Day 1
Arrive Lima from the states in the evening at approximately midnight. After clearing through customs; you will be met by ArtAndes and proceed to the garden hotel located in Miraflores near the ocean. Overnight Miraflores, Lima

Day 2
After breakfast proceed to the Lima airport for your mid-morning flight to Arequipa, Peru’s second largest city, situated in the mountains at 8,000 ft above sea level. During your two-day stay in Arequipa you will slowly acclimate to the higher altitudes you will experience for the next days. Arequipa is a designated UNESCO world heritage site which dates from the mid 16th to 19th century. The architecture of colonial Arequipa is mostly constructed from white Sillar (volcanic) rock.  After lunch you will meet your local guide for a  tour of the 400 year old Santa Catalina Convent, a complete miniature walled town of over six acres in the center of the city. About 450 nuns live here in complete isolation. Part of the convent was recently opened after four centuries of total isolation. The whole area is a photographers dream. After dinner you are free to explore the historic center of town. Overnight in Arequipa.  (BLD)

Day 3
You will take it easy while acclimating today. After breakfast there is a walking tour of Arequipa. This provincial city is the alpaca fiber capital of South America and the best place to buy top quality sweaters in the many boutiques around the town center. After lunch you are free to explore this friendly city. Many opt for a return visit to the convent. Tonight we are ready to take in some folkloric music! Overnight Arequipa (BLD)

Day 4
It’s off to the majestic Colca Canyon. We drive through some of the wildest terrain in Peru. This is the land of active volcanoes, thermal springs, high altitude deserts and the world’s deepest canyons. You drive through a major alpaca and llama breeding reserve, and it’s birthing time for this precious animal. The Colca Canyon area is very traditional, with the two colorful indigenous groups, Cabana and Collagua, living isolated from the outside world until the mid-seventies. The canyon is covered with pre-Incan terraces that have been used continuously for over 1,500 years. We have three glorious days to hike the canyon rim, explore the small villages, experience the breathtaking views and soak in the private hot springs of the Colca Lodge. Overnight at the spectacular, secluded Colca Lodge.  (BLD)

Day 5
After a hearty breakfast with great views, you have an hours walk to the town of Yanque. Along the way there is an option to extend this hike another hour to some nearby ruins.  In the very traditional town of Yanque you will visit a soup kitchen project started by Sister Antonia, a high spirited Maryknoll nun. There is an interesting small museum here as well. We will return to the Colca Lodge for lunch and an afternoon of relaxation in the natural and private hot springs situated along the mighty Colca River. There is always plenty of extra hiking during your time in the Colca valley. The bus is always available for anyone wanting less activity. Before dinner there is a birding and botany nature walk offered near the lodge. Overnight Colca Lodge (BLD)

Day 6
This day you will drive further into the deepest part of the canyon for amazing and unforgettable views of the thousands of steep pre-Incan terraces. This is the growing season so it will be a good time to walk in the area to watch the terraces being worked by the locals. There is also a chance to see Condors along the way. You will then cross the Colca River and stop in the town of Lari to tour it’s majestic and restored 1700s church and take in the local culture. An optional hike back to the lodge for those willing. It will be another good lunch, and relaxing afternoon at the lodge. Overnight Colca Lodge (BLD)

Day 7
A scenic drive to the Lake Titicaca region of Peru. This is a comfortable six hour drive with a picnic along the way. We arrive to the lively city of Puno in time for dinner. Overnight in Puno.  (BLD)

Day 8
This is another very rich day of Andean culture. Here we will visit a women’s knitting co-operative that works in hand spun alpaca and wild cotton from the north. There are 40 communities in the co-op and visiting their headquarters is a cultural experience that will give us a glimpse into the way of life in the highlands of the Andes. This is a rare and unique opportunity that has developed due to years of Art Andes and Minka working together—you will not leave these humble people untouched! From there we stop at the Chullpas, or burial towers at Sullistani, that are over 40 ft high and considered more complicated than the Incan masonry that came later. Overnight in Puno. (BL)

Day 9
This will be a full day on Lake Titicaca. We will visit the floating Uros reed islands on our way to Taquile Island. These serene agricultural islands with no motorized vehicles are a great place to hike and take in the peaceful setting at our leisure. Here the men and women use the backstrap loom and the men are famous for their knitting. There are fantastic views of the lake and the island’s friendly people make for a relaxing day. Overnight in Puno.  (BLD)

Day 10
This is an overland day that proves to be another excellent cultural glimpse into the Andean way of life. The drive from Puno to Cuzco can be made in 6 hours, but with all the sites to see we will want to make a day of it. We climb from Puno over the pass through a broad scenic valley outlined with snow peaks and dotted with alpaca and llamas. Along this route we are sure to find a few real local markets — you’ll be the only out-of-towners here! We have a spacious comfortable bus that allows for plenty of photo and market stops. This is a fulfilling overland day with a stop in Andahuaylillas at the end of the journey to Cusco. Arrive in Cuzco just in time for a tasty dinner. Overnight in Cuzco.  (BLD)

Day 11
Cuzco is the archaeological capital of the Americas and has to be the most charming as well! There is no shortage of cobblestone alleys to explore in addition to the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, the lovely churches and the ancient walls that support this historically significant city. There is a morning horseback ride that alows us to appreciate the introduction to the sacred valley.  We ride from Sacsayhuaman ruins to the Inca baths of Tambo Machay with a scenic pinic lunch overlooking the valley along the way. The afternoon and evening are free to explore. Overnight in Cuzco. (BL)

Day 12
Heading towards Machu Picchu, through the Sacred Valley, we have a different and lush landscape to explore. First stop is the village of Chincheros. We have another unique opportunity to visit a successful indigenous weaving co-operative affiliated with ArtAndes. This very traditional group will share their revived design, spinning and weaving techniques that equal the pre-Columbian cultures. We are treated to a great lunch with the local grains and produce. Onwards to the salt flats, a walk along the Urubamba River valley and a visit to the extraordinary ruins in Ollantaytambo. Overnight in the pre-Incan town of Ollantaytambo near the Urubamba River. Nighttime exploring in this charming town along the narrow cobblestone streets is memorable. Overnight Ollantaytambo (BLD)

Day 13
From Ollantaytambo we’ll hop the train towards Machu Picchu, following the mighty Urubamba river the whole way. We will have two days and one night to imbibe the spirit of this sacred place. There will be as much solo time as one would like here during our stay, as well as some great hiking opportunities. We have the advantage of being in this area long enough to have the ruins to ourselves. Our lovely hotel at the foot of Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Pueblo, is an ecological hotel surrounded by lush vegetation amid a private 12 acre cloud forest. We will be here during orchid bloom season. There are birding and botany tours offered in this bio-diverse area. This is the only way to experience Machu Picchu. Overnight in Aguas Caliente. (BLD)

Day 14
After a day of cloud forest exploration or an optional return trip to the ruins at Machu Picchu, the late afternoon train will bring us back through the Sacred Valley to Cusco. We will arrive in time for a late gourmet dinner. Overnight Cusco (BLD)

Day 15
It’s off to the last and possibly the most majestic, ruins of Pisac, just a 40 minute drive through a different part of the valley. The Inca’s largest fortress-city is considered by most to have the best ruins in the area. The hiking is awesome and the views of the valley expansive! After visiting the ruins and the lively market, we will continue on back to Cusco. The afternoon is free to wander about and do some last great shopping in this memorable city. Overnight in Cusco. (BL)

Day 16
A morning flight back to Lima. From the airport we are close to the world renown tapestry weavers workshop of Maximo Laura. This is a rare opportunity to learn about Maximo’s sophisticated weaving technique, get a personal tour of the workshop and perhaps purchase a unique tapestry. Then we are off to visit the historic City of the Kings. A trip to the catacombs at the San Francisco church is a must! Downtown Lima has a unique quality not to be missed. Of course there is the farewell dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant that promises to spoil everyone (by this time you might be sick of potatoes!). International flights leave late this evening. (BLD)
iAdios y buen viaje!

Includes: Lodging, all but three meals, sites, local guides and domestic transportation.

Does not include: International airfare, international departure tax or optional tips to our three stellar guides.

Please contact us for further information.