PROGRAMS CULTURE
PUNO, LAKE TITCACA
The World’s highest Navigable Lake
The city of Puno, Peru is a popular tourism and traveler's destination for a few reasons, the most obvious being the fact that it's located on the shore of world famous and fascinating Lake Titicaca, the world's highest commercially navigable lake, at 3,860 meters (12,421 ft) above sea level, on the Peruvian Altiplano and the cradle of the Aymara civilization. Like most of northern Peru, the territory of Puno's importance to the vast Inca empire was reflected in a legendary connection. Inca tradition has it that Manco Capac, the first Inca, rose from the waters of Lake Titicaca, under the orders of the Sun God, to start the Inca Empire, which would be centered in the neighboring region and city of Cuzco.
Lake Titicaca has some 41 floating reed islands on it that are an interesting experience for any traveler. These man-made islands have a fascinating history and story behind them. It is also a fact that for thousands of years up to now, the Uros people have lived on and maintained these unique Peruvian islands, depending on the lake for their survival. A trip to Isla Taquile (a 3 hour boat ride) gives you a chance to experience the magic and desolate beauty of Lake Titicaca. Seeing the scenery around you, breathing the clean air, and marveling at the magnificent greenish blue colors of the lake will give you a new perspective of this region and the body of water that has played such a key role in its history. An overnight stay on Isla Taquile with a local family is an unforgettable experience and highly recommended.
Puno has been named the “folkloric capital of Peru” from the wealth of its artistic and cultural expressions, particularly dance. The most notable is the celebration of the Feast of the "Virgen de la Candelaria" held in February.
PUNO AND LAKE TITICACA
3 Days / 2 Nights
DAY 1 / DEPARTURE TO PUNO – ANDAHUAYLILLAS / RACCHI / LA RAYA
Enjoy a bus ride as you travel along the South Valley to Puno. The smooth ascending is amazing. The magnificent Andes will predominate the first half of the trip, skirting the deep valleys where the Huatanay River crosses. Visit Andahuaylillas, a town where a precious church from the 17 century boasts an amazing organ decorated with angels and cherubs. Continue on with a visit to Racchi ruins, known as “The Temple of God Wirachoca”. Stop at Raya, the highest point between Cusco and Puno. Arrive Puno in the afternoon and transfer to the hotel. (B, Box L)
DAY 2 / LAKE TITICACA – FLOATING ISLANDS OF THE UROS AND TAQUILE
Three and a half hours by boat from Puno, this remote island is a remarkable community where Quechua, the language of the Incas, is kept alive by the islanders. The outstanding highlight of its inhabitants is their handicraft derived from techniques developed over centuries. The floating island of Uros is also called the Lake Town. These islands are built using totora reed and used as home and trade centers for the natives, who use hand-made boats of the same material as their means of transportation. (B, Box L)
* Optional overnight with full board
DAY 3
Transfer to the airport for departure flight. (B)
CUZCO AND PUNO
6 Days / 5 Nights
DAY 1 / CUZCO
Upon arrival reception, assistance and transfer to the hotel. Visitors should take a short rest in order to adjust to altitude. Afternoon tour of the city visiting the Koricancha Temple and the Cathedral. Continue to the surrounding ruins: the fortress Sacsayhuaman overlooking the city, Kenko, Puca-Pucara and Tambomachay ruins.
DAY 2 / MACHU PICCHU WITH OVERNIGHT
Catch the morning train for a full day tour of Machu Picchu, the `Lost City of the Incas` one of the most renowned examples of Inca architecture. Machu Picchu ("old mountain" in Quechua, the ancient language of the Incas) nestles on top of a mountain saddle high above the Urubamba River in the middle of the cloud forest. Overnight in Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes. (B,L)
DAY 3 / MACHU PICCHU - CUZCO
Early wake up to see the sun rising over Machu Picchu. Enjoy the ruins and watch the mist rise over this mountain-top citadel at dawn. Afternoon return to Cuzco and Hotel. (B)
DAY 4 / PUNO
Enjoy the train ride as you travel along the South Valley to Puno. The smooth ascending is amazing. The magnificent Andes will predominate the first half of the trip, skirting the deep valleys where the Huatanay River crosses. Early evening arrival and transfer to the hotel. (L)
DAY 5 / LAKE TITICACA – FLOATING ISLANDS OF THE UROS AND TAQUILE
Three and a half hours by boat from Puno, this remote island is a remarkable community where Quechua, the language of the Incas, is kept alive by the islanders. The outstanding highlight of its inhabitants is their handicraft derived from techniques developed over centuries. The floating island of Uros is also called the Lake Town. These islands are built using totora reed and used as home and trade centers for the natives, who use hand-made boats of the same material as their means of transportation. (B, Box L)
* Optional overnight with full board
DAY 6
Transfer to the airport for departure flight. (B)
* Daily departures.
Optional Lake Crossing to La Paz, Bolivia
Full Day Puno / La Paz Hydrofoil
Drive to Copacabana, visiting the remote towns of Juli and Pomata on the way. Then, board the hydrofoil for departure towards Sun Island where, according to legend, the first Inca appeared. After exploring the island’s Inca remains and majestic views of Lake Titicaca and surrounding Andean mountains, continue on the Huatajata for a brief stop before the final drive to La Paz and your hotel. (L)
*Daily except Mondays – Minimum 2
Full Day Puno / La Paz by Catamaran
Early land transfer to Copacabana Sanctuary, board the Catamaran Cruise Ship, lunch while sailing to Sun Island, the legendary birth place of the Inca Empire. Visit the Inca Garden, steps and fountain then the Inti Wata Cultural Complex including the Ekako Underground Museum, the traditional medicine and the Titikaka Reed Shipbuilders display center, the Pachamama agricultural Inca terraces, a handicraft center, the Intica lounge and the Manco Capac Look out the largest variety of Andean cameloids. Also, the Inti Wata Complex at Sun Island includes a unique sailing experience aboard a huge Titikaka traditional vessel visiting the Pikokaina Inca Place. Catamaran Cruise Ship to Chua Harbor, land transfer to La Paz or overnight at the shores of Lake Titicaca. (L)
Important Notes
- Train Cusco/Puno roundtrip operates Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Bus Puno/Cusco operates daily.
Supplement for Hiram Bingham Service to Machu Picchu (luxury)
Enjoy Machu Picchu traveling by the Hiram Bingham deluxe service of Orient Express. Enjoy a preferential train schedule, exclusive visit to the citadel and gourmet food with entertainment and open bar on board.
Discount for using Backpacker Service (economic)
If you may wish to provide the alternative of the economic train to Machu Picchu (Backpacker Service), we have a discount to such effect.
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