Peru - Machu Picchu - Lake Titicaca

Of all the trips we've taken, Peru is definitely one of our favorite destinations. Perhaps it is the history of the Incas that fascinates us, the landscapes of incomparable beauty that are constantly changing, the world-famous Peruvian cuisine with its award-winning restaurants, the activities that excite you, the majestic Machu Picchu and the locals who do not forget their culture and tradition. Although it sounds cliché, believe us it is no accident that it is on the list of trips that every true traveler wants and must do. No matter how many parts of the world you've traveled to, nothing compares to the thrill that Peru will give you!

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1st Day | Departure for Peru
If you are a travel addict, you certainly know what excitement means before the trip! Especially when this trip is in Peru. We understand you completely. Dress comfortably for the long journey and get ready to experience the trip of a lifetime! We gather at the airport and depart for the capital of Peru, Lima.

2nd Day | Arrival in Lima - Flight to Cusco - Ollantaytambo
Very early in the morning we arrive in Lima. Since you can't check in at the hotel, but also to avoid kilometers and inconvenience, we take a domestic flight and leave directly for Cusco, which is located at an altitude of 3,399 meters. The local friend will be waiting for us at the Cusco airport. We board our bus and head to Ollantaytambo, which is at an altitude of 2,792 meters. This way you will be able to adapt better to the altitude. According to the locals, this may be helped by coca leaves, which you can either chew or drink as a tea. The picturesque village of Ollantaytambo, also known to locals and visitors as Ollanta, reveals how an Inca city was designed, with narrow cobbled streets inhabited since the 13th century. Ollantaytambo was also an excellent fortress, as well as a ceremonial center of the Incas. The rest of your day will be free for rest. Of course, you will have the opportunity to try the internationally renowned Peruvian cuisine.

3rd Day | Chocolate workshop - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo
Today we enjoy our breakfast, which includes, among other things.. coca leaf tea. Don't worry though.. This is a raw product and the only effect it has on you is to help you with altitude. Cocoa is also an integral part of this culture! Here, optionally, you can participate in a chocolate workshop. We will learn all the steps, from harvesting the cacao until it becomes chocolate. Of course, you will also make your own which you will take with you afterwards. We head to the train station, where we will board the train to take us to the village of Aguas Calientes. As travelers, we too have taken many trains.. But none can compare to this. The wonderful scenery you'll encounter helps you enjoy the drive to Machu Picchu (and not Machu Picchu) even more, as the locals have corrected us. Machu Picchu is the site of an ancient Inca city high in the Peruvian Andes. It is located at 2430m, and is often referred to as “The Lost City of the Incas”. It's one of the most famous and impressive sights in the world, which no matter how many times we've been there, it leaves us in the same awe as the first time. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, it receives over a million visitors annually and is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Our local friend will tell you such interesting information about the fascinating Inca culture that will make you even more excited about Machu Picchu. Around there you will also see cute alpacas grazing carelessly.. In fact, if they feel annoyed, you can be sure that they will spit on you!

4th Day | Ollantaytambo - Chinchero - Cusco
Before we board our bus to head to Cusco, where we will spend the night, you will have free time to wander the market of Ollantaytambo and buy souvenirs. Then we will make a stop in the village of Chinchero, where you will learn how they naturally dye the thread, but also the whole process of creating handmade textiles. There you will have the opportunity to feed alpacas and see the cute cuy guinea pigs.

5th Day | Cuzco - City Tour - San Pedro Market
Today we start our day at the San Pedro market to see what everyday life is like in Cusco. As soon as you enter the market, your senses will be heightened. Local women will shout their business to get your attention! Here you will find handicrafts, souvenirs, but also stalls where Peruvians buy their food. Do not hesitate to try a freshly squeezed juice! Then we will have a tour of the historic center, the main cathedral, the monastery of Santo Domingo, but also the Plaza San Francisco. A few blocks away is the Plaza de Armas, where you will find many nice shops selling clothes and souvenirs. In addition to its historical importance, Cusco is a city with a vibrant culture and an extremely famous cuisine on the world stage, which we will not fail to try!

6th Day | Lake Humantay
If you like hiking and special landscapes, then optionally, today you can follow the local guides who will lead you to Humantay Lake at 4200 m.. Lake Humantay takes its name from the nearby mountain (Humantay, 5,473 m) and is considered one of the most beautiful and sacred lakes in Cusco. Its turquoise waters with the snow-capped mountains of Salkantay (6,270 m) in the background create an incredible sight. It is one of the many hidden gems of the Peruvian highlands. Departure is very early in the morning to head to Lake Humantay (122 km, about 3 and a half hours from Cusco). This hike seems easier to some than rainbow mountain and more difficult to others. Up to a point you can get a horse. You negotiate the price there. If the.. you have with hiking, it is worth going to this activity. Alternatively, you will have free time in Cusco.

7th Day | Rainbow Mountain
Rainbow Mountain should be on the checklist of everyone visiting Cusco. It has even been mentioned in National Geographic's "100 Places To Visit Before You Die".. The mountain is located at an altitude of 5,200 meters and offers a landscape full of colors from the minerals of the area. It was recently discovered due to the melting ice in the mountains. One of the reasons we consider Peru to be a wonderful destination is definitely Rainbow Mountain. Vinicunca Mountain offers a dreamlike landscape with rainbow colors stacked on top of each other reminiscent of a colorful mantle or reflection of the rainbow on Earth. Early in the morning, we will drive for about 1 hour and a half, where we will stop for a while in Cusipata area (3310 meters altitude). We will continue to Fulawasipata for another hour (4660 meters altitude). From there, at the foot of the sacred mountain Ausangate, we will start our hike, where it will take about 2 hours to our destination Vinicunca (5200 meters). Along the way we have the opportunity to observe alpacas, llamas and bicunas. If you are not very good at hiking, with a few soles you can ride a horse to reach the top. When we reach the top, you will have time to rest, enjoy the spectacular scenery and take pictures of the mountain in the exciting colors: red, pink, turquoise and yellow. Our descent will take about an hour. After this unique experience we board the bus and return to Cusco. Those who do not wish to follow on this excursion can have free time in Cusco.

8th Day | Departure for Puno
This morning we head to Puno. Just 45 kilometers outside of Cusco, we have our first stop in the village of Andahuaylillas. The village is known for its church, the Iglesia de San Pedro, also known as the Cusquenian Sistine Chapel or the Sistine Chapel of America. The baroque interior is full of sculptures and paintings. Many are "loaded" with gold leaf. The church has a round-the-clock guard to protect all the gold and silver treasures said to be kept in the church. Along the way to Puno we will make beautiful photo stops.

9th Day | Lake Titicaca - Arequipa
The name Titicaca comes from two Quechua words, Titi meaning Puma and Caca meaning mountain. This name is a reminder of the felines that lived for many centuries near the area. Lake Titicaca is located on the central Andes plateau, with an altitude of 3812 meters above sea level, between Peru and Bolivia, with an extension of 8562 kilometers, a depth of 281 meters. The lake is divided into two parts: the larger lake called Chucuito, with a surface of 6450 km, and the smaller lake called Huiñamarca with a surface of 2112 km. It is the highest navigable lake in the world and home to one of the most fascinating indigenous groups on the continent. The Uros are a unique indigenous tribe that migrated to Lake Titicaca about 3700 years ago. Due to the political uncertainty in the region, especially with the arrival of the Incas, the Uros built a mobile floating city to avoid their enemies. Unfortunately, the Incas eventually found their colony and forced many Uros to work for them. According to tradition, Uros have black blood that protects them from the cold and from drowning. While the blood story may not be true, the Uros have an incredible tolerance for the cold, since the dried reeds that make up their homes do not allow them to heat their homes due to the risk of fire. There we will learn even more information about the daily life of the locals, while the images you will see will be unforgettable! Then we continue to Arequipa where we will spend the night.

10th Day | Arequipa - City Tour - San Camilo Mercado - Flight to Lima
After a good breakfast we start our tour of Arequipa, also known as the white city. It is the second largest city in Peru, built with white volcanic stone from the four surrounding volcanoes, and famous for its architecture. More than 500 large colonial-era houses in the historic center transport visitors to another era. Arequipa also offers many culinary options in its famous traditional restaurants, or "picanterías", where clay pots are used to prepare the best stuffed peppers, shrimp, and other local dishes. Afterwards, we head to the airport where we will take the flight to Lima, where we will spend the night.

11th Day | Ballestas Islands - Ica - Buggies - Sandboarding - Lima
Today will be particularly tiring, but it will be worth it! We will depart at 04.30 for Paracas and our return back to Lima may be close to midnight. This excursion is included in the program, however if one does not wish to follow, they can enjoy their day in Lima. Once we arrive in Paracas we take a speed boat to reach the Ballestas Islands, also known as the small Galapagos. On the way to the islands, you will see “The Candelabro”, a huge geoglyph in the shape of a trident. Rumor has it that it was created by aliens. Sailors have used it for hundreds of years as a coastal reference point. Once we reach the Ballestas Islands you will see scenes taken from National Geographic. This unique area is home to hundreds of species of fish, many species of migratory birds and endangered species such as the sea cat, Humboldt penguins and Pacific sea lions. We then head to Ica and the Huacachina Oasis. After relaxing and eating our lunch around the oasis, taking the necessary photos, we will board 9-seater buggies. Having an experienced driver in our company, he will increase the speed and make us tricks on the golden sand dunes. On one of the largest sand dunes in the world, you will do sandboarding. Trust us.. today will be an unforgettable day for you!

12th Day | Lima - City Tour - Paratriking
Our day starts energetically. We start with a walk in the historic center and the beautiful colorful Arms Square where the Government Palace and the stunning baroque cathedral, dedicated to Saint John, are located. If you want to see Lima from above and fly over the Pacific ocean, then get ready for paratriking. It reminds a bit of paragliding, except that you have the help of a machine. Together with an instructor you will wait for the right wind. Leave the rest to your guide and just enjoy the view. At first you will feel the adrenaline running through your body, while what you will face next will reward you even more.

13th Day | Return to Greece
Because all good things come to an end, early in the morning we go to the airport to catch our return flight. We are sure that this destination will not disappoint you and you will remember it for a long time. So keep the memories of this unique trip and get ready for your next Dream trip!