approximately 6 hours with time during stops for exploration with your guide as well as an included packed lunch.

Located on a private peninsula on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Titilaka is an all-inclusive lodge where earth, water, and sky meet as one. Tucked away in the Andes Mountains, experience the awe of the highest navigable lake in the world, with an elevation of over 12,500 feet above sea level. Nestled amongst snowcapped, 20,000-foot peaks, the lake itself is a vast expanse of impossibly blue water that has served as the cradle of ancient Andean civilizations for thousands of years. Your shared program stay at Titilaka includes full board (a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner with wine and cocktails); tea time; minibar; half- and full-day scheduled excursions on lake or land with other hotel guests. Private excursions during your stay can also be arranged, for an additional cost.

Titilaka, located about an hour outside of the Puno city center on a private peninsula, is the perfect location for those guests that want to get a taste of the authentic culture while avoiding typical touristic vibes. Your stay here will allow private and authentic access to the local indigenous populations that live on and around this lake. Included in your stay here are all meals and two shared (small groups of other guests) excursions per day, among other luxurious amenities.(Privately-guided activities can be arranged at an additional cost.) A day here may look something like this:

This morning you’ll head out with your guide to explore the cultures and wildlife of one of the largest lakes in South America, Lake Titicaca. A cultural landmark for centuries, Lake Titicaca saw the birthplace of many civilizations long before the Incan Empire. Today you’ll visit the floating islands of the Uros people, as well as Taquile island.

The Uros floating islands host a unique way of living. The islands, as well as the houses, are made entirely out of reeds that grow from the shores of the lake. Here you’ll learn about the construction of the islands as well as the culture of the Uros people and their lifestyles.

The island of Taquile is known for its incredible handwoven textiles and clothing. This craft is done exclusively by men who start learning how to knit from a very young age. Once overwhelmed by tourism from outside tour operators, the Taquile people have taken control of the tourism demand with their own model by supplying their own accommodations, restaurants, and transportation.

During your exploration today, you’ll stop for lunch with your guide (cost included.)

This evening is yours to enjoy the amenities provided by Titilaka.

Your stay here will allow private and authentic access to the local indigenous populations that live on and around this lake. Included in your stay here are all meals and two shared (small groups of other guests) excursions per day, among other luxurious amenities. (Privately-guided activities can be arranged at an additional cost.)

Some example excursions are as follow:

• Explore the Uros and Taquile islands ( full-day)
• Aymara Route Excursion (full-day)
• Birdwatching
• Marketplace visit
• Colonial temples visit
• Nautical Sports
• Cycling

Your Almaz Journeys representative will send you the full menu of options once your trip is under deposit.

Depending on the time of your flight, you may have time for additional activities at Titilaka today before departure. (Additional cost may apply.) After breakfast this morning, transfer to the Juliaca airport (flight not included).