Tour: EXCURSION TO THE MYSTERIOUS NAZCA LINES

Be amazed by one of the greatest scientific mysteries in the New World . There are many theories that try to explain the reason why the ancient Peruvians outlined these drawings of animals (a monkey, a spider and a fish, just to name a few), geometric figures (trapezoids, a labyrinth of straight lines and triangles), and of birds that have been preserved for more than 2000 years under the harsh atmospheric conditions of the desert. Many people say that the lines were part of a pre-Inca irrigation system; others believe that the pampas were an extraterrestrial runway; but the most accepted theory goes that the ancient Peruvians used these lines as an enormous astronomic calendar. Come and visit one of the greatest archaeological mysteries on a bus with us. This will definitely become an unforgettable experience.

Tour Description

All our programmes can be tailor made according to your requirements, whether regarding the length of your tour, any special interests or specific activities, flight reservations, optional destinations or tours.

Full day: Arequipa - Nazca - Arequipa
Very early in the morning pick up from your hotel and transfer to Lima bus station for a four-hour drive through the Pan-American Highway to Ica, Wine Capital of Peru. Arrival at Las Dunas Hotel and immediate transfer to the local airport to board a propeller plane for a fly-over of the enigmatic Nazca lines, enormous line drawings of animals, birds and geometric figures that still remain etched in the desert, and can only be appreciated from the air. In the afternoon transfer to Ica bus station for return drive to Lima .

Meals Not Included

Tour: THE MAJESTIC COLCA CANYON

T he Colca Canyon : 3180 meters deep, one of the deepest in the World and home of the majestic Condor is located in the spectacular Colca Valley , a picturesque Andean valley dotted with towns founded in Colonial times and formerly inhabited by the Collaguas and the Cabanas. Today, its inhabitants still maintain ancestral traditions and continue to cultivate the pre-Inca stepped terraces.

The perfect place to admire the great Andean bird, the Condor, flying in circles above the Colca Canyon and also ideal for Adventure Sports.

Arequipa , Peru 's second largest City is located 1024 km ( 640 miles ) South of Lima . It was founded in 1540 and is one of the country's most attractive cities. Full of Colonial churches and mansions, including Santa Catalina, a restored Convents established in 1579 and now open to the public after being closed for 400 years, Arequipa is known as the White City because much of it is build of ashier, the smooth white building stone quarried from volcanic lava quarries.

Arequipa 's mild climate and altitude ( 2300 meter above sea level - 7500 ft .) make it the perfect place to acclimatise before continuing the trip to Cusco or Puno.

Tour Description

All our programmes can be tailor made according to your requirements, whether regarding the length of your tour, any special interests or specific activities, flight reservations, optional destinations or tours.

DAY 01: Arequipa
Upon arrival, reception, assistance and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon we start a three hour sightseeing tour including Santa Catalina Convent, the Plaza de Armas, the Jesuit Church of La Compañía and its beautifully painted Chapel, the Church of San Francisco , the San Lazaro District, Selva Alegre and the typical Districts of Cayma and Yanahuara for a magnificent view of the Misti Volcano.

Meals Included: None

DAY 02: Arequipa - Colca Valley
Early in the morning, after breakfast, departure by land on your excursion towards the Colca Valley driving across Pampa Cañahuas at the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, habitat of herds of Vicuñas and stopping at the Mirador de los Andes, the Crater of Chucura, the Mirador de Chivay, where beautiful pre-Columbian terraces still being cultivated by native Collaguas can be observed. The highest point of the road is at 4350 m .a.s.l.. Arrival to the Town of Chivay at 13:00hrs. approx. Transfer to your selected Lodge. Box lunch.
In the afternoon free time to visit Hot Spring Thermal and Medicinal Baths.

Meals Included: Breakfast and box lunch

DAY 03: Colca Valley
Full day devoted to explore the quaint villages of this amazing Valley, an excellent opportunity to learn the native people's traditions.

Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 04: Condor's Cross - Arequipa
Early in the morning departure to the "Condor's Cross" from where the great Andean bird, the Condor, may be spotted flying in circles above still farmed green pre-Hispanic terraces. Enjoy the impressive panorama of the Colca Canyon , one of the deepest in the World (3,180 mts.). On the way back to Chivay, visit to the Mirador of Chinina, where we will find the famous Hanging Tombs and the Hanging Bridge of Sifón that joins the Town of Yanque with Coporaque. At the Town of Yanque , visit its beautiful church and its characteristic cobbled stone streets among other attractions. To have spectacular views of the Colca Valley , we will drive to the observation points of Choquetipo and Artahuilque and also to the Town of Maca .

After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the City of Arequipa , arriving at 18:00hrs. approx. Overnight at selected hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch

DAY 05: Arequipa
After breakfast. Transfer to the local airport or bus station.

Meals Included: Breakfast