Golden Condor Experience
Trip code: WAN -160
Price from: 3000
Overview
This journey follows that of the earliest European settlers up and over the Andes mountains to the spiritual heart of the Americas and is ideal for those who want to make the most of the time they have available in Peru and Bolivia It provides a unique opportunity to experience the continent’s two most spectacular cultural and natural wonders: Macchu Picchu and Bolivia’s Salt Lakes region.
Starting in Peru’s bustling capital Lima before journeying to the highlands of the Andes and the city of Cusco, the capital of the Incan empire.
Then, further along Peru’s Sacred Valley to the Incan hilltop hideaway fortress sanctuary of Macchu Picchu, rediscovered early last century after lying forgotten and overgrown for hundreds of years.
Journey deeper onto the Andean high plains to the majestic Lake Titcaca into Bolivia, once known as Upper Peru in colonial times, and to the breathtaking mountain capital La Paz, whose streets bustle with the traditions of indigenous Andean people.
On higher still, to Bolivia’s remote and windswept lunar-like Salt Lakes region of bleach-white plains, volcanoes, lagoons, and desert.
This experience allows you to enjoy the best of these countries in comfort and convenience.
Itinerary
Day 1: LIMA
Upon arrival in Lima, assistance is provided at the airport with transfers to your hotel.
Day 2: LIMA
Breakfast at the hotel. Free day or optional city tour.
Day 3: LIMA – AREQUIPA
Breakfast before being transferred to the airport. Upon arriving in Arequipa there is also an escort to your hotel. Stroll among the city’s glorious architecture and see why Arequipa is known as“the White City". Visit the Convent of Santa Catalina, where the first-born daughters of the local elite were cloistered for life, from the mid-1500s until 1970.
Day 4: AREQUIPA – COLCA CANYON
An early departure for a three-day overland trip to the Colca Valley.
Drive€ross Pampa CaÑahuas within the Aguada Blanca National Reserve, the habitat of herds of vicuÑas. Admire beautiful pre-Columbian terraces still being used by people of Collagua. Upon arrival tothe Colca Valley you will be transferred to your chosen hotel.
Day 5: COLCA CANYON
Visit the "Condors’ Cross" observation point from where you can observe these great Andean birds and the impressive Colca Canyon, which , at 3,000 metres, is one of the deepest in the world. Afternoon at leisure to explore the picturesque villages of the Colca Valley.
Overnight at selected hotel.
Day 6: AREQUIPA
Free day
Day 7: AREQUIPA –CUSCO (flight)
Cusco – Free day
Day 8: CUSCO
A tour of the city, starting out at the Santo Domingo convent monastery, previously the Koricancha temple, one of the most important temples devoted to worship of the sun. After touring the most interesting sites of the old Inca capital, you will be driven to the countryside outside Cusco to visit some of the remarkable Inca ruins in the area. Included are the Sacsayhuaman centre, the temple and amphitheatre of Kenko and the Red Fortress of Puca Pucara.
Day 9: CUSCO – SACRED VALLEY
We take a trip to the Urubamba, the sacred valley of the Incas, to visit the Inca fortress of Ollantaytambo. Continue to Pisac for an opportunity to haggle with vendors at its handicraft market.
Day 10: MACCHU PICCHU
Transfer to the train station in Ollanta for the ride to Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival to the station you will take a 25-minute motor coach ride to "The Lost City of the Incas” with a guided tour of the marvellous citadel, a unique awe-inspiring experience.
Day 11: MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTA STATION – CUSCO
Morning at leisure. We strongly recommend an early start to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu. For hiking enthusiasts a walk up to the peak of Huayna Picchu above the main site will be well rewarded.
In the afternoon, return by train to Ollanta station to be met and transferred to your hotel in Cusco.
Day 12: CUSCO - PUNO
Transfer to train station to take the Andean Explorer train, a wonderful experience visiting little communities and historical places and unforgettable views of Lake Tititcaca.
Transfer to hotel upon arrival in Puno.
Day 13: KASANI-COPACABANA-SUN ISLAND
Private transfer, crossing the Peru-Bolivian border, passing through the small town of Kasani, arriving to in Copacabana where we will visit the church and around the town. After lunch set off for the mystical Island of the Sun in a private boat.
Overnight stay at an eco-lodge on the island.
Day 14: LAKE TITICACA: SUN ISLAND – LA PAZ
Early start to explore the island, considered to be the origin of the Inca empire, the Palace of Pilcocaina and the Fountain of Eternal Youth in Yumani. Return to Copacabana and private transfer to La Paz city. On your way to La Paz, cross the Strait of Tiquina, which divides Lake Titicaca.
The journey continues by road enjoying the surrounding landscape of the Bolivian highlands until La Paz city. Overnight in La Paz.
Day 15: LA PAZ
Free day
Suggested itinerary: after breakfast, a private guided tour of sites such as San Francisco church, witches’ market, Uruguay market, and visits to some museums in the colonial areas of the city. Following the tour we continue to Plaza Murillo, home of the legislative and governmental palaces.
Other recommended sites include a replica of the subterranean temple of Tiwanaku and the unique landscape of the Valley of the Moon, an area of striking natural geological formations just south of the city.
Day 16: FLIGHT TO UYUNI
Early departure to Uyuni and arrive to Salt Palace hotel, located at the edge of the great salt plain. After a short break, continue visit the train cemetery and then€ross the salt plain itself to look-but-don’t-touch the giant cacti of Fish Island, which provides a wonderful view of Tunupa volcano.
Return to the Salt Palace Hotel (which is made from the salt nearby and guests are politely asked not to lick the walls!)
Day 17 : UYUNI– LA PAZ
Free day
Day 18: Return to UK
Possible extensions:
Day 16: Visit the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve to then end your trip in San Pedro de Atacama in Chile
Day 18: 4-Day trip to the Bolivian Amazon - Madidi Reserve
Sole traveller : £3, 5000
Travelling with a partner: £3,000
